When asking some of our experts, well-travelled guests and friends about what sets Peru apart from other countries, “its people” often comes as a central part of the answer, if not the entire answer itself.

Peru is home to a vibrant living culture. Modern lifestyle and technology blend and coexist with ancient habits, traditions and beliefs, that are not only widespread and known, but regularly practiced.

This is especially noticed in the Andes and Amazon regions, where locals pay respect to Pachamama (Mother Earth) through ceremonies and offerings, consider coca leaves to be sacred and powerful and use them on a daily basis, believe in the power of traditional “curanderos” or healers who use local plants and extracts as therapy, and even guides ask for permission to the Apus or Sacred Spirits of the Mountains before they attempt to cross a Mountain Pass, just like the Incas were said to have done in the past.

Coming to Peru and not getting in touch with this especially important side of the country’s DNA and culture is to miss out on the essential uniqueness of the country. By meeting local people, we add a new dimension to our visit, we connect directly and get inspired, and very often, we end up making new friends and living some quite unforgettable moments.