One of the main reasons to travel to other countries is to experience different cultures and ways of life. Peru is one of those countries that tops the list of incredible, exciting and different things to do which is a must-visit destination for everyone’s bucket list! Whether you want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or you are planning your Peru family vacation, here is a bucket list of experiences you should consider on your Peru vacations.
Inca Trail
Yes, it’s famous, yes it’s touristy, yes it’s expensive and yes it’s on most people’s bucket list……. guess why? It’s incredible!!!!! From start to finish, the whole of the Inca trail, or as colloquially known as “Inca TRIAL” is the experience of a lifetime, there really is nothing quite like it! The 4-day option involves mind-blowing scenery, ancient Inca architecture, a lot of trekking, massive steps, Sacred mountains, historical uniqueness, a few tears, emotional fulfilment and of course the maximum “bragging rights” ever! The Inca trail is life-changing in many ways and has to be up there as one of the best adventures in Peru. Do book ahead though, permits sell out really quickly, do get in shape, the experience will be so much better for it, do take a lot of selfies…you will regret it if you don’t, do take a reward for climbing the “Dead woman’s pass”, do boast about it to everyone you come across…you’ve earned it!
Try the Traditional Dishes
Peru is very proud of its culinary prowess and why shouldn’t it be! It is the culinary capital of the Americas, after all, with a huge array of fresh produce and gourmet delights to make you salivate! Ceviche is the coastal classic and Cuy, or guinea pig (yes the pet!) is the Andean favourite. The Amazon region is proud of its Juane and Suri (look up what Suri is!) and in all regions, you can wash it down with an Inca cola, Pisco sour or Chicha Morada. Peruvians take their food VERY seriously, so we recommend that you do too! Not only will your taste buds thank you for the experience, but you will be taking part in a huge cultural, historical, family orientated tradition and is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in authentic Peruvian culture.
Go condor spotting
This magnificent bird is native to Peru and can be found in the plummeting in the country´s canyons. These humungous birds can measure up to 3 metres long with a wingspan of about the same, and are one of the largest birds in existence! It’s amazing that they can actually get off the ground! Colca Canyon in Arequipa is a popular hotspot to see things incredible birds and the canyon itself is the perfect, beautiful backdrop for these amazing creatures. If you are short on time, check out the Apurimac canyon a couple of hours away from Cusco and the viewpoint of Chonta, which will allow you to marvel at their incredible feats of aviation, soaring above one of the deepest canyons in the world. Kallpa Travel can help you book the canyon of your choice on a customized Peru trip, to tick off the ever-important bucket list item.
Visit the Amazon
The amazon jungle is known as the “lungs of the world”, and it is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. If you want to connect with nature, then this has to be a destination at the top of your list. The number of different animal species is mind-blowing and the jungle is so original and so different to other geographical regions, that it has to be experienced to be believed. You can take it as busy or as relaxed as you like with an abundance of activities such as caiman spotting, parrot viewing, giant water otters and if you are lucky a jaguar or two, all in their natural habitat. It is the perfect digital detox and the perfect way to reconnect with the mother earth, in a world where we are obsessed with technology and development. The jungle has its unique way of gently making you switch off and appreciate this amazing planet that we live on.
Visit the floating Islands on Lake Titicaca
These unique spongy, floating reed islands are the home to the native Aymara and Quechua people of the altiplano who live totally independently on their islands, that they have built themselves from the reeds and grasses of the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. These friendly locals will let you experience a little of their world, from their incredible, brightly woven dress, their fishing techniques and reed boats made from the same material as the island themselves. They even cultivate their own vegetables and potatoes on these incredible floating marvels of ancient Peruvian construction.
Visit a Traditional Festival
Check out the calendar of yearly festivals (there are many to choose from) and make sure you go to one! This incredible mixture of culture, history, traditional and catholic religions, dance, costume, traditional dress, food and drink and a deity or two, is the perfect way to appreciate some of the authentic ancestral customs of the area and have a jolly good time while doing so! In The Andes, Easter and the month of June, are the perfect time of the year to join in a local festival. It is the best way to make new friends, experience the traditional Peruvian festival to the maximum and have an amazing time. This unique and authentic experience is the perfect fusion of cultural and historical Peruvian activities and it would be a crime to miss out!
Allow us at Kallpa Travel to assist you fulfil your bucket list items. We promise to create the perfect tailormade tour itineraries for your holidays in Peru.