Let's explore Arequipa together!

Strictly speaking, this whole itinerary starts from Arequipa. If you’re coming from Bolivia into Peru, the recommended route is to first pass through Puno to Cusco, then head to Arequipa before traveling north along the coast to Lima. This way, you gradually descend in altitude (you can even detour through Colca Canyon between Cusco and Arequipa). Plus, the bus connections are convenient and logical. 💡 Pro tip: Buses on this route frequently check tickets—learn from the locals and tuck yours under the seat cover for easy access (and to avoid holding up the line). Paracas is warm, humid, and utterly relaxing—definitely worth an extended stay. If you can ride an electric scooter (🛵), renting one to explore the national park at your own pace is a great option. However, in winter, aside from strong winds, the water is too cold for swimming, so the bus tour actually covers the park’s highlights just fine. Since I couldn’t handle the scooter 🛵, I ended up choosing between: A 25-PEN (3-4 hr) beach tour or A 30-PEN/day bike rental. I went with the bike! 🚴‍♂️ Rented it right from my hostel’s front desk—they delivered it to me, complete with a helmet and lock. They also gave me a small map and recommended a clockwise route inside the park. First stop: La Catedral (~10 km, ~1 hr), with some small ups and downs. From La Catedral to Mirador Istmo, it’s an amazing downhill ride—super fast and fun! � But after Playa Roja, the coastal winds got brutal 🌬️. I missed a small trail and ended up on the main road, which made the ride to Lagunillas a nightmare—uphill + headwind = pure suffering 😖. By then, my knees were shot, and seeing the steep climb ahead to Playa La Mina, I called it quits. Still, every stop offered tons of seabirds 🦅—worth the struggle! #TravelPeru #Arequipa#SouthAmerica #ManuNationalPark 🌿