May 22, 2013

Top 5 Things to do and See in Peru

Justin Jones / -SP, Adventure Abroad, Peru, South America Travel, Travel Abroad / 1 Comment

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Peru has a lot to offer any traveler. From Machu Picchu to Pisco Sours to the Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca! I’ve always wanted to visit Peru, so when Marca Peru reached out to me about puttong together a post for The Buzz, I got excited and started researching some of the best places to visit in Peru.

First, check out this inspirational video where a traveler sends himself a video 20 years later, to remind himself why Peru is such an amazing country, and why he should never forget what it was like to be young and free and to be a traveler!
 

 

Top 5 things to do and see in Peru!

Machu Picchu

This one is a no-brainer and it’s on every traveler’s bucket list. It’s one of those few iconic destinations that actually lives up to it’s hype. Pro tip: Caugh up a couple bucks for the tour and do the one where you arrive at sunrise. You’ll never forget that vista!

The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca

Every 13 year old boy has heard the name Lake Titicaca, and giggled into his geography book with endless delight. But what many people don’t know is that this beautiful lake has crazy floating islands on it, made of bundles of reeds.  The islands are home to the Uros tribe (they are believed to predate the Incans!) and you can tour the island and meet the locals.

The Nazca Lines

As a kid, I remember watching a show about the mysterious Nazca Lines, and how no one knew how they were created, or why. Was it aliens? Did the ancient people of these lands have the technology for flying machines? The jury is still out on these giant drawings in the Nazca Desert – which makes them all the more appealing to my alien-fearing, conspiracy-theorizing inner child!

Hiking

Peru is a country full of incredible natural beauty – and the landscape ranges from sandy coastline to intimidating peaks. Hiking the glaciers and mountain peaks in Cordillera Blanca in Huaraz is an outdoorsman’s dream! Another popular spot for hiking in Peru is Colca Canyon — twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, home to the Andean Condor, and the views? WOW.

Eat and Drink!

Peruvian food is delicicous and varried. The most popular Peruvian dish, especially along the coast, is probably Ceviche – fresh, raw seafood, marinated in citrus. You’ll also find Anticuchos (marinated meat kabobs), and yes, in the highlands, they eat Cuy Chactado: fried guinea pig!

And when your thirsty, order a Pisco Sour and drink like a local!  Pisco is Peru’s national drink, a kind of Peruvian brandy. And a Pisco Sour is a cocktail made with Pisco, lime juice, the white of an egg and sugar.

That’s it for my list. What are your favorite things to do and see in Peru? Or if you haven’t been, what would you like to see?