Peru Travel Guide
Discover Why You Should Visit Peru
Why Visit Peru?
Peru offers a captivating journey through time and nature — from ancient Inca ruins and colonial architecture to the majestic Andes and the depths of the Amazon. Whether you’re hiking to Machu Picchu or exploring culinary delights in Lima, Peru is a cultural and scenic treasure.
Ideal for: History enthusiasts, hikers, cultural travelers, and food lovers.
Must-Know Facts
Capital/Major City: Lima
Language(s): Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season)
Fun Fact: Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Top Things to Do
Visit Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail or train from Cusco
Explore the Sacred Valley and the city of Cusco
Tour the floating islands of Lake Titicaca
Discover colonial and modern life in Lima
Journey through the Amazon rainforest
Local Culture & Lifestyle
Peruvian culture is a blend of Indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial heritage. Festivals, music, and clothing reflect a deep-rooted history. In rural areas, people live with strong community ties and ancient customs.
Urban centers like Lima and Arequipa are bustling, with a blend of modernity and tradition.
Food & Drink Highlights
Street Food: Anticuchos (grilled beef heart), tamales, empanadas
Restaurants: Ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina
Drinks: Pisco sour, chicha morada, Inca Kola, coca tea
Desserts: Picarones, alfajores, arroz con leche
Main Dish & Culinary Symbols
Signature Dish: Ceviche — raw fish marinated in citrus juices with onions and chili
Common Ingredients: Corn, potatoes, chili peppers, fresh herbs, seafood
Culinary Culture: Recognized globally for fusion cuisine that blends Indigenous, Spanish, and Asian flavors
Symbols & Icons of the Area
Natural Icons: Andes Mountains, Amazon Basin, Colca Canyon
Cultural Icons: Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, Inca textiles, pan flutes
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
Kuelap — a pre-Incan fortress in the northern Andes
Huacachina — a desert oasis with sandboarding and dune buggy rides
Rainbow Mountain — a colorful natural wonder near Cusco
Choquequirao — a lesser-known Incan site often compared to Machu Picchu
Shopping & Souvenirs
What to Buy: Alpaca wool garments, handmade pottery, silver jewelry, traditional musical instruments
Where to Shop: Artisan markets in Cusco, Pisac, and Lima
Getting Around
Public Transport: Buses, colectivos, and metro in Lima
Driving: Useful in rural regions but mountain roads require caution
Flying: Efficient for travel between Lima, Cusco, and other major areas
Travel Tips
Acclimate slowly to high altitudes, especially in Cusco and Lake Titicaca
Learn basic Spanish phrases and be respectful of Indigenous customs
Carry cash for smaller markets and rural areas
Book Machu Picchu permits and Inca Trail treks in advance
Where to Stay
Budget: Hostels and family-run guesthouses
Mid-range: Boutique hotels in historic city centers
Luxury: Upscale resorts in the Sacred Valley and Lima
Unique: Eco-lodges in the Amazon, colonial-style accommodations
Sample 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima, explore the Historic Center and Miraflores
Day 2: Fly to Cusco, acclimate and walk through San Blas and local markets
Day 3: Visit Sacred Valley and overnight in Ollantaytambo
Day 4: Journey to Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
0 Comments