The holiday season is in full swing in the US now that December has arrived. It is a very important holiday in Peru as well, as many Peruvians feel strongly about the Christian faith and holy days. When Christianity was introduced in Peru, the people identified with the story of Christ being born in a stable, because they were used to a rural, farming lifestyle themselves. Over time, the Christmas celebration has evolved in different parts of the country to include images of Santa and other non-religious symbols, but the nativity scene remains a very important part of the celebration for most families. Most exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, after putting up a nativity scene in their homes, which remains on display until the Feast of the Three Kings in January. In the Cusco area, the spirit of giving is an important part of Christmas. Businesses, organizations and wealthy individuals organize ‘Chocolatadas,” traditional gestures of free hot chocolate, bread and gifts for those who are less fortunate. Some travel companies offer special Christmas tours of Peru that include taking part in a Chocolatada. This opportunity for voluntourism is a great way to celebrate the holiday.
From the category archives:
Trip to Peru
The time of the Incas is one of the most well known eras in Peru’s rich history. Pre-Columbian Peru is a fascinating part of the country’s past, making destinations like Machu Picchu popular with travelers from around the globe. Those who enjoy adventure travel and are willing to hike through the mountains for four days can take The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This hike has become incredibly famous over the years, known for its awe-inspiring views and supposedly life changing affect on those who complete it. It is necessary to hike with a guide in this area, so tourists book with the licensed agencies many months in advance. Be sure to research your options with guides if you’re interested in this amazing trip, and plan to go in the dry season, between May and September.
There’s a new word on the travel scene – “voluntourism.” It refers to the trend of visiting places where you can also do some good, meeting locals and learning more about their culture while volunteering your time. Frommer’s, famous for their travel guides, has just released “500 Places You Can Make a Difference,” and hotel chains like Ritz Carlton are now offering excursions where you can help collect endangered sea turtle eggs in Cancun, or plant flowers at an orphanage in Jamaica. This trend is a great way for families to reinforce important values while enjoying time together. Peru is a wonderful place to visit on your next voluntourism trip. You can volunteer at a nature preserve through a company called International Expeditions, or take advantage of countless other opportunities to pitch in while enjoying a vacation in this breathtakingly beautiful country. Click here for more information on volunteer trips.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, my favorite place to be, take a look at the categories on the right to see some of the places I’ve written about. I have traveled all over this beautiful country, and I never get tired of seeking out new places to go and things to see. Places like Lima, Chan Chan, Puno, and Arequipa all have a list of different things to offer tourists – above all, unforgettable memories. From the awe-inspiring sighs of Machu Picchu and the Colca Canyon to the gourmet restaurants and museums of Lima, Peru is an exotic and exhilarating vacation destination.
Peru is the perfect place for bird watching, and you can even take guided tours that focus on birds. Over 1800 bird species have been documented in Peru, making its biodiversity very impressive. The Peruvian National Bird is the Gallito de la Rocas, or “Rooster of the Rocks.” You can see these birds and an amazing variety of other tropical species in this beautiful country. An American omithologist, or bird scientist, Theodore Parker III once said, “Peru offers ‘bird-enthusiasts’ more than any other country in the world… Being here is like being a child visiting a huge store filled with new and fascinating toys.” Many scientists have traveled to Peru to study birds, and if you can learn new things about these fascinating creatures in Peru as well.
There is so much to see and do in Lima, but sometimes the most memorable experiences are found on the street in between sightseeing stops. A relaxing moment by a fountain, a taste of anticuchos from a street vendor, or an encounter with an artist selling his or her work can be just as enriching as some of the landmarks in the city. Like many of the worlds greatest cities, artists are attracted to Lima, with its bustling crowds and culture. The work they showcase on the streets is vibrant and beautiful. I have always found it interesting to see the variety in the works of individual artists, and how they can convey the same thing in very different ways.
As I’ve mentioned, Peru can be a great destination for adventure travel. You don’t have to trek through the Amazon or the Andes for excitement, however. You can sail over the coast of Lima in a hang glider, after surfing the impressive waves below, then eat at an upscale restaurant. Although it’s not for the faint of heart, a hang gliding experience can be freeing and even relaxing, as well as exhilarating. For views you can’t get anywhere else, take a hang glider flight in Peru. And for those of us who enjoy having both feet on the ground, the hang gliders that sail over Miraflores on sunny days are another interesting part of the landscape.
If you love to visit places with historical significance, stop at the Cathedral de Lima. It is impressive visually, and it has lasted through centuries of Lima’s interesting past, including two large earthquakes – extensive reconstruction took place in both 1746 and 1940. One of the most notable features of this cathedral is the tomb of conquistador Francisco Pizarro, surrounded by a colorful mosaic. Pizarro founded the city of Lima, after conquering the Inca Empire. As one of the most influential people in Peru’s past, his tomb is an interesting place to visit.
Although many people are unfamiliar with Peruvian wines, their popularity is growing as wine lovers experience their quality and flavor. Peru has a wonderful climate for growing grapes, in areas such as the Chincha Valley. The Tabernero Winery is located there, and produces award-winning wines that have been recognized internationally. Over the last several years, Tabernero’s wines have been mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, and given gold and silver medals in France, Belgium, and other areas that are well known for their wines. Try Peruvian wine at your local Peruvian restaurant, and I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Of course, one of the Incas most impressive legacies is Machu Picchu, the breathtaking city of the mountains. Researchers think it was built by Pachacuti, a powerful Incan ruler who acquired much of the Incan empire. It is amazing to think that the ancient Incas were capable of building this city that still stands as one of the most stunning sightseeing destinations in Peru. One of the most interesting facts about Machu Picchu is that the conquerors never found it. It is often referred to as “The Lost City” or “The City of the Clouds” and only has one narrow entrance point 8,000 feet above sea level. It wasn’t until 1911 that explorers found this ancient city. It is definitely worth the trip to see this magnificent sight. You can take a quick flight from Lima if you’re staying there, and be at Machu Picchu in no time.
