The South-American country Peru is culturally rich with the heritage of the once powerful Inca Empire. The country is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest, with its borders sparsely populated. The unique geological make-up and history of Peru makes it an amazing destination to visit. The country’s traditional culture is open to everyone to explore and their natural and man-made attractions also give additional charm for the visitors worldwide. Scroll down below to know what to do when visiting Peru!
Tour the famous Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a holder of one of the titles of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This hilltop ruins of the Incan Empire rests 7,000 feet above sea level of the Andes Mountains. The way to get to the citadel is to start from Cusco, take the train or bus to Aguas Calientes town and then take the public bus to the citadel.
Photo by Chelsea Cook
Fly over the Nazca Lines
The mysterious Nazca Lines are etched in the desert 400 km south of Lima Peru. It is incredibly mysterious scholars all over the world have drawn theories regarding its origin. One of the theories even talked about aliens. The lines can be viewed in a nearby museum but flying over gives the best experience and booking requires days in advance.
Photo by Monika Neumann
Photo by Patrick Hendry
See the Splendor of Peru’s Condors
The Andean Condors are known to be the world’s largest flying bird. The bird’s distribution range spreads from the countries of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Visitors can get to see them by riding the bus over to the Andes Mountains and then to the Colca Canyon. Fun fact: The Colca Canyon is the world’s second deepest canyon. Trekking trips are also offered there.
Sightsee at the city of Arequipa
Arequipa is a city of Peru framed by three volcanoes. Its baroque buildings were made with the neighboring volcanic stones giving it its marble color. Plaza de Armas is its famous historic center. North of the city is the neoclassical Basilica Cathedral which houses a museum of historic and religious artworks.
Photo by Megan Kotlus
Hike the trail to the Rainbow Mountain
The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca of Peru is an instagram worthy destination but reaching the place is just as hard. The adventure traverses high-altitude snow-capped mountains, marshy meadows and red desert mountains. What makes it more difficult is the low oxygen but physically taxing trip. Still, the trip is rewarded with the magnificent rainbow mountain views visitors could never hope to see anywhere else.
Photo by Johnson Wang
Tour around the city of Cusco
What makes Cusco unique is its history as once the capital of the Incan Empire with architectural Inca stonework and the Spanish colonial architecture. What’s more, it is the oldest inhabited city of the Americas and is branded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has its Plaza de Armas the baroque Santo Domingo Convent.
Photo by DCChefAnna
Try Peru’s cuisine at Cusco
Peruvian cuisine consists of the staple ingredients; corn, quinoa, potatoes, kiwicha, and kaniwa. Food staples from the Spanish influence are the meat, rice, and wheat. Their must-try and most famous food is the ceviche, a dish made with fresh raw fish ‘cooked’ with citrus juices with onion, cilanthro, tomatoes, and salt.
Photo by maksampaio0
Photo by maksampaio0
Climb and Sandsurf at Cerro Blanco
Cerro Blanco is at the Sechura Desert in the south of Peru. It has the nearby oasis desert town Huacachina. Visitors can get the most of the area by riding the desert buggies for hours or climb up the desert of Cerro Blanco, step on the board and slide down at the height of the sands.
Witness amazing wildlife at Ballestas Islands
If you are love zoos and animals, visiting Ballestas Islands is definitely a must. It is Peru’s natural and unrestricted version of the zoos in the form of Islands within the Paracas District of the Pisco Province. There are pelicans, penguins, humpback whales, sea lions and many more that occupy the region!
Photo by Taik Lee
Take a tour to the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of Peru is located in the Andean highlands surrounded with mountains and it features some of the Incan ruins and temples. It was once an important area for maize production for the Incan empire and the area is the distribution point for the coca leaf and chile peppers to Cuzco. Its remarkable sites aside from the ruins are Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Photo by Paul Daly
Trek the Cordillera Blanca
The Cordillera Blanca is one of the mountain ranges in the larger Andes range of Peru. It has several peaks and individual glaciers. One of its famous trek trails is the Santa Cruz Trek. The trek is 30.1 miles long, with trails well marked and not extremely challenging.
Photo by Thorge
Photo by Photo by Grace Q from Tripadvisor
Dare to stay at the hanging transparent pods
The skylodge adventure suites built hanging transparent pods in the cliffs of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba of Peru. Experience a thrilling stay at the cliff with transportation to and from the lodge, a guide, and a gourmet dinner or lunch overlooking the valley below.
We have handpicked the best adventures one could go for but Peru is definitely more than what’s in this list that you should go and visit the country personally! Share us in the comments which of the following above you have tried!
Read our previous Switzerland post which is
13 Magnificent and Panoramic Swiss Lakes You Should Go Visit!
in case you missed it!
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