by Nancy Molina
I am very proud to call Peru my home. Peru is a unique and beautiful country, extremely diverse with a lot to offer!
From diverse cultures to incredible archeological sites, worldwide famous cuisine and dramatic landscapes.
Peru really has it all and here are my top pick reasons why you should make it your next travel destination!
1. Peru is a mega-diverse country
Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world. In simple terms, there are 103 different ecosystems in the world and Peru is home to 84, and 28 of the 32 different climates on the planet.
Peru is one of the world’s 17 mega diverse countries, when combined these mega-diverse countries make 70% of the planet’s total diversity. How crazy is that!
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 butterflies (350 endemics)
- 25,000 species of flora (5,000 endemics)
- 4,400 native plants
EXPERIENCE PERU’S MEGA-DIVERSITY IN THESE TRIPS
2. Peru’s history, culture & folklore:
Peruvian heritage is a rich fusion of ancient Incan, pre-Incan, and Spanish cultures, mixing with fused others from Europe, Africa and Asia. Each of these has its own history and traditions that have been passed on from generations or that have adapted to the modernising country.
Peru history is ancient, starting with the 5000 years old civilisation of Caral, the oldest in the Americas. In Peru you will find architectural masterpieces, UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful intricate art and delicious dishes; the legacy of all of these cultures are present today and very much alive in every corner of the country celebrating over 3 000 festivals each year.
Sacred religious events, with music and dance playing an integral role in peruvian’s identity.
EXPERIENCE PERU’S RICH CULTURE IN THESE TRIPS
3. Peru’s cuisine:
Believe me when I say: Peruvian food and cuisine alone is enough reason to visit Peru! Peruvian food can’t be describe in just a few words, you need to taste it!
Peruvian cuisine is experiencing a “gastronomical boom” and has quickly become one of the most trendy and recognised in the foodie world. Peruvian food is all about originality, diversity of ingredients (due the diversity its land), fusion (influenced by local, Spanish, African & Asian flavours), tradition and it is a big part of Peruvian identity.
As a Peruvian I can say that we eat well, we eat a lot and we eat often. Do me a favour and next time you are in Peru check the amount of street food that you can find (and all very affordable).
Some of the local favourites are: Lomo Saltado, Ceviche, Ají de Gallina and Torta Tres Leches.
Why is Peruvian food so special? The diverse range of agricultural products has a important role to play: more than 4,000 varieties of potato, 2,000 sweet potatoes, 35 types of corn, 15 species of tomato, 600 species of native fruit, etc.
TASTE PERU’S CUISINE WITH THESE EXPERIENCES
Taste the flavours of Peru, learn about the the food culture and prepare lunch or dinner
Discover the history of cocoa in Peru and learn why it is one of the top chocolate producers in the world.
4. Machu Picchu
Explore of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu
In 1983, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site, and in 2007, it was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by general vote.
5. the Andes Mountains
The diverse landscape, the multiple mountain ranges and the road network build by the Incas make Peru is a trekking paradise!
Some of the most famous routes are: The Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Choquequirao Trek, Rainbow Mountain, The Huayhuash Circuit… just to mention a few. The natural scenery throughout each trek makes for an unforgettable experience.
The treks can be day trips or multi days hiking, on the easier side or some to challenge yourself and if you want to conquer the mountains where only a few go you can also find it in Peru.
One of the best trekking routes in the world: The Inca Trail
Hike the Andes Mountains and conquer the ancient paths of the Incas.
The Inca Trail covers approx 40km, from the start point “Km82” to the citadel. And it takes you on journey of discovery spending 3 nights in incredible unspoiled nature in comfortable campsites, while witness the beauty of the Andes and the dramatic changes of scenery.
When hiking the Inca Trail you will have the opportunity to step in the ancient footsteps of the Inca’s and visit the most incredible archeological sites. This is the only trekking route that will take you directly to Machu Picchu.
Our local team will take of all of the details. From our experienced trekking guides to a team of porters that will carry all the camping equipment and wait for you at the campsites with delicious warm food.
Finally on the last day you will have the opportunity to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World & UNESCO site: Machu Picchu.
HIKE THE INCA TRAIL IN THESE TRIPS
6. Community Tourism:
Peru is a country that is full of small communities living in the countryside, mountains and jungle. Often, they live very simple lives, having preserved traditional agricultural practices. Many of the communities live so remotely from the rest of the country, that they have preserved their native language, practicing it day in and day out.
Rural community tourism offers a new way of experiencing Peru, a unique opportunity to connect in an authentic way and share unforgettable moments with local communities!
Unlike most conventional tours, Community-Based Experiences allow us to truly have a positive impact on the destination we travel to. The experience is about meeting local people and being immersed in their daily life, learn about their culture, their traditions and practices in a way that is respectful and creating impact for the community, getting more people involved in the tourism chain.
Some services offered in Community-Based Tourism are: demonstrations and participation of travellers in several local activities like traditional cooking, taking part of agricultural activities, walks or hikes in the surroundings areas with a community hosts, homestays with local families to mention a few.
7. Diverse and dramatic landscapes:
As previously mentioned Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world so that means that you can visit sunny beaches with warm waters and surf, hike the Andes mountains and see some incredibles glacier lakes and explore the dense amazon jungle in the same holiday.
Peru, is a unique and beautiful country, has been one of the fastest growing destinations due the variety of experiences that offers to everyone!
Safe travels!
Nancy