Peru is a South American country located between Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. This country is very famous for its Inca culture, but especially for sheltering one of the seven new ones of the world: Machu Picchu. But Peru is not only that! It is also home to many breathtaking natural landscapes and friendly locals who know how to welcome visitors. To help you prepare for your trip to the land of llamas and alpacas, here is some information that you may find useful.
Summary
- Magnificent landscapes
- Very friendly locals
- A tasty gastronomy
Magnificent landscapes
Peru being a huge territory, it can be divided into several geographical areas: Lima, Cuzco and the tropical Amazon region. Each of these regions is full of secrets and fantastic landscapes as amazing as each other. So, if you are thinking of traveling to this country, we advise you to plan about two weeks and to make a circuit through Peru so as not to miss anything and not to regret anything. For information, internal flights are inexpensive. So it is therefore easy to move through this immensity.
Regarding the period to get there, all seasons are good for visiting the country. However, you have to pay attention to the rainy season in the Amazon (December to March). Bring warm clothes, because in the heights of Peru, temperatures can be very low even in summer.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is known all over the world, especially because it is the highest navigable lake on the planet. This huge lake is considered the cradle of the Incas. Thus, you will find many ruins of this people there. For a complete experience, hotels offer sleeping on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.
Machu Picchu
Who has never heard of Machu Picchu? Located in the Andes mountains, in the region of Cuzco, these magnificent and impressive Inca ruins are the dream of the whole world. This citadel was built at an altitude of 2,430 meters in the 15th century and was later abandoned. Today, this place, which is one of the seven wonders of the world, has become very touristic, but remains historic nonetheless. Many people who have visited the seven wonders also say that Machu Picchu is the one that has marked them the most. In addition, to get there, several solutions are available to you.
Vinicunca
Located in the same region as Machu Picchu, the mountain of seven colors culminates at 5200 meters in the heart of the Andes mountain range. This unique rainbow of color phenomenon is due to the accumulation of layers of sediment over many centuries. To access this magnificent spectacle of nature, you unfortunately have to suffer. Only people in excellent health can access it. Indeed, at more than 5000 meters of altitude, the oxygen is lacking, and even on horseback the climb can be extremely tough. Consider staying at least two days in Cusco to get used to the altitude before starting the climb.
The Amazon forest
To reach the Amazon rainforest, you will have to take the plane or several days by boat to reach the city of Iquitos. A city mainly built from wood, this one will put you directly in the Amazon atmosphere. From there, you can go on excursions in the immense forest. To visit the Amazon, you can take a cruise on the river or go on a long hike with a guide. Thus, you will discover the extraordinary fauna and flora that lives there.
Huacachina
Huacachina is a village located in the Ica region of Peru. Its particularity is to be on the edge of a small lake, in the middle of the desert, which makes it a real oasis. In this desert, you can practice activities such as sandboarding, buggy and even a swim in the oasis.
The Andes Cordillera
Peru is crossed by an impressive mountain range: the Andes Cordillera. This mountain range is not without surprises. It is on this that you will find Machu Picchu, the mountain of seven colors, but also many lakes, snow-capped peaks and other wonders. The Cordillera Blanca is one of the most beautiful peaks of the Andes that can be found in Peru. To fully enjoy it and admire the peaks and lakes of Llanganuco, go to the Ancash region, in the Huascarán National Park.
Very friendly locals
Traditional Peruvian culture is still firmly rooted in the country. You will easily come across locals in ponchos and llama breeders. By going to this country, you will immerse yourself in a completely different universe than the one in which you are used to evolving.
All the people who have traveled to Peru are unanimous on the subject: Peruvians are of a rare kindness. Indeed, they are very smiling and friendly, they can even be very tactile. However, it depends on the regions! In some parts of Peru, the people are more cold and distant, but that doesn’t make them less benevolent and kind.
A tasty gastronomy
Peruvian cuisine has been influenced by indigenous, fairground traditions, but also by the richness of the country’s resources. To make your mouth water, here are some examples of dishes you can find in Peru:
- Ceviche : This is the country’s most typical dish. Composed of fish marinated in lime, garlic and coriander, this dish is served with sweet potatoes and fresh salad. You can access this dish in most cities in the country. However, for it to be even better, wait until you are in a coastal town where the fish will be very fresh.
- Pollo a la brasa: Grilled chicken is one of the most consumed dishes in Peru. You will find them wherever you go.
- Anticuchos: Anticuchos are marinated and grilled meat skewers. To compose these skewers, Peruvians often use beef heart.
- Papa rellena: You will only find this dish in Peru! These are boiled potatoes wrapped in breadcrumbs. A stuffing consisting of beef, onions, olives and hard-boiled eggs is introduced.
- Rocoto relleno: This dish originates from the city of Arequipa. It includes the Rocoto (an extremely hot pepper) stuffed with meat, onions, garlic, butter, cream and sometimes a hard-boiled egg to cover everything.
From now on, you will know what these dish names correspond to. All you have to do is choose what makes you happy on the menu!
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