INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PERU

 

Peru is home to a vast array of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. Peru’s history dates back thousands of years, which means that there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about local cultures. If you are ready to learn more about this South American destination ...... read on for some interesting facts about Peru!

 

Festival Time in Peru

 

Machu Picchu

Peru is home to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This breathtaking archaeological site attracts millions of visitors each year and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

 

Amazon Rainforest

 Peru is home to a significant portion of the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The Peruvian Amazon is teeming with unique wildlife, including jaguars, pink dolphins, macaws, and countless plant species.

 

Pink Dolphin in The Amazon

 

There are 43 native languages spoken in Peru

While Spanish is the official language of Peru, there are actually as many as 43 native languages spoken in Peru, including Quechua, Aymara, Shipibo, Ashaninka, and Agurauna.

 

Nazca Lines

Located in the Nazca Desert, the Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. These massive drawings depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes and remain a mystery in terms of their purpose and how they were created.

 

Spaceman in Nazca

 

Lake Titicaca

Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. It is known for its stunning blue waters, picturesque islands, and rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people who inhabit the region.

 

Ceviche

Peru is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and one of its most famous dishes is ceviche. This refreshing dish consists of raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices, often accompanied by onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. It's a popular culinary delight that showcases Peru's coastal influences.

 

Ceviche

 

Inca Civilization

Peru was once the heartland of the mighty Inca Empire, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Incas built remarkable stone structures, such as the citadel of Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco, which was their capital.

 

Andean Condor

Peru is home to the Andean condor, one of the world's largest flying birds. This majestic bird has a wingspan of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and can be spotted soaring over the high Andes mountains and in Colca Canyon.

 

 

Andean Condor

 

Pisco

Pisco is a type of grape brandy that is considered the national drink of Peru. It is often used to make the popular cocktail known as the Pisco Sour, which combines Pisco with lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters.

 

Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi, also known as the Festival of the Sun, is a traditional Inca celebration that takes place every year on June 24th in Cusco. It honors the Inca sun god, Inti, and includes colorful processions, music, dancing, and reenactments of ancient rituals.

 

Inti Raymi

 

Biodiversity

Peru is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, housing a wide range of ecosystems, including the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the Pacific coastline. It is estimated that Peru is home to around 10% of the world's bird species and 8% of its mammal species.

 

Kuelap Fortress

Kuelap is an ancient fortress located in northern Peru. Often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of the North," it predates the Inca civilization and is known for its massive stone walls and intricate architecture.

 

Kuelap

 

Peruvian Paso Horse Shows

Peruvian Paso horse shows, known as "Paso Horse Exhibitions," are popular cultural events in Peru. These exhibitions showcase the elegance and unique gait of the Peruvian Paso horses, often accompanied by traditional music and attire.

 

Lima's Gastronomic Scene

Lima, the capital city of Peru, has emerged as a culinary hotspot in recent years. It boasts numerous world-renowned restaurants, including several ranked on the prestigious list of "The World's 50 Best Restaurants." Including Central which won the award in 2023

 

Aji de  Gallina

 

Huascarán National Park

Located in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, Huascarán National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning alpine landscapes, including soaring peaks, glaciers, lakes, and diverse flora and fauna.

 

Peruvian Textiles

Peru has a rich tradition of textile production, with techniques passed down through generations. Indigenous communities create vibrant and intricate textiles using natural fibers and dyes, showcasing their cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

 

Andean Textiles

 

Caral

Caral is one of the oldest known cities in the Americas and is considered a significant archaeological site. Located in the Supe Valley, it dates back more than 5,000 years and offers insights into the complex ancient civilization that once thrived there.

 

The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a famous hiking route that leads to Machu Picchu. It offers a rewarding and challenging trek through stunning Andean landscapes, passing through ancient Inca sites, cloud forests, and mountain passes.

 

Inca Trail

 

Huaca Pucllana

Situated in the heart of Lima, Huaca Pucllana is an ancient adobe pyramid built by the Lima culture. Today, it serves as an archaeological site and museum, providing a glimpse into the region's pre-Inca history.

 

The Colca Canyon

 
Located in southern Peru, the Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest canyons, reaching depths of over 3,270 meters (10,725 feet). It is known for its breathtaking scenery, terraced agriculture, and opportunities to spot Andean condors.

 

Colca Canyon

 

Inca Trail Marathon

The Inca Trail Marathon is an annual race that follows the famous Inca Trail, allowing participants to experience the beauty of the trail while challenging their physical endurance.

 

Skull Deformation

In ancient Peru, certain cultures practiced cranial deformation. They would shape the heads of infants by binding them tightly to achieve elongated or flat-shaped skulls. This practice was considered a sign of beauty and social status.

 

Cranial Deformation

 

Guinea Pig Cuisine

Guinea pigs, known as "cuy" in Peru, are a traditional food source and are considered a delicacy. They are often roasted whole and served as a specialty dish in some regions of Peru.

 

Bullfighting Without Bloodshed

Unlike traditional bullfighting, the Peruvian version called "corrida de toros" does not involve killing the bull. Instead, it focuses on the skill and agility of the bullfighter, who must perform daring moves to avoid the bull's charges.

 

Bullfighting

 

Cat Worship

The ancient Moche civilization of Peru had a fascination with felines. They worshiped cats and depicted them in their artwork, pottery, and religious ceremonies. Cats were considered sacred animals and were believed to have supernatural powers.

 

Dancing Scissors

In the town of Chavin, there is a unique dance called "Danza de las Tijeras" (Dance of the Scissors). It involves two performers engaging in a fast-paced dance while brandishing large pairs of scissors and engaging in acrobatic moves.

 

Scissor Dancers

 

Healing Hot Springs

Peru is home to several hot springs with reputed healing properties. The hot springs of La Calera near Arequipa, for example, are believed to have therapeutic benefits for various ailments, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

Dancing with Bulls

In the festival of "Virgen de la Candelaria" in Puno, locals participate in a traditional dance called "Diablada." The dancers, dressed as demons, perform acrobatic moves while interacting with individuals dressed as bulls.

 

Virgen de la Candelaria

 

Musical Stones

The coastal town of Huancayo is famous for its "piedras sonoras" (musical stones). These naturally formed stones can produce musical tones when struck correctly, creating a unique musical experience.

 

Pachamanca Cooking

Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian cooking technique where food is cooked underground using hot stones. The food, typically meat, potatoes, corn, and other ingredients, is wrapped in banana leaves and buried in a pit with heated stones for several hours.

 

Pachamanca

 

Red Soup Festival

The "Fiesta de la Candelaria" in Puno features an unusual culinary tradition known as "Calapurca." During this festival, locals prepare a red soup made from ingredients such as blood sausage, beef, chili peppers, and spices.

 

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