Chifa

This exotic style of fusion cooking was born thanks to Chinese immigration in the late 19th century. ‘Chifa’ is a Peruvian term for Chinese cooking, and it’s super popular. We love Arroz Chaufa and Pato Cuarto Tiempos.

Best eaten at: Madam Tusan, Av. Santa Cruz, Miraflores, Lima 

Anticuchos

These unassuming meat skewers aren’t dissimilar from your regular shish kebabs and are a well-loved Peruvian food. Often served as starters, and while you can get all types, the traditional recipe uses quality beef heart.

Best eaten at: Grimanese Vargas Anticuchos, 466 Ca. Ignacio Merino, Lima 

Causa rellena

Think posh mash made from a special variety of potato. Layers of mash, chicken, tuna, avocado and hard-boiled egg make this one of the most comforting and indulgent dishes in Peruvian cuisine.

Best eaten at: La Mar Cebichería, Av. Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores 15074, Peru

Ceviche

This method of preparing fish – raw, ‘cooked’ in citrus juice - isn’t exclusive to South America. But with its long Pacific coastline, world-class seafood is everywhere, making this one of the best Peruvian dishes.

Best eaten at: Al Frio y Al Fuego, Avenida La Marina N 134-B, Iquitos 

Picarones

These sweet treats are usually served with a syrup dip much like Mexican churros, except they’re made from pumpkin, chia or quinoa instead of flour. A signature Peru snack. Great for vegans.

Best eaten at: Picarones Victoria, Jr 9 de Diciembre, #211, Ayachuco 

Larco Museum

There’ll be plenty of things to do in Lima, but be sure you make time to visit Museo Larco for a condensed journey through Peru’s history. It’s packed with pre-Columbian artefacts.

For more information on the Larco Museum Lima, click here. 

The Museum of Italia Art Lima

This museum does exactly what it says on the tin. Around 125 Italian artists’ work sits on display in this Lima museum as a tribute to the country’s generous Italian community.

For more information on the Museum of Italian Art, click here.

Andean Sanctuaries

A research centre home to the Ice Maiden of Ampato – or Mummy Juanita – who was discovered preserved in ice in 1995. If you’re around Arequipa, don’t miss one of the best museums in Peru.

For more information on the Andean Sanctuaries, click here.

Conjunt Monumental de Belen

Head north to Cajamara to see one of the more remote Peru museums in the beautiful Belen. Within the buildings, archaeological exhibits offer a sharp insight into the region’s colonial history.

For more information on the Conjunto Monumental de Belen, click here.

Brüning Museum

This stark modernist building was founded in 1924 in honour of German archaeologist Hans Heinrich Brüning, who amassed hundreds of Peruvian artefacts on a trip to Peru in the late 19th century.

Fiesta Inti Raymi

One of the best festivals in Peru, The Festival of the Sun is held every June in Sacsayhuaman, celebrating the winter solstice with Incan traditions. A magical insight into this fascinating culture.

Puno Week

A week-long succession of fiestas at the start of November, kicking off with Peru’s version of Day of the Dead. Re-enactments of Puno’s occupation by the Spanish make for varied – sometimes rowdy – celebrations.

Fiesta de la Cruz

‘The Festival of the Cross’ is celebrated at the start of May, and features hundreds of crosses carried from village to village. Expect locals in eye-popping colours, firework displays and a country-wide knees up.

Q’oyoriti

Each winter the Andean people hold a four-day pilgrimage in honour of their ancestors. It’s a wild affair that sees dancers from the highlands troop down to the foot of Cinajara Mountain.

The National Paso Horse Tournament

This is one event to tick off your list when you travel to Peru. It sees the Peruvian capital celebrate their world-famous indigenous Paso horse. Expect racing, pageants and traditional Peruvian feasts.