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What is Peru famous for? And why you should visit it?
When people think of places to visit in South America for a vacation, Peru must be one of the closest to the top of their minds. For the past few decades, tourism has been a vital part of Peru’s economy.
Just below fishing and mining, tourism is Peru’s third-largest industry, employing up to 11% of the labor force and making up 7% of the country’s GDP. It’s also known as one of the safest countries to visit in South America.
Let’s explore together the many things that make Peru an incredible destination. Talk about Peru’s attractions and incredible things you can only see and do there. Do you have an idea what is Peru famous for? Ok, we all know Machu Picchu, but apart from the Lost City, what else do you know, which tourist attractions in Peru would you love to visit?
This guide will take you through 5 interesting facts about Peru, its places, history, and experiences. And I bet that after reading this post you will want to start planning your trip to Peru asap. I don’t blame you, Peru’s famous landmarks and natural resources are enchanting, and its cuisine and history keep attracting tourists.
So let’s get started!
What is Peru famous for? The answer is here!
1- Peru famous food and cuisine
One unforgettable experience that tourists talk about when they visit the country is Peru’s food. Winning the World’s Leading Culinary Destination from 2012 to 2019, Peru cuisine is a fusion of many different cultures like no other. Traditionally, indigenous and Incan ingredients and cooking techniques are applied to recipes from all around the globe, creating a microcosm of flavor from different cultures in every bite. From popular dishes to gourmet experiences, Peru will not disappoint you.
Perhaps one of the most famous dishes that Peru is known for is their national dish, Ceviche. The name “ceviche” comes from the Quechuan word “siwichi”, meaning fresh or tender fish which describes the dish perfectly. Fresh, uncooked fish is marinated in citrus juice, which cooks the fish without heat. It is also spiced with hot peppers, onions, and coriander, forming a slightly sour and spicy dish that tastes like sea.
Like many other countries, Peru has their own delicacy meat. In Peru, it’s Cuy or guinea pig! It’s known that the Incas were already domesticating guinea pigs during pre-Colombian times, making Cuy a beloved source of food dating centuries back. With the flavor describe as akin to chicken or rabbit, Cuy is most popularly eaten roasted or fried and served with potatoes or corn and their black mint sauce, Salsa Huacatay.
The cuisine of Peru is sure to leave a mark in the hearts and stomachs of anyone who tastes it. It has distinctive flavors that captivate many people’s interest. And don’t forget to try the Pisco Sour, Peru national drink.
2 – Peru History and Culture
The culture and history of Peru are a source of wonder and amazement to those that experience it. They are filled with vibrant music and dances, beautifully woven ponchos and polleras, internationally-acclaimed cuisine, and rich history.
Many tourists visit Peru to see the ruins of the Incan Empire such as the known and beloved Machu Picchu. Many other ruins from different civilizations also scatter the country like the Caral, Chan Chan, and Sillustani ruins. Each of these ruins comes from a different pre-Colombian society: the Caral, Chimor, and Kolla people, respectively. For more tips about visiting the ruins, read this guide to the best things to do in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
The major cities of Peru also have magnificent Spanish architecture to visit such as the Cathedral of Lima.
Check out these activities you can do in Lima:
3 – Beaches in Peru
With a vast coastline extending up to 1500 miles, the country of Peru has many beaches to choose from. Boasting a warm, tropical climate and white sand beaches, thousands of tourists visit Peru for the opportunity to soak in the warm waters and sun.
You maybe never thought about it, but Peru is famous for its beaches and it’s easy to understand why as its coastal region is gorgeous. Beaches like Máncora and Punta Sal are some of the more popular beach destinations in Peru, bragging its turquoise seas and great nightlife.
Located in the Paracas National Reserve, Playa Roja is another tourist attraction in Peru known for its reddish color shore. Although no one can swim on this red beach, its stunning view always leaves its visitors in awe. It goes on the list of Peru famous landmarks.
Surfing is also extremely popular at the coastlines. Malabrigo, also known as Puerto Chicama, is famous for having the world’s longest left-breaking wave. Chicama Boutique Hotel & Spa is a great place to stay, it’s located right in front of the beach.
Other great beaches for surfing are the beaches at Trujillo and Máncora. Peru is also the home country of Sofía Mulánovich, a three-time world surfing champion and the first Latin American to win the world surfing champion title! She is one of the famous people from Peru that you probably didn’t know about.
Traveling around South America? Then read our Colombia Safety Guide!
4 – Peru Wildlife
Peru is a country of lush nature. It has a higher percentage of land protected in reserves and parks than any other country in South America. Those that come looking for nature and wildlife are sure to leave more than content.
Comprising 60% of the country, the Peruvian Amazonia is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth. This jungle is a must-visit for any bird-watching enthusiast as it contains the most number of bird species on the planet. Visitors of this pristine, untouched rainforest can also see amazing animals such as the pink river dolphin. And if you visit the Tambopata reserve, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot a jaguar! Also, who can forget the memorable large rodents, the Capybaras, or the Llamas of the Andes mountains?
Activities you can do in Peru:
Curious about South America?
So read our article: What is Colombia famous for? The good and the bad!
5 – Peruvian Land
From lush rainforests to sprawling deserts, warm beaches, and high snow-capped mountains, a journey in Peru is a journey through a whole world of breathtaking sites as far as the eye can see.
We talked about the Peruvian Amazonia, one of the most pristine rainforests left in the world, as well as its white sand beaches along the coast. In addition to that, Peru contains many other diverse biomes to explore.
In the southwest of Peru is the Ica region. A stark contrast to the Peruvian jungles, the Ica region contains a dry, lifeless desert. Exploring the region, you can see the famous Nasca Lines, a desert and its high sand dunes as well as an actual desert oasis in the middle of it!
A small village built around a body of water and surrounded by sand dunes, Huacachina is truly an oasis in the middle of the desert. Huacachina is very popular for both Ica locals and tourists, with the lake holding many myths and legends. Sandboarding and buggy riding are very popular here, taking advantage of the massive dunes around Huacachina. But just hiking up the dry, lifeless dunes is also a life-changing experience on its own!
From the dry heat of the desert, you can then go up towards the Andes Mountains, one of the longest mountain ranges and home to the most famous Machu Picchu a UNESCO World Heritage site! Hiking up the sub-tropical highlands and exploring the ruins of the Inca civilization is a truly breathtaking experience. The Andes Mountains also contain the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a lush green valley surrounded by massive mountains.
And we can’t forget the Rainbow Mountains, Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia. Peru is also famous for its canyons, some of the deepest canyons in the world. Add Colca Canyon and Cotahuasi Canyon to your list of natural attractions in Peru you must see.
So what is Peru famous for? There are so many facets of Peru that stand out, from its food, history, wildlife, culture, and geography. These attract the attention of so many people across the globe no matter where their interest lies, making it a destination worth planning for.
And perhaps this is truly why Peru is famous – it is something special for everyone. No matter what you visit Peru for, it’s sure to be a phenomenal experience!
Before we wrap up, here go a few travel tips to plan your visit to Peru:
Best time to visit Peru
It will all depend on what type of activities in Peru you want to do, but if you are planning to visit Machu Picchu then the best time to visit Peru is between May and October, the driest months. This also means that it will be winter (June to September). If you want to surf and explore Peru’s beaches, then Summer (December to March) might be the best option.
Traveling to Peru
Travelers mostly arrive in Peru by air, or in case they are traveling through South America, buses can be another popular option.
You can search for the best flights to Peru on Skyscanner (click here). If you are planning to drive around Peru, here is a good website to compare car rental prices.
But if you plan to travel inside Peru by bus, we have the perfect guide for you. Here is how to get from Lima to Cusco by bus (+ train and flight tips), you can use this information to plan the Lima-Cusco route or other bus trips in Peru.
Accommodation in Peru
In Peru, you can find any type of accommodation, from hostels to 5-star hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. We have a guide that helps you find the perfect room anywhere in the world, read our Accommodation Guide before booking any hotel in Peru.
For hotels in Peru, also bed&breakfast, and guesthouses we recommend searching and booking via Booking.com or Agoda. They have a wide selection of accommodation, they are trustworthy websites and sometimes you can get great deals.
Travel Insurance
Last but not least, travel insurance. We recommend you always travel with reliable travel insurance, especially in times like this. We use HeyMondo and SafetyWing, click on the mane of the companies to read the policy details and get a quote.
Done! Now it’s time for you to start planning your trip to Peru!
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Author: Julien Mordret
Julien Mordret is the guy behind Exploration Junkie. He loves to share his passion and experiences with travel, nature, and photography. He’s crazy about all things and his explorations are fueled by his unlimited curiosity. Follow his adventures on Facebook and Pinterest.
