1) The food
Peruvian food is really very good. Ceviche is one of the national dishes and is raw fish marinated in lime and various spices. Once eaten you will wonder what it ws you saw in Sushi.. And don’t forget the Peruvians invented the potato!
2) The People
The Peruvian people are all invariably incredibly friendly, helpful and generally nice to be around. I also love the fact that the beggars here of whom you see fewer than in cities like London and New York don’t ask you for money they try and sell you sweets instead. I love that entreprenuerial spirit!
3) The cost of living
As an Englishman in Peru with some earnings coming in from abroad the cost of living is exceptionally good. For example the other day I took some friends out for lunch. For five people in an arguably good restaurant was about the same price as lunch for one in a comparable London restaurant.
4) The weather
Depending on where you are the weather here is fantastic. I live in Trujillo, otherwise known as the city of eternal spring. Never too cold and rarely too hot!
5) The culture
Peruvian culture from a historic perspective is incredible. With so many ancient cultures the history is fascinating.
6) The history
With Macchu Picchu as the most famous historical site in Peru there are many lesser known but equally fascinating places to visit. One of those is Chan Chan just outside Trujillo and the largest mud built city in the world. For obvious reasons this is a Unesco World Heritage site.
7) The diversity
Peru has one of the most diverse terrains on earth. From the mountains to the deserts to the Amazonian jungle to the beaches there really is something for everyone.
The opportunity
The economist says it better than me but Peru’s economy has pretty much escaped recession. It remains a net public creditor and the economy is still set to grow. This equates to lots of opportunities to be grabbed!
9) The beaches
There are amazing beaches all along the Peruvian Coastline. Whether it is surfing of sunbathing you will find the perfect beach for you. Of particular note for surfers, of which I am an exceptionally bad one there is at Chicama arguably the longest wave in the world. Arguably there is a longer one on the Amazon in Brazil but you have to dodge Prannhas.. (No thanks!!!)
10) Pisco Sours!
Arguably the Peruvian National Drink and a derivation of the Whisky Sour, also invented in Lima. It consists of 8 parts Pisco, 4 parts Lime Juice, 3 parts Sugar Syrup, one egg white and a dash of bitters. Shake hard and chill with ice. Highly recommended.
