What is Peru known for and what can we learn about the country?
Many people will agree with the idea that Peru is one of the most fascinating places on earth, and that it’s definitely worth a visit.
There are so many cultural treasures located in Peru and so many natural places to discover, it’s truly a joy.
Peru is famous worldwide for its culinary delights! One of the main draws of the country is the Ancient Ruins and rich culture.
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What Is Peru Known For?
Whether you’re wandering through a village, visiting a museum, or hiking through Ancient Ruins, you will be in touch with history.
In this article, we will look at some of the things Peru is known for so you can have a better idea of what to expect.
Machu Picchu
Without a seed of doubt, Machu Picchu is easily one of the most popular and incredible places to visit in Peru.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known by many as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
As part of the official Gringo trail it is one of the best-preserved Inca cities, which is why it’s so important in Peru’s history and culture.
Avocados
Peru offers what many consider the best avocado in the world, known as the Hass avocado. It’s considered the best kind of avocado because it has greater durability, so it’s easy to transport.
Another great thing about the Hass avocado is that the pit is smaller, so there’s a lot more flesh to enjoy. Plus, the texture is nice and creamy, making it perfect for many different dishes and preparations.
Rainbow Mountain
The Rainbow Mountain is unreal and it will take your breath away. Also known as Vinicunca or the Mountain of Seven Colors.
Located in the Andes and you take a 6-mile hike to get to the lookout. It’s definitely not for beginner hikers, but it’s worth the effort.
The Rainbow Mountain looks like it has been painted with a mixture of yellows, reds, purples, and greens, and it’s a sight to remember and should be part of your Peru itinerary if traveling here.
Quinoa
Peru is the largest producer of Quinoa in the world and they account for more than half of the supply.
As you may already know, Quinoa is a super healthy grain and it’s rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and B vitamins.
For over 6,000 years, Peruvians considered it to be a sacred crop because it was resistant to heat, frost, aridness, and high altitudes.
Cusco
Cusco or Cuzco is the historical capital of Peru and it is known as the navel of the earth. It’s located near the Urubamba Valley and it was the capital of the Inca Empire.
There are many day trips from Cusco and the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a popular tourist destination in Peru the culture and history are rich, so you have tons to discover and explore here.
Shamanism
If you’re interested in mystical tourism, Peru’s shamanism is something that will definitely catch your attention.
One of the popular facts about Peru is that the Shamans have ancient knowledge and they create potions to cure people’s illnesses.
Shamans are essential to the Amazonian cultures in Peru and they are considered to be wise people who are in touch with nature and the spirit world.
They are respected and many native communities owe their survival to their shamans.
Llamas and Alpacas
Peru is home to 80% of the world’s alpaca population, so they are popular and can be found in the central and southern parts of Peru.
Llamas are also very common in Peru and they were traditionally used as transport animals, which remains true today.
They are also used for their fur to make fabric; alpaca fabric is very desirable on the market because it’s resistant, durable, soft, and thermal, and llama fabric is very useful for many different applications.
Pisco Sour
Pisco Sour is the national cocktail of Peru and it’s a classic. The base of the cocktail is Peruvian pisco and then you add lime juice, egg white, sugar or simple syrup, and a couple of drops of Angostura Bitters.
It’s very refreshing, tart, but delicate. If you plan on visiting Peru, this is a drink that you simply can’t miss.
Peruvian Corn
Peruvian corn, also known as choclo, is a variety of field corn that is characterized by its large kernels. In comparison to sweet corn, Peruvian corn is chewier and has a starchy texture.
Also, it’s not as sweet and the flavor is more like hominy than sweet corn. In Peru, they serve it as a side dish to ceviche and other dishes.
It’s also toasted and salted, which makes it similar to corn nuts.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a group of large geoglyphs and they are found in the Peruvian coastal plain, in the Nazca Desert.
Most of the lines on the soil run across the entire landscape, but figurative designs of plants and animals can also be found.
The figures that make up the Nazca Lines have different degrees of complexity.
Some are simple lines or geometric shapes, but other designs are more complex and depict cats, dogs, humans, and other animals, as well as flowers and trees.
Peruvian Textiles
Peruvians are known for their ancient textile tradition and traditional weavers use five different fibers, prima cotton, and hair from alpacas, llamas, civunas, and guanacos.
Textiles have played an important role in Andean cultures. They required extraordinary skill, so they are a huge part of the culture.
Places such as Arequipa in southwestern Peru account for the majority of jobs in the alpaca textile manufacturing market.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a popular Peruvian dish and it’s a huge part of the heritage of the country.
You can find it all over the world and it consists of raw fish or seafood which is marinated in citrus juice. It originated in Northern Peru around 2,000 years ago and it’s a product of the Moche civilization.
What Is Peru Known For?
Peru is one of the most interesting countries you can visit.
The people are welcoming, polite, helpful, and they are also curious about other people’s cultures.
Not to mention they are more than happy to share their own culture with visitors. There’s so much to discover and so much to do, it’s definitely worth your time.
You can learn even more from the tourist attractions in Peru to get ideas that will inspire you to travel to this amazing country.
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