Off The Beaten Track In Peru
When many tourists consider Peru travel for their vacation plans, they typically envision world-renowned destinations such as the bustling city of Lima, the fabulous Inca site Machu Picchu or other sites in the country devoted to the fascinating Incan culture.
While those places are splendid destinations and well worth visiting, another wonderful side of Peru also exists and is just waiting to be explored. Visitors can have exceptionally rewarding experiences when they make an effort to discover Peru’s vast natural wilderness areas and the country’s world-class culinary culture, although these aspects of Peru are sometimes overlooked by vacationers.
The Wildlife
Peru’s unique geographical features make it one of the most bio-diverse nations on earth. The geography of Peru ranges from the remote peaks of the Andes Mountains to the mostly arid Pacific Ocean coastline to the wide expanse of the tropical Amazon rainforest.
Peru contains 53 officially protected natural areas that are the home of some of the most exotic native wildlife on earth. You can find more than 1,800 species of marine life, birds and mammals in Peru as well as an incredibly wide array of vegetation and plant life. This unique situation is the result of Peru’s diverse climate. In contrast to other countries near the equator, Peru’s climate is not totally tropical. It contains some regions that are marked by high humidity and heavy rainfall, others that are primarily dry and still others with cold temperatures and frozen mountain peaks.
These aspects of the South American country make it an ideal destination for travelers who cherish the majesty of nature. Visitors who love natural beauty will find it all in Peru, including huge sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, sea lions who call the Pacific Ocean home, brightly colored tropical birds and imposing volcanoes. The breathtaking Gocta Falls, the highest waterfall in Peru, are a natural marvel that visitors will remember for the rest of their lives. The visually stunning mountain scenery of Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru offers opportunities for world-class hiking treks. Still another natural destination in Peru is the Sacred Valley area and the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, which provide a chance to explore a fertile landscape. Animal lovers will be delighted to spot herds of native llamas in this area.
The Cuisine
Visitors who immerse themselves in Peru’s unique food scene will also be richly rewarded. Peruvian cuisine draws influence from many cultures from around the world, a result of the wide variety of immigrants from all sections of the planet who have settled in Peru. Vivid flavors from the cuisines of Japan, China, Spain, the Mediterranean and West Africa can be savored in Peruvian dishes. Don’t miss the ceviche, a dish based on fresh raw seafood marinated in citrus juices. In an ideal development for food lovers, many of those foreign cuisines have been modified and enhanced with domestic Peruvian crops and spices to create a delicious synthesis of flavors that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
So when you are making your Peru travel plans, don’t forget to look beyond the obvious sites such as Lima and Machu Picchu and consider exploring other outstanding destinations, even if they might be located a bit off the beaten path.
Stephen Craig is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @SCraigSEO.