What to do in peru?
Updated: July 15, 2024Introduction to Peru
Peru, a South American gem, offers a plethora of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning landscapes and adventurous activities, Peru is a destination that captivates the hearts of many. Whether you're an adventurer, a history buff, or a foodie, there's something in Peru for you.
Exploring Ancient Ruins
Machu Picchu
Arguably the most famous attraction in Peru, Machu Picchu is a must-visit. This ancient Incan city, perched high in the Andes Mountains, offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering of the Inca civilization. To reach Machu Picchu, you can either hike the Inca Trail or take a train from Cusco, the nearest city.
Sacsayhuamán
Located just outside Cusco, Sacsayhuamán is a fortress known for its impressive stone walls. The massive boulders, some weighing over 100 tons, fit together so tightly that not even a piece of paper can slide between them. This site offers panoramic views of Cusco and is a great place to learn about Incan military architecture.
Chan Chan
Situated near Trujillo on the northern coast, Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian city in South America. Built by the Chimu civilization, this adobe city features intricate reliefs and sprawling plazas. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the Chimu people.
Immersing in Peruvian Culture
Traditional Festivals
Peru is known for its vibrant festivals, which are deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and Catholicism. Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is celebrated in Cusco every June and re-enacts Incan rituals. Another notable festival is the Fiesta de la Candelaria in Puno, featuring elaborate costumes, music, and dance.
Local Markets
Visiting local markets is a fantastic way to experience Peruvian culture. Markets like Mercado Central de San Pedro in Cusco and Mercado Central in Lima offer a wide array of local produce, crafts, and street food. These markets provide a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells that are quintessentially Peruvian.
Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is a delightful fusion of indigenous ingredients and international influences. Don't miss trying ceviche, a dish made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices. Another must-try is lomo saltado, a stir-fry that combines marinated strips of sirloin with onions, tomatoes, and other ingredients, served with fried potatoes and rice.
Adventures in Nature
Amazon Rainforest
The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. A visit to the Amazon offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including jaguars, pink river dolphins, and countless bird species. Lodges and guided tours are available from cities like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.
Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. You can hike its trails, visit traditional villages, and watch the majestic Andean condors soar through the skies. The canyon is accessible from the city of Arequipa, which itself is worth exploring for its colonial architecture.
Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It's home to the Uros Floating Islands, made entirely of reeds. You can take a boat tour to visit these islands and learn about the unique way of life of the Uros people. The town of Puno serves as the gateway to Lake Titicaca.
Urban Experiences
Lima
Lima, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis that offers a mix of modernity and history. The Historic Centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts colonial architecture and important landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the Monastery of San Francisco. The city is also a gastronomic hub, with numerous acclaimed restaurants.
Cusco
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a city steeped in history. Its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and archaeological sites make it a fascinating place to explore. Don't miss the Cusco Cathedral and the Qorikancha temple. The city is also the starting point for trips to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Arequipa
Known as the "White City" due to its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone, Arequipa is a city with a unique charm. The historic center, another UNESCO World Heritage site, features the stunning Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Monastery. The city's culinary scene is also noteworthy, with traditional dishes like rocoto relleno.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
Kuelap
Often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of the North," Kuelap is a fortress built by the Chachapoyas culture. Located in the cloud forests of northern Peru, it features massive stone walls and circular buildings. The site is less crowded than Machu Picchu, offering a more tranquil experience.
Huacachina
Huacachina is a desert oasis located near the city of Ica. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, it's a popular spot for sandboarding and dune buggy rides. The oasis itself is picturesque, with a lagoon at its center and palm trees providing shade.
Huascarán National Park
For those who love mountain adventures, Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca offers some of the best trekking and climbing opportunities in Peru. The park is home to Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru, and features stunning glacial lakes, diverse flora, and fauna.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
Paracas National Reserve
Located on the southern coast, Paracas National Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various bird species. A boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called the "Poor Man's Galápagos," offers close encounters with these animals.
Tambopata National Reserve
Situated in the Amazon Basin, Tambopata National Reserve is known for its incredible biodiversity. It's one of the best places in Peru to see macaws, giant otters, and capybaras. Eco-lodges in the area offer guided tours that include jungle hikes, canopy walks, and night excursions.
Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Another jewel of the Amazon, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is a vast area of flooded forests and winding rivers. It's an excellent place for spotting pink river dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species. River cruises and guided tours provide an immersive experience in this remote wilderness.
Peru's allure lies in its rich tapestry of experiences, each offering a unique window into the country's soul. Whether you're drawn to its ancient ruins, vibrant culture, or natural wonders, Peru promises a journey filled with discovery and adventure.
Related Questions
Peru's official language is Spanish, spoken by approximately 84% of the population. Spanish was introduced to Peru in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, and it has since become the dominant language in government, media, and education. The Spanish spoken in Peru has its own unique characteristics and regional dialects. For instance, Coastal Spanish (spoken in Lima and other coastal cities) often differs in pronunciation and vocabulary from Andean Spanish, which is spoken in the highland regions.
Ask HotBot: What language does peru speak?
Peru is a country situated on the western edge of South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It shares its northern borders with Ecuador and Colombia, to the east with Brazil, to the southeast with Bolivia, and to the south with Chile. This strategic location places Peru at the crossroads of several significant ecological and cultural regions.
Ask HotBot: Where is peru?
The Historical Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into the rich history of the city. Start your journey at the Plaza Mayor, the birthplace of Lima, where you can admire the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace. These colonial-era buildings showcase stunning Spanish architecture and are steeped in historical significance.
Ask HotBot: What to do in lima peru?
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol, symbolized as S/. and abbreviated as PEN. The Peruvian Sol was introduced in 1991, replacing the previous currency, the Peruvian Inti. The Sol is subdivided into 100 centimos. It was named after the historical currency, the "Sol de Oro," which was in use between 1863 and 1985.
Ask HotBot: What is the currency of peru?