Peru is a country in South America that encompasses a section of the Amazon forest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city high in the Andes. The region around Machu Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cuzco, is rich in archaeological sites. On the arid Pacific coast of Peru is Lima, the capital, with a preserved colonial center and important collections of pre-Columbian art.
Languages
Although Spanish is the predominant language, Quechua has been very important since the Inca Empire. Aymara is also spoken in Puno, as well as a variety of dialects in the jungle.
Government
Peru is a Democratic Republic. The President and members of Congress are elected every five years. The current President of Peru is José Pedro Castillo Terrones.
Natural Characteristics
Peru is divided into three regions:
Coast: Deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys.
Andes: It has the most impressive mountainous landscapes and different lifestyles can be seen in this part of the country. Cusco and all the surrounding areas, including the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu are located in the Andes. Mount Huascarán 6,768 meters is also very impressive.
Languages
Spanish
Quecha
Other languages
Currency
Soles (S/.)
Hour
OMT – 5
Evidence of settlements in Peru dates back thousands of years. In 1250 BC C., groups such as Chavín, Chimú, Nazca and Tiahuanaco migrated to the region from the north. The Chimú built the city of Chan Chan around the year 1000 AD. Chan Chan are ruins that remain today. From there began the Inca Empire. They built the largest empire and dynasty in pre-Columbian America. The Tahuantinsuyo reached its greatest extension at the beginning of the 16th century. It reached a territory that included Ecuador, part of Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia.
The Empire originated with a tribe based in Cusco, which became the capital. This Empire was a theocracy, organized along socialist lines and ruled by an Inca or emperor, who was worshiped as a divinity. The Inca Empire contained large amounts of gold and silver, which is why it became a target for the Spanish in the 16th century. It was conquered in 1531–1533 by the Spanish, Francisco Pizarro.
The independence movement was led by José de San Martín from Argentina and Simón Bolívar from Venezuela. San Martín proclaimed the independence of Peru in Lima on July 28, 1821, but it was consolidated after the battle of Ayacucho, three years later. After independence, Peru and its neighbors engaged in intermittent territorial disputes with Chile and Ecuador.
After years of wars and negotiations, Peru managed to settle down and rebuild, around 1884. After going through different governments (aristocracy, militarism, democracy) and crises (terrorism with Sendero Luminoso in the 80s) or hyperinflation with Alan García as President, Peru began a stage of reconstruction during the Presidency of Alberto Fujimori. He implemented drastic measures that caused inflation to fall from 7,650% in 1990 to 139% in 1991. He also dissolved Congress and implemented substantial economic reforms, including the privatization of numerous state-owned companies, the establishment of a favorable investment climate, and rational management of the economy.
He caught the head of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, bringing more security to the country. Although he was accused (and is now imprisoned) of violating human rights, he brought stability to the country. Then came Alejandro Toledo, Alan García (re-elected) and Ollanta Humala (current President). Today, Peru has a solid economy, growing private and foreign investment, a significant increase in tourism, and good prospects for the future.
Arequipa
see itineraries
Cajamarca
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Chachapoyas
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Cusco
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Farms, Vineyards & Hotels - Ica & Paracas
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Full Days from Lima
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Hotels in Lima
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Huaraz
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Ica & Paracas
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Iquitos
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Lima
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Lunahuana
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Luxury Cruises
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Nasca Lines
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Piura
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Puno
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Selva Central
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Tarapoto
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Visa
Valid passport. Visas are required for citizens of certain countries. Check with the respective embassy.
Accommodation
Peru offers 7,646 accommodations: 131,624 rooms and 229,886 beds. It is distributed in: 26 five-star hotels, 26 four-star hotels, 487 three-star hotels.
927 two-star-hotels, 411 one-star-hotels and 42 inns.
Airports
14 airports equipped to receive commercial flights and 10 ready for international flights: Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Pisco, Pucallpa, Iquitos, Cusco, Trujillo, Tacna and Juliaca.
Ports
Peru’s largest port is Callao, near Lima. Other main ports are Paita, Salaverry, Chimbote and Matarani.
Peruvian cuisine today is considered one of the greatest dishes in the world. Its variety and influence from other cultures (Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic) make our meals truly special. Lima, our capital, is considered “The Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”.
The famous dishes that distinguish Lima are:
- Cebiche (fish and shellfish marinated in citrus juice, served with corn and ¨camote¨, a kind of sweet potato)
- Lomo saltado (fried and sautéed meat with tomato and onion)
- Arroz con Pollo (chicken combined with specially seasoned rice)
Popular drinks are:
- Chicha Morada (made of purple corn, pineapple pieces and sugar)
- Inca Kola (the brand of a famous soft drink)
- Pisco (spirit of grapes and considered the national drink of Peru)
Some of the desserts are:
- Alfajores (combined flour, margarine, lemon peel and icing sugar baked in the oven, commonly stuffed with manjar blanco)
- Turrones (made from almonds)
- Tejas (sweets made with chocolate and Custard)
