It’s always exciting to travel to a new country and learn something new about that place. Generally, people have to choose what kinds of activities they like doing and pick a place that fits that description. But when you travel to Peru, you don’t have to pick and choose because it has everything!
Peru is a vibrant country in South America that has tons of history, lively culture, extraordinary food and an incredibly diverse landscape. There is something for everyone in this beautiful country and we will just scratch the surface!
The Scenery
If you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes that range from beach to jungle to desert to mountains, Peru should be top of your list. Peru is the third largest country in South America and is full of landscape diversity covering over one million square kilometers. In northern Peru, you can find beautiful beach towns, such as Huanchaco and Mancora, as well as lesser known ancient ruins, such as the Kuelap Fortress. Travel a bit more south and you’ll hit the Sechura Desert, home to the Huacachina desert oasis. Western Peru is the gateway to the Amazon jungle and where the longest river in the world begins. The Andes Mountains also make their way through Peru, setting the landscape for the famous ruins of Machu Picchu.
The Adventure
With all these amazing landscapes, you’re probably thinking “What’s the best way to view them?” You can take a number of traditional tours in places like Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa as well a jungle cruise in Manu National Park. But for the thrill-seeking types you have a number of treks such as the famous Inca Trail, as well as the Salkantay Trek, Ausangate Trek, and Colca Canyon. There are a number of rock-climbing spots, white-water rafting along various rivers, as well as mountain biking in the Andes. The wildlife of Peru is also an adventure all in itself. See a diversity of animals from fierce jaguars to giant condors to cuddly llamas all throughout the country. There’s no shortage of activities for all skill levels!
The People
Peruvians are some of the friendliest people in the world, always with a smile on their face. Throughout the country you will find Peruvians are incredibly helpful and open about sharing their culture with tourists, from festivals to food. With their deep history, Peruvians are the oldest living civilization in South America and love sharing their traditions with visitor.
The History
As mentioned above, Peru is the oldest civilization in South America and one of the oldest in the world, dating back about 11,000 years. The country is rich with history from early civilization through the famous Inca empire all the way to the Spanish colonization. Exploring Peruvian history is easier than you think, as it’s displayed all over the country. From the famous ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, to the ancient Nazca lines and the preservation of pre-Columbian art at Museo Larco, everywhere you turn there is a bit of history to be learned. Even the natural history of the country is interesting due to the number of volcanoes in the area as well as the continuously growing Andes Mountains. History buffs won’t be able to get enough of the abundance of information in this incredible country!
The Culture
Peru has a mix of Amerindian and European culture, creating a rich tapestry of traditions that make the country incredibly unique. The Quechua culture is native to Peru and these Inca descendants strive very hard to preserve their traditions and have done so even when modern and Western influences have been presented. Traditionally, Peruvian people wear brightly colored textiles that are hand-woven and take many hours to create, making each piece as special as the last. For thousands of years, the people of Peru have created art in the form of wood carvings, ceramic pieces, weavings, jewelry, and much more and much of the original ways of creation are still in use today. This preservation of culture can be seen all throughout the country and the Peruvian people are proud of it!
The Food
Traveling to Peru is also an incredible gastronomical experience. Every region has its own type of cuisine, dependent on what can be easily found in each region. Potatoes, corn (maize), and quinoa are staples of Peruvian cuisine, along with llama and guinea pig (cuy). A few ancient methods of cooking are still used in Peru today, such as pachamanca, where you cook meat and potatoes in a hole and cover it with hot stones. You can also see a number of European influences in their cooking as well. Head to Lima where the variety of food is abundant, making it one of the most important, and delicious, food capitals of the world.
Peru is a wonderful place to visit, whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey. There is something for everyone and we at Enigma Peru would love to help you explore this beautiful country. Contact us to get in touch with one of our Trip Specialists.
Ready to start planning your custom journey to Peru? Contact us at journeys@enigmaperu.com and let’s make it happen!
