Peru – A South American country encompassed by greenery of the Amazon jungle, sprawling deserts, archaeological sites concealing ancient secrets, and exhilarating mountain top views. A giant rural playground for keen hikers!
Weather & when to visit
Being home to a large section of the Amazon rainforest, Peru gets its fair share of tropical weather (both lush sunny spells and not so ideal torrential rainfall). The best time to visit is the dry season from May – October, when you can enjoy hot sunny days with blue skies. Travelling in the low season you’ll notice more rain but visiting at this time does have its advantages, there is a lot less tourism, meaning less crowds and lower rates on flights and hotels.
The local climate varies depending on where you are: Near the coastal and mountainous regions the weather ranges around 20°C, as you venture towards the tropical climates of the forest area temperatures can hit upwards of 30°C.
Sights and Highlights
Peru is world famous for awe-inspiring scenes of nature and ancient archaeological sites. What often goes over peoples’ heads is the more urban areas where Peruvian culture truly flourishes, here are some of the best towns and cities to visit both on and off the beaten path…
Firstly, we can’t talk about Peru without mentioning Machu Picchu, often referred to as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’. A 15th century mountain top citadel and one of the seven wonders of the world, a top location for many travel bucket-lists. Explore the relic ruins and dizzying heights, transporting yourself back half a millennium to the ancient civilisation that once inhabited the mountaintop town. For an extended trip scaling the surrounding area of Machu Picchu, you can take part in the Inca trail - A 4/5-day hike immersed in the foggy mountainous regions that overlook the lush greenery of the jungle below.
Arequipa is the perfect location to begin exploring Peru’s towns and cities, a beautiful blend of urban scenery and the staple nature scenes of the country. Arequipa boasts elegant Spanish influenced architecture, the Basilica Cathedral being a prime example of the many historic elements of the town. Towering volcanoes lie on the edge of the city and can be toured on a day out.
Not far from Arequipa is the Colca Canyon, arguably the pinnacle of Peru’s sensational natural beauties. Trekking between these valleys one can’t help but feel completely with nature, observing the otherworldly wonders that completely encompass them. Colca is one of the deepest canyons on the planet, making it definitely worth the visit.
In Peru’s coastal capital of Lima, the city’s urban skyline infused with sun-soaked beaches make it appear as a South American cousin to California. Many cities are famous for their museums or parks (of which Lima has many), but what makes Lima standout is its world class cuisine. Dishes are a complex blend of Spanish, indigenous, African and Asian. Whether you are dining in a high street restaurant or grabbing a quick bite from a street carts, you’re in for a world of flavour.
Food
Peruvian cuisine is very versatile, taking influence from a variation of regions in Peru and cultures around the world, making it difficult to pin it down to a few key characterisations. Here is what you can expect in different regions of Peru.
Amazon – The jungle areas of Peru are rich in fruit and wild game/fish. Catfish straight from the Amazon River is a common dish alternatively you can try other wild animals including piranha or boar! Meats are often boiled or wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked over a fire!
The coast – As you can expect seafood dishes are abundant by the coast. The national favourite seafood fish is Ceviche; a combination of white fish, scallops, shrimp, and squid soaked in lime juice and served with chillies.
Chinese influence – In the 19th century Asian immigrants from both China and Japan arrived in Peru leaving their mark on Peruvian cuisine. The most famous Chinese influenced dish is beef sauté stir fry, a mixture of beef, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and soy sauce. Often served with rice and chips!
African influence – Yams and peanuts are features of Peruvian cuisine owed to its African roots. Crushed peanuts serve as the base of many sauces and salsas, whilst yams make a perfect sweet treat for dessert. Picarones are one such example, a doughy treat made from yams and squash, garnished with syrup.
Budgeting
The local currency in Peru is Sol, here is what you can expect to pay per day for budget, mid-range, and luxury options.
Accommodation per night - £10/£40/£180+
Meals for one day - £5/£10/£30
Public transport - £3/£6/£12
Guided tours (e.g. Machu Picchu) - £35 / £55
Fun Facts
-Machu Picchu is an astronomical observatory! Archaeologists are fascinated by how the 14th century Incas understood the alignment of the stars so well.
-Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest lake, at an elevation of 12,507 feet (3,812 meters).
-Peru is home to the mysterious Nazca lines. Giant hieroglyphs left in the sand from centuries ago, some believe they were made by ancient Incans, whilst others consider it an extra-terrestrial matter!
What about Family Holidays?
It may not be the first location in your mind but Peru is safe, fun and filled activities for families with kids aged 7 or more. Little adventurers will love wandering Machu Picchu and learning about its mysterious origins, or identifying the calls of birds and monkeys in the Amazon. There are cycling routes along ancient ruins and floors of the valleys, farms to watch alpaca clothing being made, friendly accommodation, kayaking and relaxed trekking. A little flexibility is required, but it’s definitely an attractive destination for families with a little more adventure in their eyes.
If you’re ready to take on the heights of Peru, call Inspire on 0161 440 6735 to plan your journey.