by Debbie Ross, founder of the Womens Travel Network
Peru, top 10 reasons to visit.
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manage to stand above the crowd. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years. Lose yourself in legendary lost cities and cultures that can be traced back to the glittering Inca civilization. Peru is unrivaled in South America for its archaeological wealth, endlessly fascinating ancient sites and cultures and world-class museums that display prehistoric treasures.
There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, but here are 10 top reasons why you should visit Peru.
- Experience its ancient ruins and culture.
There is an incredible amount of interesting history easily accessible to any traveler. Whether it is through visiting a museum, wandering around a town or village, or hiking to one of the hidden Inca ruins, you will always be surrounded by the strong presence of history and of their cultural influences.
The ancient Inca ruins are considered to be some of the most beautiful and mysterious sites in the world. You’ll find some of their most impressive ruins in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Inca ruins are not the only remains of ancient civilizations. On the north, you can find ancient civilizations in the city of Chan Chan, while at the south you can find interesting evidence of ancient cultures at the Lake Titicaca, the city of Puno and at the Nazca Lines.
- Meet the people
Peruvians are world renowned for being friendly and welcoming people – generosity and hospitality are second nature to them. With exceptional local guides and the country’s friendly, open people on hand to help you have an incredible travel experience. Many Peruvians still have a direct link with their Inca ancestors, proudly conserving the Quechua culture that is so important to Peru’s past. They are hard workers, extremely polite, peaceful, helpful, and curious about the interest of their visitors. Many of them have never traveled out of the country or even out of their cities or villages. Sharing stories with them makes for an interesting learning experience about the country and about their tales.
- Handicrafts and local markets.
Textiles are some of the most famous handicrafts you’ll find in any part of Peru. You can see the women weaving those exquisite patterns that make up a decorative wall carpet, scarf, jumper, or anything in between. Other great artisanal crafts are found in the form of instruments, wood carvings, canvas paintings, jewelry, and more. Not only do these make great souvenirs and travel mementos, but by buying them you are helping to support their traditions and are giving the opportunity of decent living to a family. Chincero is famed for its extraordinary textile art developed by its inhabitants. You can learn about traditional weaving techniques and even purchase fair-trade handmade alpaca apparel and decoratives.
A visit to the Pisac Market is a must. It’s one of the most famous markets in the Cusco region, drawing many visitors to its famous market when indigenous Quechua communities from the surrounding highlands come to Pisac to sell their produce and stock up on supplies.
- Indulge in their cuisine
It’s said that Peru has one of the best cuisines in the Americas. Peru not only holds a variety of ethnic mixes, but also a climatic variety of 28 individual climates. This mixing of cultures and variety of climates differ from city to city, thus creating a varied cuisine across the country. Dishes like Lomo Saltado, Ceviche Mixto, Empanadas, Tiradito, Butifarra, and Chicharrónare some of the must-try dishes in Peru. If you’re curious in trying an Andean delicacy, try guinea pig meat – Cuy. There is something to tickle the taste buds of everyone, from the adventurous to the traditional. Throughout the country the key to their exquisite cuisine is first class ingredients, making the food fresh, exotic and simply delicious.
- Enjoy the drinks!
Great drinks must accompany great food. Right? Peru makes sure that’s the way it’s done. Whether you prefer the bubble gum tasting Inca Kolaor the strong beers, Peruvian drinks will make you addicted to them. Some of the local drinks you will find (and love) are the famous wines from the Ica region, the pisco sours(a sweet, lime tasting, but strong drink containing egg whites), the emoliente, and the coca tea (perfect to prevent altitude sickness).
- LIMA, once a dingy and even dangerous city, is rising in tandem with the Peruvian economy. Lima boasts a glorious old town with many museums and is worth a visit for its many sights such as the 1,800-year-old ruins of Huaca Pucllama in the heart of the city. Learn about the cultures that populated pre-Columbian Peru. See some erotic pottery at the beautiful curated Larco Museum. The colonial section of town is anchored by the Plaza de Armas, around which sits the Palacio de Gobierno and the Cathedral. Take time to stroll the spooky catacombs beneath the Monastery of Sanfranciso.
- CUZCO is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the America’s and it retains many tangible links with its pre-Columbian past, such as the ruins of Coricancha, an Inca temple demolished by the Spanish in 1533. The former Incan imperial capital whose original streets were laid out to resemble the shape of a jaguar. Get the lay of the land at the central Plaza de Armas, check out the massive cathedral and pay your respects to the mummies at the Museo Inka. Then make a stop at Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was once the city’s religious centre and covered in pure gold plating before it was looted by the Spaniards. The hilly bohemian San Blas district is also worth a walk for its cute little shops and cafes and sweeping views of the city. Beyond the history Cuzco has many diversions. Much of the centre is pedestrianised making it easy to drift around and get acclimatised, dropping into churches, art galleries, and former palaces and convents now turned into hotels.
- 8. The Sacred Valley is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands along the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu. You can marvel at the enormous Incan crop terraces at Moray and buy artisanal pink salt straight from the source of the ancient mines of Maras. Along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, it formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Stretching roughly 60 kilometers, it’s an area of fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Pisac is known for its Sunday handicraft market and hilltop Incan citadel.
- Lake Titicaca
Andean folklore dictates that Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun, which is why this huge body of water is considered so sacred. The largest lake in South America it is the highest navigable waterway in the world and is home to the Uros people, who live on floating islands made of reeds. A visit to these man-made floating islands to meet the locals is a must on your trip to Peru.
- Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the world
Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often mistakenly referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, it is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. It was once of the empire’s last strongholds after the Spanish invasion and was hidden in the jungle for centuries. The centuries-old citadel has become on of the world’s most famous tourist attractions.”
WTN Peru Tour
June 11 to June 21, 2020
Our Peru trip takes you from Lima to the heart of the Inca Empire, visiting Cusco and uncovering the secrets of the Sacred Valley. Then visit the crown jewel of that lost era Machu Picchu.
Trip is limited to only 15 travelers
For trip details or ton confirm you place on this amazing adventure contact:
Womens Travel Network affiliated with Worldwide Quest
Reservations: 416-633-5666 or toll free 1-800-387-1483
Debbie at WTN: 905-771-8338 or toll free 1-888-419-0118
Email: info@blog.womenstravelnetwork.ca
TICO REG. # 2667946