South America is a favorite destination for many young travelers and those just exploring new countries. Among its diverse destinations, Peru stands out for several reasons, making it particularly popular. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share with you some of the reasons why it is world-renowned and a must-visit.
The world recognizes the Andean country for its
- Beautiful places
- Peruvian cuisine
- Iconic biodiversity
- Cultural manifestations
- Famous Peruvian people
Beautiful places
People mostly know Peru for its wide range of tourist attractions, perfect for all types of travelers and interests. Many recognize iconic sites like the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon, and the city of Arequipa. However, some have truly captured the country’s name. Therefore, below we present some of the most notable and globally popular ones.
Machu Picchu
When we discuss popular attractions, we must undoubtedly mention Machu Picchu as the most famous thing in Peru. The Inca citadel is a must-see when doing tourism in Peru, precisely because of its magnificence. Since UNESCO declared it a Wonder of the World, this destination has attracted thousands of tourists.
Today, its imposing, well-preserved ruins reflect what was once one of the largest empires on the American continent. The lost city, once forgotten, now attracts hundreds of adventurers eager to discover Peru’s number one attraction. Another highlight of this cultural paradise is the Inca Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in the world.
Nazca Lines
In the South American region, another highlight is the mysterious places. Besides, in this context, Peru is not absent, since the Nazca Lines stand out for their origin. Likewise, their enigmatic shapes and gigantic traces of ancient cultures make them internationally recognized. Therefore, these geoglyphs in the middle of the immense desert make an enigmatic country.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is one of the most prominent in Peru and Bolivia. Its surrounding culture and natural wonders make it a unique and dreamy destination. For this reason and much more, this body of water is on the lips of many travelers and explorers. Moreover, its widespread appeal makes it regarded as one of the best things to do in Peru and Bolivia.
Peruvian Amazon
On the other hand, one of South America’s most notable regions is its impressive Amazon rainforest. Among the countries fortunate enough to possess this type of territory, Peru stands out. Thanks to its wide variety of national parks and biodiversity, especially attractive for those seeking a connection with nature. Discovering the Amazon River, indigenous peoples, and even native languages are internationally renowned activities.
Peruvian cuisine
Aside from its breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural heritage, Peru is known for its magnificent cuisine. Various international experts praise it and recognize this unique blend of flavors. Furthermore, its natural products are worthy of such recognition. Therefore, we present some of the most renowned below:
Ceviche
Ceviche is one of the most iconic Peruvian dishes due to its fame and exquisiteness. Some chefs along the Peruvian coast prepare this delicious emblem with fresh fish and citrus juice. Its popularity is so great that it is still prepared in some jungles and Andean regions, with some modifications. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Peru, it’s a must-try.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is Peru’s signature cocktail and a symbol of the delicious variety of indigenous beverages. Its preparation with local ingredients and, of course, pisco, Peru’s most famous product, makes it unique. Furthermore, its distinctive and well-balanced flavors are memorable for many tourists who have tried it.
Guinea pig
In addition to traditional Peruvian food such as aji de gallina or lomo saltado, Peru boasts some unusual dishes. Likewise, many chefs prepare them in remote or infrequently visited cities. However, many Andean people often consume guinea pigs, which is interesting to many foreign tourists. Therefore, this unusual protein enjoys international fame, and consequently, the country also gains popularity.
Iconic biodiverse
Along with its wide variety of natural landscapes, Peru boasts a unique biodiversity unmatched anywhere else in the world. Some of them are the cock-of-the-rock, the Andean condor, and the Peruvian hairless dog. But camelids are undoubtedly the most acclaimed by tourists of all ages. The vicuña, llama, and alpaca are characteristic of this country and are a symbol of Peruvian fauna.
One interesting fact about Peru is its alpaca population, which accounts for approximately 85% of the total global population. Some experts estimate that more than 4 million alpacas live in this territory. The main concentrations are Andean regions such as Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco.
Furthermore, many people recognize this country for its wonderful plants, such as the Cantuta flower and the Puya Raimondi. Also worth mentioning, residents, especially in the mountainous region, use its classic medicinal plants. Included in this list are coca, muña, chamomile, cat’s claw, and several others, each targeting a particular ailment.
Cultural manifestations
Throughout its history, Peru has witnessed many historic milestones from pre-Inca cultures to the current government. Including some armed conflicts, such as the Inca Civil War, where one of the protagonists was Francisco Pizarro. In this context, it has been home to a large number of cultures, both different and unique.
This multicultural country has many expressions that are a living heritage, preserved throughout time by its inhabitants. Therefore, some of them stood out for certain characteristics that make them unique in the eyes of the world. Likewise, below we present some of the most popular ones that enhance Peru’s name in the world.
Textiles
In the Andean country, textiles are a centerpiece of the wide variety of handicrafts. Their beautiful colors and distinctive designs attract attention and reflect the unique culture of each region. Likewise, some of them use alpaca fiber as the main ingredient, giving them an upgrade in sophistication and quality. Besides, fashion experts and professionals internationally recognize some specialty stores.
Dances
As another example of cultural heritage, dances are particularly popular for their close connection to local culture and history. Dances like marinera, huayno, and tondero have a strong national influence and exemplify what we’re referring to. Their costumes, music, and chants convey a Peruvian identity throughout, making them internationally relevant.
Quechua
Quechua is one of Peru’s official languages because of its widespread use in various cities across the Andean region. In addition to its 43 native languages, people internationally recognize it, and have some specialized schools around the world. However, it’s important to mention that despite the variety of languages, Spanish is currently the most predominant one.
Famous Peruvian people
Famous Peruvian personalities in recent years have made contributions and brought the name of the country internationally. Whether through sporting, culinary, political, or other activities, Peruvians have made their voices heard many times. For this reason, we present below some of the most renowned Peruvians.
Mario Vargas Llosa
Mario Vargas Llosa stands among Peru’s most renowned figures, and people celebrate him for receiving the prestigious Nobel Prize. His vast work made him one of the most influential writers in South America for exposing the social reality. Some of his most recognized works are La Ciudad de los Perros, La Casa Verde, and many more. In addition, his numerous awards and recognitions gave him international backing.
Gastón Acurio
As we mentioned earlier, many international specialists recognized Peruvian cuisine as one of the most delicious. Much of its prestige is because of the arduous work of some chefs like Gaston Acurio. Known as the king of ceviche, Acurio was important in the global projection of Peruvian cuisine. Through his restaurants and his innovative vision, he managed to position emblematic Peruvian dishes as a global gastronomic heritage.
Virgilio Martínez
A representative of the new generation of Peruvian chefs, Virgilio Martínez has taken Peruvian cuisine to new heights. He has managed to create a unique culinary experience deeply rooted in Peruvian cultural identity with modern techniques. His restaurants, like the renowned Central, are among the best in the world. Besides, his special preparation care denotes meticulous attention to every detail and respect for natural diversity.
Mario Testino
Mario Testino is one of the most influential fashion photographers of recent decades. Internationally renowned magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ have published his work. Famous for capturing glamour with an approach he has dubbed “luxurious realismo”, where he captures emotional moments. Besides his work as a photographer, he has also served as a creative director, guest editor, and art collector.
Yma Sumac
With an extraordinary vocal range spanning more than five octaves, Yma Sumac conquered the world with her unmistakable style. Her albums, such as Voice of the Xtabay and Legend of the Sun Virgin, received praise for their rich performance and Andean connection. Besides, she earned a Guinness World Record for the longest vocal range recorded in 1956. Likewise, her work spotlight around the world and cemented her legacy as one of the unique voices of the 20th century.
“FAME COMES FROM CONSISTENTLY WORKING HARD AND GETTING NOTICED. IT CAN THRUST YOU INTO THE LIMELIGHT, INTRODUCING YOU TO COUNTLESS PEOPLE YOU NEVER DREAMED OF MEETING”
No matter the best time to visit Peru, we do not doubt that any experience there will be unforgettable. Remember that this is just a small sample of what makes this Andean country so popular. Likewise, to know more about this destination, do not hesitate to consult with our experts at Machu Travel Peru. Remember that this is just a small sample of what makes this Andean country so popular.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Peru and any tours around it. Let us help you make your Peru travel experience unforgettable! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
