Peruvian Tales

Peru is a very beautiful country. Everything revolves around mountains and mother earth. The flora would fascinate a botanist, while the ruins would grip an archaeologist. But add to these, the unique culture and technology of the Incas, colourful native clothing and incredible food. The best restaurant in the world in 2023 is in Peru.

Food, Glorious Food

In many Southern destinations - you can eat your way through the cities. The food is so fresh, organic and tasty. And that includes the street fare.

There's a variety of meat in Peru - the Alpaca was my favourite. The Guinea Pig not so much. The main staples are potato (about 3,000 varieties) and corn (around 1,500 varieties). There's even a version of "Zobo drink" that's made from purple corn - Chicha Morada. And, there's the ubiquitous cocktail - Pisco Sour.

The fashion in Southern climes is also distinct. It's a good idea to reserve luggage space for interesting outfits and accessories.

In Peru, the language barrier was significant. English is not common at all. So learn basic Spanish words and use Google Translate. I especially liked the app's photo function. I could scan a Spanish menu to have it translated to English in real-time.

Sights & Sounds of Lima

In Lima, I visited Parque del Amor, the Huaca Pucllana site and Plaza de Armas.

You'll discover the main tourist attractions in Peru are adventure-themed. Think hiking, ziplining, mountain climbing and camping. Peru has an abundance of mountains and jungles, so, it's well suited for people who are in shape and like to trek.

The Enchantment of Cusco

In the city of Cusco, I visited the Sacred Valley, Ruins of Pisac, Maras Moray and Ollantaytambo.

The technology of the Incas was advanced. Take farming for instance. Peruvians had a sophisticated mountain terrace method. They would plant fruits & veggies and store milk & meat at a high altitude, while more tropical crops would be sown in the valleys.

The communities built extensive irrigation networks to take melting ice from the glaciers to the farms.

Then, there's the medicine - natural remedies from the jungle, including coca leaves and perfumed flowers for altitude sickness.

Colourful Textiles & Buildings

The textile industry of Peru was fascinating. Colour dyes and wool shampoos were derived from plants and mosses. The best wool is from Alpaca.

Ancient Peruvian buildings featured innovative brick formations that were anti-seismic in design, since the region is prone to earthquakes.

Sadly, because the native language, Quechua, had no written form at the time, the Spanish got to tell the story of this incredible culture, and not the natives themselves.

Colonization is terrible. I wish Peruvians had developed at their own pace. Yet another reminder that the currency of the world is power, not love.

Shopping Delight

Shopping is cheap in Peru because the Dollar is strong, and the average income level is modest. There are many money exchanges on the streets, so don't bother changing funds at the airport.

Do your shopping in the local markets, and not the more expensive guided tour locations. Haggling is allowed.

Rainbow Mountain

Altitude sickness is real in Peru. Despite taking the recommended medication, my O2 levels plummeted, and I threw up at Rainbow Mountain - 5,000 ft above sea level. I had to be given oxygen and an IV at the clinic at the base of the mountain.

Machu Picchu, the Crown Jewel

Many tourists visit Peru to see the Incan settlement known as the Machu Picchu. It's worth visiting and the elevation is lower, so no altitude problems there.

At my departure, I was blessed to see a rainbow and moon in the sky at the same time. It was a spectacular and beautiful omen.

Time to Explore

Many countries in South America or Asia require time to explore properly. And the countries are prepared for itinerant tourists. You'll find storage facilities in many hotels so you can leave your main bags and explore different cities with just a carry on.

Smaller cities still have toilet paper and soap issues in one or two tour stops. And, you need coins to use some restrooms. So go with wipes everywhere. However, the guides know the best and cleanest rest stops.

Some tourist attractions require you to drive for one or two hours or to take a train. This seems common in South America and Asia. The cultural sites are not in the main cities. So prepare for some travel time.

Solo or Group Trip

I did a group trip to Peru, but the country is quite safe and the people are friendly. So, a solo trip is fine if you want.

Your guide doubles as your personal photographer and knows the best staging spots. Tipping is appreciated. About $5 is standard; more if a guide or driver has been with you for the whole day.

If you're not the roughing-it type, the best way to do Peru is in style. Hire a guide and driver who speak English. Pay to skip the lines at attractions and stay in five star hotels. The service culture in Peru is excellent, especially if you can speak basic Spanish.

Coming Home

As you prepare to return home, remember tourist destinations are always busy at departure time.

If you have priority status via your airline, you won't need a business class ticket to skip the lines. But if not, arrive at the airport a full 3 hours before. This is because there are very long lines at bag drop, security, and then immigration. Plan for three separate lines before your boarding gate.

For your last night in Peru, the Costa Del Sol Wyndham hotel is a short crosswalk across the airport.

If you arrive there from smaller city tours, you can take the airport trolley right up to the hotel lobby. Staying here ensures you make your international flight home on time.

Thank you for reading and safe travels.