In northern Spain lies the Basque city of Bilbao, the capital of the province of Biscay. The city is known for being one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, but mostly because it boasts one of the world-famous Guggenheim museums. 'Museo Guggenheim de Bilbao' belongs to the famous Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation alongside the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, the Guggenheim in New York and the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi. According to many, the Guggenheim museums are the most important museums for modern art and are often at the top of art lovers' lists.

• The so-called "Bilbao effect" represents the fact that one building can attract so many visitors to a somewhat less popular city.
• The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum is the most famous building in the Basque Country in Spain.
• From the city side, the building looks like a silver flower, but from the other side it looks like a large sailing ship.

In 1997, the Guggenheim Bilbao opened its doors to the public. The works of art exhibited range from pop art to Pablo Picasso. The permanent Guggenheim collections are most focused on the modern art and plastic art of the 20th century such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Andy Warhol and are spread throughout the four museums.

Guggenheim museums are known for their impressive architectural buildings. For example, the Guggenheim in New York resembles a futuristic teacup with one big long spiral upward where you can occasionally take a turn to a room, rather than changing floors by stairs. The building in Bilbao resembles a large sailing ship and was designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, who represents deconstructivism. Deconstructivism is modern architecture that assumes that modern society is confusing and uncertain and shows this in its structures. The Guggenheim Bilbao certainly shows this as well. The building is composed mostly of scaly titanium plates that allow the building to shine for up to 100 years due to the reflection of sunlight. To still protect the many works of art from the heat and sunlight, numerous glass walls have been constructed. The building also gives the impression that it could collapse at any moment - the effect of deconstructivism.

The Guggenheim in Bilbao is among the most famous museums in Spain, along with the Prado in Madrid and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. The Guggenheim Bilbao is a great success and can be seen as the proof that a building is capable of putting an entire city on the map. This is also known as the "Bilbao effect. Bilbao as a city itself is not a tourist attraction, but because of the Guggenheim Museum, it still attracts very many visitors. For modern art lovers, the Guggenheim in Bilbao is one of the more important and interesting museums in Europe, and the building outside alone is breathtaking.

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The night of San Juan is an ancient and traditional festival in many countries celebrating the beginning of summer. From Finland to Brazil, this festival in honor of San Juan is celebrated in different forms. In Spain, this old traditional summer festival takes place every year on the evening of June 23. Many towns and villages organize bonfires and parties on the beach or in the city center. The largest bonfire in Spain is on the beach in Alicante and is also known as "Las Hogueras de Alicante".

• The original tradition states that Alicante residents jump around the flames seven times or run into the water.
• Eventually, the fires go out with the help of the fire department, but in the city, the celebration continues for a few hours.
• Each year there is a beauty pageant, the Belleza de Fuego (Beauty of the Fire), in which the winner is crowned Queen of the festival.

Looking at the past, the Hogueras originally had to do with celebrating the longest day on June 23 in the countryside. The celebration officially began with a festive dinner using local produce from the land, and around midnight the bonfires were lit around which residents danced. Over the years the traditional way changed, but in 1928 the Hogueras of Alicante were formally established. Today, it is somewhat similar to the Las Fallas festival in Valencia celebrated in March.

Now Alicante celebrates the tribute to San Juan starting June 19 for several days. During these days, the entire city is filled with large papier-mâché or wooden dolls called ninots, fireworks, mascletas, music and giant bonfires. A great popular festival with a spectacular ending on the night of June 24, when the créma begins: the burning of the dolls in the hundreds of bonfires that flood the sky with an orange hue. On the beach, the party continues into the early hours.

These days are of course dedicated to San Juan, but during the rest of the year Alicante is the perfect city for a city break. The medium-sized city is located on the Costa Blanca and has a diverse history with Roman and Moorish influences. Some important sights in Alicante include the Castle of Santa Bárbara, the old town hall and many impressive churches. The city has beautiful beaches for relaxing and good restaurants serving typical Spanish cuisine.

The Hogueras of Alicante is one of the most important and popular fiestas in Spain and in the province of Alicante. The Hogueras of Alicante equal fire, large papier-mâché dolls, music, parades and a cheerful summer atmosphere. For a few days, the city turns into one big party destination. Enjoy the arrival of summer in the best way possible: experiencing the magnificent and enormous bonfires of San Juan in Alicante.

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When it comes to culture, Spain's greatest churches are definitely among them. Spain has a rich religious history. The deep-rooted Catholic faith prevailed for centuries and this caused many churches to be constructed. Today, these churches are the most special sights and monuments in Spain. Spain possesses some very special churches, "La Giralda" and "La Sagrada Familia" are just a small sample of these....

• 'La Giralda' in Seville is the third largest and the largest Gothic church in the world.
• The ninth largest church in the world is 'La Catedral-Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar' in Zaragoza.
• The 'Sagrada Familia' is likely to be one of the tallest churches in the world when construction is completed.

Seville: La Giralda

The very largest church in Spain is located in the city of Seville, in southern Spain. The church called 'La Giralda' has an area of up to more than 11,000 m2 and also ranks third among the largest churches in the world. The name 'La Giralda' stands for turning and is derived from the statue that sits atop the church. When it is windy in Seville you can sometimes, with luck, see this statue spinning. The style in which the church was built is Gothic. You can tell by the many arches and the somber character on the outside, due to the use of dark color bricks. It is also the largest Gothic church in the world.

Zaragoza: La Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

This Roman Catholic church is number nine in the world ranking of largest churches and has a total area of more than 8,000 square meters. Its architectural style is baroque. In the interior of the church is the fresco painting "Adoración del nombre de Dios," by the famous Spanish painter Goya. The sacred chapel is composed of jasper (speckled stone derived from quartz), marble, bronze and silver. On the outside, the church is characterized by four large towers placed on each side.

Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia

'La Sagrada Familia' has a total area of more than 4,000 m2. The Sagrada also has a distinctive Gothic appearance. However, this is only on the outside of the church, as the inside again has Romanesque influences. The colorful reflection of light entering through the stained glass creates a true work of art an sich. On either side of the church, four meter-high towers stand stately in the urban landscape of Barcelona. When construction is completed, this could possibly be the tallest church in the world. Until then, though, it is the tallest church in Spain, followed by "La Catedral Vieja de Santa María" in Salamanca.

Now the question can also immediately be asked whether the Mezquita in Cordoba does not also belong to this list of the largest churches in Spain. With more than 23,000 m2, one could say that this would otherwise have been the largest church in the world. However, every list has some exceptions. Namely, these are real churches, something that is just a little different for this mosque-cathedral. Even though its use now seems to be entirely as a Catholic church, the "Mezquita-Catedral" does not fall under this list. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth a visit.

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The Machu Picchu; a hidden city that was never discovered by the Spaniards and thus is still completely intact. The amazing place is located in Peru and is Peru's most famous tourist attraction. At the same time, this in turn brings dangers to the wonder of the world so the Machu Picchu is very well protected from all factors that can damage the city.

• Machu Picchu was built by the Incas, the people who had the largest empire in the world at the time.
• The hidden city among the sharp peaks of the Andes Mountains probably had no average function.
• The isolated city is closed to tourists every February because of ecological restoration.

The Machu Picchu is a city at an altitude of 2,400 meters among the steep mountains of Peru. It is the city of the Incas; from the 13th century this Indian people lived in an area of Peru and had their own capital: Cuzco. The language they spoke was Quechua and the name of the city in this language was "Machu Pikchu. The Indian people were religious and their religion based on honoring sun god Inti spread throughout the area. In terms of size, the Inca Empire was the largest empire in the world. They kept control of this huge empire with the help of a road network, tunnels through the mountains and bridges over canyons and rivers. When Columbus discovered America in 1492, it eventually led to the demise of the Inca Empire.

Because of its location at an altitude of 2,400 meters among steep mountains, the city was difficult to reach and was never discovered by the Spanish when they discovered the Americas. There is much speculation about Peru's Machu Picchu, as its former function is not clear. Since the city was very inaccessible, experts expected that it did not have an average function. Nevertheless, the Incas used to lay a path to the city. The entire trek from Cuzco (where the Incas gathered) to the isolated city is done on foot. It totals about 100 kilometers with the last bit through the Andes mountains up to the hidden city considered the toughest part; this is the Inca trail. Nowadays, thousands of tourists visit Machu Picchu and thus also walk the famous Inca trail. To avoid damage to the path, only 400 tourists per day are allowed to enter the path and only groups accompanied by a guide are allowed to go up.

Machu Picchu is a hidden city among the highest and sharpest peaks of the Andes Mountains. 'Machu Picchu' therefore means 'Ancient Summit'. The city's "buildings" have been restored since the 20th century to give tourists the clearest possible idea of what it probably looked like in the past, but also to protect the city as much as possible, since it is very fragile. Natural phenomena such as earthquakes or weather cause the city to be damaged. In addition, despite their caution, tourists are a factor causing the Machu Picchu to be affected. Consequently, every February, the Machu Picchu is closed for ecological restoration.

The Incas built the city using numerous techniques that made it resistant to earthquakes at the time. Furthermore, many of these techniques had to do with the position of the sun; the sun meant everything to the Incas. The famous Intihuertana stone in the hidden city was seen as an astronomical clock or calendar that was tracked according to the position of the sun, which is what researchers believe. Whether this is really true is not known. In addition, the stone lies at exactly those coordinates that the sun is directly on the stone on Nov. 11 and Jan. 30 in the middle of the day, creating no shadows at all around the stone. Furthermore, the stone creates the longest shadow on its southern side on June 21 and a much shorter one on its northern side on December 21. This is probably indicative of the seasonal changes we use today.

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It is Spain's largest autonomous region and is conveniently located in the warm south of the country on the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape consists of mountains, dry plains, green natural areas and extensive sandy beaches. Within this autonomous region are the gems of Andalusia. These gems can sometimes be seen in towns or small villages, each of which has its own unique character. Andalusia is very versatile and therefore has much to offer throughout the year. This is partly due to the excellent temperature that makes it possible to organize many festivals, markets, fairs, etc. Some of these large and small pearls are described here: Seville, Ronda and Córdoba. There is also room for two lesser-known tourist places.

• Seville is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Andalusia and is located in the province of the same name, Seville.
• Ronda, as a “romantic city,” is excellent as a wedding venue.
• Also the somewhat less touristy known places, such as Juzcar and Aracena are unique. You will see something that not everyone has seen yet.

Seville

This is the capital of Andalusia and has more than 700,000 inhabitants. This makes Seville the 3rd largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona and is probably one of the places in Spain where true Spanish culture is best preserved. It is the birthplace of flamenco and it shows: flamenco theater performances, flamenco shows over a romantic dinner in a restaurant and a flamenco museum are plentiful. It is a city with Spanish and Arab influences and has a modern and historic feel. Major tourist attractions include “Plaza de España,” “La Giralda” and “Metropole Parasol. For those looking for the most traditional Sevillian tapas dish should ask for 'Solomillo al Whisky.' Here, a deliciously tender piece of meat is served with a dash of whiskey. 

Ronda

On the road from Seville to Málaga lies the romantic town of Ronda. This picturesque town averages about 36,000 inhabitants and belongs to the province of Málaga. It has a rocky landscape and a rugged appearance due to the many gorges, mountains and valleys that surround this city so beautifully. The most characteristic feature of Ronda is the monument “Puente Nuevo. This massive stone bridge connects the two parts of the city. It has a number of imposing arches, one of which is as high as 38 meters! This has also been the setting for an episode of the Dutch program 'Wie is de Mol'. The beautiful weather, fantastic views and romantic aura of this city make this the ultimate wedding venue.

Córdoba

On the northeast side of Seville lies the city of Cordoba. Known as one of the hottest cities in Europe, it has a historic downtown that is also a World Heritage Site. The city houses the world's only “Mezquita cathedral” and shows many Moorish influences in the details of its historic buildings. It is the third largest city in Andalusia by population after Seville and Málaga and is a busy city. Besides the large mosque-cathedral, the bridge “Puente Romano de Córdoba” is very imposing. For a long time, this was also the only access to the old part of the city. Besides sightseeing, this city also holds the festival 'Festival de los Patios Cordobeses'. During this festival in the third week of May, patios can be viewed and the most beautiful patio is chosen.... This special festival is also listed by UNESCO.

Of course, Andalusia has much more to offer than these places. The slightly lesser-known places include the “smurf village” of Juzcar and Aracena. In Juzcar, all the houses are colored blue and bear pictures of various characters from the cartoon series the smurfs. In the mountain village of Aracena, a visit to 'La Gruta de las Maravillas' (the wonder cave) is highly recommended. Here you walk a guided route through this immense cave and can admire crystal clear water, stalactites and stalagmites. However, it is recommended to rent a car, as you cannot get there directly via public transport. This makes it even more special to visit. Andalusia stands for even more such villages of surprise. It is therefore recommended to rent a car so that you can explore the country and discover these pearls during your trip.

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Games are a form of leisure activity adapted and changed by the passage of time. They are passed on from the older generation to the younger generation, who then pass it on to the next generation, and so on. Just as we all used to play hopscotch, marbles and tag, in Spain there are also various Spanish games that were traditionally played and are still performed daily by young and old to this day. Indeed, Spain is a country with a rich history full of traditions and stories from which many games have emerged. Indeed, games used to go from village to village, with everyone inventing their own version of the game.

• A typical Spanish game and probably one of the most popular card games is the card game "el Mus.
• Popular games widely played in Spain are known all over the world.

Spain even has its own card deck (juego de naipes or cartas de jugar) better known as Spanish card deck. It originates from the fourteenth century. This baraja española (Spanish card deck) normally consists of 48 cards with various historical figures and symbols on them. Of these card games, the most famous game is probably "el Mus. Originally from the Basque country, this card game is one of the most popular card games in Spain. Besides Spain, this game is also played largely in Latin America and a small part of France. It has a history of up to more than 200 years and there are several theories about the meaning and origin of the name.

The name "Mus" may have originated from the Basque language, where musu means kiss. Another theory is that the word comes from the Latin musso and means silent silence. This is the opposite of talk and was used to start the game. Normally played with four players in two pairs with the Spanish deck, the game consists of 40 cards. The deck then does not include eights, nines, tens and jokers. However, the rules of the game can vary greatly from each other as occurs in any card game. The game has four rounds: grande (big), chica (small), pares (pair), juego (game) and the goal of the game is to reach 40 points. It is a verbal game in which the players of the same team always sit opposite each other and can communicate with each other using signals.

Besides the card game, there are many different games for children. The most famous games that have been played since ancient times and are still popular today are: 'oca' (Goose board), 'escondite' (hide and seek), 'gomas' (rubber bands), 'peonza' (spinning top) and 'rayuela' (hopscotch). 'Oca' is a fun board game with numbered squares in a spiral shape. Stories circulate that the first version of this Spanish game was a gift from Francesco I de Medici (Grand Duke of Tuscany) to Philip II of Spain sometime between 1547 and 1587. The game "Gomas" is also a traditional game of Bolivian origin, in which a long elastic band is stretched by two players. A third player must do jumps and tricks in the middle of the elastic band. If a mistake is made, the player must go and another may continue.

Other traditional games in Spain (and also in other countries) are "damas" (checkers), "dominó" (dominoes) and "parchís" (don't make trouble). These games are especially popular among older people, as they can be played while sitting quietly. They are real thinking games and real party games that can keep people occupied for a long time.

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The siesta is a world-famous concept and a real tradition in Spain and other warm countries. Even in the Netherlands it is often used as an excuse to get away from it all and close your eyes for a short (or somewhat longer) period of time. Because the term is used so often, there can also be some misconceptions regarding this custom, because what is a real siesta really, where does it come from, and how long does it officially last?

• The siesta originated in the 11th century and over the years has become a real custom in Spain.
• A real siesta lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is a time for the population to rest in silence so that new energy can be obtained for the rest of the day.
• For some tourists it may be a bit annoying, as small stores often close between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. just when they are often walking around the city to explore it.

The origin of the siesta can be disputed for a while. Indeed, there are several stories about this. The best known story is that it most likely originates from the rules of San Benito in the eleventh century. The Romans used to count the hours from sunrise, which showed that for them the sixth hour was noon. In Latin, the sixth hour means, la sexta hora. Therefore, the rule was rest and silence during this sixth hour. All the faithful thus gained more energy for the rest of the day. This custom was then adopted from monastery to monastery, whereupon the population also began to adopt it as a custom and gave it the name siesta. However you look at it, the siesta has been absorbed by the population at a rapid pace and, like flamenco and fiesta, has become one of the Spanish traditions and is an important part of Spanish culture.

Many people often think that siesta lasts longer than one hour, but this, however, is not true. Officially, a siesta lasts only between 15 and 30 minutes and can be seen as a kind of afternoon nap. Here it is customary to rest for a while on a confortable chair with your eyes closed. If this is not possible, lying on your bed is also allowed. The important thing is to be able to relax in complete silence. Among the real Spanish customs, it is not customary and even a little inappropriate to call between the hours of siesta. In fact, this is the time of rest for the Spaniards and also lunch time for them. This can be compared to calling during dinner time in the Netherlands.

In many cities, siesta still applies to shopping hours. To illustrate, stores in Seville close between 2:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon. This is certainly not weird or nonsense as some people may think, but around that time it is the hottest part of the day and then it is better to stay out of the sun. Especially in Seville. In fact, there it is better to get out of the sun when it is high summer. In fact, temperatures can easily reach 35 degrees in southern Spain. For some tourists, these shopping hours can sometimes be frustrating, as that is often the time when they go out to explore the city and visit stores.

Over the years, siesta has changed a little bit. As before almost everyone used this afternoon nap, now it is no longer so obvious. Because large multinational companies or other businesses do stay open at noon, not everyone can use it anymore either. In addition, in the north of Spain it is not always so hot and necessary to take a nap to escape the heat. This time is then mainly used to hang out with the family and children.

However the siesta is used, it is a habit that can and will easily be adopted....

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In Spain, you can go all out and spend a lot of money, or go low budget with as little as possible. However, it doesn't matter how you spend your vacation, because both ways are easily achievable here. You can easily get by on about 35 - Euros per day. Going on vacation cheaply does not necessarily have to be simple. In fact, there are different ways of going on vacation cheap in Spain, so that everyone can have a carefree vacation without spending too much.

• Travel type, duration, period and destination are all influential in going on a cheap vacation in Spain.
• It is good to look in advance for different discount codes and promotions. This can make a trip a lot cheaper.
• Besides a regular vacation, you can also enjoy Spain through other ways, such as doing seasonal work.

Backpacking, camping or visiting family/friends are all ways to spend the vacations cheaply. Of course, this does depend on your own spending habits at the destination itself. Not only does the type of visit affect a cheap vacation, accommodation factors are also part of it. Location is very important here. In larger cities, there are certain neighborhoods where they mainly offer various cheap lodging options, such as hostels, inns and guesthouses. Here you can then choose to share the room with one or more people. This can even amount to shared rooms with twelve people. Besides paid ways, there are also certain communities on the Internet where you can stay for free with locals. It is also a great way to get even closer to the culture of Spain. In addition to the type of accommodation, the travel period also has a lot of influence on the price. For those who would like to save money with this, but would still like to visit a popular resort like Barcelona, it is better to go outside the high season. Prices can easily rise to certain “extortionate prices” in high season. In addition, even in the off-season, the temperature is still pleasant enough to sit on a beachfront terrace.

A vacation in Spain can be realized by various means of transport: by car, train or plane. Each means of transport has its own advantages. Those who prefer the comfort of a plane can fly from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Düsseldorf for little money. However, it is important to monitor prices carefully in order to anticipate the right moment. If you would like to take your campervan to the south, you should keep in mind that there are many toll roads in France. Here you already spend more than 100,- Euros yourself and should definitely be included in the calculation. Also in Spain itself, the possibilities to move yourself from destination to destination are extensive. High discounts are given to travelers who order tickets online well in advance. In addition, it is good to keep a close eye on other discount offers from public transportation. For visits to the somewhat less accessible and unknown cities, the bus is a cheap solution. These buses are very comfortable and equipped with all the necessary modern facilities. To explore the city by yourself, renting a bicycle is excellent. In more and more cities the facilities for cyclists are excellent. In addition, it is a very economical and ecological way to move yourself around the city.

If you want to spend a somewhat longer time in Spain you can also do seasonal work. Popular regions where there are many Dutch people is on the Costa Brava. In the summer, many campsites often ask for Dutch people on a part-time basis. This way you can also enjoy a sun-drenched stay and at the same time save and even earn some money. All in all, these options make Spain a perfect destination for a little less money.

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In the middle of the city of Cordoba in Spain, among all the other monuments of Cordoba, stands a veritable mosque-cathedral called: "Mezquita-catedral". Today, this is also considered the tourist sight of Córdoba and one of the most visited tourist sights in Spain. It has as rich a history as the city itself and with a total area of more than 23,000^m2, it is the third largest mosque in the world. In addition to Cordoba's historic center, then, the Mezquita is included in UNESCO's Cultural World Heritage List for good reason. Gilded bronze doors, mosaics, symmetry and wooden decoration characterize this special place. Diving into this fascinating history is therefore extremely noteworthy.

• The cathedral in Cordoba is located in the center of the city and has a Renaissance architectural style.
• Influences of the Moors and Christians are still visible.
• The columns in the prayer hall shape the space and create a timeless symmetry.

Construction of the mosque began around the year 786 AD. In total, it took more than two centuries to finish and was therefore built over the centuries by several architects: Hernán Ruiz I, II and III, Diego de Praves and Juan de Ochoa. The mosque was built on the spot where an ancient basilica previously stood and is located right in the center. The style in which it was built can be seen as Renaissance. In its first years, the Mezquita, which is Spanish for mosque also served as a mosque. At the beginning of its foundation, it was the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world after Mecca. Over the years, the mosque went through quite a few renovations. For example, it received a new minaret (tower to call the faithful to prayer).

After the Spanish conquest ("Reconquista") of the Christians from the Moors, the Mezquita served as a cathedral in the year 1236. However, renovations were only done much later in the year 1523 after permission from Emperor Charles V. Space was made in the middle of the immense hall for a Baroque cathedral in the shape of a large cross. As a result, as many as around 400 pillars had to give way for the arrival of the cathedral. In addition, several chapels were added to the sides of the prayer hall. Upon seeing the rebuilding and the change in construction, the emperor regretted it and said to the architect, "Something was built that is unique in the world, but you destroyed it by (re)building something that could have been anywhere.

Today it serves as a Roman Catholic church, but still reflects the influences of the Moors and the Christians. Despite the renovation that did not go to the Emperor's liking, it does send an important image and message to humanity: an interweaving of cultural and artistic styles that blend in harmony. As a result, it is considered one of the most impressive Spanish cathedrals in Spain.

Before entering the cathedral, you first enter a beautiful courtyard called "Patio de los Naranjos. The name derives from the many orange trees neatly lined up next to each other. When you then walk into the mosque you first enter the prayer hall; a hall with as many as 800 pillars neatly placed symmetrically next to each other. These pillars are each connected by white and red colored columns that shape the space. Surrounding this immense open space are several chapels. Between the chapels is an angular dome, which is also better known as 'Mihrab.' The 'Mihrab' is a prayer niche in the wall that indicates the direction of prayer. At the exit, you walk through an immense bronze door and close this history again. However, not forever, for the memory of this visit remains....

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On the west coast of Latin America lies a very special country with three distinct climates. It is a country very popular among travelers and especially one type of traveler: the backpacker. At the very mention of the name Machu Picchu, it is already clear which country we are talking about: Peru. Peru is one of the world's most popular backpacking destinations. And for good reason, because the options are endless for a perfect backpacking vacation. From the snowy peaks of the Andes to the arid desert of Huacachina - Peru will take you from one extreme to another. Traveling to Peru is a bit more expensive, but the experience you get in return is unforgettable.

•  Backpacking in Peru is an adventure in itself. The many opportunities and sights are each worthwhile.
• There is no need to book accommodation in advance, as there is often room available.
•  The diversity of this country graces to the fullest. From the Andes Mountains to the deep jungle of the Amazon, Peru never ceases to amaze.

Peru officially bears the name Republic of Peru and lies on the land borders of Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia. The Inca culture is world famous and many have heard of it. Because the country consists of three climate zones, namely desert steppe climate, tropical rainforest climate and tropical savanna climate, no two landscapes are the same. The best travel time to go backpacking does not matter much in terms of temperature, as it remains fairly stable throughout the year. This is due to the fact that Peru is located pretty close to the equator so there are fewer temperature changes. However, if you would like to be assured of a sunny stay, it is best to travel between May and October, as that is the dry season in Peru. In preparation for backpacking in Peru, it is advisable to read more about the rich history of this majestic country in advance. This way you can experience and witness the trip even more intensely.

An ideal starting point to begin your trip is in Lima, the capital of Peru. As a backpacker, you don't necessarily need to spend days on the road, as there are also simply day hikes just a few hours' drive from the capital itself. The cost in Peru is relatively cheaper than in the Netherlands, and the average spending per day comes to just over 20 euros per day. In addition, the price of an overnight stay is very cheap. Indeed, from about 8 euros per night you already have a double room. It is not necessary to book everything in advance, because there is almost always room. Throughout the country there are several thousand routes you can follow. Some of these popular routes are the Colca Canyon route, the Canopy route, the Inca route and the Gringo route.

This popular Gringo itinerary is ideal for those who are still complete beginners in backpacking. This itinerary takes you from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon and shows you all the famous attractions of Peru. The trip duration depends entirely on the time you have available and what you want to see, but on average it will be between 2 and 4 weeks. The itinerary generally starts in Lima and then descends towards the south of the country. The places visited are Pisco, Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Arequipaen and Puno. Eventually, after Puno, you will join the Inca route via Cuzco and end the route in the hidden Inca city: Machu Picchu.

This Inca trail is very special. Through the 45 kilometers of trails you will go from Cuzco to Machu Picchu in three or four days. It is recommended that you stay one or two days in Cuzco before you go, so that you can get used to the low oxygen levels in the mountains. What is good to know is that every year during the month of February the Inca trail is closed for ecological recovery. In addition, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance because these famous tourist sites often have a daily limit. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth it, because one thing is certain: a visit to this area will open your eyes.

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