With a millenary history and culture, an exceptional gastronomy, a flora and fauna that makes it one of the four most megadiverse countries in the planet, dreamlike landscapes, and a friendly and hospitable population, Peru is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating destinations to visit.
Located along the west coast of the American continent, Peru is the third largest country in South America and the only one whose capital, Lima, faces the Pacific Ocean. Peru is defined as a mestizo country in which, over the centuries, a variety of cultures and traditions have converged, giving it a unique and multiethnic face. In its diverse cultural, architectural, artistic, and gastronomic manifestations, one can perceive the gravitation of the country’s original cultures, as well as those of Europe, Africa, Asia, and even the influence of the Arab people.
Chorrillos, Lima, Peru
Considered one of the six cradles of civilization, Peru is home to 13 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, of which three of the most famous are the enigmatic Nazca and Pampas de Jumana lines and geoglyphs, the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and Manu National Park, each located in one of the country’s three main geographic areas: the coast, the highlands, and the jungle, respectively.
Peru is a country that invites you to get to know it and offers an infinite range of possibilities. There is a Peru for every visitor. For those interested in the biodiversity of the Amazon and ecology; cultural tourism in cities that show at the same time pre-Hispanic and colonial vestiges; those who want to taste its exquisite gastronomy, which has made Peru to be considered one of the best culinary destinations in the world; those who want to practice adventure tourism by walking the Inca Trail or climbing its highest and most impressive peaks such as Huascaran (Ancash) or Coropuna (Arequipa); or simply for those who seek to discover a hidden treasure.
PERUVIAN CEVICHE SEBICHE. Peruvian seafood and fish sebiche with maize.
Papa a la huancaina – Traditional Peruvian Food
Peruvian dish called Lomo Saltado made of beef, tomato, red onion and French fries, served with rice (Selective Focus, Focus one third into the dish)
Peru also dishes out some of the tastiest and most flavorful cuisine. For starters, the ceviche, cooked fish served cold with lime juice, onion, salt, and hot chillies called “aji” is a must-try. The Papa A La Huancaina, sliced golden potatoes with a creamy sauce of yellow chili, fresh cheese, evaporated milk, and eggs, is often served as an appetizer. On the other hand, Causa Iimeña uses yellow Peruvian potatoes which are filled with chicken, or any meat nowadays, blended with mayonnaise. The Lomo Saltado, tender strips of marinated beef, and Pollo A La Brasa, marinated chicken roasted over hardwood, are mains you should not miss. Their exotic flavors will leave you wanting for more.
The country has won the “World’s Culinary Destination 2021” at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2021. Once again, Peru occupies positions in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants with Central Restaurant coming in second place and Maido Restaurant on the 11th position.
Totora boat on the Titicaca lake near Puno, Peru
Bilateral Relations
On June 1st, the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Embassy of Peru in Saudi Arabia was celebrated. However, diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 19, 1986. The Saudi government inaugurated its embassy in Lima on June 27, 2013.
Over the years, the bilateral relationship has grown closer, as have the ties of friendship and cooperation between its people. In 2015, the chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, made a working visit to Peru, on which occasion a memorandum of understanding was signed on cooperation in the fields of cultural heritage, museums, built heritage, and traditional industries. The same year, the President of the Council of Ministers of Peru traveled to Riyadh to participate in the IV ASPA Summit (Summit of South American – Arab Countries) held in Riyadh. On February 17, 2022, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and a member of the Council of Ministers, Adel Al Jubeir, visited Peru, being the first visit by a Saudi minister at the bilateral level.
Agricultural terraces in the Sacred Valley. Moray in Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Peru
As of November 2021, bilateral trade amounted to US$ 164.78 million. There are investment opportunities in infrastructure, agro-exports and the energy sector, and a shared interest in developing and strengthening cooperative relations between the two countries to serve the common interest.
AREQUIPA, PERU: Street of Santa Catalina.
WHERE TO GO
Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Machu Picchu, chosen as the “world’s leading tourist attraction” and declared as a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It includes temples, private quarters, and ceremonial platforms.
View of the ancient Inca City of Machu Picchu. The 15th century Inca site.’Lost city of the Incas’.
Separating Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is a geological wonder in the high plain Altiplano region with a semi-arid climate. Taquile, Amantani, and the floating Uros islands offer the opportunity to experience the traditions and customs of communities and live in harmony with nature.
World-famous epicenter of biodiversity, Manu National Park, is where the Tropical Andes and the Amazon Basin in Southwestern Peru meets. It’s home to more than 4,000 animal species and 20,000 different plants.
Marvel at the contrast between modern buildings and more traditional architecture, including colonial influences in Lima, Peru’s capital. Visit Plaza de Armas, a historical center and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover Cusco, the “archaeological capital of the Americas”. Once the capital on the Incan empire, Cusco is located in the southern Sierras and serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Hacienda Huayoccari, Cusco – a Peruvian Paso Horse demonstration.
WHAT TO DO
Delight and enjoy the Peruvian gastronomy, with ingredients sourced from the Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle, diversity is the keyword. Inca Kola (soda) and Chicha Morada (purple corn) are the traditional drinks.
Visit Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel, and Vinicunca, the beautiful mountain of seven colors, in Cusco, for those who want both the ancient Inca history and outdoor adventure. There is no place in the world where you can take a better picture.
Enjoy a city tour of Lima; it’s filled with museums, a mix of modern and colonial buildings, restaurants, antiquities and when night falls, visitors can partake of the disco scene or enjoy a magic show of the dancing water fountains. Miraflores, Barranco, Lima Center are the main tourist districts.
View the Nazca Lines from an airplane. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a mystery since its discovery in 1926.
Attend a Peruvian Festival; it reflects the vibrant local culture and an amazing show.
Embassy of Peru
Building 7393 Ibn Younis Al-Sadafi Street,
Northern Maathar District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contact: +966-11-482-2474 / +966-11-482-7078
Emails:
info@peru.org.sa
lepru.riyad@gmail.com
consulperu.ksa@gmail.com (Consular Section)
