Month: January 2025

Peru is a fascinating country to explore. It has Inca ruins, the Amazon, and even attracts surfers who come to ride the waves along its coastline. In fact, there are so many different experiences that you can have here that one visit just isn’t enough (that’s why I’ve been twice!)

But if you only have time for one visit, you don’t want to miss out on the very best that Peru has to offer. Here are my favourite top 3 places to visit in Peru to inspire you.

1. See The Ancient Wonder of Machu Picchu

If I had to pick one it has to be the majestic Machu Picchu. This new Seventh Wonder of the World is not only one of the most magical places in Peru but it is also one of the most magical places that I have ever been to.

You don’t have to hike the Inca Trail to see it either as a short bus ride takes you from Aguas Calientes (the nearest town) to this famous Inca site.

Built in the 15th century, this sacred site is an iconic symbol of the Inca empire and has managed to preserve its architecture of terraces and temples. Perched high up in the Andes, it was rediscovered by an explorer called Hiram Bingham and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

You can even get a Machu Picchu stamp in your passport too! Follow in my footsteps and walk back down the mountain afterwards to really absorb the magical energy without the crowds.

2.  Spend Time With The Uros Tribe

Peru is definitely a country for history and ancient civilisations but it’s not just about the ancient civilisations here as you can actually visit one of the living tribes.

Visiting the Uros Floating Islands was a highlight of my trip. These tiny islands are made entirely of reeds, and spending time with the Uru people gave me a better understanding of their resourceful way of life that has endured for generations. It was really interesting to learn how they’ve adapted while preserving their traditions.

On Taquile Island, I had the chance to meet locals whose weaving skills are so intricate they’ve been recognized by UNESCO. Watching them work and hearing about the stories woven into each piece added another layer to my appreciation for the region’s culture.

Sharing meals with a local family and hearing about their daily lives gave me a deeper connection to the area and it’s a great way to experience the culture up close.

3. Visit the White City of Arequipa

This one may surprise you as it isn’t one of the Inca sites but this cosy little city in the south of Peru is definitely one to see. Known as the ‘White City,’ it is very different to the rest of Peru. Surrounded by volcanoes, the buildings are built from the white volcanic stone giving it its white name. And its historic centre is that pretty that it’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Plaza de Armas is where it’s at, especially the grand cathedral that is the main focal point. The vision of the cathedral against the backdrop of the volcano is stunning. Make sure to see the Santa Catalina Monastery too. Its sprawling complex was once a secluded convent so it’s incredibly peaceful to wander through its narrow streets.

At night the square is even more special as the cathedral glows in a soft lighting creating a magical ambiance.

As well as the gorgeous photo opportunities here, another reason to come is to see the mummy of an Inca girl. Known as the ‘Inca Ice Maiden,’ this well-preserved mummy is an Inca girl called Juanita who is thought to have been sacrificed more than 5 centuries ago. 

I stopped in Arequipa on the way to Chile before I travelled across the border but it’s also a good base to explore the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons.

Ready To Go To Peru?

I initially went to Peru on a G Adventures Trip over three weeks to Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The second time I went back to Peru I was solo.

If I have inspired you to go to Peru, make sure you check out G Adventures tours. I loved my tour with them and they currently have their Great Adventure Sale on until 31st January where you can save up to 25% on hundreds of trips! You can see two of these places on their 14 day Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes tour.

Plus, Peru is one of the destinations for their new Solo-ish tours – trips exclusively for solo travellers that have been designed for anyone who wants to experience adventure, while making amazing connections along the way. The trips are also led by female tour guides. 

Bali is endless when it comes to great hangout spots, especially if you love having your caffeine fix while enjoying unique and cozy surroundings. Having just been back to Bali after a few years, there were so many more places to have a coffee and to get on my laptop.

Some of the best cafes on the island are not only famous for their coffee, but also for their eye-catching interior spaces. From the lush rice field views to the sounds of the ocean, these are some of the best cafes in Bali if you’re planning to visit. 

1. 32DO Bali

If you’re looking for a cafe with a homey yet aesthetic vibe, this one is for you. 32DO is known for its minimalist-modern interior design which is super Instagrammable. It’s a cozy place for casual hanging out or working on your laptop. Plus, they have an outdoor area for smokers.

Their menu offers a wide selection of specialty coffee with expertly blended local beans to organic teas. As for food, their menu includes all-day breakfast dishes, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and a selection of pastries made in-house.

2. The Avocado Factory

The first Bali cafe specialising in avocado-based cuisine. The Avocado Factory serves creative menus with the delicacy of avocado that give it a fresh spin and they are all surprisingly good. From avocado toast with creative toppings, nutrient-rich smoothie bowls, to salads and burgers with an all-avocado twist. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, so they cater for everyone. 

The cafe features an open concept with a soothing view of the rice fields. They even use wooden elements and greenery decorations to create a fresh tropical feel.

3. Pahdi Speciality Coffee

Located in the panoramic grounds of Kintamani, Pahdi Specialty Coffee is the perfect destination for coffee lovers. The cafe has three floors with a modern and elegant design, where a large glass wall gives an uninterrupted panoramic view of the beautiful Batur volcano. The interior is full of wooden furniture and neutral colours, creating a classic and cozy atmosphere.

Pahdi specialises in specialty coffee with beans selected from various regions in Indonesia, including Bali, Sumatra, and Java, (coffee from Java is fab as I went there on this trip too!) Besides coffee, they also offer premium tea and a wide selection of western and Indonesian food, cakes and pastries all made fresh daily.

4. Baked

Baked is a cafe known for its wide selection of fresh from the oven breads and pastries. With a cozy atmosphere, this cafe is a favourite spot for breakfast or brunch. Their signature menu includes various types of sourdough bread, croissants, and other pastries made with only the highest quality ingredients.

They also have brunch menus with my favourites: Eggs Benedict and shakshuka. (I first tried the tomato and egg dish of shakshuka in Bahrian and loved it). The chic and cozy interior makes this place perfect for a casual breakfast or meeting up with other solos that you’ve met on your trip. They have a few branches in Bali including Canggu and Seminyak.

5. Milu by Nook

Now this is one of those cafes in Bali that has the complete package: great food, strategic location, and an epic view. The design is a combination of traditional and modern elements with an alang-alang roof, rattan furniture, and ethnic decorations to create an authentic Balinese vibe. The open-air area with gentle breeze and green scenery is one of their main appeal, that’s for sure!

Milu by Nook offers a wide, diverse menu, starting from Indonesian dishes like nasi campur and fried noodles, to Western dishes like pasta and burgers. A selection of fresh salads with organic ingredients are also available if you’re looking for a healthier option. I’d say this is a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of Canggu!

Finally…

There are so many cute cafes in Bali to choose from and each of those places offers their own charm. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, on the hunt for Instagrammable spots, or just after a cosy place to unwind and catch up with friends, there’s something here with your name on it.

When you visit, don’t just stick to the beaches. Take the time to soak up the café culture too. With so many gorgeous spots to explore, you’ll quickly see why Bali’s café scene is worth the hype. Safe travelling!