Peru is a country with a lot. A lot of charm; a lot of history, a lot of colors and flavors. A lot of archeology, magical places and other enigmatic sites make this country one of the chosen ones to enjoy different types of trips. Without forgetting that it has the best food in the world.
As National Geographic mentions: It is made up of a variety of landscapes, from mountains and beaches to deserts and rain forests. Most people live along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, where the capital, Lima, is located.
Along Peru’s west coast is a narrow strip of desert 1,555 miles (2,500 kilometers) long. Ancient people, called the Chimú and the Nasca, first inhabited this region thousands of years ago. The coastal desert makes up only about 10 percent of Peru, but it is home to more than half of all Peruvians.
The world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, covers nearly half of Peru. Called the selva in Spanish, this huge jungle, which also covers half of Brazil, is home to plants and animals that do not live anywhere else on Earth. Some scientists think there may even be Indian tribes there that have never seen the outside world.
The population of Peru is full of charm, smiles, colors, anecdotes, stories, legends and much more.
Now, if we want to talk about Lima and Cusco, it is a very interesting subject and full of richness
Cusco and Lima, best cities in South America
With a score of 87.47, Cusco topped the list for Central and South America. More than 186,000 people participated in the survey, casting over 700,000 votes. This is the second consecutive year Cusco has received this recognition. Peru’s capital, Lima, ranked fourth, moving up four spots from last year
As IPeru mentions: According to the ranking of the American magazine Travel Leisure, Cusco got the first place in the World’s Best Awards 2023 as the preferred city to visit in Central and South America. In the publication made by the travel-focused media, it reads, “The heart of the ancient Inca Empire is a longtime favorite for T+L readers, claiming the No. 1 spot in this category for the past five years.” This award is considered by experts as one of the most important accolades in the travel industry, and Cusco has received it consecutively in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Furthermore, the impressive architecture and exquisite gastronomy of Cusco are also recognized in the article, “So now is actually an ideal time to plan a visit to Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with architecture dating back more than a thousand years and unique local cuisine with specialty dishes like cuy al horno (roasted guinea pig) and trucha frita (fried trout).”
“It’s a destination for those who love food fused with many other regions’ cuisine. There is a large selection of hotels to choose from, and it is a very walkable city with charm in every corner”, wrote a voter who did not hesitate to highlight the characteristics of the oldest city in South America.
The Magic of Peru
Carved by the powerful Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley of the Incas in south-eastern Peru is protected by the slopes of the Andes that surround it. The air is warm and humid, crops flourish and the agricultural terraces, originally hewn by the Incas, are still in use today.
The presence of Pachamama, Mother Earth, is strong in this primal landscape and, despite the advent of Catholicism, belief in the goddess and her powers to bring safety and abundance is strong. Before putting up a new building, it’s common practice to make offerings to Pachamama, leaving coca leaves and chicha (traditional corn beer) in the foundations to ensure her blessings.
The Sacred Valley is home to native Quechua people, who depend on Pachamama’s bounty for their survival. They live in adobe dwellings, made from the earth they stand on, and still mostly wear traditional dress, as they tend their fields, working on the time-honored principle of ayni – ‘today for you, tomorrow for me’.
Many of the Andean people still consider each mountain to be a spiritual entity – an Apu – to be honored and respected and shamans lead sacred ceremonies to tap into the core essence of the peaks.
Lima is also in the list
Lima is also included in the list of the top 10 favorite cities in Central and South America ranking 9th in the World’s Best Awards 2023.
Lima stands out for its privileged location on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, making it the only South American capital city with access to the sea. Additionally, it is recognized as the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America.
Lima is full of charm. With its downtown full of colonial history with many churches, museums, mansions and brightness everywhere you look. Currently, they are remodeling the historic center
Its modern area is a great place to walk around. Being a city located on the Pacific Ocean, it offers a lot of entertainment and fun. There are all kinds of excursions including the already known, gastronomic fruits with tastings in every place you stop and enjoying a Pisco Sour, its flagship drink.
