If you have a spirit of adventure and love to travel, you may have heard people recommend you explore Peru. As a curious person, it may peak your interest by default, but it may leave you wondering, what is Peru known for?
I asked myself the same question before going to Peru for the first time. And ever since I made the leap and visited Peru, I’ve continued to go back over and over. So as an avid explorer of Lima, Peru and the fiancee to a local Peruvian, here are the top ten things Peru is known for. By the end of the list, I have no doubt you will be convinced you must add it to your travel bucket list!
1. Peruvian Food.
Peru is known for its cuisine. You will regularly find Peruvian restaurants and chefs topping “World’s Best” lists. From rich stews and slow cooked meats to flame grilled filet mignon and cow heart to refreshing and flavor filled ceviche down to mouthwatering street food, you will never run out of mind blowing new foods to try in Peru. If you want a full detailed list of what to try in Lima, Peru and where, check out the Top 10 Peruvian Dishes.
Peru is know for several dishes that fall into four overarching categories: comida criolla (traditional Peruvian food), Peruvian seafood, Indigenous classics, and Chinese/Japanese Peruvian fusion.
Comida Criolla (Peruvian Native Classics)
1. Lomo Saltado.
Filet mignon flame grilled and soy sauce and various seasonings with thick slices of tomato, onion, and aji peppers, and served with white rice and thick cut fried potatoes which soak up the flavorful juices from the meat and veggies.
2. Aji de Gallina.
Shredded chicken served in a thick and creamy yellow sauce made from broth, cheeses, milks, and even yellow aji peppers, blended with bread or crackers for thickening. It is typically served with rice and accompanied by hot sauce that you can add for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Estofado de Pollo/Res.
A delicious sauce made from wine, tomato, garlic, Peruvian spices, dried mushrooms and laurel leaves, carrots, peas, and raisins. It is typically served over bone-in beef or chicken and accompanied by white rice and boiled yellow potatoes.
4. Espagueti a la Huancaina.
Spaghetti noodles served with Huancaina sauce, a sauce made from yellow aji peppers, aji limo peppers, queso fresco, crackers and bread and milk. It pairs great with steak.
5. Seco de Cordero/Res.
Most popularly served with lamb, the seco sauce is made with cilantro, peas, carrots, Peruvian spices and dark beer. It is accompanied by white rice and creamy beans and often topped with thin sliced red onions, aji limo pepper, and lime. It’s easy for this to become an instant favorite.
Peruvian Seafood
1. Causa de Atun.
Yellow potato pureed with mayo and lime juice and topped with cubed Aji tuna and flavorful sauces, this is such an unforgettable dish.
2. Ceviche.
Home of the original ceviche, if you’ve had Mexican ceviche before this will be a different experience. Usually made with fresh seabass the raw fish is served in a limey and spicy but perfectly balanced broth, topped with red onion and spicy aji pepper, and served with sweet potato, Peruvian corn, and canchitas which are corn kernels.
3. Choritos a la Chalaca.
Finely diced tomato, red onion, and peppers topped with lots of lime topped over steamed mussels. This is a vibrant and flavor-packed Peruvian seafood dish that is truly one of a kind.
4. Conchas a la Parmesana.
A delicious dish, these are scallops topped with parmesan cheese and baked in their shells. This is particularly enjoyable with a cocktail or glass of white wine.
5. Jalea Mixta con Leche de Tigre.
Perfectly fried mixed seafood, this is often served with a shot or small portion of leche de tigre which is the broth from the ceviche. This dish pairs great with the local beer Cusquena.
Indigenous Dishes
1. Cuy.
One of Peru’s most famous dishes is cuy aka guinea pig. It can be served roasted, fried, or in a stew. Regardless of how it is prepared it is often cooked whole… with its head. Visually, this is a dish that you can’t forget. Taste-wise, it is similar to rabbit.
2. Chicha Morada.
A dark purple drink, it is made from purple corn. It is extremely earthy tasting and almost has a licorice after-taste. It’s hit or miss and not my favorite.
3. Humitas.
Similar to Mexican tamales, our favorite flavor is the cheese one. The grocery store Wong has really good ones.
4. Pachamanca.
Cooked beneath the earth, vegetables and meats are placed into a clay pot and buried under fire. The contents cook from the overhead heat, leaving the food steamed yet smokey. It’s an earthy experience.
Chinese and Japanse Peruvian Fusion
Many immigrants from China and Japan settled in Peru. Their cuisines fused together to create a whole new type of food that is indescribably good and a must try.
1. Chinese Peruvian Fusion (Chifa).
Chifa is extremely popular. I recommend starting off with some wontons and eggrolls and make sure you add the Peruvian spicy sauce into a few bites. Then order arroz chaufa, it is fried rice but treated as an art, we always order the pork version. We also always order chihuakay and tihuakay. They are both delicately fried pieces of chicken tossed in sweet sauce or a salty sauce.
2. Japanese Peruvian Fusion.
You will find some amazing Japanese/Peruvian sushi fusion in Peru. You must try a sushi acevichado. It’s sushi topped with an addictive, limey sauce mimicking the flavor you find in ceviche.
Peru is also known for its street foods. Curious about Peruvian street food? Check out Peru’s top five street foods.
2. Places to Visit.
1. Machu Picchu.
Believe it or not I have never visited Machu Picchu. When we go to Peru, we stay in Lima as we are there to spend time with family. We have plans to visit Machu Picchu when the timing is ideal! However this list would not be complete without mentioning it along with some other stunning natural wonders.
Machu Picchu is the homeland of Incan ruins, intense greenery, and a beautiful mountain scape. The iconic scenery is one of the seven wonders of the world. Cusco, a small town nearby welcomes tourist from all over the world, introducing them to indigenous and Peruvian mountain culture through its foods, tours, and colorfully dressed cholitas and even alpacas.
2. Rainbow Mountain.
Another honorable mention is the rainbow mountains. Covered in stripes of many colors, it’s said to be a magical view. Be aware, sometimes people do say that photographers bump up the saturation on photos, exaggerating the reality of the color.
3. La Costa Verde.
If you are in Lima, you will see the iconic Costa Verde, a long beautiful coastline where the cliffs meet the ocean, covered in beautiful greenery and purple morning glories. If you really want to take in the stunning views, paragliding tours are available year-round.
4. Amazon Rainforest Peru.
If you are into the jungle, you must see the amazon. This is very high on my bucket list. You will need a guide, as there are many dangers in the forest.
3. Incan Culture.
From the beautiful flute instrument music to colorfully dressed cholitas to indigenous art and markets full of handmade goods, Peru celebrates Incan culture. Before you leave, be sure to grab a poncho. It’s a beautiful tribute to your time in Peru, and perfect for photo memories while you are there.
Why Peru is Internationally Acclaimed
From the globally top-ranked food to the fusion of cultures and art, Peru is diverse, colorful, flavorful, and unforgettable. If you love nature, amazing food, and enjoying a diverse array of experiences, add this to your bucket list. You will be glad you did!
