Not to brag, but you know... Best food in the world.
Sorry, Denmark.
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What is Perú?
Perú stretches along the western edge of South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the towering Andes, and the lush Amazon Basin. It's a country of striking contrasts—where ancient ruins rise above mountain valleys, colonial architecture meets chaotic city life, and traditional rituals live on beside cutting-edge cuisine. From the sacred city of Machu Picchu to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Perú is steeped in history, myth, and resilience. Its food is world-renowned, its landscapes ever-changing, and its culture woven from indigenous roots, colonial legacies, and a fierce pride in identity. Traveling through Perú isn’t just about seeing a place—it’s about feeling the layers that shaped it. |
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Key Stats – Perú at a Glance
Population: ~34 million (2025 est.) Capital: Lima (~11 million in the metro area) Population by Region (approximate):
What People Eat Across Perú Coast (Lima, Piura, Trujillo): Ceviche rules here—lime, red onion, and chili over fresh fish, with chifles or corn on the side. Add in tiraditos, arroz con mariscos, and Chinese-Peruvian chifa for good measure. Highlands (Cusco, Arequipa, Puno): This is where things get hearty: alpaca, potatoes in every color, spicy rocoto relleno, and chicha morada on every table. Quinoa isn’t a trend here—it’s tradition. Amazon (Iquitos, Pucallpa): Tropical flavors come alive with dishes like juane (rice and meat wrapped in bijao leaves), grilled fish, and exotic fruits you’ve never heard of but won’t forget. Perú’s food isn’t just famous—it’s deeply regional. Every altitude and climate brings something different to the table. |
Main Attractions by Region
North: Beaches and surf in Máncora, colonial charm in Trujillo, and the ancient adobe city of Chan Chan—plus lesser-known gems like the tombs of Sipán and the pyramids of Túcume. Central Coast (Lima Region): Perú’s buzzing capital, Lima, offers world-class food, cliffside views, colonial architecture, and the Barranco art scene. Don’t skip a sunset at El Malecón. Highlands (Cusco, Arequipa, Puno): Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the colorful markets of Cusco are just the start. Arequipa’s white volcanic stone and Lake Titicaca’s floating islands round out the Andean experience. Jungle (Iquitos, Madre de Dios, Ucayali): Boat trips down the Amazon, wildlife reserves, and untouched rainforest. Think pink dolphins, towering ceibas, and slow mornings in hammocks. South Coast (Nazca, Paracas): Fly over the Nazca Lines, spot sea lions and penguins in the Ballestas Islands, and taste Pisco at its source in Ica’s desert vineyards. Economy Inflation (2025 est.): ~3.8% Unemployment Rate (2025 est.): ~6.2% Mining, agriculture, and tourism are the pillars—Perú is a top global exporter of copper, coffee, and asparagus. But its true wealth might just be the landscapes and traditions it refuses to let go of. |