Exploring the Inca ruins:
When you arrive in Peru, you must check in at Machu Picchu. I started from the town of Aguas Calientes and took a small train up the mountain. The scenery along the way was so beautiful, with green mountains and clear waters like a painting. When I was about to arrive, my heartbeat accelerated, and I was full of expectations. When Machu Picchu really appeared in front of me, wow, it felt like traveling through time and space and stepping into the world of ancient Incas. Those buildings made of huge stones are tightly fitted without any cement. How did the ancients do it? I followed the tour guide and listened to him say that this is a religious holy place, an astronomical observatory, etc. While listening, I imagined the life of the Incas thousands of years ago. It was so shocking.
Cusco cannot be missed either. This is the ancient capital of the Incas. Walking in the old town, the cobblestone roads, colonial-style buildings and Inca ruins are perfectly mixed. Go to the Temple of the Sun, the exquisite stone carvings on the wall tell ancient legends, the sun shines, the light and shadows are mottled, and it seems that you can see the grand scene of the sacrifice in the past. By the way, there was also a local traditional festival here. People wore bright ethnic costumes, sang and danced, and their enthusiasm could melt people. I also twisted a few times, and the joyful atmosphere is still unforgettable.
Natural wonders:
The nature of Peru is like a super painter, painting beautiful paintings. Rainbow Mountain must be nominated. It took a lot of effort to hike up. The high altitude made me pant, but when I saw the colorful mountain, all the fatigue disappeared. The red, yellow, and green rock layers intertwined like an overturned paint tray. It is said that this is a masterpiece of minerals precipitated over the years. Standing on the top of the mountain, looking at the continuous snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds in the distance, I felt very small. The power of nature is amazing.
There is also Lake Titicaca, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. I floated on the lake in a reed boat. The lake water was blue and clear enough to see the stones at the bottom of the water. The floating islands of the Uru people by the lake are even more magical. They are all built with reeds and are soft to step on. The islanders were very friendly. They took me to see their handicrafts and taught me how to weave small objects with reeds. I stayed there for an afternoon and felt very comfortable. I didn’t want to leave at all.
Peruvian food:
Peruvian food is quite delicious. You must try ceviche. The fresh fish pieces are soaked in lemon juice, and then added with onions, peppers and other seasonings. It melts in your mouth, sour and spicy, so fresh that your eyebrows will fall off. You can’t stop eating it. The Andean grilled beef fillet is also not inferior. The beef is grilled to sizzle and oil, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and served with local special sauces. It is full of happiness when you bite it.
There is another interesting thing here. Peruvian Chinese food is a wonderful fusion. Many Chinese restaurants combine Peruvian ingredients with Chinese methods, such as French fries fried rice made with local potatoes, which has a unique flavor. I ate it in a small shop in Lima and was amazed. I recommend a few restaurants. The “Central” in Lima is famous for its creative Peruvian cuisine. There is also “La Nueva Palomino” in Arequipa, which serves authentic traditional food at affordable prices. Locals love it.
City style:
Lima, the capital of Peru, is both ancient and modern. Take a walk around the old town, where churches and museums are lined up with different architectural styles. The catacombs of the Monastery of San Francisco are a bit scary but super shocking. The layers of white bones tell the vicissitudes of history. Turn around and go to the Miraflores beach. There are modern high-rise buildings, fashionable restaurants, and young people surfing and playing. It’s full of energy. It’s amazing to experience two styles in one day.
Arequipa is also worth seeing. The buildings built of white volcanic rocks are super beautiful. The “White City” is well-deserved. The main church is magnificent and the interior is gorgeously decorated. I found a cafe in the square and sat down, watching people coming and going, and tried the local specialty ice cream, which was full of milk and fruity, and very comfortable. Go to the art district at night, where street performers perform constantly, music, dance, and it is very lively. Integrate into it and feel the pulse of local culture.
Practical tips:
For visas, it is quite convenient to hold an American passport, and it is not difficult to get a tourist visa. The currency is Sol, which can be exchanged at the airport and bank. There are many currency exchange points in the city to compare the exchange rate. The climate is divided into dry and wet seasons. Remember to bring an umbrella in the rainy season, and sun protection is essential in the dry season. The temperature difference between morning and evening in the plateau area is large, so it is definitely right to bring a thick coat.
In terms of transportation, it is not expensive to take a taxi in the city, but you must be careful of black cars. Regular taxis are reliable. You can take a bus for long distances, which is comfortable and can see the scenery. To go to Machu Picchu, the train is the most convenient, so book in advance. In addition, you may have altitude sickness when you first arrive at the plateau. Don’t panic, drink more water, do less strenuous exercise, and the local coca tea can also relieve it. Drink a few sips to adapt. Buy souvenirs and bargain more. Don’t make impulse purchases around the scenic area, or you will be ripped off.
This trip to Peru, monuments, nature, food, cities, all experiences are complete, like a dream that you don’t want to wake up. Every scene, every smile, every bite of food is engraved in my heart. Friends, don’t hesitate, pack your bags, Peru is waiting for you to start your own fantasy journey. Believe me, you will fall in love with it once you go there, and it will definitely become an unforgettable memory in your life!
