What To Do In Perú?
Start writing a post
Featured

What To Do In Perú?

Planning your next trip? Look no further than Peru! As someone who spent the most recent summer in Peru, I can honestly say this country blew me away and I would go back in a heartbeat.

225
What To Do In Perú?

This is a response to The ultimate itinerary for travel in South Africa.

First of all, I want to preface that I can only give the perspective of a traveler to Peru for this article. I'm sure local Peruvians could give you a completely different perspective, but hopefully I'm able to offer some ideas and a glimpse into Peruvian life for those seeking it!

The Touristy Stuff

We'll start with the parts of Peru that most people have probably heard of once or twice before, seen on social media somewhere, or have seen pictures of and didn't realize they're in Peru.

1. Machu Picchu: Noted by many as one of the seven world wonders, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu is as incredible in real life as it is in pictures. You can take a guided tour and understand more about the history and culture of the Incas and their amazing city built into the mountains. Or, you can take the Salkantay Trek, which is a 4-5 day hike showing views of the sacred mountain Salkantay and then leads you to Machu Picchu!

2. Rainbow Mountain: This mountain just recently, in the year 2012, was revealed to have its amazing colors due to minerals such as quartz, limestone, and red clay. Before 2012, snow and ice covered its colors; due to global warming, we now are able to see its rainbow of minerals. My friends and I rode horses along the trail till we got to the incline. Then, we hiked all the way to the summit, which is a staggering 5,200 meters or around 17,000 feet. The views are definitely worth it, and being surrounded by those colorful mountains gives a feeling like no other.

3. Exploring Cusco: What used to be the Capital of the Incan Empire is now a gorgeous city with cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and plenty of culture and food to try. The iconic foods to try in Cusco are alpaca and guinea pig. I tried both of these, since, well, it's a part of the experience! I enjoyed both meals and thoroughly loved the city of Cusco as a whole.

Culture

Between the food, history, and amazing people in Peru, there is so much culture to dive into.

I stayed in Lobitos, a surf town on the coast in Northern Peru, for the majority of my time there. I worked as an intern with an NGO working to provide sustainable development solutions to the town of Lobitos. While there, I can honestly say I've never met a more welcoming, friendly, and fun community than that of Lobitos. There are constantly surfers out on the waves to watch and learn from, volleyball games going on down the beach, and tasty food to enjoy.

When in Peru, it's standard to eat ceviche, a common South American dish of fish marinated in lime or other citruses. There is also causa, consisting of whipped potatoes and some type of seafood. Both of these are amazing and I wish could be served with the same quality here in the states.

The lifestyle and the people, though, are what I miss the most. The easy-going, slower pace of life was so great to experience and work in. They have a real understanding there of true work-life balance. The sense of community and the care that the people have for each other was heartwarming and made me always feel like I was part of a family.

Why Peru is the Best

Besides the culture, people, and sites to see, there is also something to be said about the diversity of experiences and climates that Peru can offer. I personally did not get the chance to explore Iquitos, a city in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle, or go sandboarding in Huacachina, but these are experiences that are within Peru's borders. It is fascinating to me that one country holds SO much - from surf towns where I was staying, to an Incan Capital rich with history and stories from the Incan people, to the Amazon Rainforest! There is truly something for everyone in Peru. Cities, beaches, mountains, jungles, and good, amazing people.

Report this Content
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

4244
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

5967
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

24673
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

4174
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

6036
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments