Peru at a glance: A look at its history, landscapes and traditions

Published: 14 December 2022 | Reads: 2090

Home / Travel Blog / Peru at a glance: A look at its history, landscapes and traditions

The Inca Empire left a deep mark on the mysterious lands of Peru, attracting thousands of travelers every year who seek to discover its legacy and tour its ancient constructions. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are the most visited destinations, but the country offers much more: from its extensive coast of more than 3,200 kilometers to the thousands of kilometers of Amazon rainforest.

The majestic Andes mountain range crosses the Peruvian territory, dividing the country into three natural regions: the arid coast, the Andean highlands, and the tropical jungle that covers more than 60% of the territory. In each of them you can find unique landscapes, endemic species, and a surprising variety of climates.

Peru not only dazzles with its nature, but also with its history. Vestiges of ancient cultures like the Nazca Lines, Chan Chan, and Chavín de Huántar are complemented by a visit to Machu Picchu. In turn, monasteries, colonial churches, and traditional towns reflect centuries of cultural mixing, making the country a multicultural destination.

What to expect when arriving in Peru?

Upon arriving in Peru, travelers encounter some of the most impressive landscapes in South America: from the high mountains of the Andes to the sacred valley and the Amazon rainforest. Treks along ancient Inca paths and contact with communities that still speak Quechua allow you to experience up close traditions that have lasted for centuries.

With a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage, Peru combines Amerindian and Spanish influences that are reflected in its art, gastronomy, and lifestyle. This cultural fusion is perceived both in large cities and in small Andean towns, where the history, hospitality and authenticity of the Peruvian people make every visit an unforgettable experience.

Lima: the gateway to Peru
International flights arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro and known as “The City of Kings”. During the colonial era it was the center of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and many of its monuments, churches, and colonial mansions still preserve their original splendor.

Today, Lima is a modern and vibrant metropolis full of history, culture, and one of the most recognized cuisines in the world. Although most travelers usually stay only a few days before continuing to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, the city offers much to discover: from its museums and traditional neighborhoods to its spectacular view of the Pacific.
Cusco and Machu Picchu
Cusco, with its colonial architecture, Inca temples, and cobbled streets, is the ideal starting point for Machu Picchu. The town of Aguas Calientes is just a few hours away, which is the access point to the legendary Inca citadel, reached by bus after a short but exciting ascent between mountains.

Machu Picchu, the most visited archaeological site in Peru, remains a historical enigma. More than 50 tombs and about 100 skeletal remains have been found, and although it is still debated whether it was a lost city or a royal refuge, its imposing architecture and location make it one of the most impressive destinations in South America. For those looking to extend the experience, from Cusco it is possible to take the train to Puno and discover Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and the birthplace of ancient Andean legends.

The Peruvian gastronomy: a journey of flavors

Peruvian gastronomy is one of the most outstanding in the world, famous for its fusion of flavors and its multicultural heritage. Pre-Inca, Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian influences converge in it, giving rise to a varied cuisine full of nuances.

Ceviche, prepared with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, is considered the national dish and a symbol of the Peruvian coast. In the highlands, cuy (guinea pig) is the Andean tradition, while throughout the country Inca Kola, with its unmistakable sweet flavor, remains the most popular drink and a true cultural icon.

What to see in peru

A country of natural wonders

Traveling through Peru is discovering a territory full of natural and cultural records:

Colca Canyon: The deepest gorge in the world.
Caral: The oldest city in America.
Chicama: Home of the longest waves on the planet.
Amazon: The largest river in the world is born in Peruvian lands.
Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake on the planet.

Tips for planning your trip to Peru

With so much to see and do, planning a trip to Peru can seem overwhelming. The key is to prioritize experiences: combining culture, nature, and adventure. From treks on the Inca Trail to tours in the Amazon or gastronomic visits in Lima, Peru offers unique experiences that exceed any expectation.

Titicaca lake, Puno

Peru at a Glance

Kuélap - Is an imposing Pre-inca walled city perched above Río Urubamba.
Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán - Showcases the amazing archaeological finds of the royal Tombs of Sipan, dubbed "The riches tomb of the new World" for all the beautifully crafted artifacts unearthed.
Chavín de Huantar - Is one of the best preserved Chavín sites and provides an insight into their sophisticated construction and artistic skills.
Reserva Nacional de Paracas - Is the country's largest area of protected coastline, teeming with wildlife. Towering cliffs fringe the beaches along some of the richest seas in the world.
Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria - Peru´s largest reserve, covers a huge swathe of original Amazon rain forest. It is the ideal place for boat trips, wildlife-spotting, and treks through the jungle.
Huancayo to Lima - Is among the most spectacular train journeys in the world and was, until recently, the bigbest too the route passes,through some breath taking Andean scenery.
Machu Picchu - The lost city of the Incas, is the most famous archaeological site in South America. The mistcloaked citadel is a big draw with tourists owing to its grandeur and the immense sense of mystery surrounding it.
Lake Titicaca - Legendary birhplace of the first Inca, is a place of folklore and traditional ways of life. The world's highest navigable lake is dotted with islands,some of which are man-made from reeds.

How to get around in Peru

The main airport in Peru is Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. It's only about 7 miles from the city center so finding your way isn't too much of a problem; however, your options are somewhat limited. The easiest way to find a taxi booking is in the arrivals area. Make sure you agree on the fare before you start the journey and make sure you have agreed on the currency in PEN as some taxi drivers like to scam passengers and confuse them into thinking the amount be in dollars instead. Otherwise you can go by bus, but they do not enter the airport premises, you can find them about 15 minutes walk from the airport. The bus fare is incredibly cheap, but if you're not interested in taking public transport, a taxi is your best bet.

Once you're settled into your hotel and ready to explore the country, there are a few different options you can use to get around. Here are some tips:

Flight: Several airlines fly domestically, including Latam, the country's oldest airline, which connects eleven cities such as Lima, Arequipa and Iquitos. Sky Airlines connects nine cities including Lima, Trujillo and Chiclayo. Viva Airlines flies between Lima and Huanuco, Huaraz, Jauja, Andahuaylas, Atalaya, Ayacucho and Cajamarca.
Rail: Peru Rail and Inca Rail offers trips to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and Colca Canyon. There are luxury trains like the Hiram Bingham that runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu while the Vistadome runs between Cusco to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Expedition train are designed for no-frills travelers and are available on the following routes: Cusco-Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu, and Cusco-Lake Titicaca.
Bus: There are several private bus companies that offer cheap bus services throughout Peru, including Ormeno and Cruz del Sur.
Car Rental: Renting a car is easy. Budget and Avis are just two of the most well-known companies operating in Peru.

Expedition train to Machu Picchu

What is there to do in Peru?

Lima is where most travelers start their Peru vacation, and it has much more to offer than just an airport. The city's Miraflores district sits right on the Pacific Ocean and offers shopping during the day with fun bars and clubs at night. Being so close to the sea, Lima has excellent seafood, especially its ceviche. As the town is on a cliff, you can also go paragliding.

Machu Picchu has long been Peru's most popular tourist attraction, and with good reason, as it's a spectacular monument to the Inca civilization. Most travelers take one of the trains from Pueblo Machu Picchu to the site, just make sure you book in advance as they can and sell out. Consider staying a night at Pueblo Machu Picchu before acclimating to higher altitudes.

If you don't mind taking a short flight during your stay in Peru, you can visit the Amazon Rainforest. You can enter from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, and while you can get there by car, the roads aren't the best and flying is the safest option. Expect fascinating wildlife, and there's even a jungle lodge to stay in.

A few hours south of Lima is the village of Huacachina, a small oasis in the middle of a large desert. Not only is it a great place to relax, but you can also go sandboarding and a fast dune buggy ride.

Tips for your stay in Peru

Visit the third-highest waterfall in the world, Gocta Falls, which has a breathtaking height. Located in the upper Amazon basin, the waterfall was only "discovered" in recent years. Legend has it that the locals kept the falls secret because they feared the wrath of the beautiful mermaid who lived there.

Most travelers to Peru book their trip with two attractions: The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. But the lesser-known gem is Choquequirao, one of South America's best-preserved Inca cities, near Cusco. After the Spanish conquest, the Incas fled to Choquequirao. Only a third of the site has been excavated so far.

The Convent and Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco) in Lima is an interesting place to visit. Famous for its catacombs, which house the bones of tens of thousands of corpses, the well-preserved building was built by the Spanish and dates from the late 16th century.

Drive to Puno, the city on the edge of Lake Titicaca. According to Inca legend, Manco Capac, the first Inca, rose from the lake to found the Inca Empire. The "popular capital of Peru", Puno is known for its rich artistic and cultural traditions. There are more than 300 ethnic dances. The most famous dance is the Diablada, performed during the festival of the Virgin of Candelaria in February. During this time the women dance in supplication and thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary. According to a 17th-century legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to workers at a local silver mine and later saved the town from enemies.

The Nazca Lines are considered one of the greatest mysteries in the world. The geoglyphs depicting people, animals and simple lines. To see them, a sightseeing flight is recommended. The Nazca Lines were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Best Tours in Peru

Peru offers fascinating experiences that reveal natural landscapes, historical monuments, and living cultures, captivating those who seek adventure and discovery in every corner of its territory. Get to know the most outstanding tours:

Other trips in Peru

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.