Peru is one of the most diverse countries in South America. It has a very rich history and impressive landscapes reaching from massive dunes to the Amazon rainforest. Peru enjoys a unique cuisine, featuring lots of fresh seafood. Besides the must-see Machu Picchu site, there are many more things to explore in this diverse country.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Keep reading this article to learn about the most beautiful landscapes you should visit and the amazing food you should try in Peru.
The stunning landscapes of Peru
Peru is situated in the North of South America. Peru is below the equator, which makes it a unique experience to travel to. The seasons in Peru are different from the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, making it cold in summer and hot in winter. Peru has all sorts of landscapes to enjoy, from the beautiful beaches of Lima to the adventurous Amazon in the northeast of the country. In Peru, there’s always a stunning landscape to explore.
Peru’s west coast
The west coast of Peru is a popular destination for travelers seeking rest in one of the many Peru beach resorts. These resorts are scattered all over the coast and offer lots of luxury to enjoy. The beach resorts are easily reached through the capital Lima, which is also situated on the west coast.
Before you make your way to your resort, make sure to stop in Lima. The city is full of history and folklore, represented by a unique style of architecture. We recommend taking a free walking tour to learn more about this interesting city!
The Huacachina dunes
The Huacachina dunes–sometimes referred to as the Huacachina desert–are a unique piece of nature in Peru. The tiny village of Huacachina is completely surrounded by natural dunes, making it look like an oasis in the sandy landscape. There are many activities to do in these areas, such as sandboarding and riding a sand buggy. There’s also a big lake in which you are allowed to swim in–or you can explore it by water bicycle.
The Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest spans eight countries. 13% of this forest is located in Peru. It’s not easy to reach the rainforest, making it an extra special experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. The gateway to the Peruvian Amazon is Puerto Maldonado. From here you can access the Madre de Dios river, where you can see a wide range of animals, such as the giant river otter. If you’d like to go into the forest, it’s possible to go to Iquitos, which is only accessible by flight. More than 30 percent of the world’s animal species can be found in the Amazon rainforest, making this forest a must-see on your trip to Peru.
Peruvian cuisine
The wide variety of Peruvian landscapes created a unique mix of dishes, making Peruvian cuisine quite impressive. One of the most popular Peruvian dishes is Ceviche: a dish consisting of uncooked fish seared in fresh lime juice and covered in classic Tiger Milk, which is actually a sauce based on fish broth. Since a big part of Peru faces the Pacific Ocean, the fish in Peru are incredibly fresh.
Peru is also known for its wide range of Amazonian fruits. Some fruits are well known, such as the dragon fruit or the mango, but there are many other fruits that you might have never seen before in your life, such as the Cocona and the Camu Camu. Another amazing fact about Peru: Because of the diverse landscapes, there are over 3800 different kinds of potatoes in Peru.