5 Reasons Why Travelling to Peru is a Lifetime Experience
Peru is located on the east coast of the South American continent, next to the Pacific Ocean. It is a unique, multicultural and colourful destination, a country full of contrasts that come to light after discovering its diverse culture, history, geography, biodiversity and gastronomy; from the coastal lands of the capital and the dunes of Ica, crossing the Andes Mountain Range up to the Peruvian Amazon.
Peru is home to the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world, located outside Cuzco City in the forest brow. And even though Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites in Peru, it alone is not enough to fully comprehend this exotic country. Here are five reasons why travelling to Peru is a lifetime experience:
1. Peru is a mega-biodiverse country
Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with its varying geography and microclimates, its biodiversity attracts scientists and researchers from around the world. In addition, Peru is also a perfect destination for birdwatchers and animal lovers, as it home to a variety of specimens of birds, mammals and amphibians throughout its territory.
Peru's biodiversity in numbers:
- 462 species of mammals (46 endemics)
- 1,816 species of birds (109 endemic birds)
- 2,000 species of saltwater and freshwater fish
- 4,000 species of butterfly (350 endemics)
- 25,000 species of flora (5,000 endemics)
- 4,400 native plants
2. Peruvian gastronomy is superb.
It cannot be described in just a few words, you have to taste it!
Nowadays Peru is living the 'gastronomic boom', as a result of tradition, deep flavour and the diversity of ingredients used in its preparation.
Peruvian gastronomy is about fusion, originality, tradition and change. In a very short amount of time, it has become not only one the most recognised and praised cuisines in the world, but also plays an important part in Peruvian identity.
3. Peru is full of history, culture and folklore
Peru has been a settlement site for many cultures long before the Spanish conquest. The most important and biggest was the Inca culture, whose capital was Cuzco. Nowadays, you can visit the citadel of Machu Picchu, the greatest achievement in Incan architecture that captures the imagination the world over, among many other monuments and fortresses of important historical value.
Moreover, diverse architectural vestiges have been found within Peru's territory. In the north, you can appreciate tombs, fortresses, ceramics and metal works of previous cultures to the Incas like the Lord of Sipan burial complex, the pyramids of Tucume and Chan Chan, among others.
In Lima, the capital of Peru, the historic centre of Lima, built in colonial times, is a must, as well as various museums like Larco and Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI), and Huacas in metropolitan Lima, which are the prologue to the Inca history that continues in Cuzco. Caral, the oldest city in America, is located three hours from Lima city.
4. The great adventure of exploring the unknown
As a country with so much diversity, Peru has a variety of places from which to begin your great adventure Lima
Lima
is a city that coexists between the contrasts and similarities of traditional customs and habits from other countries. Lima is the start point to understand what Peru really means, an imperfect mixture that is still merging.
In Lima there are various activities for those who are searching for an adventure, from discovering how life for Peruvian people was during the colonial era, or following a traditional gastronomic route to get to know the flavours of Peru. You can also start a day with a morning mountain ride by the boardwalk and take surf classes in the Pacific Ocean.
Cuzco
There's so much to discover in Cuzco, from the classic program, where you'll get to know the most visited places, to the adventure of the well-known Inca Trail. Cuzco is a destination that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
5. Outstanding otherworldly landscapes
With so many destinations to discover, you will have plenty of chances of capturing unique moments if you happen to be a photo lover.