Pasión Andina - Perú

Geography : 

Peru is divided into several distinct geographical zones: 

  • the “costa”, the Pacific coast where 60% of the population lives, is divided between the desert part of Huacachina, the national reserve of Paracas and the Ballestas islands. The “El Nino” phenomenon is found all along the coast. To discover the Pacific coast, do not hesitate to consult our trip Wonders of the South! The North coast is also a cultural jewel to be discovered, in particular with the port cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo as well as in the lands, Cajamarca, Kuelap or Chachapoyas which abound in archaeological sites of the pre-Colombian time, discover another facet of Peru still little known by the tourists. 
  • the “sierra”, the mountain is the mountainous part of Peru with the Andean Cordillera which extends from the North of the country to the South. We speak at the same time of the central Andes with the region of Ayacucho and in particular the crossing with the train of clouds made popular by the comic strip “Tintin and the Temple of the Moon” and the region of Cusco. We also speak about the White Mountain Range, located in the region of Huaraz, this place with a great concentration of national parks and summits to more than 5000 meters of altitude. Many hikes and treks are possible to discover the lagoons and to see the Cordillera Huayhuash. Due to the high summit of the region, Cusco and his surroundings are amazing between the nature und the Inca history. You can discover the  Humantay Lake on your way to the Salkantay, one of the trekking leading to the Machu Picchu. The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is one of the last inca culture heritage to understand the unique tradition of centuries. You may want discover as well the archeological site Wakra Pukara. Numerous treks are also available, such as the trek from Lares to Machu Picchu or from Patabamba and Huchuy Qosqo to disover the way of life of the Andeans communauties and the faune, such as the condors.
  • the selva is the equivalent of the part of the Peruvian Amazonian forest which represents 60% of the Peruvian territory with the region of Iquitos, in particular with the reserve of Pacaya Samiria where it is possible to discover the Amazonian forest in lodge or during a cruise. There is also the region of Madre de Dios, which supplies almost the entire country with fruits, vegetables and is known for its coffee and cocoa regions. 

     History :

  • Era of the Inca Empire: the history of Peru begins well before the Inca era with all the pre-Columbian civilizations, but takes its apogee with the Inca civilization until the arrival of the Spaniards. Numerous vestiges in the region of Cusco, of which the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are the heritage. In the north of the country and towards Lima there are monuments and sites from the pre-Columbian era such as the sites of Caral, Chan-Chan or Kuelap.
  • Colonial era: In 1531, Francisco Pizarro and his troops set foot in the Inca Empire and took advantage of the civil war that divided the different civilizations to have the emperor Atahualpa captured and executed. In spite of the attempts of resistance, the last Inca emperor Tupac Amaru will be killed 40 years later and will sign the decline of the Inca Empire, “Tawantinsuyo” in Quechua. 

Gastronomy :

The Peruvian cuisine rhymes with diversity and a mix of flavors between an Inca and Spanish heritage. Renowned throughout South America, Peruvian gastronomy is increasingly in vogue, especially carried by the chefs Virgilio Martinez or Gaston Acurio. Here is a list of some of the dishes that you can find during your trip to Peru: 

  • Ceviche, to be enjoyed on the Pacific coast between Lima and in northern Peru, this typical dish of fish marinated in lime juice and with raw onions. It is often accompanied by rice, sweet potato or corn, as well as its drink “leche de tigre” which is a mixture of fish stock and spices.
  • Lomo saltado is a classic of Peruvian cuisine to try during your trip, it can be made with beef or alpaca, it is a dish made with soy sauce. The word “saltado” means “stir-fry”, in fact the meat is browned with onions and tomatoes with the technique of “wok”, inspired by the Chinese cuisine. The dish is served with French fries, rice or pasta depending on its variations. 
  • Chiriuchu is a dish that is found on the occasion of the Corpus Christi festival, in June, it is composed of different meats and accompaniments: white corn “canchita”, Andean cheese, a piece of guinea pig, a piece of chicken, sausages, fish eggs, carrots, leeks, Japanese seaweed leaves, stuffed peppers etc. A complete meal that refers to the diversity and abundance of Peruvian cuisine.
  • The “cuy“, the guinea pig, although it is a domestic animal in France and Europe, here it is considered a delicacy: eaten on holidays, Christmas, Carnival, birthdays etc. It is often cooked in the oven with aromatic herbs, or in stew. It is often accompanied by tagliatelle and potatoes. The city of Tipon, located in the southern valley of Cusco, is considered the capital of guinea pig and has many restaurants.
  • The chicharron is a dish served with fried pieces of pork, a salad of raw onions with mint and potatoes.
  • Aji de gallina is a very popular dish often found on tourist menus and for locals. The shredded chicken is served with a sauce made of yellow chili, a little bit of fresh cheese and sometimes salty cookies or fine breadcrumbs mixed to obtain a creamy sauce. This mixture is also used for the recipe “papa a la huancaina”. The aji de gallina is accompanied by rice and/or potatoes, as well as a hard-boiled egg and some olives.
  • The pisco sour is the national cocktail, it is composed of pisco, the grape alcohol from the region of Ica, lemon juice, sugar and an egg white to create a frothy aspect to the cocktail. To be enjoyed in moderation! 

The great diversity of potatoes, corn and quinoa in the Andes is also considerable and an integral part of the culture and daily life of Peruvians. There is also a richness from the Peruvian Amazon with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including limes, avocados, papayas etc. Peru is also a great producer of coffee and cocoa.

As you can see, most of the traditional dishes include meat or animal ingredients, but it is quite possible to prepare meatless dishes. Many restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan alternatives.  To discover a selection of restaurants and gastronomic recommendations, do not hesitate to consult us! We also recommend a gastronomic city tour (https://pasionandina.com/city-tour-gastronomique-a-cusco/) or a cooking class with a chef to make your own Peruvian dishes! At Pasion Andina, we believe that travel is also about taste, smell and the senses in general.

Iguazu - Chute d'Iguazu - Bresil - Pasion Andina - Merveilles naturelles

The Great Crossing

Admire the flight of a condor at Colca Canyon - Soak up the Inca culture in Cusco and the Sacred
Machu Picchu Pasion Andina

Classic Peru-Bolivia

21 days / 20 nights Visit of Lima, city of the Kings - Experience in the heart of the Peruvian
Photo produit Merveilles du Nord 1140x760

Wonders of the North

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve - Kuelap Fortress - "Señor de Sipan" Museum - Chan-Chan Archaeological Site
Pasión Andina

Meeting the Quechua

Highlights! Sharing with local families - Flight of the Condors to the Colca Canyon - Stay on Lake Titicaca -
Pasion Andina

Wonders of the South

Highlights! Visit of the Ballestas Islands - Flight of the Condors to the Colca Canyon - Stay on the Titicaca,
Femmes Uros - Titicaca - Pasion Andina

Peru Express

Highlights! Sharing with local families - Flight of the Condors to the Colca Canyon - Stay on Lake Titicaca -
Saltdesert Uyuni - Quechua and Aymara Lands

Quechua and Aymara Lands

Visit of Cusco and the Sacred Valley - Discovery of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the
Aguas Turquesas - Huancaraylla - Millpu - Ayacucho - Andes Centrales - Pasion Andina - Nature - Natural Wonder - Wild - Piscinas

Peruvian Central Andes

Highlights! Experience aboard the mythical "Tintin train" from Lima to Huancayo - City Tour in Lima, the South American capital

Lieux incontournables de la destination

Machu Picchu Pasion Andina

Machu Picchu, of course! The most famous of the Inca citadels and also the most impressive, it means “the old mountain” in Quechua. The archaeological site is registered on the list of UNESCO since 1983.  To go there, several options are possible: to take the train from the station of Ollantaytambo or to walk from the station of Hidroeléctrica or by the famous path of the Inca.

toits de cusco pasion andina

Cusco, the imperial city, which is also called “the navel of the world”. The city offers both cultural activities as the visit of the main monuments of the Plaza das Armas: the cathedral, the Quechua museum, the Choco Museo, the amazing history of the Quechua streets of Cusco . You can discover the amazing peruvian food during a gastronomic city tour.

Huchuy Qosqo trekking Pasion Andina

The Sacred Valley is the path that leads you progressively to Machu Picchu: among the most important sites are Pisaq and Parque de la Papa to learn more about agriculture and the way of life of the communities. The opportunity also to make Maras – Moray on foot to discover the salt pans of the village of Maras as well as Moray, the Inca laboratory. Take a walk between the city of Chinchero and Urquillos to have a wonderful day in the Sacred Valley! 

Pasion Andina

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, located at more than 3800m of altitude, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Inca Empire, Tawantisuyo and its origins and make your imagination work, all at the rhythm of life of the communities on the totora, on the Peruvian or Bolivian side.

palcoyo-cusco-perou-peru-pasion Andina-travel agency-travel-voyage-rainbow mountain-montages arc-en-ciel-andes-nature-beautiful-hike-altitude

The 7 colors mountain is a natural formation that creates bands of colored sediments. Due to climate change, more and more colored mountains are appearing in the country as well as along the Andes Mountains, such as Palcoyo. You can also discover the Waterfall of Perolniyoc

Lima Pasion Andina

Lima, the Peruvian capital will be your arrival point in Peru and the meeting point with the Pacific coast. It is also called the “gray” because its sky is not often clear outside the summer (from December to February). This metropolis is often criticized for its traffic, but it is full of cultural treasures such as the Larco Museum, the visit of the Barranco district or the Plaza Mayor in the historical center.  Lima is famous for its gastronomy: the opportunity to taste a good ceviche and drink a pisco sour or local specialties.

Peru is a land of diversity and the call of nature, do not hesitate to cross the Atlantic to discover the wonders of this country! 

To travel to Peru, do not hesitate to consult our travel offers or to ask us for a customized trip. We will be delighted to talk to you in more details about the destination and to offer  you a tour that corresponds to your desires and expectations. See you soon in Peru!