Peru is a land of lost cities, towering Andes, high-altitude lakes, and vibrant culture. From the iconic Machu Picchu to the depths of the Amazon, it’s a dream destination for adventurers, foodies, and history buffs alike.
🌍 Regions and Top Cities
Peru has three main geographic regions—Costa (coast), Sierra (highlands), and Selva (jungle)—each with distinct landscapes and cultures:
🏙️ Lima (Costa)
- The capital and largest city, known for:
- World-class cuisine (ceviche, anyone?) – Try Central, Maido, or local seafood joints.
- Barranco: Bohemian district full of street art, bars, and creative vibes.
- Miraflores: Coastal cliffs, paragliding, and romantic sunsets.
- Museo Larco: Pre-Columbian treasures in a colonial mansion.
⛰️ Cusco & Sacred Valley (Sierra)
- Cusco: Former Inca capital, colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and a hub for trekking.
- Sacred Valley: Picturesque towns like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, local markets, and Inca ruins.
- Machu Picchu: The legendary Inca citadel reached by train, bus, or epic treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay.
🏞️ Arequipa & Colca Canyon
- Arequipa: Known as “The White City,” surrounded by volcanoes and built from sillar stone.
- Colca Canyon: Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon—home to majestic Andean condors.
🦙 Puno & Lake Titicaca
- Lake Titicaca: The world’s highest navigable lake.
- Visit the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island for indigenous culture and unforgettable views.
🌿 Iquitos & The Amazon (Selva)
- Accessible only by plane or river, Iquitos is your base for:
- Jungle lodges
- Wildlife spotting (sloths, pink dolphins, anacondas)
- Ayahuasca retreats and shamanic ceremonies (do your research!)
🌄 Other Highlights
- Nazca Lines: Mysterious ancient geoglyphs best seen from the air.
- Paracas & Ballestas Islands: The “poor man’s Galápagos” with sea lions, penguins, and flamingos.
- Huaraz & Cordillera Blanca: Peru’s top trekking region—don’t miss Laguna 69 or the Santa Cruz trek.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Instagram-famous, high-altitude, colorful stripes—but bring oxygen if you’re not acclimatized!
🍽️ Peruvian Cuisine
Often considered South America’s best cuisine, Peru offers:
- Ceviche: Raw fish cured in lime juice, often with sweet potato and corn.
- Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with rice and fries.
- Aji de Gallina: Spicy shredded chicken stew.
- Chifa: Peruvian-Chinese fusion.
- Pisco Sour: The national cocktail—strong and citrusy.
🎭 Culture and People
- Rich in indigenous heritage (Quechua, Aymara) and Spanish colonial influence.
- Colorful festivals year-round—Inti Raymi in Cusco, Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno.
- Markets bursting with alpaca products, handmade jewelry, and textiles.
🏳️🌈 LGBT Snapshot in Peru
- Same-sex activity is legal, but same-sex marriage isn’t recognized.
- Lima and Cusco have some LGBT-friendly bars and events (especially during Pride).
- Social attitudes are still conservative, particularly in rural areas.
- Travelers report feeling safe when keeping affection discreet in public.
🧡 Why Visit Peru?
- Machu Picchu – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Diverse landscapes – desert, coast, mountains, and jungle in one country.
- Incredible food – a culinary powerhouse of Latin America.
- Deep history – Inca heritage, Spanish colonial legacy, and modern vibrance.
- Trekking heaven – for all levels, from day hikes to epic mountain routes.