FCS

7 Reasons to Visit Peru

posted in FCS, South America . posted by on September 24, 2008 . 20 Comments

There’s something fascinating about each place on Earth but Peru has one of the most unique gifts of all – a cultural and natural treasure that has been fascinating people for millenniums.  Traveling between the mystical Andes and the legendary Amazonian jungle leads one to new human experiences. Here’s our pick for the 7 most fascinating things about Peru!

1. The beaches

There’s no secret to it, you can find world-class resorts and beaches mainly located south of Lima, Peru’s capital. The most popular beaches are considered Punta Sal, El Silencio, Punta Hermosa, Santa María and Pucusana. Surfers will find paradise in one of Peru’s top surfing spots such as Costa Verde, Herradura and Punta Rocas. Beaches in Peru cater to every taste, offering world-class inns, nautical clubs, plenty of entertainment opportunities, yachts and numerous restaurants.

2. The people

Peruvians are quite curious people mainly because of the fact that they haven’t got to travel much, outside of their surroundings. They are known for being creative and hard-working people, trying to survive and cope with the country’s fragile economy. Most of them don’t have time to travel and they haven’t even been outside of their city or village, so you can imagine their interest when they meet tourists from abroad. They are friendly and peaceful, willing to help out in a delicate situation.

3. The cuisine

As a country with 8 different types of climates, Peru has one of the most varied cuisines you can come across. The dishes in Lima reflect the country’s history as a Spanish colonial port, so you’ll taste a delicious mixture of Spaniard, African, Asian and Amerindian influences altogether. Many dishes will include rice or corn and potatoes. The Andean delicacy most tourists are reluctant to try, but which is often regarded as tender and juicy is guinea pig meat. There are also plenty of dishes including fish and seafood along the coast and in the jungle areas. If you have a weak stomach, then be cautious since most of the Peruvian dishes are very spicy and quite heavy.

4. The Andes


The Andes that run the entire length of South America, extending over seven countries encompass several fascinating ecosystems. Throughout the Peruvian mountains, you’ll find many reminders of the Inca Empire than once ruled the lands. The Cordillera Blanca is one of the most popular ranges in Peru, with over 70 summits of over 18,000 feet. Most of these mountains are easily accessible, if one follows the regular routes. Hundreds of similar routes are being bolted every year so you’re bound to find some challenging roads. You can also head down to see one of nature’s most amazing sculptures – the world’s deepest canyons, the Cañón del Colca and Cañón del Cotahuasi

5. The ancient ruins

Add the ancient Inca ruins, one of the most beautiful and mysterious sites in the world, to your list of must-visit places. The most popular attractions among tourists are especially the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The jewel of the northern highlands is another ancient civilization – the city of Chan Chan, while the southern border attracts visitors with Lake Titicaca and the city of Puno. The Museo de la Nación and Museo Rafael Larco Herrera in Lima hold most of the artifacts coming from these lost civilizations.

6. The handicrafts


Peru is also famous for the numerous, creative handicrafts that will really impress your friends. While you get a great souvenir, you also support traditions and help many families make a decent living. You’ll find everything from musical instruments to jewelry, from wall carpets to handmade pullovers and from wood carvings to traditional clothing. If it’s too much for your budget, you can always bargain your way into a cheaper souvenir.

7. The drinks


If there’s anything Peru can take pride in, except the landscapes and food, it’s the drinks – the famous wines coming from the Pisco-Nasca area, and strong and tasty beer. The best part of all is that you’ll always be served two drinks instead of one. Don’t forget to try Inca kola, Peru’s equivalent of Coca Cola or the Coca tea, a legal drink made form coca leaves perfect for adjusting to high altitudes. There’s also emoliente – a thick but refreshing tea or pisco sour, a sweet but strong drink containing egg whites.

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

20 Comments for "7 Reasons to Visit Peru"

aidan says on September 25th, 2008 at 1:37 am:

i’d love to go…will someone take me…we’ll have a magical time…WWWOOOWW

Mitch says on September 25th, 2008 at 2:53 am:

Hey this is all great but the Materva drink is originally from Cuba and it is produced in Miami. A lot of Cubans would be disappointed if it is taken away from them. It’s one of our favorite drinks. Research, research.

Cheers,
Mitch

timm says on September 25th, 2008 at 3:29 am:

….and the Amazon rainforest! I visited Peru once, and that is where I went. amazing

Dean says on September 25th, 2008 at 5:24 am:

Inca Kola is the biggest selling soft drink in Peru. Looks like wee, tastes like creaming soda and even outsells Coca Cola. It was for this very reason that the Coca Cola Company now owns…you guessed it…Inca Kola! What a shame that is.

Ron Edison says on September 26th, 2008 at 10:18 pm:

I actually had the pleasure to visit. I would love to live in Chicalayo

Ron Edison says on September 26th, 2008 at 10:19 pm:

I had the pleasure to live in Lambayaque for a few months and I loved it. If you are down that way you must visit A restaurant called El Pacifico

Thai Hotel Expert says on September 27th, 2008 at 9:21 pm:

would love to go there someday especially to see Machu Picchu at least once in a life time.

Natalie says on October 13th, 2008 at 7:18 pm:

Amazing country! I’ve been there several times now, and each time is better than the last. And Machu Picchu is definitely a must-see!

erika says on October 22nd, 2008 at 2:17 pm:

AWESOME CONTRY!! THE BEST ONE IN LATIN AMERICA!! YOU HAVE TO GO….THEIR FOOD….MMMMM

Miakataylor says on February 7th, 2009 at 11:56 pm:

I lived in lima, Peru and it is by far the best place I have ever seen. if you go to Lima be sure to see Larco Mar. any Taxi driver will know where it is. Larco mar is like an outdoor Mall, It has things from Hooters to daily cosmic bowling. Lima is also the most beautiful city i have seen. It has many beautiful parks and gardens filled with flowers and the people there are so nice. nobody is mean and there are practicaly no criminals.
If you do visit also be sure to go to to a couple of great restaraunts. Tanta is a great restaraunt with some of the best cuisine, the deserts are a delacasy and the whole aura is gorgous. Huacapuciana is also one of the best restaraunts ever. it is located on a site of ancient peruvian ruins and after you eat their unbelievable food you can take a tour of the well-know ruins. There are many other restaraunts too including the french bakery, La Bolangerie.

Miakataylor says on February 8th, 2009 at 12:03 am:

if you live near Boston there is also a great Peruvian restaraunt even run by people who are from Peru. it is called Machu piccu after the famous incan settelment. it is at 307 Somerville Ave, Somerville in boston Massachusetts you can also call for a resevation at (617) 628-7070. It has only a few tables, about 15 and it is a very popular restaraunt. If you do end up going they will put a snack on th table when you arive of corn and a spicy cucumber dip. i suggust to get the chicha Morada drink. it is a suggary juice made of a purple corn indiginous to peru.

Juan Gomez says on April 22nd, 2009 at 11:15 pm:

How many tourists visit Peru each year?

Manuel says on July 6th, 2009 at 2:44 am:

Juan,
aprox 2 million people no so much compares with Mexico or Spain but tourist industry in Peru is almost brand new and a couplpe of year it was aroun half million!

Olivia says on March 29th, 2010 at 5:23 pm:

BOOOOO! NOT GOOD WHAT THE HELL IS THAT FOOD!!

maxx says on June 8th, 2010 at 12:36 am:

EVERYONE SHOULD GO TO PERU ITS AMAZINGGGG MANY PEOPLE DONT KNOW HOW GREAT IT IS

maxx says on June 8th, 2010 at 12:37 am:

peru is AMAZING

Violeta says on June 26th, 2010 at 11:28 am:

HEY MIAKATAYLOR it is very nice of You writing about Peru, but please check your spelling before you post something. Do not take it in the wrong way just a simple observation.
My country its awesome.

Darlene says on June 28th, 2010 at 3:30 am:

Went to Lima in March and took a bus trip over the Andes to San Ramon. Beautiful scenery at every turn. Changes frequently; from desert to high altitude wasteland; from fertile farming villages nestled in the valleys to a lush, tropical oasis. Worth every second. The drivers are crazy, though. In Lima and over the mountain, it’s a free-for-all.

Aida says on November 27th, 2010 at 7:42 pm:

I’m peruvian acctualy i live in fort lauderdale fla i miss everythig about my loved cautry.music food etc i recommend you go to visit trere is a lot of fun Peru is exotic place.

Ronald says on October 10th, 2011 at 10:35 am:

You all talk about the amazing country Peru is, but beyond these comment I’d like you to Know according to Natural Institute Britain researchers that Peru is the Eden, because after a global catasthrophe is able to regenerate the nature because of The 95% of the global biodiversity in flora, birds, sea species and others are in peru. 3,000 types of potatoes, 50 types unique fruits. Quinua, food that the NASA bring along to space to be cultivated due to there is no food so nourishing ever found. Lemon from Peru, with such unique caracteristics. Hybrid fruit such mango/papaya; pear/apple; and others such yummy that it would take a page to mention them. The icecream of LUCMA, in the world you’ll never find such amazing taste.Antonio Raymondi Italian researcher said once “Peru is a beggar sitting on a bench of GOLD” but soon that could be about to change The economy is increasing every year without to be affected from global financial crisis. In last 3 recent years the peruvian food is becoming so popular that the world’s Numer One Chef Ferran Adria says “I feel envy for the peruvian food” in the latest peruvian food festival which is held every september during a whole week. Could you imagine that hundreds of individuals from USA and Europe bought a flight just to go and eat last september?. The next year even will be better.

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