Options galore in pulsating Peru
Print Edition
Editor’s note:
Foreign diplomats based in Shanghai are naturally proud of their homelands and are keen to share their enthusiasm. In this series, members of the diplomatic community offer insiders’ guides to their countries, with expert tips on where to go and what to do.
Travelers who know little about Peru may be surprised by its diversity and history. It is this variety that has given rise to the expression, “There is a Peru for everyone.”
Inca and pre-Inca civilizations date back thousands of years and have left remnants of their societies at more than 6,000 archeological sites around the country.
The country is blessed with a wide variety of ecosystems rich in flora and fauna while it also features 28 of the world’s 32 main climates.
Peruvian cities offer an attractive combination of history and modernity. Visiting churches, convents, theaters, museums and colonial buildings are excellent ways to delve into Peru’s cultural diversity while the shopping centers, art galleries, discotheques, pubs, festivals and exhibitions offer the opportunity to have an up close experience of the country’s cosmopolitan side.
With seemingly every option available, tourists rarely have trouble discovering something that interests them. It’s a land of opportunities, colors, cultures and flavors.
A holiday in Peru can feature a relaxed time on the beaches in the northern part of the country. Northern beaches are known for their waves and are a magnet for surfers. For those looking to seriously chill out, the snow of the Andes Mountains is not far. Mountain climbing is a popular option while travelers also may be drawn to sand boarding in the desert or tranquil cruises along Amazonian jungle rivers. Peru, recently named Best Tourist Destination of 2014 by Ctrip, China’s biggest online travel agency, also features two of the deepest canyons in the world that make for challenging hikes.
Peru’s citizens comprise a variety of local and foreign cultures, including 10 percent who are of Chinese descent, a richness displayed through art, dance, music and oral tradition. There are still pockets of people who speak their own dialects and continue ancient customs that allow travelers the chance to participate in ancestral community activities, magical-religious ceremonies and colorful festivities. Dig into the roots and traditions of Peru’s people to unearth a variety of secrets about the country.
Peruvian food is a fusion of flavors and ingredients from several continents and cultures that has resulted in something distinctively Peruvian that has claimed international awards. This allows travelers to go on an epic eating journey that provides insight into the country’s history and traditions. The local food is so good that Peruvian cuisine has won many international awards.
Add it all up and Peru is an intoxicating mix of people, places and things to do that will likely delight the most discerning of travelers.
Must in Peru
Must Do:
Visit Lima, the capital, which is the traditional “City of Kings.” It blends colonial style with modernity.
Visit Cusco and Machu Picchu in the southeastern Andes. Cusco was the capital of the Incan empire. Machu Picchu is a famous sanctuary and one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World.”
Visit Nazca Lines in the city of Ica. The Nazca Lines are a collection of mysterious geoglyphs and straight lines that were etched into the desert around AD 600. They appear to be animal figures, but scientists are confounded by them since even frequent sandstorms in the area can not erase them.
Visit the Amazon rainforest. In February, the Natural Reserve of Pacaya Samiria was named among the 10 Best Places for Wildlife in the world.
Must See:
Peru ranks first in the world in both new bird species discovered per year and the number of birds seen in just one day without the help of motor vehicles.
Peruvian Paso Horse Show. The Peruvian paso horse is one of the most elegant in the world and is the result of cross-breeding of the Spanish and Beber species over the course of 300 years.
Must Buy:
All handicrafts, fine textiles made of vicu–a or alpaca wool, silver jewelry and artifacts. Peruvian crafts form part of a great world collection due to their symbolism, materials, variety and production techniques.
Must Eat:
Lomo saltado, ceviche, tiradito, causa, chicharr—n and guinea pig meat are highly recommended. The dishes represent a fusion of flavors. Do not forget to try Peruvian Chinese food, which locals call Chifa. Wash any meal down with a Pisco sour.
¥ The landscape of the Peruvian coast is composed of beaches, dunes and oases. There are also some archeological sites. Visitors can take part in a variety of water activities like surfing, windsurfing and sand boarding or try their hands at deep-sea fishing and underwater spear fishing.
¥ Peru’s geography is dominated by the Andes Mountains, which present an immense variety of landscapes for trekking, mountain biking and rock climbing. The mountain range includes canyons, volcanoes, rivers, valleys and lagoons.
Outdoor camping is a great option for experiencing open spaces, forging friendships with people from all over the world, and participating in good environmental practices.
¥ The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest features some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet.
Some of the rainforest remains unexplored by humans while other areas are home to aboriginal groups, many of whom are relatively isolated from modern society.
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