Peru tours & travel

Most Peruvians are of Amerindian, Spanish or African descent – usually a blend of all three. The Spanish influence had strong sway over spiritual life, and most Peruvians are Roman Catholic or another type of Christian. Despite this, traditional indigenous customs run strong in the culture, as can be seen in the lifestyle, dress and rites of the people. Peruvians in urban centres are mostly white and tend to live modern lifestyles, whereas rural Peruvians are mostly Indian and subsist on an agricultural lifestyle that goes back centuries. Often times, cultural festivals blend Indian customs with Christian holidays. 

Peru is a coastal nation in western South America. It borders on the Pacific Ocean and the countries of Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. Over half of Peru’s terrain is covered in Amazon rainforest. The remaining landmass is made up of the central highlands of the Andes, and the arid coastal plains. Peru has a number of long rivers which are tributaries of the Amazon River, especially the Ucayali and the Maranon. Due to its diverse topography, its situation in the tropics, and the currents from the ocean, Peru experiences a huge range of climates from hot and humid in the lowlands through to freezing in the Andes. 

Due to so much of Peru relying on an informal economy of street stalls and open-air markets, your Peru trip will be full of shopping opportunities. Pick up some original alpaca clothing, the authentic woolen shawls, ponchos and sweaters that the Andeans produce for warmth. Chullos are another trademark Andean invention, the woolen hat with ear flaps knitted in traditional colours and designs. Locals also produce gold and silver jewellery in Incan designs which can make great gifts to take home. 

Inti Raymi

Originating with the ancient Incas, the ‘Festival of the Sun’ is still celebrated among the Indians of Cusco region. Gatherings at the Sacsayhuaman ruins involve parades, drumming and traditional rituals.

El Senor de los Milagros

‘The Lord of Miracles’ was the name given to a painting of Jesus which survived several earthquakes throughout the centuries. Today, the Peruvians hold processions through Lima in honour of the miracles.

Le Diablada

The locals of Lake Titicaca commemorate the liberation of their land with a vibrant cultural festival. Music, dancing and devilish costumes make this quite a spectacular event. 

Peru travel is that much more exciting when you get to try the local cuisine. Peru’s national dish is the famous ceviche, but few recipes compare to the original Peruvian, made with white fish, lime juice and chilli. Replenish your energy while traveling with some tasty street food such as papas rellenas (baked potato balls filled with meat) or choclo con queso (corn on the cob smothered with cheese). Local beverages include the tropical cocktail pisco sour and mate de coca (Andean medicinal tea made with coca leaves). 

• The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie
• The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming
• Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa
• American Chica by Marie Arena
• Touching the Void by Joe Simpson