Ready to study some enjoyable and fascinating info about Peru? Whether you’re planning a visit to Peru otherwise you’re simply having fun with some armchair touring, put together to be awed by these wonderful Peru info.
Peru is a rustic steeped in historical past, wealthy in tradition, and endowed with an extremely various geography. Nestled within the western a part of South America, it’s a treasure trove of historical civilizations, tantalizing delicacies, and awe-inspiring pure wonders.
Interesting Facts About Peru
Did you understand there’s a canyon that’s over 10,000 ft deep (twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon)? Did you understand there’s a mass grave of 400 rectangular skulls that some folks imagine are historical aliens? Did you understand you’ll be able to go boarding down sand dunes which can be over 1,000 ft excessive? Not solely are these locations actual, however they’re all positioned in Peru. This gem in South America is among the most biodiverse and culturally fascinating locations on the planet.
1. The Mystery of the Nazca Lines
Is it historical spiritual art work? A constellation chart to trace the celebs? Or a long-lost alien touchdown strip? The Nazca Lines stay one of many world’s biggest mysteries.
Archaeologists now understand how the Nazca folks made these well-known geoglyphs, however nobody has but found out why. Located on a coastal plain 250 miles south of Lima, that is one web site you merely must see to imagine.
What makes the Nazca Lines so fascinating is their scale and precision. There are over 800 straight strains that stretch throughout the plain, a few of that are over 30 miles in size. There are additionally 300 geometric patterns together with triangles, zig-zags, spirals, and arrows. Finally, there are over 70 depictions of vegetation and animals, a few of that are over 1,200 ft lengthy.
They had been believed to be created between 500 BCE and 500 CE and researchers have been learning them for many years, however they’re no nearer to a solution for what they’re (or why there have been constructed) than once they began. The function behind these strains stays a thriller. While some researchers imagine that they may have had astronomical significance, others suppose that they might be associated to water, fertility, or spiritual rituals. Book an aerial tour of the Nazca Lines throughout your journey to Peru and provide you with your personal concept!
2. Coca Leaves Are Great for Your Health
Peru’s native coca plant usually will get a nasty rep as a result of it may be used to make cocaine. However, in its pure, non-concentrated type, it provides customers a bunch of well being advantages. When trekking excessive within the Andes Mountains, coco leaves will help calm altitude illness. We drank coco tea after we first landed in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude and it actually did assist to alleviate our complications.
The leaves of the coca plant are filled with Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and iron. Locals use it to alleviate ache and starvation, whereas guests can expertise aid from altitude illness. In the previous, Incans used the plant in spiritual rituals and even buried coca leaves with the lifeless.
Coca-leaf tea is secure to drink and broadly out there throughout the nation. You also can do because the locals do and easily chew on the leaves to get pleasure from the advantages.
3. Peru Gave Us Potatoes & Tomatoes
It’s laborious to think about a world with out tomatoes and potatoes, however these native species had been unknown outdoors of South American international locations till the 1500s.
Peru is house to over 3,000 kinds of potatoes in an array of sizes, colours, and textures. In truth, it’s such an integral a part of the Peruvian eating regimen that proud locals usually say, “Soy mas Peruano que la papa” (I’m extra Peruvian than the potato).
While potatoes instantly turned widespread all through the remainder of the world, tomatoes had been really feared for hundreds of years. Europeans mistakenly believed this native Peruvian fruit was toxic. It wasn’t till pizza was invented in Naples, Italy, within the Eighteen Eighties that tomatoes turned a trusted and beloved meals merchandise.
The wild tomatoes that develop all through the area are smaller than what you discover at your native grocery retailer. Interestingly, although, this plant is the wild ancestor of each kind of tomato we eat at present.
4. Peru’s Geography Is Astoundingly Diverse
Peru is a geographical wonderland. From the arid plains of the Pacific coastal area to the peaks of the Andes mountains, and down into the luxurious Amazon rainforest, the range is staggering. With so many various landscapes Peru is among the most bio various international locations on the planet.
The Peruvian Andes mountain vary, some of the outstanding options of Peru’s geography, is the longest mountain vary on the planet. The highlands are house to a wealthy tapestry of cultures and historic websites, together with Machu Picchu. The Amazon basin which covers almost 60% of Peru, is among the most ecologically wealthy areas on the planet, with an virtually unfathomable number of plant and animal life.
5. The Atacama Desert
Forget the Sahara Desert. The driest place on earth is the Atacama Desert of Peru and Chile, the place it’s inconceivable for something to develop. In truth, the one factor that lives there’s a microscopic organism that will get moisture from minerals as an alternative of water.
Just how dry is the Atacama? Some components of it have acquired lower than an inch of rain up to now 30 years!These circumstances and otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama have led it to be in comparison with Mars, and it has even been used as a testing web site for Mars rovers.
In the Peruvian portion of the Atacama, the desert stretches alongside the coast and includes a panorama dotted with rocky formations, sand dunes, and small oases. The distinctive local weather circumstances have additionally contributed to the preservation of historical geoglyphs, just like the Nazca Lines, and mummies that present perception into the area’s historical civilizations.
6. Cotahuasi Canyon
Remember that deep canyon we talked about on the outset? You’ll discover it in a distant area of southern Peru, over 12 hours by bus from the closest metropolis of Arequipa.
Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest canyon within the Americas and one of many deepest canyons on the planet which makes it a testomony to Peru’s breathtaking pure magnificence. Located within the southern a part of the nation, it reaches a depth of three,535 meters, making it virtually twice as deep because the Grand Canyon within the United States.
It is usually overshadowed by Colca Canyon however should you love journey like we do then you’ll undoubtedly wish to go to Cotahuasi Canyon for trekking, white-water rafting, and the chance to discover historical ruins. The canyon can also be house to various wildlife, together with large hummingbirds and the Andean condor, one of many largest flying birds on the planet
7. The Amazon Rainforest
An fascinating truth about Peru is that two-thirds of the nation is roofed in thick, lush, tropical rainforests. Peru can also be house to the 5 rivers and tributaries that function the headwaters for the mighty Amazon River. Although the vast majority of the Amazon rainforest lies in Brazil, the gateway to the Amazon lies within the coronary heart of Peru.
More than half of the world’s species of vegetation, mammals, and birds reside on this spectacular rainforest. It additionally produces 6% of the world’s oxygen. You can study all these info about Peru (and far more) once you take an Amazon River cruise from Iquitos.
8. Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca holds the respect of the world’s highest lake. It sits at a dizzying 12,507 ft above sea stage and covers an space 120 miles lengthy and 50 miles large.
Lake Titicaca, located within the Peruvian Andes between Peru and Bolivia, holds the title of the very best navigable lake on the planet. It can also be South America’s largest lake by quantity of water. With a floor elevation of 12,507 ft, it gives breathtaking views of the encircling snow-capped mountains.
The lake is steeped in historical past and legend. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Incas, and quite a few historical ruins encompass its shores. The floating islands of the Uros persons are one of many lake’s most well-known points of interest. These islands are made fully of reeds and are constantly maintained by their inhabitants. Also, In the Seventies, researchers found a complete metropolis hidden beneath the waters of the lake. The thriller continues.
9. Rainbow Mountain
Vinicunca, extra generally referred to as Rainbow Mountain, is certainly one of Peru’s pure wonders. Located within the Andes, this mountain is legendary for its strikingly colourful layers, that are a results of sedimentary mineral layers being uncovered by erosion. Almost undiscovered till 2015, Rainbow Mountain rapidly turned well-known for its jaw-dropping and Instagram-worthy magnificence. Layers of clay and sedimentary rock rework the in any other case bleak panorama right into a literal rainbow of shade.
You can learn all about what it’s wish to trek to Rainbow Mountain in our complete information to Hiking Rainbow Mountain.
An expedition to this pure marvel isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, although. At over 17,000 ft above sea stage, it’s sure to be one of many highest altitudes you’ve ever trekked. Make positive you’re well-adjusted to the elevation earlier than you join a tour!
10. Cerro Blanco Sand Dune
How would you want to go to the world’s tallest sand dune? Cerro Blanco holds the title of the very best sand dune on the planet, standing at an astounding peak of over 3,800 ft. To put that in perspective, that’s taller than the very best mountain in England!
Located close to the well-known Nazca Lines, this sand dune is the premier vacation spot for sandboarding, dune buggies, and different out of doors adventures. The dune is located inside a desert valley surrounded by rugged mountains, creating a singular microclimate. The hike to the highest of Cerro Blanco is rigorous, however once you attain the summit you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the desert panorama and an exhilarating descent on a sandboard.
11. Machu Picchu Is a Wonder of the World
You can’t hear the phrase “Peru” with out conjuring a psychological picture of the misplaced metropolis of Macchu Picchu. A hike alongside the Inca Trail to this man-made marvel is a should for anybody who visits Peru. Follow the footsteps of the mighty Inca Empire by the Sacred Valley to town within the sky.
Located excessive within the mountains outdoors Cusco, Macchu Picchu was misplaced to the skin world till 1911. Archaeologists imagine the traditional metropolis was constructed on the peak of the Inca Empire through the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Their finest guess is that it served as a royal property for Incan nobles, however nobody is aware of for positive why it was constructed.
The once-lost metropolis spans 5 miles and consists of 150 buildings and three,000 stone steps. It’s little marvel (pun meant) that it was designated one of many New Seven Wonders of the World again in 2007. Read: How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu
12. The Quechua People Have Interesting Marriage Customs
The native Quechua persons are identified for his or her heat smiles and colourful patterned clothes. But there’s much more to this stunning tradition than first meets the attention.
For instance, you’ll be able to simply inform the marital standing of any Quechua girl you meet. How? Easy: Single ladies put on knitted caps, whereas married ladies put on straw hats.
Even extra fascinating, the Quechua apply “trial marriage,” a customized relationship again hundreds of years. Men and ladies are free to decide on their companions, finish the connection, and remarry at any time. Any kids born within the interim are seen as belonging to the neighborhood, not a particular couple.
13. The Bizarre Elongated Skulls of Paracas
The Paracas Peninsula on Peru’s southern coast is understood for the invention of the Paracas Skulls. These elongated skulls belong to the traditional Paracas tradition, which existed roughly 2,000 years in the past. When archaeologists first uncovered the unusual cone-shaped skulls within the Paracas area, rumors rapidly unfold that they had been as soon as aliens. Although it’s a captivating concept, science has confirmed that the skulls are human in origin.
The uncommon form is because of the historical apply of head binding. During the primary few years of a child’s life, dad and mom would wrap the pinnacle in particular methods to change the form of the rising bones. This could have been accomplished as a ceremony of passage or to tell apart totally different lessons in society.
While elongated skulls have been discovered in several components of the world, the Paracas skulls are distinctive due to their monumental dimension and variation in form. Some theories counsel that cranial deformation was carried out to suggest social standing, whereas others have proposed extra enigmatic origins.
14. Guinea Pigs usually are not Pets in Peru
In many components of the world, guinea pigs are stored as lovely pets, however in Peru, they’ve a unique standing. One of the strangest meals we encountered in Peru was the deep-fried guinea pigs. Peruvian delicacies is sort of various with a mix of seafood, and meats with corn and potatoes being its base. But a delicacy in Peru is Cuy, aka roasted guinea pig. They don’t have a look at these furry critters as pets, no, these are meals.
Cuy is normally served entire, usually baked or barbecued, and is widely known for its high-protein and low-fat content material. It can also be a central a part of varied Andean festivals and rituals. While it is likely to be a cultural shock for some (us included), making an attempt cuy is taken into account a should for experiencing genuine Peruvian delicacies.
15. Traditional Peruvian Poncho
The conventional Peruvian poncho is a garment deeply rooted within the historical past and tradition of the Andean area. Rich in symbolism and crafted with unparalleled ability, Peruvian ponchos usually are not solely purposeful but additionally function a mirrored image of the wearer’s identification and heritage.
Originally, ponchos had been created from a single piece of cloth with a slit within the middle for the pinnacle. This primary design supplied heat and safety in opposition to the tough climate of the Andes. However, the poncho advanced right into a canvas for inventive expression and cultural illustration. The patterns and colours in a standard Peruvian poncho are sometimes particular to a sure neighborhood or area, permitting people to convey their origin and ancestry by their apparel.
The weaving of a poncho is an intricate and time-consuming course of, usually taking a number of weeks and even months to finish. Alpaca and llama wool are the most typical supplies used, identified for his or her sturdiness, heat, and softness. The pure dyes used within the poncho’s design are sometimes derived from vegetation, minerals, and bugs, lending to a variety of vibrant colours.
16. There are Three Official Languages in Peru
One of probably the most fascinating and enjoyable info about Peru is that there are three totally different languages spoken within the nation. While Spanish is probably the most broadly spoken language in Peru, the nation acknowledges three official languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Quechua was the first language of the Inca Empire and continues to be spoken by the Quechua folks within the Andean highlands.
Aymara can also be an indigenous language spoken round Lake Titicaca and in some Andean areas. The recognition of those languages just isn’t solely essential for communication but additionally performs a big function in preserving the wealthy cultural heritage and variety of Peru.
17. The Capital City of Peru is Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, is usually the entry level for a lot of guests and serves as a gateway to the nation’s many points of interest. Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is a melting pot of cultures, with a wealthy colonial historical past and vibrant trendy tradition. Downtown Lima is house to numerous historic websites, together with colonial church buildings, palaces, and the well-known Plaza Mayor.
The metropolis can also be celebrated for its gastronomy, boasting a number of world-renowned eating places and a big selection of conventional dishes. The coastal location provides a dimension of magnificence to town, with gorgeous cliffs and seashores that entice each locals and vacationers. There is loads to do in Lima and you may uncover all of it in our article Best Things to do in Lima, Peru.
18. The Inca Civilization
The Inca civilization is among the most iconic facets of Peru. At its peak within the fifteenth century, it was the biggest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Incas had been outstanding engineers, as evidenced by buildings like Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán. It is alleged that The Incas had been the solely historical tradition on the planet to outline constellations of each darkish and lightweight.
Although the Inca Empire was short-lived because of the Spanish conquest, its influence on Peruvian tradition is simple. The Quechua language, conventional clothes, and varied customs have been carried by generations, preserving the legacy of the Incas.
Facts About Peru FAQ
What Are 5 Fun Facts About Peru?
Peru is house to the very best sand dune on the planet, Cerro Blanco, which stands at roughly 2,078 meters. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost 60% of Peru, making it the second-largest portion of the Amazon, after Brazil. Guinea pigs, referred to as ‘cuy’ in Peru, are thought-about a delicacy and have been consumed within the Andean area for hundreds of years. Peru grows greater than 55 kinds of corn, ranging in shade from white and yellow to purple and black. The Floating Islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are made fully of reeds and are house to the Uros folks, who keep them by including new layers of reeds.
What Are Some Unique Facts About Peru?
The Nazca Lines, a collection of historical geoglyphs within the Nazca Desert, stay an enigma. They had been created between 500 BCE and 500 CE, and a few of the figures can solely be totally seen from the air. Cotahuasi Canyon is among the deepest canyons on the planet, virtually twice as deep because the Grand Canyon within the United States. The Quechua folks apply ‘servinacuy’, a type of trial marriage, the place {couples} reside collectively for a interval earlier than deciding to formally marry. The historical Paracas tradition practiced cranial deformation, resulting in the invention of the weird elongated skulls within the Paracas Peninsula. The conventional Peruvian dish ceviche is believed to have been consumed in an analogous type for over two thousand years, with historical civilizations utilizing fermented juice from banana passionfruit to marinate the fish.
What Will You Do With These Fun Facts About Peru?
So, which of those info about Peru was most fascinating to you? Was it the mysterious Nazca Lines? The just lately found Rainbow Mountain? The distinctive cultural traditions of the Quechua folks? Or the unbelievable biodiversity in a rustic that’s house to the world’s driest desert and thickest jungles?
Whichever Peru info jumped out at you, one factor is definite: There’s no scarcity of issues to study this wonderful nation.
Is Peru on the high of your journey bucket record? Would you wish to study extra fascinating info about Peru, together with methods to plan your journey to South America? Click right here for our in-depth Peru journey information and continue learning about this unbelievable journey vacation spot.