57 Fun and Interesting Facts About Peru

Written byGuido

Peru was my favourite country we visited on our 10-month backpacking trip through Latin America. The country’s incredibly diverse landscapes, wildlife, culture, and history make it a must-see.

The big city of Lima versus the peace and quiet of the Andean mountain range was a change in scene I did not expect. We spent over a month in Peru, making sure to see all the hidden areas and less touristy parts. I loved it so much I’m considering doing it all over again soon.

Here are 57 facts I collected on our travels to give you an idea of the country’s beauty and diversity. Or to give you some inspiration for additions to your Peru itinerary.

Three indigenous people posing with their Alpacas in Peru

General Facts About Peru

  1. The capital city of Peru is Lima
  2. Spanish is Peru’s official language, but a significant portion of the population also speaks indigenous languages like Quechua.
  3. Peru is the third most populous country in South America, with a population of over 32 million people as of recent estimates.
  4. Peru operates on Peruvian Time (PET), which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5) throughout the year. It does not observe daylight saving time.
  5. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Peru, with a large following nationwide.
  6. Peru has a population density of approximately 25 people per square kilometre, making it one of South America’s least densely populated countries.
  7. The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN), which has been in circulation since 1991. It replaced the Peruvian Inti as the country’s official currency. The currency is abbreviated as S/ and is often represented by the symbol “S/.” One sol is divided into 100 céntimos.
  8. The Peruvian Nuevo Sol comes in both banknotes and coins. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles, while coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 céntimos, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles.
  9. In 2017, Peru allowed the first female porters on treks such as the Inca Trail.
  10. Peru’s biggest export is copper.
  11. Peru has participated in 3 Winter Olympic games.

Fun and Interesting Facts About Peru’s Nature

  1. Peru is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with many different ecosystems, including rainforests, mountains, deserts, and coastal areas.
  2. Peru is home to a large portion of the Andes Mountains, the world’s most extended continental mountain range. The Andes run through the centre of the country, creating its geography and climate.
  3. Páramo is a unique ecosystem found in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It consists of high-altitude grasslands, shrublands, and wetlands, providing habitat for many species of plants and animals.
  4. Peru’s coastal region is dominated by desert landscapes, particularly in the southern part of the country. These deserts are formed because the Andes mountains stop the clouds from moving away from the Amazon rainforest.
  5. Lake Titicaca, located on the border between Peru and Bolivia, is one of the world’s largest and highest navigable lakes. Snow-capped mountains surround it, and it is home to unique ecosystems and indigenous cultures.
  6. Peru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1,800 species of birds recorded within its borders. The country’s diverse habitats have many bird species, including toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, and Andean condors.
  7. Peru is home to many species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on Earth. These species are often adapted to specific circumstances and play important roles in their respective ecosystems.
  8. Peru contains several impressive canyons and gorges, such as the Colca Canyon and the Cotahuasi Canyon, which are among the deepest in the world. These natural formations provide habitat for unique flora and fauna.
  9. Peru and Bolivia share the same national flower: the kantua, which is a flower found at high altitudes.

Interesting Facts About Peru’s History

  1. The iconic Inca citadel Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is located in the Peruvian Andes Mountains. It was built in the 15th century to serve as a royal estate or sacred religious site for the Inca rulers.
  2. Peru was home to several advanced pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Norte Chico, Moche, Chavín, Paracas, and Nazca cultures, which thrived in different regions of the country before the arrival of the Spanish.
  3. The Chavín Culture was the earliest known civilisation in Peru. (1200-400BC)
  4. Located in the Nazca Desert, the Nazca Lines are a series of ancient drawings that depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes. To this day, it is not fully known what these were for.
  5. The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. It spanned a vast territory along the Andes Mountains, with its capital located in Cusco, Peru.
  6. Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru in the early 16th century. They conquered the Inca Empire, which led to the downfall of the Inca civilisation and Spain’s colonization of Peru.
  7. The Spanish colonial period greatly impacted Peru’s architecture, with many colonial-era churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and palaces still standing in cities such as Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
  8. Indigenous populations in Peru resisted Spanish colonization through various forms of rebellion and uprisings, including the famous rebellion led by Inca leader Túpac Amaru II in the late 18th century.
  9. Following independence, Peru experienced political instability, including civil wars and conflicts. It officially became the Republic of Peru in 1824.
  10. Peru has thousands of archaeological sites, and even more are found yearly.

Fun Facts About Peruvian Culture

  1. Peruvian textiles are known worldwide for their beautiful designs and colours. Indigenous communities use ancient weaving techniques passed down through generations. Cusco is the best place to buy these.
  2. Peru hosts lots of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, blending indigenous and Catholic traditions. Inti Raymi, Corpus Christi, and Carnaval are among the most famous festivals celebrated nationwide.
  3. Peruvian culture exhibits a unique blend of Catholicism and indigenous beliefs, as seen in rituals, festivals, and religious practices with elements of both belief systems.
  4. Peru is famous for its handicrafts, like pottery, textiles, woodcarvings, and silverware, which show the creativity and craftsmanship of indigenous artisans.
  5. The coca leaf has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in Peru for its medicinal, cultural, and spiritual significance despite controversy surrounding its association with narcotics and violence.
  6. Family and community ties are deeply valued in Peruvian culture, with extended families often playing a central role in social, economic, and religious life.
  7. Peruvians are known for their warmth and hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms and sharing their cultural traditions, food, and customs with guests.
  8. Peruvians wear their wedding rings on their right hand instead of the left.

Amazing Facts About Peru’s Food and Drinks

  1. Ceviche is Peru’s national dish. It consists of raw fish marinated in citrus juices, typically lime or lemon, and seasoned with onions, chilli peppers, and cilantro.
  2. Peruvian cuisine is known for its fusion of indigenous ingredients and Spanish, African, and Asian influences.
  3. There are over 3000 kinds of potatoes available in Peru.
  4. Pisco Sour is Peru’s national cocktail, made with pisco (a type of grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and bitters. It’s a popular drink enjoyed throughout the country.
  5. Chifa is a style of Peruvian-Chinese cuisine that blends Chinese cooking techniques with Peruvian ingredients and flavours. It results in dishes such as lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) and arroz chaufa (fried rice).
  6. Causa is a traditional Peruvian dish made with layers of mashed potatoes seasoned with lime juice and yellow chilli pepper and filled with various fillings.
  7. Aji Amarillo is a type of chilli pepper commonly used in Peruvian cuisine. It’s prized for its fruity flavour and medium heat and is a key ingredient in many Peruvian dishes, including sauces and marinades.
  8. Quinoa is an ancient grain native to the Andean region of South America, including Peru. It’s often used in salads, soups, and side dishes in Peruvian cuisine.
  9. Inca Kola is a popular Peruvian soft drink known for its bright yellow colour and sweet, fruity flavour. It’s considered the national soda of Peru and is often enjoyed with meals.
  10. Chicha is a traditional Peruvian alcoholic drink made from fermented maize (corn). It has been consumed in the Andean region for thousands of years and is often served during festivals and celebrations.
  11. Salchipapas is a beloved (by me, at least) Peruvian street food dish consisting of sliced hot dogs (salchichas) and French fries (papas fritas), typically served with a variety of sauces such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and aji (Peruvian chilli sauce).

Fun Facts About Visiting Peru

  1. Peru has numerous airports throughout the country, including major international airports in Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport), Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport), and Arequipa (Rodríguez Ballón International Airport).
  2. Drinking tap water in Peru is unsafe, so a filter bottle such as Water-To-Go is highly recommended.
  3. Peru has a large road network, with over 87,000 miles (140,000 kilometres) of paved roads and highways connecting cities, towns, and tourist destinations across the country.
  4. The Pan-American Highway runs through Peru, providing a significant way of transportation along the coast.
  5. In urban areas, public transportation options include buses, minibuses (known as “combis”), and taxis. Lima also has a rapid transit system called the Lima Metro, which is made of buses and a limited metro line.
  6. Domestic flights are a popular way of travelling long distances within Peru, especially to remote regions like the Amazon Rainforest and the Andean highlands. Airlines such as LATAM Peru, Avianca Peru, and Sky Airline operate domestic routes.
  7. Peru’s network of rivers, including the Amazon River, serves as important transportation routes for remote communities in the Amazon Basin. Riverboat cruises and ferries also provide tourists access to Iquitos and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve destinations.
  8. Peru’s tourism infrastructure is well-developed, and a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to hostels and eco-lodges, is available to suit every budget and preference.

Final Thoughts – Fun and Interesting Facts about Peru

Peru is an incredibly interesting country with a beautiful mix of different landscapes. There are many things to be seen and discovered, making it a top destination for different types of travellers worldwide.

I loved our time in Peru and wish we could go back soon. What were your favourite facts? Please let me know at guido@countingourfootsteps.com.

Guido

Guido is the co-founder and author of Counting Our Footsteps. He has travelled to 40 countries so far all over the world and is currently exploring Europe in his self-built campervan.