A Food Lover’s Guide to Peruvian Culture, Cuisine, and Adventure

Peru isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that stays with you. The first time I set foot in Lima, I knew this trip would be different. Maybe it was the pisco sour or the sight of the Pacific Ocean. Whatever it was, Peru had me hooked.

For those wondering if Peru is the right travel destination, let’s break it down. The landscapes are breathtaking, the food is world-class, and the culture is as rich as it gets. But beyond the obvious, there’s something about Peru that pulls you in—something that catches your breath (in more ways than one), as watch the sunset over the Sacred Valley. You’re here to let time slow down.

sipping pisco in peru

Are Tourists Welcome in Peru?

The short answer? Absolutely. Peruvians are warm, welcoming, and deeply proud of their country. Hospitality is woven into daily life, whether you’re being offered a bowl of steaming caldo de gallina at a local market or getting travel tips from a shopkeeper in Cusco.

Tourism is a huge part of Peru’s economy, and while the country has faced challenges in recent years, visitors are still greeted with open arms. Cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco are used to international travelers, but even in smaller towns, you’ll find that people are happy to help—especially if you make an effort with a few words in Spanish or Quechua.

Want to experience this hospitality firsthand? Let’s Eat Peru is all about traveling deeper. Instead of just passing through, you get to connect with locals, learn their traditions, and cook side by side with them. It’s travel the way it should be—immersive, delicious, and full of stories worth telling.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Peru?

Peru has more than one climate, which means timing depends on what you’re looking for.

  • For the Andes and Machu Picchu: The dry season (May to October) offers clear skies and great hiking conditions. If you’re planning the Inca Trail, this is when you want to go.
  • For the Amazon: June to September is best for jungle adventures since there’s less rain and fewer mosquitos.
  • For the coast and Lima: The sunniest months are December to March, making it a great time for beach lovers and foodies alike.

That being said, there’s no bad time to visit Peru—it just depends on what kind of adventure you’re after.

Want more travel tips? Check out How Travel Heals the Soul for more reasons to pack your bags.

friendly locals in peru

Is It Safe to Travel to Peru?

Like anywhere, Peru requires a bit of street smarts, but it’s far from a “dangerous” destination. Stick to common sense: watch your belongings in crowded places, use official taxis, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Most travelers have an incredible time with zero issues, especially when visiting popular spots like Cusco, Arequipa, and the Sacred Valley. If you’re heading into more remote areas, it’s always a good idea to check local travel advisories, but generally, Peru is as safe as any other major travel destination.

If you’re interested in smart travel strategies, Savvy Travel Planning has tips on making the most of every trip.

The Real Reason to Visit Peru? The Food.

Let’s be honest—if there’s one reason Peru should be on everyone’s travel list, it’s the food.

This is a country that takes its cuisine seriously. You can’t visit Lima without trying ceviche, and you haven’t truly experienced the highlands until you’ve had pachamanca—meat and potatoes slow-cooked underground the way the Incas did it.

Peru is also home to some of the world’s best restaurants, but some of the most memorable meals come from tiny, family-run kitchens where abuelitas are rolling out fresh tamales and serving up sizzling plates of lomo saltado.

If you want to do more than just eat, Let’s Eat Peru is your chance to learn from the experts—Peruvian chefs, home cooks, and market vendors who’ve been perfecting their recipes for generations. A tour centered around food but packed with cultural experiences. You’ll not only dive into the melting pot that has become Peruvian cuisine from the Indigenous to the Afro-Peruvian, passing by the Far East, but also dig into its impactful ancient history.

And if you’re feeling inspired to bring a taste of Peru to your own kitchen, we’re always adding new Peruvian recipes to our collection, so check out our recipe page for updates.

Want even more? Sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive recipes from chefs from around the world and a free guide to planning the perfect culinary holiday.

cooking in peru

So, Why Visit Peru?

Because it’s not just about seeing Machu Picchu (though, yes, that’s beyond spectacular). It’s about wandering through colonial streets in Arequipa, standing at the edge of Colca Canyon, and sipping chicha morada while chatting with a local about life in the Andes. It’s about the unexpected moments—the ones that don’t make it into travel brochures but become the highlights of your trip.

If Peru has been on your list, take this as your sign. Pack your bags, book that flight, and get ready to experience one of the most unforgettable destinations in the world. And if you’re ready to experience Peru through its food, Let’s Eat Peru is waiting.

Haku!

(That’s let’s go in Quechuan 😉)


You may also like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close
Let’s Eat The World SL © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
Close
Close