How to Peru on a budget

There's more to Peru than Machu Picchu

Bearing the world's highest sand dune and the oldest pyramid in the world, the yet humble country of Peru located on the Pacific coast of South America is actually also a third largest country of the continent after Brazil and Argentina.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Despite hiking the fascinating Inca Trail, seeing the legendary Machu Picchu and cities like Lima and Cusco, there are smaller destinations to explore for backpackers off the beaten path. A few to mention: go for penguin watching in Paracas in the South of Peru, hit to the beach in Montañita and take a boat ride at the picture perfect Lake Titicaca.

WHAT TO EAT...

Since we love to talk about food (and we know you do too!), let's have a few words regarding the Peruvian kitchen. The Peruvian cuisine is generally a great mixture of flavours from the native Inca people, from the Spanish and - suprisingly enough - from the Japanese! The last one refers to one of the previous heads of the country, called Fujimoro.

Photo by: vivaperu.co.uk

Due to its colourful history, the Peruvian food is extremely unique and one of the most typical dishes is ceviche, a national fish dish. The food can be very spicy if your prefer and to spice it up even more, you may want to add rocoto, a chilli pepper used in the Peruvian cuisine that is nearly ridiculously hot! And if you're really into a special food experience - have a bite of cuy, a guinea pig. Dating back to Incan times, today about 65 million guinea pigs are consumed in Peru every year. Still have a sweet tooth for a dessert? Try suspiro limeño, a silky caramel base topped with sweet meringue and get sugar shocked all over.

Photo by: sbs.com.au

...AND TO DRINK?

For a popular local drink you can sip coca tea, a herbal tea made of fresh leaves of coca plant. Despite the rather missleading name, it won't get you drugged for sure but instead has a similar flavour to green tea with more organic sweetness. If you feel like something a bit stronger, order a pisco sour, which is one of the most popular brandy-based cocktails in Peru.

EVENTS IN THE AUTUMN/WINTER

Photo: conciertosperu.com.pe

Interested in cultural events or activities? Consider these during the upcoming autumn/winter in Peru:

Oct 6th, Concert of Nightwish, a symphonic metal band from Finland - tremendously popular in South America
Nov 2nd, Dia de los Difuntos (The Day of the Dead), similar to Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. Also in Peru the celebrations may be extremely festive with a special meal.
Nov 6th, UB40 - reggae/pop concert "Red, red wine...."
Dec 5th, Life in Color - The world's largest paint party in Lima

WHERE TO STAY

Cusco: Bright Hostels Cusco offers beautiful and colourful rooms with a great, international atmosphere. Prices starting from 5.12 €.

Lima: Tritoma Rooms has clean rooms, friendly staff and it's located in the cosy Las Palmeras area. Prices starting from 11.21 €.