Peru

Overview

Peru (Spanish: Perú ) is without a doubt one of the most captivating countries in South America . Home of the epic lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the mind-blowing Nazca Lines , this country's unique past awakens the adventurer in travellers of all sorts. Its awe-inspiring scenery varies from the wild Amazon jungles to vast coastal deserts and the icy peaks of the Andes. Peru hosts a biodiversity rarely seen within the limits of a single country, with a list of spectacular wildlife far beyond the well-known llamas and circling condors. On top of all that, Peru's friendly, multi-ethnic people are a cultural treasure on their own. The enchanting mix of dozens of distinct indigenous groups, mestizos and criollos , all with their own colourful traditions and food delicacies, is an encounter you won't easily forget.

In short, this is a country of unimaginable extremes where choosing your trip destinations may prove a true challenge. Whether you decide to go off the beaten track, follow in the footsteps of thousands of visitors before you who took the Gringo Trail along some of the best highlights, or go experience the jungle through a relaxing multiple-day Amazon boat trip — Peru is likely to amaze you in everything you do.

Sights and landscapes

Many of the best Inca sites are in the Inca Highlands , around the beautiful city of Cuzco , once the capital of the Inca Empire and now a World Heritage Site itself, as well as a bustling city. Book at least half a year in advance if you want to walk the famous 4-day hike Inca Trail , which commonly starts at the 15th century Inca dwellings of Ollantaytambo . Your imagination must be on its A-game to see past the large crowds at the end destination, Machu Picchu , but it's worth your trouble. Wait for the biggest crowds to leave, find a quiet spot away from the tourist hassle and contemplate your view of one of the most famous and spectacular archaeological sites in the world. Many other sites are in the neighboring Sacred Valley .

The list of great Peruvian ruins from Pre-Columbian times is long, and not all of them are of Inca origin. A World Heritage Site, the ancient adobe capital Chan Chan , built by the Chimú culture, was conquered in the 15th century. Other popular sites are the tombs of Sipán , the ruined fortress of Kuelap , the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani , and Caral , the most ancient city in the Americas. Particularly well-known are the spectacular Nazca lines , which you should see from the air, even if it'll take some haggling to get your ticket for the right price.

Home to 84 out of the 104 recognized ecological zones in the world, Peru is incredibly rich in biological diversity . Benefiting from a broad array of landscapes and ecosystems, this country is an extraordinary place for anyone who loves wildlife . It's condors, llamas and jaguars that Peru is famous for, but almost a third of the bird species in the world and no less than 4000 butterflies live here too.

The diversity of Peru's people and cultures is reflected in a rich tradition of festivals, dance and music. In the Andes, the plaintive wail of the flute and beat of the drum accompany songs depicting indigenous life while dancers masked as devils and spirits are a marriage of pagan and Christian beliefs. In the jungle, ceremonial music and dance are a window into tribal life. And along the coast, a blend of elegant Spanish sounds and vibrant African rhythms reflect the Conquest and later slave labor of the New World.

Experiences

Trekking is a great way to see the country. The most widely known route is the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Other popular routes include Cordillera Blanca , Colca Canyon , Ausangate circuit and the Salkantay trail .

Trek prices can vary considerably between companies, as can their respective porters' working conditions (no pack animals are allowed, hence equipment is carried by human porters). Although there is a minimum porter wage (S/42 a day) and maximum load porters can carry (25 kg/55 lb), not all companies keep to their claims!

Culture and food

Fish can be found along the coast (of course), but also in the jungle area since the rivers supply fresh fish (but beware of contamination in the area known as high jungle or selva alta ; chemical run-off from mining and cocaine production pollutes the rivers here). In the Sierra, trout ( truchas ) are bred in several places. A very common fish dish is ceviche, raw fish marinated in lime juice. Popular variations of the dish can include shellfish, and even sea urchin. The exact recipe and mode of preparation of ceviche will vary from region to region. Definitely worth a try, especially in summer, but cleanliness and sanitation make all the difference. Use care when buying from street vendors and remember that it is often served spicy.

Planning your route

Almost all major tourist destinations outside Lima are between one and one and a half hours by plane from the capital. Flying is the most convenient way for getting around Peru. For example, from Lima to Zorritos in Tumbes (beautiful beach with modern resorts), the bus travel time is 21 hours.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.