About Peru
Peru, the third largest country in South America, has a total area of 1,285,216 square kilometers, with 24 departments that make up the largest cities in the country, with Lima as the capital. Its border is Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Chile; Share with some of them one of its most fascinating natural heritage, the Andes.
The Cordilleras cross the country from north to south in a vast territory divided into three regions: the coast, the mountains and the jungle. As such, it is naturally rich, home to 84 ecosystems, and has multiple geographic regions.
its geography
Peru is divided into three regions: the coast, the mountains and the jungle
Coast: The Peruvian coast is the place of origin of most of the country’s economic and commercial activities. While on the coast the climate is between warm and temperate.
Sierra: It has impressive mountains of the Cordillera and also some towns built over 3,800 meters above sea level. The climate varies according to the altitude, the rainy seasons alternate with drier seasons.
Jungle: This is the least populated region of the country, it has a very diversified fauna and flora. It shares the Amazon jungle with Brazil, which occupies 60% of the Peruvian territory; where the Amazon begins its course, formed by the union of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers.
Weather in Peru
Being a country with great geographical diversity, its climate accompanies it. Depending on the region, temperatures are highly variable and range from mild to mild in the coastal area, which facilitates the arrival of cold currents from the sea.
In the jungle, the climate is more tropical with high humidity, which can reach the highest peaks of the Andes. This facilitates the arctic climate that forms in the Cordillera region, causing temperatures to fluctuate between -7ºC and 22ºC, with a period of heavy rains between the months of November and March.
Peru Regions
While many countries are divided into states, Peru is divided into departments. There are 24 departments and its capital is Lima, the city of kings, the most populated and the gateway to other regions of the country. The departments are divided into provinces, provinces, districts and from there in turn into districts.
its population
Population growth in Peru is 1.75% per year, which means that this country currently has approximately 32,200,000 inhabitants. Of these, 80% speak Spanish and the other part is divided into Quechua, Aymara and other Amazonian dialects. 70% of this population lives in urban areas, the rest in more remote areas.
Language in Peru
Officially, Peru recognizes three languages: Spanish, spoken by 80% of the population; Quechua, spoken by the inhabitants of the Andean regions; and Aymara, spoken by the highland population of the city of Puno, in the regions near Lake Titicaca.
Economy in Peru
Peru has an 80% informal economy that relies heavily on mining, oil and gas, trade, fishing, and tourism. There are small family farms in more remote places.
Gastronomy in Peru
Meals: It is one of the most recognized cuisines in the world, with renowned restaurants and a rich variety of dishes due to geographical differences. The regions have their own typical dishes, taking into account the ancient influences of Africa and Asia, as well as the Inca culture. The most famous dishes are: ceviche, salty loin, chilli chicken, baked guinea pig and grilled chicken.
Learn more about Peruvian gastronomy and the best thing you can do to enjoy our Peruvian Gourmet Package.
Drinks: As for drinks, Peru highlights the Chicha de Jora, a corn-based beer whose origins date back to the distant past of the Incas. But pisco is the most popular national drink in Peru. It is a grape distillate and can be mixed with other ingredients.
Your culture
Peruvian culture is firmly rooted in the rich culture of the Inca civilization, but maintains an artistic diversity dating back to pre-Columbian times, with abundant music, dance and typical arts.
This mix is also due to many pre-Inca cultures such as the Chavín, Paracas, Nazca, Chimú, and Tiahuanaco lineages, which evolved into ceramic, textile, and architectural arts, as well as the many magnificent archaeological sites.
his own story
The history of Peru is often confused with that of the Incas because it was a very strong civilization that lasted many years in the region, but they were not the only ones to build Peruvian history.
The first civilizations to be considered in this field were already great connoisseurs of agriculture and the domestication of animals. These are the Caral, Kotosh and Huaca Prieta, who lived between 6000 and 3000 BC C. And until the year 1,000 BC. C. the Chavín culture originated in the mountains of Ancash, followed by the Paracas, Moche, Nazca, Tiahuanaco, Wari and Chimú cultures.
If you want to know and learn more about the Inca culture and its traditions, visit our blog.
the inca culture
Then, around 1200 AD , the Incas emerged, the most important civilization in South America. In fact, they have spread beyond the Peruvian countries, reaching Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. However, its economic, religious and political center also remained in Peruvian territory, especially in Cusco and the region.
Its artistic and architectural manifestations still impact today with its imposing constructions of entire cities such as houses, temples and projects in favor of agriculture and the sustenance of civilization.
However, when the Spanish arrived in Peruvian territory, they found a society dissatisfied with the Inca Empire, which facilitated its final domination. Then, on November 15, 1533, Francisco Pizarro declared the Spanish victory under the Inca Empire.
The history of Machu Picchu
The construction of the ancient Inca citadel is attributed to the Inca emperor Pachacutec. Some stories about the reason for its construction: fortress, astronomical observatory, temple of religious worship, convent of the Virgins of the Sun and personal resting place of the emperor.
There is no testimony, document or chronicle of the knowledge by the Spanish conquerors of the existence of Machu Picchu, so much so that the citadel was abandoned for centuries and was rediscovered by an American explorer named Hiram Bingham, a professor at Yale University who introduced Machu Picchu. Picchu Picchu to the world on July 24, 1911.
Located high on one of the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu preserves many stories, religious temples and is today one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. It has a complete infrastructure to receive visitors from all over the world and was named one of the 7 modern wonders of the world in 2007.
