When you arrive in Peru, you will notice the vibrant colours from the intricately woven products crafted and worn by locals. Peruvian textiles are some of the most famous in the world as the people here have an infinite capacity for creativity. You will also see this in the handcrafted woodcarvings, paintings, jewellery and more. A visit to one of the many markets and boutiques will bring joy as you engage with the locals and learn more about their way of life.
With more than 5,000 archaeological sites in Peru, there are many stories to be told. The ancient Inca sites are considered to be some of the most beautiful and mysterious in the world. The most famous is Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage site. For the adventurer, you can reach this historic sanctuary by hiking one of the most popular and memorable treks on this earth, the Inca Trail. There are many amazing treks throughout this country that range from light to more challenging.
The mysterious Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs that are etched in the Nazca Desert.
The Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons and home to the majestic Andean condor.
Home to the fairytale-like Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable body of water.
The Amazon River where you can board a small ship to take in the rich diversity of plants and animal life, including the rare and beautiful pink dolphins. A visit to a local community and a night walk in the jungle is a great experience.
There are around 3,000 festivals and events that take place in Peru. Attending one of these is an incredible addition to your travel experience. Here are a few that you should add to your “must-see” list:
Festival of the Sun, takes place every June 24 and is the most important festivity of the Inca empire. The ceremony calls upon the sun to return while the people of Cusco celebrate with music and dancing. Actors play the roles of the Inca and his royal entourage, in a lavish recreation of the Inca festivities.
This festival takes place one week in November and involves a huge procession from Lake Titicaca into the town to commemorate the legend of the first Inca emperor. After the parade, the event explodes into nights of dancing and music.
For those who enjoy either soft and/or hard adventure, there are lots of things for you to do, including trekking, kayaking, mountaineering, surfing, diving, sandboarding, horseback riding, and the list goes on.
There are slower-paced activities, as well including visits to museums, city tours, community visits, weaving classes, art galleries, luxury train journeys, to name a few. You will also enjoy shopping at local boutiques where you can find unique items created by Peruvian designers and artisans. Additionally, Peru is a paradise for bird lovers along with those who enjoy flora and fauna.
Peruvian cuisine boasts more native dishes than any other country in the world. From traditional local food to gourmet Haute fusion, Peru’s tables are turning the heads of international chefs and lovers of cuisine. Two of the top restaurants in the world are found in Lima along with the world’s best female chef. Exploring the country’s gastronomy may turn out to be one of the most memorable parts of your trip. Add on a cooking class to learn local favourites like ceviche and Pisco Sour. Participate in the preparation process of Pachamanca (Mother Earth), an ancient cooking technique of the Peruvian Andes that consists of burying food next to hot stones.
Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, as it contains 28 out of 32 types of climates in the world. The Amazon is humid and tropical, the Andes is mild and dry, with strong temperature fluctuations, and the coast brings sunshine year-round in the Northern Coast, while in the Central and South Coast the climate is mild, rainless but humid.
There is a range of accommodations in Peru from tenting along the Inca Trail to staying in luxury accommodations that reflect the Peruvian culture. A highlight for many is a homestay on one of the floating islands in Lake Titicaca or a stay at an eco-lodge in the Amazon. If you have no fear, you may enjoy staying in a Sky Lodge.
Peruvians embrace visitors with warmth and kindness. They are proud to show off their country and traditions. Peru is a destination where you can truly indulge in immersive travel experiences.
