Headed to Peru? Here are 10 experiences you won’t want to miss on your next trip to this South American country.
1. Drink pisco
Pisco (a grape brandy) is the Peruvian drink of choice, so it only makes sense that the country’s national cocktail is the Pisco Sour, a mix of pisco, bitters, lime juice, simple syrup and egg whites. When in Peru, drink as the Peruvians do with a Pisco Sour. Bottoms up!
2.See the wildlife of Islas Ballestas
These protected islands off the southern coast of Peru are home to the blue-footed booby, sea lions and Humboldt penguins, earning Islas Ballestas the nickname of “the Galapagos of Peru.” Don’t miss the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph, mysteriously carved into the sandy Peruvian hillside.
3. Visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca
The largest lake in South America sits between Peru and Bolivia at more than 12,500 feet above sea level. Here, you can take a boat to the floating islands, made of floating reeds called “totora” by the Uros people. The islands offer a glimpse at the Uros tribe’s traditional way of life.
4. Hike Colca Canyon
This natural wonder is one of the world’s deepest canyons, and the natural beauty of Colca Canyon is only made grander by the condors you’ll find flying overhead.
5. Surf the waves at Mancora
Explore Peru’s coastline by surfboard on the shores of Mancora, where warm waves invite beginners and more experienced surfers alike. Not a surfer? You can still enjoy sandy beaches and fresh seafood in this fishing town.
6. Explore the Amazon Rainforest
While most flock to Brazil to take in the lush and lively Amazon rainforest, Peru also offers a glimpse of the rivers and jungles of this protected rainforest. In fact, Peru is home to the second largest slice of the Amazon, after Brazil. Take a tour of Peru’s wild side, where you’re sure to see the macaws, tree frogs and spider monkeys that call the Peruvian Amazon home.
7. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Sure, Machu Picchu is one of the country’s top attractions, but it earns the rank. The ancient Incan grounds are one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, after all. Hike along the Inca Trail through jungles, cloud forest and rivers during a four-day trek that ends at one of the crown jewels of this lost civilization.
8. See the Nazca Lines
The jury’s still out as far as what the true meaning is behind the mysterious geoglyphs carved into Peru’s desert, but at any rate, the designs are a sight to behold. An aerial tour offers the best views of the strange and ancient Nazca Lines.
9. Eat Peruvian ceviche
While it’s not quite clear if ceviche originated here, Peru has certainly perfected the raw fish dish. Lime juice “cooks” the fish, so to speak, by firming up the proteins within the meat. The tart dish is flavored with salt, onions and local peppers. Whether you choose to eat fresh ceviche in a coastal town or a renowned chef’s perfected recipe at a restaurant in Lima, you won’t be disappointed.
10. Try guinea pig
Once you’ve played it safe with a plate of ceviche, why not go bold with a taste of roasted guinea pig? While we tend to think of the guinea pig as a pet in the U.S., it’s a traditional staple of the Peruvian diet. Known locally as cuy, you’ll find guinea pig is most often served roasted, fried or in a stew. Remember, when in Peru, eat as the Peruvians do!
(Main image: Matito used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
