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While Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and the like have historically been the leading tourism industry in South America, this alternative country has now become the trendiest country to visit for both its culture and affordability. a growing number of foreign visitors.
Known for its incredibly hospitable locals, ancient heritage and incredible nature, Peru is expected to grow by a further 15% annually as a destination. surpassing the recovery of some larger neighbors and positioning itself as a major regional player.
That’s why you should too The heart of the Incas a chance:
Why is tourism increasing in Peru?
Located in western South America, Peru has perhaps the most diverse topography and geographic features among its peers.
Being the third largest country on the continent, with an area that includes a long Pacific coastline demarcated by Andean peaks, it has an abundance of nature reserves and an enormous biodiversity that simply cannot be matched.
Sun seekers often flock to Peru’s Pacific coast for a relaxing, sunny holiday without the crowds, as it is not as hugely popular a destination as the Colombian Caribbean or the glitzy resort of Copacabana in Brazil. That’s not to say it suffers from a lack of allure.
Believe it or not, Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu.
Beautiful Pacific beaches
Máncora is a small seaside town in the province of Piura, nationally famous for its long sandy beach and lively bar district.
Southeast of the city center, visitors will also find the medicinal remedy Poza de Barro hot springs and mud baths; as you travel to more remote areas, undisturbed areas along the coastthey may get the chance to spot whales and other marine life migrating to the coast.
Paracas is also an incredibly popular coastal destination, with the emblematic El Chaco Beach stretching along the picturesque Paracas Bay.
A jumping off point for those heading to the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, or the nature reserve that is the Paracas National Reserve, it is a hidden gem of Peru that most foreign tourists have yet to discover.
Impressive natural diversity
Off the coast, popular nature reserves include the Colca Canyon in southern Peru, the world’s deepest and the country’s top-rated attraction, the Cordirella Blancaa snow-covered highland, and the Peruvian Amazon.
Yes, Peru controls part of the transboundary Amazon, and if you visit small local towns like Iquitos, full of stilt houses along the riverbank and a European-inspired historic center, you will experience a less touristy side of life in the heart of the largest rainforest in the world.
Lake Titicaca is also becoming increasingly popular with tourists, as it is one of the largest lakes in South America. Puno, the gateway to the Titicaca Reserve, is one of the cultural capitals of Peruthanks to its folkloric tradition, colonial architecture and numerous festivals.
The Rainbow Mountain is yet another distinctive postcard view of Peru, with its unique geology and rainbow-colored stripes stretching from its base to its peak, easily visited from Cusco.
Of course, no article about Peru would be complete without highlighting the former Inca capital.
Inca and colonial heritage
Perhaps the main reason why tourists flock to this South American gem: Cusco is a beautiful, ocher city packed with Spanish-era buildings and resting atop fully excavated Inca ruins.
The Plaza de Armas is among the best preserved in the wider Spanish-speaking world, flanked by colonial structures and their neatly carved wooden balconies that simply could not be so masterfully replicated in this era, Inca walls and the monumental Cathedral of Cusco.
Originally built as an Inca temple in the 13th century, it came under the possession of Spanish Christians during the colonization of Peru and now resembles any late Gothic European cathedral.
In recognition of its fascinating history and architectural delights, the center of Cusco is recognized by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.
Although worth a visit for its colonial heritage alone, most tourists use Cusco as a base for their climb to Machu Picchu. the most visited tourist attraction in Peru and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
If you want to take those steps, and you are in good shape and don’t often suffer from altitude sickness, you can walk to Machu Picchu from Cusco and follow the Inca Trail – something one of our writers has already tried and found. are unbelievable rewarding.
Trust us; the views over the majestic peaks and dizzying cliff walks are breathtaking die for. No pun intended (the climb is actually quite safe).
You can of course also opt for the Inca train, which will take you to the nearest access point before taking a short path to the top of the viewpoint.
Incredible cuisine
Of course, we cannot forget Peruvian food, as it plays a major role in the country’s tourism revival, now that culinary immersions are as sought after as cultural or sunny getaways, and the local cuisine, which dates back to the Inca period . is unlike that of any other modern South American state.
Definitely the best place to sample Peru’s rich, ethnic cuisine Limathe largest city and vibrant capital.
Recently described as a foodie capital, Lima offers a host of traditional dishes cevicherias specialized in the classic dish based on Inca seafood, tiraditos (a kind of marinated raw fish), rice with duck and many more intangible national treasures.
Additionally, Lima is known for its multicultural cooking practices. Like much of South America, Peru was host to numerous migrant groups, especially southern Europeans, but also Asians (especially Chinese and Japanese) and Africans.
Because the ingredients from their homeland are not easily found in the South, they were forced to adapt and adapt dishes with other spices available in Peru, creating a cuisine that is a unique blend of Eurasian, African and native Peruvian influences.
Peru is becoming increasingly tourist-friendly
As tourism grows in Peru, the government is driving development in lesser-known parts of the country and even launching secondary attractions, including a cable car through the Inca Choquequirao Park, is expected to attract more than 1.2 million tourists.
Safety problems have also been addressed.
Earlier this year, Peru was rocked by a new wave of protests that led to the closure of some airports and even the vital rail link connecting Cusco to Machu Picchu, leaving hundreds of thousands of tourists stranded and caught in the middle of open clashes between protesters. and state authorities.
The situation has now largely disappeared, and Peru is again a level 2 destinationas classified by the United States Department of State.
This means that Americans are no longer urged to reconsider traveling and be free to explore Peru’s man-made and natural wonders without restrictions.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
