Why Peru Ought to Top Your Bucket List: Amazing Facts You Never Knew
If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering ancient ruins, hiking sky-high trails, or sipping fresh jungle coffee in the middle of a rainforest, Peru should be at the top of your travel list. With its rich cultural heritage, jaw-dropping natural landscapes, and unique biodiversity, Peru is not just a destination—it’s a full-blown adventure.
Before you begin packing or making plans, discover this enchanting nation with a collection of intriguing facts that show just how unique it really is.
Peru's Geography Is as Wild and Wonderful as It Gets
With the breathtaking Andes Mountains, the enigmatic Amazon Rainforest, and the immense Pacific coast, Peru's geography is impressively diverse. The nation is divided into three broad areas: the coast, the highlands, and the jungle.
Such diversity, of course, means you might surf in Lima, hike snow-capped peaks in Cusco, and bird-watch in Iquitos in one trip—within a span of days.
The Amazon River Starts in Peru
Although most of us equate the Amazon River with Brazil, the great waterway starts its journey in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It winds through inaccessible rainforests and finally drains into the Amazon Basin, thus making Peru an important ecological centre for the world's largest tropical rainforest.
Travelling the Amazon by boat or trekking through jungle towns is an adventure like no other. And when Wi-Fi is intermittent, a ZETSIM by Zetexa keeps you connected—even if you're deep in the woods.
Machu Picchu Isn't the Only Ancient Site
Everyone knows Machu Picchu, but Peru is full of lesser-known Incan and pre-Incan ruins that are equally interesting. Stop by Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the Americas, or visit Kuelap, which is commonly referred to as the "Machu Picchu of the North." These attractions provide a glimpse into Peru's rich history beyond what you see on Instagram.
Peru Is a Hotspot for Biodiversity
Peru is one of the five most biodiverse nations on Earth. It's home to over 1,800 bird species, over 3,500 orchid types, and several hundred mammal and amphibian species. No matter if you're observing pink dolphins in the Amazon or sighting llamas and vicuñas on the Andean slopes, you'll find yourself amidst animals that can't be found anywhere else on this planet.
You Can Visit a Floating Village
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at more than 12,500 feet above sea level, is inhabited by the Uros people, who reside on man-made floating islands constructed solely of reeds. Tourists can visit these islands, discover traditional craftsmanship, and even spend the night with local families.
Peruvian Cuisine Is World-Renowned
Peru has been recognized as the World's Leading Culinary Destination multiple times—and with good cause. From the globally renowned ceviche to the filling ají de gallina, Peruvian cuisine is a rich mix of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences.
Urban areas such as Lima and Arequipa boast Michelin-grade restaurants, but you'll get the same satisfaction in local markets or road stops. And for food bloggers and vloggers who post about what they eat, an eSIM such as Zetexa's ZETSIM guarantees speedy uploads and live posting wherever you eat.
It Has a Mountain Painted by Nature
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) has become incredibly popular over the past few years—and it's not hard to figure out why. Its rainbow-colored stripes of gold, turquoise, and red are totally natural, created by mineral-rich sedimentary rock over thousands of years. The ascent to the summit is tricky because of the altitude, but the payoff is well worth it.
You Can Sandboard in the Desert
Few think of the desert in Peru, but the country does have some amazing sand. Huacachina, an oasis in the desert just outside Ica, is a tourist paradise for those who want to sandboard off the huge dunes or go dune buggies in the late afternoon. It's the Sahara, but with a whole lot more adrenaline.
It's the Birthplace of the Potato
Believe it or not, Peru is where the humble potato was first domesticated over 7,000 years ago. Today, the country boasts more than 3,800 varieties of potatoes, ranging from purple and black to ones that are naturally buttery. The saying “you haven’t had a real potato until you’ve had one in Peru” exists for a reason.
Cusco Was the Center of the Inca Empire
The lovely city of Cusco was the capital of the great Inca Empire. Now, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial Spanish buildings mix with ancient Incan ruins. It's also the gateway to Machu Picchu and most of the country's most stunning hikes.
Peru Is Home to One of the World's Tallest Canyons
Move over, Grand Canyon. The Colca Canyon, in southern Peru, is twice as deep as its U.S. equivalent. It's also one of the top destinations to spot Andean condors flying in their natural habitat. The canyon's sheer magnitude and the splendour of the landscapes around it make it one of Peru's most breathtaking attractions.
Festivals Are Big, Bold, and Beautiful
Peru has a passion for a good fiesta. The festivals of Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), Semana Santa, and Qoyllur Rit'i combine indigenous custom with Catholic ceremonies, producing the most colorful pageants of song, dance, and costume. Whenever you visit, you are bound to trip over a neighborhood fiesta.
Mobile Connectivity Can Be Hard to Come by—Unless You Have Zetexa
As amazing as Peru is, it's also full of villages off the map, mountain roads, and rainforest areas where mobile signal can drop. That's why wanderers venturing off the grid need Zetexa's ZETSIM, a budget-friendly travel eSIM that operates in between cities, jungles, and all that exists in between.
Ditch the hassle of physical SIM cards or costly roaming plans—Zetexa allows you to download your eSIM with a QR code even before you land. That leaves no airport angst and complete coverage when you want Google Maps through a labyrinth of Cusco streets or need to call home from the jungle.
Sustainable Travel Is a Growing Movement
Peru has gone far in eco-tourism. Most of its lodges, particularly those found in the Amazon and Sacred Valley, are built sustainably and operated by indigenous communities. Traveling with eco-friendly operators not only conserves Peru's landscapes but also safeguards traditional ways of life.
A Land of Living Culture
Peru differs from the others in that its history isn't sealed away in museums—its history has lived with them every day. From the traditional weaving of the Sacred Valley to indigenous languages used in villages in the mountains, Peru's cultural richness is still alive.
And if you're a digital nomad, long-term traveller, or even a short-term explorer, remaining digitally connected enables you to document and share these stories in real time. That's where ZETSIM by Zetexa comes in—freeing you to explore without SIM card swaps or roaming nightmares.
Final Thoughts
Peru is not a place you go to—more like a place you feel with all your senses. Whether you're walking jungle trails, walking among ancient ruins, or walking urban streets that are filled with food carts and colonial buildings, the country tends to leave an indelible imprint on your travel heart.
For those willing to dive into its magic, don't forget the practical aspects of travel. Zetexa's ZETSIM is the ideal companion to guide you, communicate, and share as you explore all this amazing destination has to offer.
Adventure awaits—Peru is calling.
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