Top 10 Things To Do in Peru and What to Eat There
Peru is a country that is rich in culture and history. It has many natural wonders, such as the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, and it boasts breathtaking landscapes like the Andes mountains. The Peruvian people are very friendly and will be more than happy to show you around. Here are some top things to do in Peru that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. See the Monuments of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city that was built in the 1400s. It was built high up in the mountains and is a beautiful example of Inca architecture. The Incas were a very advanced civilization, and they had many impressive structures that are still standing today. Today, Machu Picchu is one of the top tourist attractions in Peru, and it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be visited by train or by foot, but it is best to go with a tour guide who knows the area well and can provide you with information about what you’re seeing.
2. Visit the Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are located in southern Peru on top of a plateau that is about 2,000 feet above sea level. They are several miles long and are made up of hundreds of different geoglyphs (or “Earth drawings”). These drawings are different in size, shape and complexity. Some of them are simple lines and geometric shapes, and others are more complex, such as birds or monkeys. To this day, no one knows what the lines were used for or who created them. Scientists have come up with several theories about their purpose, but there is still no definite answer.
3. Trek through the Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains are the longest mountain range on Earth and they span about 10,000 km (6,200 miles) from Venezuela to Chile. The highest peak in the Andes is Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, which stands at 6,961 m (22,841 ft). If you’re interested in hiking or climbing mountains, then this is definitely a place to check out.
4. Take a boat ride through the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is probably one of the most famous rainforests on Earth because of its immense size and biodiversity. It is located in the Amazon Basin, which is in northern South America and covers an area of about 7.4 million km² (2.8 million mi²). The Amazon contains about one-third of all known species on Earth!
5. Explore Lima
Lima is the capital city of Peru and it sits along the Pacific coast. It is one of the oldest cities in South America, dating back to 1535 when it was founded by Spanish conquistadors. Lima boasts many museums, cathedrals, and historical sites that will keep you busy for days!
6. See the oasis at Ica
The oasis at Ica is known as one of the most unique places in South America. It is a desert oasis that receives an average of only 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) of rain per year, which makes it an extremely arid place to live. The oasis itself is not very big, but it has a small town that was established in the 19th century by Spanish settlers.
7. See Paracas
Paracas is located on the southern coast of Peru and it is home to one of the most important paleontology sites in the world. The Paracas National Reserve is a must-see because of its abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. You can also see some of the earliest known textiles in South America at the Paracas History Museum, which makes it a unique cultural experience.
8. See Arequipa's White Monastery
Arequipa, Peru is one of the most important cities in all of South America because it was a major colonial center during Spanish rule. The city has many beautiful churches, cathedrals, and monasteries that are still intact today! One such place is called The White Monastery , which was built in 1579 by Spanish architect Diego de Velasco . It's a perfect place to get a feel for colonial architecture and design!
9. See the Reserva Nacional Islas Ballestas
This is one of the most important tourist attractions in Peru because it houses some of the most amazing wildlife in all of South America. It's a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers to visit because it has a wide variety of animals and plants that are unique to this area.
10. Learn About Peru's Ancient History at Chan Chan
Chan Chan is one of the largest pre-Incan ruins in all of South America, which makes it a popular tourist attraction. Here you can learn about Peru's ancient history, which dates back to around 1200 AD. There is also an onsite museum where you can see many different artifacts that were found here!
Top Things To Eat in Peru
1. Ceviche
Peru is known for its amazing seafood, which means that ceviche is a must-try! It's made with fresh raw fish, lime juice, onions, and chili peppers. The ingredients are mixed together and served with sliced avocado. It's absolutely delicious and you'll never want to leave Peru once you've tried it!
2. Pisco Sour
Peru is also famous for Pisco , a liquor that was created in Peru during the 19th century. The drink has an interesting history behind it because it was originally used as medicine! Today it's used as a delicious cocktail that goes great with seafood dishes or any other Peruvian food.
3. Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is another Peruvian dish that you must try while visiting this country! It's made with marinated beef sirloin tips, french fries, tomatoes and french beans served on top of rice with a side of fried eggs on the side. This dish is absolutely delicious and you'll love every bite!
4. Chicha Morada
Chicha Morada is a drink that's made from purple corn and fermented for about six months. It's usually served cold but can also be heated up to taste like chocolate milk. This drink is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!
5. Anticuchos
Anticuchos is a dish that's made with pieces of marinated beef heart that's skewered and grilled over hot coals. It's then served with french fries and a side of mayonnaise. This dish is absolutely delicious!
6. Salpicao de Camarones
Salpicao de Camarones is a Peruvian dish that consists of shrimp cooked in lemon juice, garlic and olive oil served over rice. It goes great with any seafood dishes you order!
In conclusion, Peru is a wonderfully diverse country that's full of beautiful scenery, delicious food, and friendly people. It's a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime. I hope this article helps you plan your next trip! Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.