Updated September 2022.
Top 9 Foods to Try
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Soups, Snacks, and Desserts
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Soups:
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Water
Given that the water system in Peru is not well-filtered, it is unsafe to drink the tap water, not even for locals. There are a great variety of water bottles that one can purchase. They should cost from S/1-2, but depending on the store or area, the price will vary vastly. Be sure to ask for it noncarbonated (sin gaz) or carbonated (con gaz)
Surprisingly, at Agua Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu), the water is reasonably priced, so one does not need to stock up at Ollaytaytambo (train station to Agua Calientes);
Below are my favorite ones ranked by taste:
Surprisingly, at Agua Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu), the water is reasonably priced, so one does not need to stock up at Ollaytaytambo (train station to Agua Calientes);
Below are my favorite ones ranked by taste:
- San Mateo - mostly found around Lima
- San Luis - found everywhere
- Vitale - found in Agua Calientes
- Cielo (not pictured) - mostly found around Cusco
- Evian (not pictured) - found outside Lima
Drinks
Peru is known for a soft drink called Inca Cola, which according to a Scottish friend, tastes like Scotland's Iron Brew. It is a rather...acquired taste, that supposedly gets better the more one drinks.
- Chica Morada: drink made by boiling purple corn (corn culli or ckolli) with a variety of ingredients like pineapple rind, quince, cinnamon, cloves, lime juice, sugar, appples, among other types.
- Muña Tea: Tea infused with Andean herbs that helps with altitude sickness and digestion.
- Cacao Pulp Juice: Juice made from the white, gooey pulp from cacao beans.
- Freshly Pressed Juice: Juice mixed from one to three fruits at any mercado.
Meanwhile, there remain an assortment of fun alcoholic drinks, mainly based off of Pisco (more information can be read here):
- Pisco Sour: The most notable Peruvian cocktail.
- Chilcano: Pisco cocktail that is a mix of pisco, ginger ale, bitters, and lime juice.
- Variants of the Pisco Sour: My favorite is the Maracuya Sour (passionfruit pisco sour).
- Chicha de Jora: Fermented corn beer that was used during religious ceremonies and rituals.
- Chicha de Frutilla: Chicha de Jora can be mixed with strawberries for a different taste.
Traveling Around Peru
For the most part, it is difficult to travel around Peru without a car, and even renting a car can be challenging due to road conditions and lack of service in many areas. There are a great number of tour and bus companies that provide incredible itineraries.
Buses
I personally vouch for Peruhop, which offered an incredible experience to journey between Lima and Cusco. They can help book activities, have guides on the bus to answer questions, take care of the passengers, and is a great way to meet people.
Other options to consider are Perubus (for Spanish speakers) and Inka Express.
Planes:
The easiest option would be to fly using LATAM airlines, but there aren’t too many airports within Peru. Be forewarned that there may also be surcharges. For instance, they consider a large backpack as a “checked bag” and even if it will fit under the seat in front of you, you may be required to pay extra at the gate.
Buses
I personally vouch for Peruhop, which offered an incredible experience to journey between Lima and Cusco. They can help book activities, have guides on the bus to answer questions, take care of the passengers, and is a great way to meet people.
Other options to consider are Perubus (for Spanish speakers) and Inka Express.
Planes:
The easiest option would be to fly using LATAM airlines, but there aren’t too many airports within Peru. Be forewarned that there may also be surcharges. For instance, they consider a large backpack as a “checked bag” and even if it will fit under the seat in front of you, you may be required to pay extra at the gate.
Altitude Sickness
Given that many of the towns are at higher elevations and most people begin to experience altitude sickness after 8,000 feet. It is advised to be prepared to combat the headaches and nausea associated with less oxygen in the atmosphere.
FUN FACT: People born in high altitudes have larger lungs that are adjusted for the altitude; however, when they head to lower altitudes, they suffer from the higher oxygen levels. This is why there are no good Peruvian soccer teams.
- Altitude Pills: One can purchase pills to reduce the impact of altitude by either getting a prescription beforehand or heading to one of the pharmacies in Peru (there are plenty and most pharmacists speak English).
- Agua de Florida: One should put a few drops on the back of their palm and smell it upon feeling the effects of altitude sickness. One can also rub some on their hands and neck. Small bottless can be bought in Peruvian pharmacies or local stores in places of high altitude.
- Coca Leaves: Chew a handful and let them soak in your mouth. DON'T SWALLOW. Spit after 5-10 minutes.
- Mate de Muña (Andean Mint Tea): Opposite of Coca leaves. This tea is not a stimulant and helps with altitude and digestion.
FUN FACT: People born in high altitudes have larger lungs that are adjusted for the altitude; however, when they head to lower altitudes, they suffer from the higher oxygen levels. This is why there are no good Peruvian soccer teams.
Coca-Based Foods
Fun Facts
PERUVIAN LORE:
- The Peruvian flag is supposed to represent a flamingo in flight with its white chest and red wings.
- The Peruvian coat of arms is sometimes seen in the middle of the white stripe of the flag. It showcases the flora, fauna, and mineral wealth of Peru.
- The Fauna is a vicuña (related to the alpaca), the national animal of Peru.
- The Flora is the cinchona tree, a discovery in the Amazon whose tree bark treats fever, malaria, and indigestion.
- The Mineral Wealth is a golden cornucopia, since Peru is a large producers and exporter of gold, silver, copper, tin, and zinc (not to mention guano back in the day).
- July 28th, 1821 is Peru's Independence Day and every home and building is REQUIRED to fly the Peruvian flag.
- Certain buildings will have a large sign with an S in the middle of it. This is to prove that the building infrastructure has passed tests to withstand earthquakes
- If you're lucky, you'll have a chance to hear bands playing in different restaurants. There is a specific instrument called the sampoña, which are pan flutes, that have a melodious sound to them.
- One of the most popular songs is "Pachamama", dedicated to the "Earth Mother".
- Guinea pigs have no cholesterol and grease and are considered one of the healthiest forms of protein. They are called "Cuy" because that is the sound they make. There are 7 different varieties in Peru and are usually eaten after 4-5 months old.
- Alpacas are better than llamas for they serve as food and wool. Like cows, alpacas have four stomachs and are perpetually hungry.
- There's a Peruvian herb, called Molle (Schinus molle), which is an evergreen tree that creates reddish-pink fruit, so it's oftentimes known as a peppercorn tree. Using the sap of leaves is a local, natural remedy for mosquito repellent
Earthquake building infrastructure
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Band playing on the sampoña
Guinea pig making the "cuy" noise
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Molle plant for mosquitoes
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