Story & Photos HIEN BAU

Peru offers stunning scenery, incredible cuisine and the mystery of an ancient culture.

The Salineras de Maras rice terraces date back to the 7th century

Alongside China, India, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Central America, Peru is  recognized as one of the six cradles of world civilization. The Andean culture in South America is believed to have emerged around 5,000 years ago, leaving Peru home to still-mysterious ancient structures and archaeological. Peru is also known for its natural wonders, diverse climates and rich ecosystem. Of the 32 climate zones in the world, Peru has a remarkable 27. It boasts beaches, the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest and the unique capital city of Lima, which has not seen rain for 600 years! Also, over 10% of the world’s plant species originate from Peru.

In Peru’s food markets, whether in bustling cities or remote mountain villages, visitors are greeted with an overwhelming variety of fruits and vegetables. For instance, while dragon fruit, passion fruit and kiwi fruit are common, each type comes in numerous sizes, tastes and colors. Peru is home to three to four dozen types of chili peppers, and there are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes: red, yellow, green, purple, striped, round, long, large and small. Long before potatoes appeared on the tables of Westerners, they were the staple of ancient Peruvians, serving as food and medicine, rich in nutrients and capable of being stored for a long time.

Lima’s Surquillo Market is famous for fresh fruits and vegetables served on-site

Not only does Peru have diverse climates and rich ecosystems, but its ancient people also developed advanced agricultural techniques. On a visit to the Moray archaeological site, I was amazed by the ingenuity behind its irrigation system and impressed by the skills in planting and breeding hybrid crops that can withstand droughts and frosts. Nearby, the Salineras de Maras terraced salt fields showcase remarkably precise calculations used to harvest salt from a saline spring that has existed for 13 to 14 centuries.

With its abundant flora and fauna, combined with the influence of European cuisines brought in by the Spanish centuries ago, Japanese cuisine from the migration wave in the early 20th century, and Chinese cuisine in recent years, Peruvian cuisine is extremely rich. Peru has a large number of the Michelin-starred chefs in South America. Many restaurants require reservations months or even a year in advance, with prices ranging from USD400–500 per meal for one person. However, even in remote mountain areas, every restaurant I visited offered delicious food with impressive presentation blending European, Asian and Andean indigenous styles.

A sophisticated baked potato is a culinary delight at Amanto

Peru is also home to a long-standing and incredibly rich indigenous culture. In major cities like Lima and Cusco, markets often separate agricultural products from handicrafts. However, in the mountains and small remote villages, these markets are usually adjacent, making a day spent exploring them quite enjoyable. Visitors can find a variety of products such as scarves, hats, ponchos and woven rugs made from llama and alpaca wool, which are specialties of the Andes. Unique local handicrafts such as paintings, sculptures and silver jewelry are also on offer.

Seeing such beautiful handicrafts in the market, you might expect museums to feature many unique artifacts. True to its status as one of the cradles of ancient civilization, Peru’s museums house vast collections that have existed for thousands of years. However, its remote location and relative priciness, along with safety concerns, make Peru not as widely recognized as other famous destinations like Egypt, China, or India. However, the more you learn about Peru’s ancient mysteries and modern marvels, the more intrigued you will be to visit for yourself.