Food & Drink
Discover the diverse allure of Peru, where luxurious resorts meet vibrant street food scenes. Explore twelve compelling reasons to visit, from ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences and culinary delights.
by Frances Mayes
19-07-2024
Finding your ideal holiday is as easy as searching the globe. While many tourists spend months—if not years—planning their dream vacation to Asia or Europe, Peru is a popular but relatively unknown location.
The South American nation is most famous for the thousands of tourists that go there every day to see the ancient Incan ruins at Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is a must-see for any traveler to this stunning, culturally varied, and picturesque nation, but that's hardly all there is to see and do.
From the vibrant Andes Mountains to the cascading waterfalls of the Amazon region, adventurers will adore the breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. Pisco Sours at Lima pubs and fresh ceviche and Amazonian snails in restaurants are sure to please any foodie. Travelers interested in art, history, or both will enjoy a visit to the Sacred Valley to explore local crafts and the Nazca Lines. No matter where you travel, you will find lots of opulent accommodations, such as first-rate hotels and wonderful resorts, where you may unwind.
Put another way, Peru caters to all tastes.
Now more than ever, Peru is a fantastic vacation option for individuals of all budgets, thanks to its improved infrastructure and easier accessibility. During the dry season, which lasts from June to September, Peru is at its most beautiful, making it the perfect summer destination for adventurers.
But in case you still need convincing, I've compiled a list of Peru's top attractions.
Over five thousand people visit this old ruin every day, and it's easy to see why. As one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World," as reported by Frommers, it was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. If adventurers and nature lovers wish to view the breathtaking landscapes that surround Machu Picchu, they can embark on a four-day Inca Trail trek that ends at the ruins.
Here is an Instagram photo that will make your followers green with envy. Vinicunca, whose English name is Montaña de Siete Colores, is a mountain in the Andes mountains close to Cusco. A journey that is truly rich in culture, history, and natural beauty may be had by taking a colorful climb in the mountains and staying in the adjacent city of Cusco.
You won't regret visiting Cusco if you're able to handle the high altitude (more than 11,000 feet above sea level). Cusco is a treasure trove of interesting artifacts and historical sites. The Points Guy suggests the Museo Inka, where you can see mummies, the Temple of the Sun, the city's former religious center, and San Blas, where you can shop 'til you drop. Additionally, it ranks high among the greatest (and least expensive) foreign retirement destinations.
As a city with a rich cultural history, Lima is a paradise for gourmands. There are many places to have a decent lunch that vary in price and style, but street food is cheap and tastes as excellent as any restaurant's cuisine. Sample some of the best food in the Andes, including empanadas, sausage, ceviche, and dry guinea pig, a regional specialty.
Among the must-see attractions in Peru's sacred valley is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water at 12,500 feet, and one of the biggest lakes in South America. Inkaterra Titilaka, a brand new resort hotel, is available to meet all of your opulent needs. Tourists can take in the breathtaking scenery on foot or visit the local markets to witness artisans at work.
Peru is often associated with its mountainous interior, but you might be surprised to learn that the country also boasts a breathtaking coastline. For beach bums, Máncora is an absolute must-have. Because it is one of the best places in the world to go surfing, a lot of people go there.
If only to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines in southern Peru, conspiracy theorists and UFO aficionados should make a point to visit Peru. The lines have sparked numerous ideas about their appearance, with some focusing on extraterrestrials. Spanning 386 square miles (1,000 square kilometers), they consist of 300 distinct figures. To really appreciate the intriguing sculptures, an overhead tour is the way to go.
Peru is more than simply the Andes—it's home to the Amazon Rainforest, which occupies almost 60% of the nation. Its accessibility is the finest aspect about visiting the Peruvian Amazon. The Amazon is far more accessible than Brazil; a two-hour flight connects Lima and Iquitos, the rainforest's entry point. From that point on, you can embark on excursions, such as an Amazon cruise.
The Telegraph states that the southwest region of Peru is home to the stunning Huacachina lagoon. As one of the country's most tranquil locations, it attracts many seeking respite from the scorching desert. As an activity, you can go sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding but on sand, or just rest by the water.
The first luxury sleeper train in South America is an awe-inspiring mode of transportation. Multiple itineraries are available, and the train travels up one of the world's highest railway routes (16,000 feet above sea level). You have the option to visit Cusco, Lake Titicaca, the Sumbay Caves, or the La Raya Mountain Range, all of which are worth exploring. View the terrain and animals, such as alpacas, in their natural habitat, which is quite breathtaking.
This traditional Peruvian cocktail is delicious, and you should try it if you haven't already. Almost anyplace in the country sells this beverage. Lime juice, simple syrup, ice, egg white, Angostura bitters, and pisco—a brandy created by distilling fermented grape juice into a high-proof spirit—are the ingredients that go into making it. A little bit like a whiskey sour, but with more flavor.
The Points Guy claims that traveling to Peru is now considerably simpler than it was before. More and more airlines are offering flights to Peru from major US cities including LA, NYC, and DC. From Miami and Dallas, even major airlines like American Airlines fly directly to Lima. It's also a fantastic spot for budget-conscious travelers because the city isn't too pricey to visit.