The world-renowned exhibition
at the Russian Ethnography Museum
in St. Petersburg
Fundación Miguel Mujica Gallo. Lima.
The world-renowned exhibition at the Russian Ethnography Museum
in St. Petersburg
(Museo Oro del Perú y Armas del Mundo)
Fundación Miguel Mujica Gallo. Lima.
Visit Peru
Why Peru
Explore Peru, a country of contrast and culture
Peru is a fascinating mix of culture, colour and cuisine. From the soaring peaks of the Andes and the lush Amazon Rainforest to pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial mansions - Peru is magical and inspiring. A country full of unique destinations which is full of surprises and exceptional experiences from luxury trains to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, trekking in the Andes, private planes over the Nazca Lines and luxury cruises and lodges in the Amazon.
It has never been easier to experience Peru in style.
A nation full of flavours whose cuisine already ranks among the world's most prestigious; it is a country which is guaranteed to stimulate your senses. With its breath-taking landscape and brilliant diversity, Peru opens itself to the world to welcome those seeking unforgettable life experiences.
Location: Peru is located in the Western coast of South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean on the west; Bolivia, Brazil and Chile to the east and south and Ecuador and Columbia to the north.
Size, population and regions: Peru is the 3rd largest country in South America at 1.28 million km, with a population of 28 million people; around 7.5 million Peruvians live in the country's capital, Lima. More than half, (52%), of the nation lives along the coast, 36% in the highlands and 12% in jungle areas.
Capital City Lima which is the only capital in South America with an oceanfront. Other major cities include Arequipa and Trujillo.
Language: Spanish is the most spoken language of Peru. However, Quechua (the language of the Incas), Aymara and 40 other indigenous Amazonian languages also have official status. English is widely spoken in major tourist areas.
Culture
Cultural and Historical Discovery
Peru attracts thousands of inquisitive travellers fascinated by the mystery of lost cities and past civilizations.
While Machu Picchu is a highlight for any trip to Peru, the country is also full of archaeological sites which date back earlier than the ancient times of the Incas, when great civilizations left a superb legacy of their art, customs and rituals.
Some of Peru's wonderful historical, cultural and agricultural experiences include:
Living Cultures – Sharing Experiences
Peru's distinguishing seal is its living culture – an experience not to be missed. Whether it's participating in ancient rituals such as an offering to the earth, or working in the field next to farmers, participating in a parade during one of the many festivals, riding a Peruvian paso horse, or learning to dance to Afro-Peruvian or Andean music – there is something to suit every traveller's appetite for culture and adventure. The best way to enjoy the hospitality and kindness of a country is by immersing yourself in the culture through experiential tourism. Homestays in Lake Titicaca and community projects in the Sacred Valley offer visitors an exclusive opportunity to live within local communities and discover their heritage, language and ways of life first-hand - delivering a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience.
Archaeology – Hundreds of Wonders
10,000 years of history can be seen in one of the largest networks of archaeology found in the world – and the largest in South America. Progress reached by the ancient Peruvians in the areas of arts and science never ceases to amaze. Take for example the city of Caral, the oldest in the Americas. Then there is Machu Picchu, Incan citadel and newly elected Wonder of the World. Yet there is so much more: The Nasca Lines, the mysteries of Pre-Columbian civilizations along the Moche Route in the North, like those of the Lord of Sipan and the Governess of Cao, Chan Chan, the fortress of Kuelap and the Inca Trail signify that Peru is catalogue of treasures which bear witness to its glorious past.
Nature
Peru is an incredible spectacle of nature. Its one-of-a-kind geography holds an immense array of surprises that will make you want to come back for more, be sure to take your time as Peru offers amazing variety when it comes to nature.
The territory of Peru shelters84 of the 117 life zones existing on Earth and owns 28 of the 32 different types of weather. It is one of the most diverse countries in term of nature and wildlife and its breathtaking landscapes will please every nature lover.
The Peruvian Amazon
The Amazon in Peru is home to a diversity of life that is unparalleled anywhere on Earth making it a paradise for nature lovers and offering an entire range of awe-inspiring experiences and adventures! Enjoy wildlife spotting in the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, visit Iquitos- the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon which is comparable to an island in the heart of the green forest. There are so many different ways to experience the pristine rainforest and jungle life from touring through Manu Biosphere Reserve, watching the jungle come to life on the canopy walkways, staying in jungle lodges for a unique and authentic experience or exploring the Amazon River with all the comfort and luxury on a riverboat cruise.
Flora and Fauna
In terms of wildlife diversity, Peru tops the list in fish, butterflies and orchids, is second in birds, third in mammals and amphibians, fourth in overall biological diversity and fifth in plants and reptiles. While visiting the Peruvian Amazon be sure to keep your eyes peeled for pink dolphins, sea lions, jaguars, amazing colourful birds and over 3,500 species of orchids.
Protected areas
Nature has been so generous to Peru that such a beauty deserves to be preserved and shared. That is why about 15% of the national territory is protected by the Government through a system of 60 natural areas spread across the coast, highlands and throughout the jungle. Areas such as Tambobata, Pacaya-Smiria, Huascaran and Paracas will remain in your memory for years to come.
Food
Gastronomic tourism
Home to acclaimed chefs and award-winning restaurants, two of which made it onto the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list this year, Peru is fast becoming the world's most sought after gastronomic nation. The destination is increasingly recognised for its culinary tours, food safaris, world class cooking schools and food festivals.
The richness of Peruvian cuisine stems mainly from the combination of Spanish cuisine with traditional native Peruvian ingredients with later influences from Chinese, Italian, West African and Japanese immigrants. Coupled with a variety of native foods and dishes such as fresh fruits and cereals, Peru's cuisine is now proclaimed as the best in Latin America due to the wide variety and flavours from the various regions.
With such a diverse geographical landscape and long history, it is no surprise that local cuisine varies from region to region and has evolved to reflect the rich and varied cultural heritage of the people, its ancestors and more modern influences.
Lima region food
Lima is the traditional City of Kings, the capital of the country and gateway to Peru. It has been declared the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America thanks to its excellent world class restaurants serving national and international cuisine. Creole food, the mix of Spanish and local cuisines, includes the highly-recommended 'Causa' - a cold chicken or shellfish potato pie with tomatoes and avocado. 'Tamal' - a hot dry corn mash filled with hot peppers, chicken or pork, wrapped in banana tree leaves and slow cooked. Another favourite is Cebiche - a dish made with raw fish which is now enjoyed all around the world.
Andean region food
Cusco's restaurants provide authentic specialties from the Novo-Andean style which use the same ingredients as the pre-Incan ear: tubbers, corns, llama and alpaca meat, trout and guinea pig, these flavours have been enhanced with the introduction of bread, rice and pasta. The Pachamanca is a typical country lunch where different meats and vegetables are cooked underground with red-hot stones, resulting in a tasty healthy meal. Arequipa located in the south of the country also offers delicious regional cuisine through a variety of Novoandian restaurants and Picanterias (traditional restaurants where they used to cook over open flame).
Amazonian food
The cuisine of the jungle, as exuberant and exotic as the Amazon itself, is vast and still unknown. The paiche is an exceptional river fish, combined with the fruits which are continuously being discovered such as the camu-camu, are the perfect ingredients for their exquisite dishes.
Adventure
Extreme activities & soft-adventure
From surfing the longest left hand wave in the world to trekking through the Andes to visit villages where ancient traditions continue to still exist, Peru is the ideal location for adventure sports. More than 12,000 lakes, mountains with eternal snows that rise over 6,000 metres into the heavens and the deepest canyons in the world are part of the adrenaline rush that Peru has to offer.
With its diverse landscape and multi-climate terrain, Peru offers a wealth of natural outdoor adventures for year-round enjoyment.
Trekking
Peru is a veritable paradise for hikers. The highland spine of the country includes valleys, plains and massifs which feature trekking circuits varying in degrees of difficulty. To trek Peru is to journey through incredibly breathtaking Andean countryside with a backdrop of everlastingly white mountains and crystal clear lakes. Walk along the Inca Trail and discover the network of roads built by the Incas to unite their empire and see the culture of communities that adorn the pathways.
Popular Trekking Routes:
- • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu;
- • The Lares trek;
- • The Salkantay Loop;
- • Trekking in Colca Valley ;
- • Trekking in the Cordillera Blanca.
Mountain Climbing
After the Himalayas, the Andes are the highest mountains in the world. Areas such as Huascaran National Park provide world class opportunities for adventure and mountain-oriented tourism, with more than 50 peaks at over 19,000 feet including Peru's highest peak Huascaran. The Peruvian Andes feature mountains of different technical difficulty levels- from high to medium to easy – as well as the chance to make first assaults and the opportunity to open new climbing routes.
Surfing
The Peruvian coastline is bathed by Pacific waves meaning the water temperature is warm all year round. If you go north, the best surfing beaches are Cabo Blanco, Mancora, Lobitos, Chicama (famous for having the longest left hand wave in the world), Huanchaco and Pacasmayo. In the centre of the country, great surf beaches include Punta Rocas – the site of one World Qualifying Series surfing tournament; Pico Alto, whose waves are compared to those in Hawaii and Punta Hermosa.
White Water Rafting and Kayaking
The Peruvian Andes and their plunging canyons turn Peru into a magnificent stage for rafting and kayaking. The most renowned rivers are the Apurimac in Apurimac (class II and V), the Cotahuasi in Arequipa (class V) and the Tambopata in the jungle. For kayaking, the best place is Lake Titicaca (Puno) - the highest navigable lake in the world.
