Introduction
Peru is in for a phenomenal year in 2023, according to predictions. This one-of-a-kind and culturally rich country offers travelers a plethora of compelling reasons to pay them a visit. Peru is a country that has something to offer everyone, whether it is its historic ruins, its breathtaking mountain landscapes, or its thriving cities. Here are ten amazing reasons why you should travel to Peru in 2023:
Machu Picchu
One of the most iconic destinations in Peru is Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city is perched high in the Andes mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is one of the most well-preserved Incan sites in the world and offers a glimpse into the ancient Incan culture. Visitors can hike the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, or take a train from Cusco. The hike is a challenging and rewarding experience, and it is important to book well in advance.
Lima
Peru’s capital city, Lima, is a vibrant and modern metropolis that is well worth a visit. The city is known for its stunning colonial architecture, as well as its delicious cuisine. Lima is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers towering over ancient ruins. Visitors can explore the historic center of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sample some of the world-renowned Peruvian dishes. Some must-try dishes include ceviche, lomo saltado, and aji de gallina.
The Amazon Rainforest
Peru is home to a large portion of the Amazon rainforest, which is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Visitors can explore the jungle by taking a guided tour, where they can see exotic wildlife, learn about traditional plant medicine, and experience the incredible natural beauty of the rainforest. Some of the most popular destinations in the Amazon rainforest include Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, and Manu National Park.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and is situated on the border between Peru and Bolivia. It is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, with an elevation of over 3,800 meters. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains. The lake is also home to the Uros people, who live on floating islands made of reeds. Visitors can learn about their traditional way of life and even spend a night on one of the floating islands.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs that are located in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. These enormous designs were created by the Nazca people over 2,000 years ago and are best viewed from the air. Visitors can take a small plane tour over the lines to see them up close. The designs are incredibly intricate and include depictions of animals, plants, and geometric shapes.
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and is located in southern Peru. Visitors can take a trek through the canyon, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the chance to see the Andean condor, which is one of the largest birds in the world. The canyon is also home to traditional villages where visitors can learn about the local way of life.
Huacachina Oasis
The Huacachina Oasis is a small desert oasis located in the south of Peru. Visitors can relax on the shores of the oasis, take a dip in the water, or go sandboarding on the surrounding sand dunes. The area is also known for its stunning sunsets, and visitors can take a dune buggy tour to see the sun set over
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is located near Cusco and is home to a number of ancient Incan ruins. Visitors can explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray, which offer a glimpse into the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Incans. The Sacred Valley is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains, winding rivers, and picturesque villages.
The Peruvian Amazon River
The Peruvian Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume and is one of the most important rivers in Peru. Visitors can take a riverboat tour of the Amazon, which offers the chance to see exotic wildlife, such as pink river dolphins, caimans, and monkeys. The river is also home to a number of traditional communities, and visitors can learn about their way of life and customs.
Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its diversity and complexity. Visitors to Peru can sample a wide variety of dishes, from ceviche to alpaca steak to guinea pig (a traditional delicacy). Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of indigenous ingredients and cooking methods with influences from Spanish, African, and Asian cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include causa, anticuchos, and pisco sour (a traditional Peruvian cocktail).
Conclusion
Peru is a country that offers a wealth of incredible experiences for visitors. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the stunning natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest and Lake Titicaca, there is something for everyone in Peru. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or cuisine, Peru has it all. So why not add Peru to your travel bucket list for 2023 and experience all that this incredible country has to offer?
