Over the last 2 years we have spent a couple of months in Peru (and more to come!) and we now feel like this is our South American home. It thus seems like a good time to offer our invaluable insight into what we love about this amazing country, as well as some of our own most memorable experiences in it in the form of a very original “Peru top 10”. Enjoy! So below are, in no particular order, the ten things we enjoyed the most out of our 43 days in Peru.
1. Markets
You haven’t visited Peru and some of its best cities if you haven’t spent some time in the amazing markets. Here are three of the finest:
Surquillo market – Lima
San Martin market – Arequipa
San Pedro market – Cusco.
2. Ceviche
Possibly the best way ever conceived to enjoy fish, thanks Peru, our taste buds have never been the same since discovering this heaven sent delicacy. Ceviche finds its capital in Lima.
3. Santa Catalina
Without a doubt one of the most picturesque places that we have ever visited. Almost impossible to take a bad picture.
4. Yanahuara district in Arequipa with its picanterias
We love Arequipa and its historical centre, but visiting the town without venturing to the less touristy yet beautiful Yanahuara barrio would be a grave mistake, if only because one wouldn’t get to experience the local picanterias and their larger than life portions. Who knew so much food could be ingested by one person alone? Also the views of the volcanoes are not too bad either.
5. Residencial Miraflores
One of the highlights of Lima, no seriously! Ana Maria has created a unique place, a home away from home and a great atmosphere to meet other travellers. You don’t know what a B&B should be like if you haven’t been there. Thanks for existing!
6. Being alone at Inca site Tipón followed by cuyeria
Probably and unjustly the most underrated Inca site in the sacred valley’s Boleto Turístico. But that came to our advantage when we had the site with its breath-taking view of the valley below all for ourselves. And let’s not forget that Tipón is the world capital of the roasted cuy (guinea pig). The town has the highest ratio of cuyerias per person, approximately 2 cuyerias per head, in the world. Worth the trip just to sample this very Peruvian delicacy. Just don’t sit next to the cage with the live cuys like we did – awkward!
7. Picnic at Pukapukara
Nothing beats the tranquillity of being alone in the middle of an Inca site. This time we had the foresight to bring a picnic with us and had it right at the top of the site with a great view of the surrounding mountains, glaciers and the nearby sites. All lunches should be like this.
8. Island of Taquile on Lake Titicaca
Unspoilt, serene and with a beach more suitable for the Maldives than for an island on a lake at over 4000 metres above sea level. Shame the water was absolutely freezing! Also friendly and welcoming indigenous people who clearly love their island and their heritage and their simple ways. Makes you wonder if we really need all our stuff and modern-life headaches when you can find serenity in a simpler and more community based life surrounded by nature. A must see on Lake Titicaca.
9. Mates
Peruvians love herbal infusions, and for good reasons. Muña (Andean mint) is our personal favourite and it has become a daily ritual. Just visit a supermarket’s tea aisle or the ladies in the markets to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of infusions, all with healing powers (so they say!), and all refreshing and delicious.
10. Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos
I know they are probably just sheep to Peruvians, but to us gringos they are the cutest and most adorable creatures conceivable. So much so that I am considering bringing an alpaca to the UK and walk the streets of London charging people a pound a picture. A sound business model already tried and tested in Peru.
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