32 Inspirational Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Peru Right Now

Peru might be one of the most diverse landscapes I’ve ever visited. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the high mountain ranges, Peru has every kind of natural wonder you could dream of. If these 32 photos of Peru don’t make you want to visit ASAP, I don’t know what will!

Traveling throughout Peru was a lot tougher than I thought. (Thanks, Instagram.)

Since Machu Picchu became an UNESCO site and Lima is such a world class foodie spot, I thought traveling throughout Peru would be a breeze. However the country’s extreme poverty and grasp on contemporary management skills made it a bit harder to navigate than planned.

Despite having to shell out $1,000 for plane tickets without refunding our first ones, getting bitten by mosquitos in the Amazon and almost dying of altitude sickness at Rainbow Mountain… PERU WAS AWESOME. Mostly because of the following reasons:

1. The Food

Food in Peru was unbelievable. Classic dishes and beverages we ate included empanadas, ceviche, chicharrón, pisco sours, chicha and coca tea. Only once did we have bad food and it was a weird pizza from a weird bed and breakfast. (That’s the last time we order typical “Western food” and expect great results.) Here are just a few food spots we hit up throughout our trip:

• Punto Azul

• IK Restaurante

• Le Soleil

• La Bodega 138

• Manka

• San Pedro Market

• Huacafuckingchina 

2. The Spirituality

Earth-based, Andean mythology permeates throughout. Pachamama (aka Mother Earth) provides the people with everything they need and in turn, they give her many offerings. I was lucky enough to meet up with a shaman who read my coca tea leaves. It was actually amazing to hear some of the shamans visions paired with my previous reading with Colleen of Style Rituals. There were actually a lot of similarities! But I felt a new sense of spirituality I hadn’t experienced before. 

3. The Culture

With the amount of traveling thats occurring today and the ease of doing so, it’s hard for a culture to retain it’s traditional roots and stay genuine. With the exception of major cities, Peru has still managed to maintain its culture. Travel through the Andean villages to Rainbow Mountain or speed past the villages in the Amazon and you will see rich, Peruvian culture. Whether they’ve maintained their customs, still wear traditional garments or limit themselves from technology, you’ll see it in Peru. Plus, everyone is SUPER friendly!

4. The Diversity

Looking for a luxurious beach getaway? Head up to Mancora! Want to see an authentic, colonial city? Head on over to Cusco. Feel like hiking some mountains? Check out Salktantay, Rainbow, or Machu Picchu. Want to explore and see some wild animals? Travel to Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado! There is literally something for everyone in Peru and every reason to travel there!

Have you been to Peru? What was your favorite part?