The Gringo trail South America-Peru is the name given to the traditional and well-trodden routes to travel in South America. An understandably famous package that takes in all of Peru’s most popular attractions.
Most visitors are going to find themselves exploring along this itinerary. at least in part, at one time or another. And for anyone planninga fantastic trip to Peru with limited time but wanting to explore most of the major sights, a trip along the Gringo Trail South America is a great way to experience as much as possible.
Save money and stay safe when going to/from Lima Airport by using the Official Bus service inside the Airport called Airport Express Lima.
How to get fromLima to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is one of our most sold tour packages to visit One of the seven wonders of the world.
What’s So Special About Peru’s Gringo Trail?
The video shows you the most impressive Gringo trail to Machu Picchu, Peru.
How exactly is the Peruvian Gringo Trail?
Peru offers impressive dream trip packages to the last capital of the Incas, along the South American Gringo trail. All our service is very well organised according to travelers’ needs.
Our second best seller alternative trek to Machu Picchu isLares Trek(4 days and 3 nights).
Where does it go and what are the main attractions along the route?
Well, let’s say you’re flying into Lima. This is the standard starting point for anyone arriving in Peru by air. From Lima, the traditional Gringo Trail is a roughly U-shape route (easily turned into a circle). It lies entirely in the southern half of Peru. Major attractions along the Gringo Trail include:
Lima
Begin in the Peruvian capital, a city that deserves a couple of days at least. Many people pass through all too quickly. However, there are many things to see and do in Lima.
Including some of Peru’s best museums, bars, clubs and restaurants. Then sort out a bus ticket or flight to your next destination along the Gringo Tours itinerary.
Heading south down the coast, you’ll soon arrive in either Pisco or Paracas. Knock back a few Pisco sours, then hop on a boat to the Islas Ballestas and the Paracas National Park.
Ica
Another short hop will take you to Ica and the nearby oasis village of Huacachina. You’re still in the pisco-producing spot. So now you can have a Pisco sour before sand boarding on the giant dunes in the surrounding desert.
Nazca
Head further south to Nazca. It is home to the famous Nazca Lines. The lines are best seen from the air, so go to the aerodrome and hop on a light aircraft.
Arequipa
The white city known as Arequipa is an attractive colonial city with a vibrant atmosphere. Nearby natural attractions make it a popular destination for trekkers and climbers. Colca Canyon and Cotahuasi Canyon are good if you want to head down into the ground, while the El Misti volcano is good for going up. For more information on the white city check out the official Arequipa webpage.
Puno, Lake Titicaca
Head east into the highlands and on towards Puno and Lake Titicaca. Various attractions lie in wait in this spectacular part of Peru. The Floating Islands of the Uros people are an easy (but very touristy) day trip from Puno. History buffs will find plenty more to marvel at in the Puno region. Puno is at high altitude, so watch out for altitude sickness.
Cusco, Machu Picchu
For many travelers, a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu is the reason for going to Peru in the first place. You can hike the Inca Trail or one of the alternative routes to Machu Picchu. Alternatively, just take the train to Aguas Calientes and board a tourist bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. We have a detailed guide for preparing before taking the Inca Trail.
Whether looking for fun at nights, or to watch sports during the day, or even a taste of home, visit the Loki backpacker hostels. They are both in Arequipa and Cusco and is a perfect spot for great food, sports and beer! Entrance to their bars is free even if you are not staying there.
Congratulations! You’ve now completed the Peruvian Gringo Trail (well, kind of: plenty of other interesting attractions lay along the route. The ones mentioned above are just the most popular). You can return from Cusco to Lima by bus via the above route. Or simply take a shorter, more direct route to the west. If you’re short on time, you can quickly fly back to Lima from Cusco.
How Much Time do I Need on the Gringo Trail Tours?
Two weeks is enough time to pack everything in. Especially if you don’t stop off at all the above destinations. Many travelers just do Lima, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Titicaca, Machu Picchu and Inca Trail. One week is just about enough if you only do a day or two in, for example, Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
But, in a perfect world, you’ll be able to set aside a month so that you can really explore each destination along the route. As well as having the option to stray off the Gringo Trail when you feel like it. While the classic Gringo Trail is great for a whirlwind tour of Peru’s major attractions; Peru obviously has much more to offer and the Gringo tours only scratches the surface.
Did you know? – The Tourist Information Center at Happy Gringo Tours offers important free information for all travelers to Peru.
It is, however, a popular Peru itinerary for great reason. The sites are fascinating, the tourist infrastructure is good; the route is relatively easy to navigate and importantly it allows you time to acclimate before the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Our Recommendation:
We always recommend this route to our clients coming to visit – we strongly suggest you check out Happy Gringo Tours site. Happy Gringo Tours is a modern company providing organic Peruvian food on tours to Peru, treks to Machu Picchu and specials tours in Cusco
The itineraries are completely flexible and are valid for over a year giving you plenty of time to acclimatise to the thinner air and help prevent any issues upon arriving to Cusco. Happy Gringo has hotel and hostel pickups and drop offs included too which helps when you have a heap of luggage and some new Alpaca scarves!
If this has piqued your interest, and you intend to make plans for an amazing trip to Peru, Gringo tours suggest you check out Gringo Trail Peru, a tour comparison website with heaps of info and all the different options for taking that trip of a lifetime.
My name is Marko Andinauta, (I'm Machu Picchu & Inca Trail Guide), I have hiked more than 500 times the famous INCA TRAIL in more than ten years (2007 – 2019); and I have survived the highest point of the Inka Trail “dead woman’s pass at 4215 M - 13780 Ft”; also more than 500 times. Unfortunately, my knee cartilages could not support more to keep hiking The Legendary Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Therefore; I created Happy Gringo Tours Channel to keep working in the same industry; giving information on YOUTUBE about the Inca Trail hike and inviting you to travel to Machu Picchu with us. I got enough knowledge to give you concrete information for unforgettable tours in Peru. We are Official Inca Trail, Machu Picchu tours, and alternative treks Operator.
