Peru is one of the most beautiful and visited destinations in the world, with millions of tourists arriving in our country each year. Because Peru has it all, places and destinations that can offer the best photos due to the beauty of its geography and culture.
Of course, what makes the whole world dream about Peru is Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, located in Cusco.
10 excellent facts about Peru for your next trip to this beautiful country
- Peru is the third largest country in South America, with a territory of 1,285,216 square kilometers.
- The capital and largest city of Peru is Lima, with approximately 10 million inhabitants. Other major cities are Trujillo, Arequipa, Iquitos, Cusco, Tacna, and Puno.
- Due to the hegemony of the Inca Empire, Peru was inhabited by different types of cultures that expanded throughout Latin America. It wasn’t until 1532 that the Spanish conquered the territory, and not until 1821 that Peru gained independence.
- The current president of Peru in 2023 is Dina Boluarte. Presidential elections are held every five years.
- Peru is composed of three main regions, each with a different climate and offering unique tourist attractions: the coast, the highlands, and the jungle.
- The main language in Peru is Spanish, which is spoken by around 80% of the population. We can also find Quechua and Aymara languages in the interior of the country.
- The word Peru comes from a tribe called the Biru, located in what is now Panama. Their lands were visited by the Spanish, when it was the southernmost point of the New World known to Europeans. When the Spanish began to explore the south, the area became Biru or Peru.
- Peruvian cuisine is recognized worldwide as one of the best, and its rich variety and quality of products make it a must-visit destination for gastronomic tourism.
- Some English words come from Quechua: llama, puma, condor, coca.
- In Peru, you can find 12 sites declared World Heritage by UNESCO, as well as more than 100,000 archaeological sites, with Machu Picchu being our best example.
10 interesting facts about Peru that fall very short for everything you will be able to appreciate during your visit to this country. You can contact us to provide you with all the information for your next tour to Machu Picchu and thus learn a little more about this beautiful country.