{"id":875310,"date":"2023-12-06T15:30:16","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T14:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=875310"},"modified":"2025-07-14T13:53:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T12:53:08","slug":"10-ways-to-experience-peru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/10-ways-to-experience-peru\/","title":{"rendered":"8 of the most authentic ways to experience Peru"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aching to experience Peru like a local, and not like a typical tourist? The Land of the Incas is one of the world’s most loved destinations, and for good reason. Boasting ancient ruins, unique traditions, strong indigenous heritage, and landscapes that draw crowds from all over…it’s not hard to see why everyone<\/strong> has Peru on their travel bucket-list.

But with popularity comes tourist traps. In Peru, it’s easy to merely scratch the surface and no more, missing out on the raw, authentic side of the country that makes a visit here so memorable.

Luckily, with these insider tips you’ll feel like a savvy local in no time. Here are 8 of the most authentic ways to experience Peru, from discovering its markets to meeting its locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We think you’ll also like: 15 picturesque places to visit in Peru<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Meet the lively locals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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No matter where you are in the world, there is no better way to experience a destination than through its local people. They are a place’s beating heart; more than the sights, the cities, and even the food. It’s within the local smiles and stories that you’ll find the soul of a country. Try your best to speak and connect with the Peruvian people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is pretty hard when you’re a tourist. You stick out, you often don’t speak the language, and local people are too busy going about their day to make new friends. That’s exactly <\/strong>why Trafalgar is so popular: we unlock these closed doors so you can meet the real people of Peru. Like the locals who invite you onto their Giant Corn Farm in the Sacred Valley on Land of the Incas<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here you’ll learn all about corn, one of Peru’s most sacred ingredients, before sharing a lunch with your new local friends. That same evening, you’ll meet a different kind of local – Peter Frost. Writer, photographer, and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 47 years, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. He currently resides in Peru and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions. Get ready for a fascinating conversation as he introduces you to the beautiful Land of the Incas as your Local Specialist for the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll visit social projects, meet local food vendors, get personalised tours by store owners, and meet more Local Specialists who’ll guide you through their beautiful country. The local experience just can’t be beat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a recent past guest explains: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Trafalgar really brought out what Peru is all about. Anyone can take you to see the sights. Trafalgar took us to see the people, the things you cannot take in a picture. Oh my God, what people, what kindness, what passion, what a culture. My husband and I have traveled on Trafalgar a few more times BECAUSE of the people experiences. You do not get that anywhere else on a group tour. You really come away as a better person, a fulfilment. I am so grateful to have traveled to Peru on Trafalgar.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Be adventurous with your food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that Lima, Peru’s capital, is considered the gastronomical capital<\/a> of South America? With restaurants like Central<\/a>, we can see why. This unique establishment celebrates Indigenous cooking and ingredients, and in 2023 became the world’s best restaurant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t worry, you don’t have to get a seat at Central to taste good Peruvian food. In fact, you don’t need to go far at all. Lima is full of amazing local eateries, tasty food stalls, vibrant markets, and fine dining spots like Central too. The best place to start is with the national dish – Ceviche.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ceviche, Peru’s national dish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Refreshing, tangy, and incredibly tasty, this Peruvian platter of fresh fish cooked in citrus acid is perfect your entry point. Try it at any of the many cevicherias populated around Peru’s cities and towns. One of our favorite spots is local hangout Canta Rana,<\/a> in Barranco, Lima. You’ll see loads of Argentine flags and memorabilia inside, but don’t fret. This place is as authentic as it comes. After you’ve had enough ceviche, give Nikkei<\/a> a try. This is a cuisine that comes out of Peru’s Japanese population, and has taken the world by storm. Think Japanese dishes, but with Peruvian ingredients and flavors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you’ve tried ceviche and Nikkei, it’s time to get a bit more adventurous. This is where you’ll really start eating like a local, with dishes like cuy<\/a> (roasted guinea pig) lining up Peruvian markets, and alpaca steaks in the Sacred Valley. You wanted to eat like a local, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take it one step further by opting for a cooking experience. One that you can do on Highlights of Peru<\/a> is going to Chef Ignacio’s local cooking school in Lima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ignacio cooking up a storm at his cooking school in Lima<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Ignacio Barrios has worked alongside many of Peru’s award-winning chefs, now you get to join in! He’ll give you a cooking demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru’s most popular dishes. You’ll then get to taste it yourself. Afterwards, get a good lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru\u2019s native drink. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco, show you the Pisco Sour, and also a less-known (but locally more popular) drink called \u201cChilcano\u201d. This cocktail of Pisco, lime juice, ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the Pisco Sour that only the locals know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We think you’ll also like: The fascinating history behind Peru’s humble potato<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Unlock Machu Picchu with a local guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The sight of Machu Picchu is one you\u2019ll never forget. The citadel in the sky holds untold secrets and reveals no answers – only more questions. Take it from this writer, you’ll want someone there to answer those questions. The only thing I regret about my visit was not having a guide to explain the history of this Incan marvel. Make sure to do your research to get a reputable guide, or ask other travelers you meet out there for their personal recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you’re traveling with Trafalgar, your guide is already covered. You’ll have a Local Specialist showing you through this wonder, giving you the full lowdown of the Incan citadel. You\u2019ll learn about the ceremonial rooms, storage areas, agricultural land, temples, astronomical observatories, and more. Plus, expect plenty of fascinating anecdotes on the story of the Incas and how Machu Picchu came to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2018Machu Picchu day was truly a memorable experience and I\u2019m glad I let the tour experts of Trafalgar take care of all the travel logistics.\u2019
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‘We had a great trip with Trafalgar. The tour guide knew his culture and gave us a history of the Incas and the mystery of Machu Picchu. He had a vast knowledge of the colonization of Peru by the Spaniards. It was very enlightening. Kudos to Trafalgar all around!’
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4. Visit a local market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Getting lost in the markets is one of the best ways to experience Peru at its most authentic. In sprawling handicraft markets you’ll find amazing textiles, blankets made of alpaca, wooly hats as soft as a cloud, and more. In covered food markets you’ll see stall after stall of vibrant ingredients and dishes sold by the Indigenous locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But be aware – Peru’s markets are lined with tourist traps. They can be filled with cheap, mass-produced goods arriving from neighboring Latin American countries. This is especially true for huge, touristy markets like Mercado de Artesania in Pisac. While places like these are great to get some souvinirs, try be careful about what you buy. Here are our personal recommendations of some other markets to check out as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Camilo<\/strong> is one of Arequipa’s most famous attractions. Almost like a temple to Peru’s produce, this is where the locals get their daily supplies like fresh produce, breads, cheeses, and delicacies like the giant guinea pig. As local as it is, this sprawling market is very famous so it does get pretty touristy. Try out Urubamba<\/strong> market<\/strong> up in the Sacred Valley for something different. Here farmers sell local produce all throughout the week. Though, visit on Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays for the really wacky stuff. Traveling vendors come and peddle rare, unusual wares from across the mountains, forests and coastlines of Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another place to check out is the Tarapoto Artisan Market<\/strong>. This is an Amazonian sanctuary for those looking for distinctive, handcrafted goods, like complex pottery, colorful fabrics, and Indigenous Amazonian instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One more place you should check out is the Witchcraft market<\/strong> in Chiclayo. In the Mercado Modelo<\/em>, there’s a “brujos” section – for witches and witch doctors. All kinds of trinkets, herbs, spiritual relics and intriguing ingredients are on display here, so stop by to see Peru’s mysterious spiritual side.

Remember Chef Ignacio? In Lima, before we visit his cooking school, he’ll take us to a local market where he’ll explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Learn about Indigenous culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As you travel through Peru, you’ll see plenty of the Indigenous locals. They are far more integrated than in other Latin American countries, and its not uncommon to see people in fantastic colorful dress popping down to the market for their food shop. To experience Peru in it’s most authentic form, connecting with these locals is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, that’s easier said than done. That’s why with Trafalgar, we’ve made connections with the local community, doing the hard work for you. Through our interactive experiences, you’ll learn about their rich culture and take away priceless experiences that money can’t buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of these is a visit to the Manos de la Comunidad weaving center<\/a>, which you’ll stop by while on Highlights of Peru<\/a>. Here you’ll learn about the artistic tradition of weaving, as well as traditions of the Sacred Valley such as \u201clindaje\u201d. This typical tradition reinforces the borders of each community and involves several customs, one of which involves men dancing in typical women\u2019s clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another similar experience on the same tour is when you get to meet Nilda Calla\u00f1aupa Alvarez<\/em>, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. You’ll speak with her and learn about the traditional weaving practice using natural dyeing techniques, as well as its importance to Indigenous identity and culture.

Both of these are MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae Experiences<\/a>, helping preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We think you’ll also like: The Peruvian women keeping ancient textiles alive<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Say hi to the local Andean camels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Como se llama? I loved seeing llamas and alpacas on our trip to Peru<\/em> – Heather, past Trafalgar guest<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Experience Peru through its furry friends, the local llamas and alpacas that are as much a part of the local identity as the people. The Andean camels are a national symbol of the country, much loved by locals and tourists alike. The llamas and alpacas are the most famous: you’ll find them herded by locals, and roaming through the cities and meadows nearby. They’re also what most of the wooly crafts are made of. Then you have the Guanaco – the more slender cousin of the previous two, and the Vicu\u00f1a. Both are wild, but the latter is far smaller, more delicate, and its wool<\/a> is one of the most prized materials in the world. Buying a vicu\u00f1a product will set you back a fair penny, but its truly one of the most rare and authentic Peruvian materials you could ever have your hands on! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Visit unique places off the beaten track<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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To experience Peru authentically, you have be a little adventurous and go to places not on the tourist trail. Try heading into local shops, organic farms, and unique businesses that you wouldn’t normally go into. They’ll happily welcome tourists into their little world. Of course, it’s hard to know where to start when you’re not familiar with the country. So our itineraries make sure you’re covered. Here’s some Peru travel advice for unique local places off the beaten track, based on our wonderful itinerary Land of the Incas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Level up your Peru experience by going to Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness<\/a>, a 5-star spa hotel nestled along the Vilcanota riverbank in the Sacred Valley. Built on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda, this is a truly unique stay that you’ll never forget. Here are a few of the unique things you’ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n