Peru is a country filled with a fascinating ancient history as well as a beautiful modern-day culture. From the cuisine to the stunning beauty of its’ rainforests and beaches, it’s clear why Peru is a bucket list destination for many. If you are planning to travel with MEDLIFE on a Service Learning Trip, or simply on your own personal vacation, it would probably help you to learn some fun facts about Peru to ensure you get the full experience of absorbing this beautiful country’s culture, cuisine, and natural landscapes.
Peru Facts: A Land of Diversity
One of the most fascinating Peru facts is the country’s immense geographical diversity. Peru is home to three distinct regions: the coastal desert, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon Rainforest. This variety makes it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
Peru also has unique culinary traditions, being the birthplace of quinoa and home to over 4,000 varieties of potatoes. There are so many foods and beverages that are unique to Peru that it may feel overwhelming! But for a first time traveler, staples like lomo saltado, ceviche, papas a la huancaina, cuy (guinea pig), and chicha morada are good places to start.
Peru’s Culture and History
While we’re sharing facts about Peru, did you know that Peru was once the heart of the Inca Empire? Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a testament to this incredible civilization. You can visit Machu Picchu by traveling to Cusco. Many of our volunteers add this excursion onto their SLT experience to see the famous ancient ruins in person.
Another fun fact: Lake Titicaca, shared with Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world. And let’s not forget Peru’s fascinating festivals, like Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, which celebrates Inca traditions and is still being celebrated to this day!
Classic Peru SLT Itinerary with MEDLIFE
Joining a MEDLIFE SLT in Peru allows you to combine service, learning, and exploration. Here’s a typical Peru itinerary for the Lima-based SLT:
- Day 1 – Arrival: Arrive in Lima, a MEDLIFE associate will be waiting for you outside of the airport. Participants will arrive at the hostel and have the night to settle in and recover from the long travel day.
- Day 2 – Walking Tour & Orientation: An introduction to Lima with a walking tour of Miraflores led by your Trip Leader. In the evening there will be an orientation meeting where we will cover what to expect for the week and review safety precautions.
- Day 3 – Reality Tour: Explore the harsh realities of living in these settlements and learn about how MEDLIFE works to bridge the gap between Peru’s public health system and low-income families.
- Day 4 – 7 – Mobile Clinics & Development Project: Volunteers assist in unloading medical supplies and meet health professionals for a brief training session before the clinic opens at 8-9 am. Volunteers work until lunch around 11:30 am and then switch to their afternoon station. Clinic closes at 3 pm. Throughout the week, volunteers may also contribute to community Development Projects.
- Day 8 – Optional Tourism Activities: Choose from a variety of add-on excursions to explore more of the city and enjoy Peruvian culture first-hand.
- Day 9 – Onward Travel: Continue exploring Peru or return home.
Why Volunteer in Peru with MEDLIFE?
Volunteering with MEDLIFE is more than just a trip abroad—it’s a chance to make a real difference. By participating in mobile clinics and development projects, you’ll contribute to sustainable solutions for underserved communities. Plus, you’ll get to experience the rich culture and beauty of Peru first-hand.
To learn how you can get started on booking your MEDLIFE SLT to Peru today, fill out the interest form below or download our free brochure!