Why Travelling to Peru is an Experience of a Lifetime

Find out the best reasons why you should visit Peru

Peru is a place of wonders, from its vibrant native culture and delectable cuisine to its breathtakingly gorgeous natural surroundings. There are countless reasons to visit this multicultural, unique country when you’re travelling in your 30’s and 40’s. When you travel to Peru, its rich and diverse history, biodiversity, geography, and cuisine are enough to ensure a trip you’ll never forget.

Peruvian Culture and History

Well before the Spanish colonial era, Peru was a popular destination for many cultures. The Inca culture, whose capital was Cuzco, was the most significant and largest. Presently, you can see the citadel of Machu Picchu, the finest feat in Incan architecture that has captivated the world's interest, as well as numerous other ancient sites and strongholds.

Machu Picchu is a man-made wonder, with a steep mountainside lined with a complicated labyrinth of stone terraces that were once utilized for farming. Temples built of stones weighing up to 20 tons are flawlessly linked. The complex was designed, keeping the sun's and moon's positions in view. The Peruvian government has restricted access to the landmark to 2,500 visitors each day, owing to its popularity. The journey to Machu Picchu can take many days, but visitors are only allowed to stay for a couple of hours. Machu Picchu is more of a trip than an actual destination for many travellers. Visit Peru to experience this world famous historical site and culture.

Furthermore, several architectural relics have been discovered throughout Peru's land. Tombs, ceramics, fortresses, and metal works from earlier cultures to the Incas can be found in the north, including the Tucume and Chan Chan pyramids, the Lord of Sipan burial complex, the salt ponds in Maras, and many others.

The Cuisine in Peru is One-of-a-Kind

The flavors and ingredients used in Peruvian food blend tradition, fusion, originality, and modern changes to provide one of the most recognized and adored cuisines in the world. Much of traditional Peruvian cuisine was influenced by cultures thousands of miles away. These external influences originate from the invasion of the Spaniards in the 1500s. European sauces, stews, and baked casseroles were introduced by the colonists.

Ceviche, the country’s national dish, is made with five simple ingredients, i.e. sea bass, lime juice, salt, onion, and hot chillies. Other dishes that you must try when you travel to Peru are Lomo Saltado (Pan-fried Beef), Causa (Potato Casserole), Rocoto Relleno (Spicy Peppers), Aji de Gallina (Chicken in Cream), and Arroz con Pato (Duck and Rice).

                      

The Country is Perfect for Adventurers

While backpacking or trekking the Andes is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of travelling to Peru, there is much more the country has to offer. 

To start with, the Floating Islands of Uros are a sight to see. This group of handmade islands is located in Lake Titicaca and is a popular tourist destination in Peru. Next, you can plan a few days to enjoy at Mancora Beach. At this renowned seaside resort, seafood, horseback riding, water sports, and leisure are the order of the day. Mancora is one of South America's most beautiful beaches, with year-round sunshine and enormous waves that make it Peru's surfing utopia.

You can visit the Peruvian rainforest around Iquitos if you want to explore the country’s nature and wildlife. Alternatively, you can even pay a visit to Paracas, where you can spot penguins and sea lions. Huaraz is a popular destination for adventure-seekers who are looking for outdoor activities midst beautiful scenery. 

Explore Lima

Lima's historic district is bustling and easy to navigate. The Monastery of San Francisco, with its remarkable library and catacombs, is a must-see. The corpses of the dead were placed in an area beneath the cathedral before Lima's cemetery was established in 1808. The catacombs, which contain the remains of 25,000 people are open to the public.

For people who love to shop while on vacation, Larcomar is a shopping mall carved into the cliff face. El Parque de las Aguas is a lovely water fountain in downtown Lima that also features a spectacular light show at nightfall.

Explore Cuzco

Cuzco is located deep within the Peruvian Andes. This ancient city of 300,000 people was formerly the Inca Empire's capital.

Cuzco is one of the world's highest cities sitting at 3,400 meters. Altitude sickness is common among visitors. Chewing coca leaves is recommended by the locals to aid with altitude sickness. If you’re traveling in your 30’s and 40’s it is better to make sure you’re physically fit to visit this city, as even climbing a flight of stairs can leave you feeling breathless.

You can even take a stroll through Cuzco's winding cobblestone alleyways. There are galleries, museums, cathedrals, and cultural heritage sites to keep you occupied for many days. Colorful festivals also take place, transforming the city with a lively atmosphere. 

It Has a Vast Variety of Climates, Geography, and Wildlife

Peru is among the world's most diversified nations, with its unique topography and micro climates attracting researchers from all over the world. 

Peru is also an ideal location for animal lovers and birdwatchers, as it is home to a diverse range of mammals, birds, and amphibian species. The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is Peru's biggest Reverse and is residence to approximately 1000 birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles across two million hectares. If you’re travelling in yours 30’s and 40’s you can surely appreciate the diverse landscapes and wildlife the country has to offer.

The greatest time to travel to Peru is during the dry weather, which runs from June through September. Trekking is more delightful under a clear blue sky, and the dry season in Peru is the greatest time to explore the country's woodlands and biodiversity.

From admiring one of the highest waterfalls in the world near Chachapoyas to catching a glimpse of the infamous Rainbow Mountain, Peru is filled with distinct and fascinating landscapes.

Conclusion

There is no shortage of reasons to travel to Peru. Travelling in your 30’s and 40’s is all about experiencing different cultures and appreciating the diversity of our planet. Peru promises you memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life!