Thousands of tourists visit Peru each year, and tens of thousands of them make it their mission to visit Machu Picchu.
What Does Machu Picchu Offer?
It is true that Machu Picchu offers so much, and is certainly one of the most visually impressive and beautiful sights on the planet. The great beauty of Machu Picchu, and the fabulous legacy left behind by the Inca Culture, is to be respected and admired, and it is no surprise that Machu Picchu has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorns the covers of countless holiday magazines across the world, and has been nominated many times as the Destination of the Year at various travel awards.
Machu Picchu simply cannot fail to impress.
As a Peruvian when I talk to people I am regularly asked about Machu Picchu, and whilst this makes me proud, I truly believe Peru has so much more to offer anyone travelling to Peru on holiday.
The Geographic Regions of Peru
Thanks to its rich biological biodiversity in ecosystems, landscapes, species and cultural diversity, Peru is recognised as one of the 10 most "megadiverse" countries in the world. This biodiversity together with the archaeological wealth and history the country can offer, make Peru a unique and enviable tourist attraction.
Through its three regions, the "Costa" (the coast), the "Sierra" (Andes mountains), and the "Selva" (Amazon Jungle), Peru shows a diverse and incredible range of habitats. From beautiful beaches in the north of the country, the history of the Moche culture of northern Peru, the white ridges of the famous Huascaran mountain, Kuelap Fortress built by the cloud warriors of Chachapoyas, the deep Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca the highest navigable lake in the world, and the Amazon Jungle and its national parks of Manu and Tambopata... Peru is more than Machu Picchu.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Peru
From a World Heritage perspective, Peru also has global appeal, and UNESCO has recognised the Nazca Lines, the city of Lima, the city of Arequipa, the city of Cusco, Chan Chan, Chavin de Huantar, Caral, Manu National Park, Huascaran National Park, and Rio Abiseo.
And if countless tourist sights and an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites isn't enough to tempt you on your holiday in Peru, the Peruvian gastronomy is certainly going to win you over. Ask any Peruvian living abroad what they miss most about Peru, and they are bound to say "the food"! The food of Peru is so unique, prepared with such rare and unusual ingredients, yet so delicious, that it draws Peruvians back to their native country and entices tourists to return to savour the delights. Peru wasn't voted "World Culinary Destination of the Year" two years running in the World Travel Awards for nothing. Peruvian cuisine is an exquisite blend of exotic flavours, a concoction of Inca, Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine heritages.
Peru Has So Much to Offer
As a Peruvian, Peru is synonymous with Machu Picchu, and this is richly deserved, but as a Peruvian, I am proud of all that my country has to offer, so on your next holiday in Peru make sure to live life to the full and enjoy the most of what Peru can provide - be it food, culture, entertainment, history, archaeology, or all of this and more.
For suggestions on ways to enhance your journey, please contact us - going the extra mile to give people extra enjoyment in Peru, by tapping into our local expert knowledge (or asking our in-house South American!), is just part of what we do.
Maria,
Go Andes
