Peru is a country located in South America that has been attracting tourists from all over the world for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From the majestic Andes Mountains to the ancient Inca ruins and the vibrant cities, Peru has something for everyone.
The best places to visit in Peru
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic landmarks in Peru and is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The ancient Inca citadel is located high in the Andes Mountains and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Visitors can hike to Machu Picchu, take a train, or even take a helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of this incredible place.
Lima
Lima is the capital city of Peru and is a vibrant and bustling metropolis. Visitors can explore the historic center of Lima, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the colonial architecture, visit museums, and sample delicious Peruvian cuisine. Lima is known for its seafood, so be sure to try some ceviche, a local specialty.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and is located on the border between Peru and Bolivia. Visitors can take a boat tour to the Uros Islands, which are made entirely of reeds, or explore the ancient ruins of the Tiwanaku civilization.
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is located near the city of Arequipa and is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Visitors can hike through the canyon and admire the stunning scenery, as well as spot condors flying overhead.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert. These mysterious lines and shapes can only be seen from above, and their purpose and origin are still unknown. Visitors can take a flight over the Nazca Lines to see them up close.
Peruvian cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is known for its unique blend of indigenous and European influences. Some must-try dishes include ceviche, lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (a potato-based dish). Be sure to also try some of the local beverages, such as pisco sour, a cocktail made with pisco brandy, lime juice, and egg whites.
The Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains run the length of South America, and Peru is home to a large portion of this incredible mountain range. Visitors can hike through the Andes and admire the stunning scenery, as well as visit traditional Andean communities and learn about their way of life.
The top things we LOVE about Peru
Food
the food here is amazing! In the ranking “50 best restaurants of the world”, Peru has three restaurants: we went to Central (Number 2). This is an indication of how good the food is in Peru…the other Peruvian restaurants may not have these rankings, but they are amazing too including the food carts and street vendors. Ceviche and Pisco Sours originated in Peru…BTW: the USA has two and they are both in NY.
Culture
Peru is a mix of cultures and history – this is one of the Cradles of Civilizations! Ruins like Machu Pichu, etc…volumes can be written on how cool this country is to visit.
Environment
This is a bio-diverse country – it may be the most diverse on the planet! It has the Tropical (Amazon Rain Forest), the Desert, Mountains (Andes Mountains), and the coastal regions (Pacific Ocean)…I don’t have time to count all the birds, plants, and animals here.
Things to do
Learning Spanish, Hiking, surfing, the ruins, sand boarding, biking…this is an endless list. The Malecon in Lima is extraordinary which includes running and bike paths as well as watching the sunset!
One of the beautiful things about traveling is experiencing how countries do the same things…differently! From walk-in pharmacies/clinics to address medical issues without the requirement of a PCP, shopping for fruits and vegetables, central markets, and much more. Peru has been a great experience.
Top 10 interesting facts about Peru?
- Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel, was built around 1450 and remained hidden from the world until 1911 when it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham.
- The Peruvian national symbol is the vicuña, a type of South American camelid that is smaller than a llama and has extremely fine wool.
- Lake Titicaca, located on the border between Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world and is home to many indigenous communities.
- The Peruvian currency is the sol, which is named after the sun, a significant symbol in Inca culture.
- The Andes Mountains, which run through Peru, are the longest mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 kilometers.
- The Peruvian Amazon rainforest covers approximately 60% of the country’s total land area and is home to many rare and exotic species of plants and animals.
- The Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert, were created by removing the reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles that cover the surface of the Nazca desert, revealing the light-colored earth underneath.
- The Peruvian national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup five times, and their most successful tournament was in 1970 when they reached the quarter-finals.
- The Peruvian Paso horse is a unique breed known for its smooth gait and elegant appearance, and is considered a national symbol of Peru.
- Peru is home to more than 3,000 different varieties of potatoes, making it one of the world’s centers of potato diversity.
If you’re thinking about a trip to South America and not sure where to go, consider Peru. As you can probably guess, we loved it here and we want to come back. There is so much more to experience….let us know if you have any questions!
