5 Reasons Why Travelling to Peru is a Lifetime Experience

Peru is on the east coast of South America, along 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 cloud forest. And even though Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most visited sites, it alone is not enough to fully understand this exotic country. Here are five reasons why travelling to Peru is a lifetime experience:

1. Peru’s remarkable wildlife

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

In Peru’s Amazon, a change of viewpoint can reveal a different side of the rainforest. On our Wonders of Peru tour, a forest trail leads to Lake Sandoval in the Tambopata National Reserve. The lake formed from an old bend in a river. From a wooden canoe, look for ripples that might give away a giant river otter or a black caiman resting near the bank. Later, the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway takes you into the treetops, where you may spot toucans or hear howler monkeys in the forest.

2. Peruvian food 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.

In Lima, free time is a chance to try ceviche. Fresh fish is marinated in lime and tossed with red onion and chilli, often with sweet potato and corn on the side. The traditions behind preparing and sharing ceviche are recognised by UNESCO. In the Sacred Valley, our Wonders of Peru tour includes lunch at a local community project.

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. 

Start in Plaza Mayor, where the cathedral and Government Palace frame the square. As you explore the historic centre, look up for the enclosed wooden balconies that project over the streets. On Wonders of Peru, the afternoon is free to explore further. You could head to Miraflores for a view of the Pacific from Larcomar, which sits above the coast.

Cuzco

The former Inca capital brings together stonework from different periods. Start at Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral overlooks the square. On Wonders of Peru, the city tour also takes in Sacsayhuamán. Look closely at how the huge, irregular blocks fit together along the ruins’ zigzagging walls.

5. The landscapes of the high Andes

On our Latin Wonders of the World tour, the road from Cuzco to Puno stops at La Raya Pass. At around 4,300 metres above sea level, it’s a place to take in the snow-capped peaks and open slopes of the Andes.

On Wonders of Peru, you’ll visit the floating Uros islands on Lake Titicaca and learn how the local communities use totora reeds to build the islands, homes and boats. The trip continues to Taquile, where knitted hats with earflaps and woven belts are still part of everyday dress. Some belts record the island’s farming and ceremonial calendar in their patterns.

View our full range of Peru holidays