Peru
Country Overview
Peru is best known as the “Heart of the Inca Empire.” The Incas reigned from northwest Argentina to southern Colombia. Cusco was the capital, making it the richest city in all of the Americas. After the Spanish conquered Cusco, the Incans fought for several years defending their Empire, but eventually Spanish guns and horses made the conquest complete. Today, Peru is bordered by Ecuador to the northwest, Colombia to the northeast, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast and Chile to the south.
Cusco is a picturesque highland town. Its winding, steep streets attract visitors from all over the world. Tourists use Cusco as a base to access the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was only discovered in 1911, and since then has been visited by tourists from all over the globe- it is a site not to be missed.
If you plan to climb Wayna Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Pichu, be sure to get there early as only 400 visitors per day are allowed to enter. The terrain is difficult on some sections but the climb is worth it as the view from the top offers stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. For those who often have vertigo, Wayna Picchu is one adventure you might want to skip.
The stunning Colca Canyon is reportedly the deepest in the world and is nearly twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. Ancient stone terraces show that it was inhabited before the Incas, but westerners have only begun to explore it in recent decades. A highlight of visiting the Colca Canyona is the viewing the Andean condors at such close proximity. Lake Titicaca is another breathtaking site. The lake sits at 3,856m (12,651 ft), which makes it the highest navigable lake in the world. One can actually journey to an island and stay with a local family for a night for a true cultural experience.
Culture
Located between the Andes and the Amazon River, Peru’s natural isolation has allowed the country to successfully preserve its culture for thousands of years. Despite the Spanish conquest, the ancient civilizations are evident today in Peru’s culture. For example, Spanish is Peru’s national language, yet indigenous languages are still commonly used in the highlands and the Amazon; Quechua and Aymara being the most widely spoken. Approximately 45% of Peru’s population is indigenous and about 37% is mestizo (a mix of Spanish and indigenous). This widely varied background has helped keep alive the ancient tradition in Peruvian society. While most people live in the wealthier, more cosmopolitan, river valleys, many still live in the highland regions working as farmers.
The festivals in Peru also display the presence of indigenous customs in today’s culture. While most of them are related to Christianity, which the Spanish brought over, some of them take a pagan twist, which is common in countries that had an existing religion before Christianity. In fact, some Inca celebrations are still practiced as well. This blending of Christianity with ancient beliefs truly displays the diversity of Peru.
Peruvian food varies greatly by region. The seafood is clearly best on the coast while in the highlands you can find the Incan delicacy, roasted guinea pig. Ceviche is very popular in Peru and rivals Ecuador for the origin of this globally famous dish. Pisco, a local spirit, is mixed with egg whites and lime juice to make a tasty cocktail similar in taste to the Mexican margarita. The origin of Pisco is fought over as well, this time between Chile and Peru.
Travel Tips
There are a few important things to keep in mind when travelling to Peru. Firstly, when arriving in Cusco, be sure to take a few days to acclimatize to the elevation. Altitude sickness is very common and can sneak up on even the most fit of tourists. Another important tip is for those who are planning to buy goods made of Alpaca. Many items are synthetic or just ordinary wool. Real Alpaca is very expensive and there is no true way to tell if you are getting a mixed wool item. If the item is roughly $10USD, you can be sure it is synthetic.
Bargaining is very common in Peru. Do no be afraid to offer a lower price, however, once you have stated your price, it is rude to then request an even lower price. Also, be sure to check the item out to make sure you want to purchase it before you begin to bargain.
The local currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Counterfeiting is common so take the time to get familiar with the money and do not hesitate to reject a bill if you feel the need. The Peruvian voltage is 220, so if traveling from the US you will need a voltage adapter and plug converter.
Only drink water that you are absolutely certain is safe. It is recommended that you drink and brush your teeth with bottled water or purified water. Also be sure to avoid ice from restaurants as it is made from regular tap water. When eating in restaurants, tips are not common but 10% is customary for great service.
Lastly, coca leaves are not cocaine and they are legal in Peru. Many locals chew them to fight the effects of the altitude. It has become a social and ritual custom in Peru. You should be aware that use of coca leaves may lead to positive drug testing in North America.
