Peru is a beautiful country off the west coast of South America. It is probably best known for the Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel high in the Andes mountains. Other amazing features of Peru include the Nazca lines and the Rainbow mountains. Personally, I’ve always wanted to visit Peru to see the wonderful landscape and try local foods such as Ceviche.

Machu Picchu is a widely-known symbol of the Inca Empire. The Inca site was actually named after the mountain, which was called “Old Mountain”, or Machu Picchu. This landmark has fascinated many because of the impressive architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. This luxurious town was built in the 15th century, at the orders of the current monarch, Pachacutec. The citizens of this town, (an estimated 300 – 1,000 people), were an elite population. The agricultural work on the mountain was carried out by workers from different regions of the empire. Eventually, the Incan empire fell after a series of conflicts including the Inca Civil War, and the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. However, the Spaniards allegedly never found Machu Picchu, as it remained intact even as many other sacred places were destroyed. One contributing reason to this theory is the fact that in 1572, the entire population of Machu Picchu
was thought to have died of smallpox. Machu Picchu is a wonderful landmark, with a very interesting history, making it one of the primary reasons I want to visit Peru!

Another beautiful destination in Peru are the Nazca lines. The Nazca lines are a group of geoglyphs, or giant drawings that appear to be etched into the Earth’s surface. They were created by the people of the Nazca culture and the earlier Paracas culture. It is one of the many mysteries of Peru, because no one knows what purpose they were created for. In 2024, drones created by Japanese scientists such as Masato Sakai were launched in Peru. Their intent was to use artificial intelligence to find new, hidden geoglyphs in the Peruvian soil. I feel that this innovation is a brilliant example of the way our past and present converge to create a future. Who knows, maybe using today’s technology can uncover the history of the mysterious Nazca Lines.

In the southern half of Peru, we can find the Rainbow Mountains, beautiful summits part of the Andes Mountains. These landmarks definitely live up to their name, sporting a variety of fantastical colors. These mountains get their color from different minerals, which have piled up on top of each other over time. As the minerals oxidized, their colors became more prominent, the hills eventually becoming the Rainbow Mountains we see today. In fact, thousands of people visit these mountains every day! Hiking on these peaks while marveling at the miracle of nature is an experience I hope to have one day.

Ceviche, a dish becoming increasingly popular around the world actually originated in Peru thousands of years ago. The dish consists of raw fish, citric acid (often derived from limes or lemons), onions, chilli peppers, and coriander. It is believed to first have been eaten by Peruvian fishermen, seasoned with seaweed and pepper. The fish is marinated in seaweed, or citric acid, which makes it safe to eat raw. The pepper adds flavor and makes this dish very tasty. Today, Ceviche is enjoyed around the world, and is recognized as a staple food of Peru.

The rich history of Peru is unparalleled in beauty and ancient culture. Visiting this amazing nation is definitely something I aspire to do one day. Put best by Dean Stockwell, “Going to Peru is, well, if you ever have an opportunity in your life to go there, you should do it
because it is absolutely mind boggling.”

Works Cited

Britannica. “Machu Picchu | History, Facts, Maps, & Photos.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 17 Aug.
2018, www.britannica.com/place/Machu-Picchu.

CGTN America. “Scientists Use AI, Drones to Find New Geoglyphs in Peru.” YouTube, 1 Oct.
2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVBofUg-8Cs. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

“How Was Rainbow Mountain Formed? – Peru’s Colorful Mountain Explained.” Rainbow
Mountain Peru, 6 May 2024,
www.rainbowmountainperu.com/how-was-rainbow-mountain-formed/.

Cronin, Gina. “Ceviche: The National Dish of Peru.” Peru for Less, 23 Mar. 2021,
www.peruforless.com/blog/ceviche.

Seal, Rebecca. “Ceviche: The Surprising History behind Peru’s Raw Fish Dish.” Travel, 18 May
2021,
www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/ceviche-surprising-history-behind-perus-raw-fish-dis
h.

“BrainyQuote.” BrainyQuote, 2025, www.brainyquote.com/topics/peru-quotes. Accessed 24 Jan.
2025.