Unique Peru! That’s really the best description for this culturally diverse and welcoming country. From its 3,000 potato varieties to roasted guinea pigs to spectacular Machu Picchu, Peru is fascinating. Read on to learn about the most interesting things in Peru.
Machu Picchu
Not only is Machu Picchu the most interesting thing in Peru, but it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, as if that weren’t enough, it is also one of the seven wonders of the world.
Built in the 15th century in southeastern Peru, Machu Picchu is world-renowned for its sophisticated architecture, specifically the aqueducts for irrigation and the stone construction that fuses huge blocks without the use of mortar.
The site includes well-preserved ruins of temples, palaces, and water channels, reflecting the apex of Inca engineering.
We still don’t know why Machu Picchu was built. Experts speculate that it was an estate or retreat for Inca royalty. Or perhaps a religious site.
The fact that it is situated in such a remote location with challenging terrain only adds to the mystique. Machu Picchu was mostly unknown to the world until Hiram Bigham, an American historian brought it to the world’s attention.
Potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes in Unique Peru
From one of the seven wonders of the world to the lowly potato. Why is a potato one of the most interesting things in Peru? Because Peru boasts over 3,000 varieties of potatoes. And they come in all shapes and sizes.
The Peruvian hairless dog
This gentle canine is also called a Peruvian Viringo, Inca Orchid, Chimu, or Calato, which means naked in the local Quechua language. It is as unique as Peru itself
Look at these precious faces! This is an ancient, beautiful breed.
Inca walls, one of the most interesting things in Peru
When speaking of interesting things in Peru, you have to mention the walls created by the sophisticated Inca engineers.
What’s amazing about these walls is that the stones are perfectly aligned and positioned to fit without mortar! Some of these walls are over 800 years old and still fit their original purpose.
Compare their size to the human on the upper right to get an idea of how big these stones are.
Peruvian food
Peruvian food is as unique and sophisticated as any of the world’s legendary, great cuisines like that of Spain, France, China, or Japan.
What makes Peruvian food one of the most interesting things in Peru? The fact that it is a blend of Inca (Quechua or native), Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. Where in the world would you find such a combination of exciting and innovative cuisines?
The food is so legendary, in fact, that Central, a restaurant in Lima was named Best Restaurant in the World in 2023.
By the way, guinea pig, or cuy, is a common menu item. It tastes similar to rabbit.
Lima’s Cat Hotel
In the upscale neighborhood of Miraflores in suburban Lima, Peru there is a pretty little park named Parque John F. Kennedy that is home to about 70 cats. There are all kinds of cats in all colors and sizes.
No one bothers them. The cats are friendly and lounge about the park on benches, in trees, in flower beds and even on the laps of the willing humans that delight in petting them.
The cats even have their own little cat hotel erected in the park by cat lovers who want them to have shelter. The sign outside the cat hotel says, “I’m your friend, Maggycuky. When you’re cold I’ll keep you warm. You are my rainbow.”
The legend is that in the 1980s there was a rat infestation in the park. As the park was, and still is, a tourist attraction surrounded by a lovely colonial church and many outdoor restaurants, something had to be done about the rat problem.
Cats were recruited and the rat problem was quickly solved. But the cats remained.
In appreciation, local animal organizations kept feeding the cats and providing them with shelter and medical care.
Today the park is affectionately known as El Parque de Los Gatos, the Cat Park. And there is nary a rat in sight.
Where to stay in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood. The best place to stay in Lima.
Moray Rings
The Moray Rings don’t get the credit they deserve.
Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this archaeological wonder is unlike any other. These concentric circular terraces look like something out of a science fiction movie, but they’re real!
Walking through these ancient formations is both awe-inspiring and mind-boggling. The Incas weren’t just brilliant warriors; they were also skilled scientists and masters of agriculture.
The terraces created a series of microclimates with their varying altitudes. This allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops, temperatures, and conditions.
Imagine standing in the middle of these rings, understanding that each terrace led down to a slightly different climate zone.
What’s truly surprising is how underrated this site is! While many travelers flock to the more famous Machu Picchu, the Moray rings still remain an off-the-beaten-path gem.
These rings hold a sense of awe that becomes even more apparent when you realize their purpose. The terraces weren’t just for growing food; they were an ancient laboratory.
The thought that someone stood on that spot centuries ago, thinking about crop yields and rotation, is not only fascinating but also moving.
San Francisco de Assis monastery and catacombs
This monastery dates from 1572. The catacombs are not as extensive as those of Paris but they are equally fascinating.
See the San Francisco Monastery catacombs here as there are no photos allowed at the site.
Coca Tea
In every hotel lobby, every restaurant, every drugstore, and everywhere in the Peruvian highlands, you’ll find coca tea.
Machi Picchu stands at almost 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is even higher at over 11,000 feet (3,353 meters) above sea level.
At these elevations, visitors who are not accustomed to these altitudes may feel uncomfortable experiencing shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
One age-old way to counter these symptoms is with a cup of coca tea. It has been used for centuries by the local population. It is not narcotic and helps people who are not accustomed to high elevations to deal with altitude, although visitors should consult their doctor for altitude medicine.
Where to stay in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Llamas and alpaca sanctuaries
Llamas are everywhere in Peru. They’re kind of a national symbol.
Dozens of llamas, alpacas, guanacos and the occasional sheep are cared for at the sanctuary. The guanaco is closely related to the llamas and alpacas.
They “pay their rent” by giving their precious wool to make sweaters, blankets and other items. Baby alpaca sweaters can sell for thousands of dollars.
The Hiram Bingham train
Hiram Bingham was an explorer who, hearing rumors of a wonderous city in the Andes, decided to explore and became the first non-indigenous person to set eyes on Machu Picchu.
Since then, his name has been applied to numerous tourist attractions in Peru, not the least of which is the Hiram Bingham train.
The Hiram Bingham train features a lovely dining car, a full bar and entertainment.
Make sure to check out these travel guides to help you plan your trip. The Hiram Bingham train travels from historic Cusco through the Sacred Valley up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
The train is luxuriously comfortable with top-notch dining in the dining car, complimentary cocktails and entertainment. Make sure to go out on the last car which is open air and has great views.
Make sure to grab a couple of handy guidebooks on Peru before you go to make sure you maximize your trip and don’t miss a thing.
Unique Peru is chock full of interesting things to see and do. What have we missed? Let us know in the comments!
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