subject: Popular Peru Trip Ideas For Visitors [print this page] For those interested in taking trips to Peru, there are several travel ideas that might enhance your Peruvian vacation. The country has many different areas of interest and a wide range of activities that can interest the world traveler. From its Pacific coastline to the tops of the Andes peaks there is a wide range of different life zones to experience in this part of South America.
One popular site to visit is Machu Picchu. Situated around eight thousand feet above sea level, this UNESCO world heritage site is home to fifteenth century Inca ruins. Once a proud civilization, the Incas left their mark with this site which is the ruins of an old Incan city. It is well visited by travelers from all over the world.
The modern city of Lima is also worth a visit. Lima is Peru's largest city and it has over eight million residents. There is much to do in Lima and the city is influenced by a multiplicity of ethnicities and cultural traditions. It has many historic sites and parks, and it also has the world's largest fountain complex. The weather is often ideal here and it rarely rains.
One tip for outdoor adventurers is to make an excursion to Manu National Park, the largest wildlife preserve of its kind in Peru. This park includes many different habitats from tropical rain forest to alpine settings and it has an abundance of wildlife. The area is high in biodiversity with thousands of different types of plants and animals. There are over a thousand avian species alone ranging in size from tiny hummingbirds to giant condors. The park also has nearly one hundred species of reptiles and an interesting array of amphibians including dart poison frogs.
The park is also home to an incredible array of mammals. Big cats like the jaguar and puma prowl the forest floor. Pumas can also be seen at the higher elevations as they are habitat generalists that can adapt to many different surroundings as long as their is ample prey. The elegant ocelot is also present. Herbivores include deer and tapir. The park is also home to over a dozen varieties of monkeys.
Visitors to the nation are also advised to enjoy the delicious Peruvian cuisine. The food here combines Amerindian and Spanish dishes, as well as incorporating Italian, Chinese and African foods into the mix. The restaurants are affordable and the food is diverse and tasty. There are many different dishes that you might be able to try for the first time.
For those interested in song and dance, the area is rich in musical traditions as well. Native folk dances are popular to watch and attract audiences. Visitors may want to join in. Local instruments that may be unfamiliar include the quena and charango.
Trips to Peru can be relaxing or adventurous, or a combination of both. From historic cities to high mountain peaks, this South American nation has something to impress everyone. Hiking, dining, dancing, bird watching and a whole host of other activities can fill out your trip itinerary. There is no shortage of things to do when you come to Peru.
