Peru has all it takes to become one of the best destinations in the world. It has a plethora of gastronomy, colorful culture, and age-old history. Its natural wonders are awe-inspiring.

This South American nation is fast becoming a tourist hot spot. On the northern part of the country, there are Colombia and Ecuador. The Eastern region shares its borders with Brazil and Bolivia. The western coast is next to the South Pacific Ocean.

It is divided into the Northern Coast, the Central Coast, and the Southern Coast. The Sierra region is east of the coast, and it’s also distributed as Northern Sierra, Central Sierra, and Southern Sierra. San Martin is just next to the Northern Sierra.

Altiplano covers the southeastern part of the country, with Madre de Dios on the east. The Northeast is the flush area of the Peruvian Amazon.

Lima is the capital city. Other cities you should make time to visit are:

• Puno
• Trujillo
• Chiclayo
• Arequipa
• Cuzco
• Iquitos
• Cajamarca

Some of the must-see natural and cultural heritage sites are:

• Machu Pichu (Incan ruins)
• Chan Chan (Heritage site a mud city)
• Huascaran National Park
• Lake Titicaca
• Chavin de Huantar (Heritage site)
• Nazca lines (desert lines)
• Mancora (beach town)
• Manu National Park
• Rio Abiseo National Park

Things To Do In Peru

Peru is a land of dense Amazonian rainforests and home of the magnificent ancient city, Machu Picchu, which rests atop the Andes mountain. It attracts millions of visitors from all around the world every year.

VISIT MACHU PICCHU

Hiking Machu Picchu is the crown jewel of your Peru trip. You can hike all the way to the summit of this UNESCO World Heritage site which is more than 8,000 ft. tall. Machu Picchu is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas” and is the most famous of all city ruins in the world.

Please note that only 2,500 people are allowed to enter Machu Picchu each day. The government website lists how many tickets are available for each day.

TRY YOUR HAND AT WEAVING

G-Adventure Planeterra is a community of women who share a common skill set, weaving. Nestled in the Sacred Valley, this center supports the livelihood of many mothers. Every day women come here and carry on the legacy of Incan textiles. You can see how they create intricate motifs and how the threads are dyed.

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The stunning thing about all of this is that the threads are colored naturally! Plus, the women who work here bring their children with them. This exemplifies the level of devotion Incan women have for their family and for tradition. Cheer for women empowerment when you set foot in the Sacred Valley.

SHOPPING IN CUSCO

Here we go shopaholics! Now is your time to shine. First off, you will need to bring an empty bag to carry home your mementos. Then, you must head to the Cusco Handicraft market. There you can browse through Alpaca sweaters, ceramic bowls, mugs, colorful warmers, gorgeous tablecloths, and fancy bags. Pick what you love.

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Handloom markets are expensive. But in Peru you can get items at an affordable price, so don’t miss your chance. It is time to go on a shopping spree!

TASTE PINK PERUVIAN SALT

We all know that seasoning food makes it all the more delicious. But what more can you add to an already perfect dish? The answer is just a pinch of salt, which elevates the taste level. Plus, the salt in Peru is no ordinary salt. Peruvian salt has been cultivated in the Sacred Valleys since the Incan era.

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Farmers work in salt mines in the Andes Mountain. The unique pink color of Peruvian salt is one reason why it is in high demand. You can buy the salt directly from the farmers during your visit.

STAY ON THE APURIMAC RIVER

You read it correctly, you can stay at one of the many lodgings located on the Apurimac River! Many travelers come to the Apurimac River for rafting, but you can be one of the select few who remains even after the day has come to an end.

What is Peru without its precious Amazonian jungles? And what kind of visitor are you if you do not experience the natural heritage of Peru? It will take you just three hours to reach your accommodation on the river. You can select from one of the several eco-friendly lodgings built along the river.

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So, come take a close look at the richest wildlife in the world at the Tambopata National Reserve. At the lodgings, there are basic amenities but do not expect any elite treatment. If you are a nature lover, though, none of that will matter. From the moment you awake to the moment you go to sleep the surreal rainforest surrounds you. 

Culinary Tour Of Lima

Peruvian cuisine is gaining popularity throughout the world. A visit to the delicious city of Lima will take you on a ride of your life. First, you will be drilled with information on the Peruvian Culinary industry. Then you will taste some lip-smacking dishes at Peruvian gourmet restaurants.

The fried pumpkin donuts at Barranco are a winner. Plus, there are classy restaurants like Cala and Amaz, which serve traditional Amazonian food.  Furthermore, the Lima Gourmet Company and Lima Te Llena are companies that provide food tours throughout the city.

www.artoftravel.store/

Getting Around in Peru

You can get around the cities with the help of taxis. Their charges are less than $5. For long distance travel from destination to destination, you can opt for a bus. Due to the difficult terrains of Peru, it is better to take flights to the major cities.

Hiking can take you to beautiful places around the country. Also, car hire is available in all the major cities and bigger airports. The minimum age for renting a car is 25.

You need to present your passport, national driving license, credit card as a guarantee, and sometimes a cash deposit.

Language

Currency & Money

The country’s currency is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). One USD is equal to PEN 3.4. Only a few bureaus de change in Lima and Cusco will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Many hotels and shops also readily accept US Dollars.

You should not exchange money from street vendors. Credit cards are easily acceptable in Lima and tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in urban areas. However, for security reasons, it is better to use ATMs inside banks.

How Much Does It Cost

If you want to keep a budget, you can stay at hostels. It will cost you $5 per night. A day’s expense can be roughly around $20. That is very cheap when compared to European standards.

Electricity & Plug Type

As for electricity, Peru uses types A and C sockets. You may need to bring a travel adapter to fit the proper socket type. Check out the above-linked page to see the photos and other useful information. The standard voltage is 220 V.  Many of your devices may need a step-up transformer to match the electrical voltage.

August 15, 2016 12:00 am Published by Neha Rizal 2 Comments