50 Interesting Facts About Peru: Land of Incas

ByKim Richmond Hours Updated Categories Countries

Discover fascinating facts about Peru, a country rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. From ancient civilizations to diverse landscapes, Peru offers a tapestry of experiences that captivate visitors and locals alike. Let’s explore what makes this South American nation truly unique.

Peru Facts At-a-Glance

Location: Western South America
Population: Approximately 33 million
Area: 1,285,216 square kilometers
Capital City: Lima
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Climate: Varies from tropical in the east to dry desert in the west
Source: CIA World Factbook

Ancient History and Civilization

Historic Spanish colonial church with twin towers in Cusco's Plaza de Armas, Peru, representing Peru's ancient history and civilization
The ornate colonial Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús) in Cusco’s main square exemplifies Peru’s blend of indigenous and Spanish architectural influences
  1. Peru’s rich history dates back over 5,000 years, with civilizations like the Chavin, Moche, Nazca, Wari, and Inca leaving their distinctive marks on the country’s culture and landscape. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in Peru began as early as 9,000 BC.
  2. The Inca Empire, centered in Cusco, was the largest pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas, stretching from modern-day Colombia to Chile at its peak between the 13th and 16th centuries. At its height, the empire covered nearly 770,000 square miles and had an estimated population of 10 million people.
  3. Machu Picchu, the famous Inca citadel, was built around 1450 AD and rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. Often called the “Lost City of the Incas,” it was likely built as an estate for Emperor Pachacuti and was abandoned just 100 years after construction during the Spanish conquest.
  4. The Nazca Lines, enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert, were created between 500 BC and 500 AD and include more than 70 animal and plant designs and hundreds of geometric shapes. These remarkable lines can only be fully appreciated from the air and have remained preserved for over 1,500 years due to the region’s arid, windless climate.
  5. Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America, was built by the Chimú culture around 850 AD and housed an estimated 30,000 people. The massive adobe city covers nearly 20 square kilometers and features elaborate walls decorated with intricate reliefs of sea creatures and geometric designs.
  6. The Moche civilization, known for their elaborate pottery and metallurgy, flourished from 100 to 800 AD along Peru’s northern coast. Their remarkable ceramic “portrait vessels” depicted individual faces with such detail that archaeologists believe they represent actual people, and their metalwork included some of the most advanced gold and copper techniques in the pre-Columbian Americas.

Geography and Natural Wonders

Tourists at a viewing platform overlooking the vast Colca Canyon in Peru's Andes mountains, highlighting Peru's geographic diversity
The breathtaking Colca Canyon viewpoint provides visitors with panoramic vistas of one of the world’s deepest canyons, showcasing Peru’s dramatic Andean landscape
  1. Peru is home to part of the Amazon rainforest, which covers about 60% of the country and is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The Peruvian Amazon contains approximately 700 types of ferns, 7,300 species of flowering plants, and over 1,800 bird species.
  2. The Andes Mountains run through Peru, with Huascarán being the highest peak at 6,768 meters (22,205 feet) above sea level. Part of the Cordillera Blanca range, Huascarán features the world’s highest tropical glacier and was first successfully climbed in 1932 by a German-Austrian expedition.
  3. Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, sits at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level on the border between Peru and Bolivia. The lake is home to more than 40 islands, including the famous floating Uros Islands made entirely of totora reeds by the indigenous Uros people.
  4. The Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons, reaching depths of 3,270 meters (10,730 feet), making it twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The canyon is home to the magnificent Andean condor, which can be seen soaring on thermal currents rising from the canyon floor.
  5. Peru has 28 of the world’s 32 climates, making it one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. This incredible climatic diversity allows Peru to host nearly 10% of the world’s plant species and 2,000 species of fish—more than the combined fish population of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

ndigenous women in colorful traditional dress standing on a floating reed island with reed boats on Lake Titicaca, representing Peru's cultural heritage
The traditional floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca, where indigenous people maintain centuries-old customs of building homes and boats from totora reeds
  1. Quechua, the language of the Incas, is still spoken by about 25% of Peru’s population, primarily in the Andean highlands. In 1975, Peru became the first Latin American country to officially recognize Quechua as an official language alongside Spanish.
  2. The colorful Inti Raymi Festival, celebrating the Inca sun god, takes place annually on June 24th in Cusco and features over 500 actors performing ancient rituals at the Sacsayhuamán fortress. This winter solstice celebration dates back over 600 years and draws more than 25,000 spectators.
  3. Traditional Peruvian music features instruments like the charango (a small Andean lute), quena (vertical flute), and zampoña (pan pipes), creating distinctive sounds that have influenced world music.
  4. The marinera is Peru’s national dance, originating from the country’s northern coastal region and combining elements of Spanish, African, and indigenous movements. This elegant courtship dance features intricate footwork and handkerchief waving.

Culinary Delights

Bowl of Peruvian ceviche with seafood, lime, onions, and chili peppers served with plantain chips, representing Peru's culinary delights
Fresh ceviche garnished with red onions, cilantro and chili peppers showcases Peru’s national dish and world-renowned culinary tradition
  1. Ceviche, a dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers, is considered Peru’s national dish and dates back at least 2,000 years. Traditionally prepared with sea bass and served with sweet potato, corn, and onions, ceviche is so important to Peruvian culture that it has its own national holiday on June 28th.
  2. Peru is the birthplace of the potato, with over 3,800 varieties grown in the country—more than anywhere else in the world. The International Potato Center in Lima preserves over 7,000 potato varieties and wild relatives, safeguarding this critical food source that now feeds billions globally.
  3. Pisco, a grape brandy, is Peru’s national drink and the key ingredient in the famous Pisco Sour cocktail that combines pisco with lime juice, egg white, simple syrup, and bitters. The spirit must be produced in one of five designated coastal valleys according to strict regulations that prohibit additives or aging in wood.
  4. Guinea pig, known as “cuy,” is a traditional Andean delicacy often served on special occasions and has been consumed in Peru for over 5,000 years. High in protein and low in fat, cuy is typically roasted whole and served with potatoes and a spicy sauce.
  5. Quinoa, an ancient grain cultivated by the Incas, has been grown in Peru for over 5,000 years and was called the “mother grain” for its nutritional importance. This superfood contains all nine essential amino acids and was so sacred to the Incas that the emperor traditionally planted the first seeds each season.

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Modern Peru and Economy

  1. Peru is the world’s largest producer of silver and the second-largest producer of copper, with mining contributing approximately 10% of the country’s GDP and 60% of its exports. The Antamina mine in north-central Peru is one of the largest copper-zinc mines in the world, while the Yanacocha mine in northern Peru is the largest gold mine in South America.
  2. Tourism is a major industry, with Machu Picchu attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually and contributing approximately 4% to Peru’s GDP. The government has implemented strict visitor limits and timed entry tickets to protect the archaeological site from overtourism while still allowing travelers to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site.
  3. Peru is the world’s leading exporter of organic bananas and a major exporter of coffee, asparagus, avocados, and blueberries. The country’s agricultural success stems from its unique microclimates, with coastal regions benefiting from year-round growing conditions that allow for multiple harvests of high-value crops.
  4. Lima, the capital city, is home to nearly one-third of Peru’s population and generates more than 45% of the country’s GDP. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the “City of Kings” has transformed from a colonial center into a sprawling metropolis of 10 million people and has become one of Latin America’s culinary capitals.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Andean condor with wings fully spread displaying its massive wingspan against a mountainous backdrop in Peru
The majestic Andean condor with its impressive wingspan soars above Peru’s mountains, symbolizing the country’s rich biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts
  1. Peru’s varied ecosystems support an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The country ranks among the top 10 most biodiverse nations globally, with 84 of the world’s 104 life zones represented within its borders.
  2. Peru is home to over 1,800 species of birds, more than any other country except Colombia, representing about 20% of all bird species on the planet. This extraordinary avian diversity makes Peru a birdwatcher’s paradise, with highlights including the Andean cock-of-the-rock with its brilliant orange plumage and the massive harpy eagle that hunts monkeys in the Amazon.
  3. The Andean condor, with a wingspan of up to 3.2 meters (10.5 feet), is Peru’s national bird and a symbol of power and health in indigenous Andean cultures. These magnificent birds can live up to 70 years in the wild and soar at altitudes of 5,500 meters (18,000 feet), using thermal currents to glide for hours without flapping their wings.
  4. The Amazon pink river dolphin, found in Peru’s rivers, is the largest freshwater dolphin species and can grow up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) long. Also known as the boto, these unusual creatures can turn their heads 180 degrees and are the subject of numerous Amazonian legends, including the belief that they transform into handsome men at night to seduce women.
  5. Peru has over 3,500 species of orchids, including the rare Phragmipedium kovachii, which was only discovered in 2002 and features blooms up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) wide. This stunning purple flower created international controversy when it was smuggled out of Peru, resulting in significant fines and a strengthening of laws protecting Peru’s botanical treasures.
  6. The spectacled bear, the only bear species in South America, inhabits Peru’s Andean forests and inspired the character of Paddington Bear in children’s literature. These endangered bears, named for the distinctive light-colored rings around their eyes, are primarily vegetarian and play a crucial role in Andean forest ecology by dispersing seeds from fruit trees.

Historical Landmarks and Architecture

Night view of the illuminated San Francisco Monastery in Lima with its ornate baroque façade and bell towers, representing Peru's historical landmarks
The illuminated Monastery of San Francisco in Lima’s historic center demonstrates Peru’s well-preserved colonial architectural heritage
  1. Peru’s architectural heritage spans millennia, from ancient ruins to colonial-era buildings and modern structures, with 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites recognized for their historical and cultural significance. This architectural timeline offers a visual history of Peru’s diverse cultural influences, from pre-Columbian indigenous styles to Spanish colonial and modern designs.
  2. Sacsayhuamán, an Inca fortress near Cusco, features massive stone blocks weighing up to 125 tons that fit together so precisely not even a piece of paper can slide between them. The zigzag walls, representing the teeth of the puma (the animal shape into which the city of Cusco was designed), were built without mortar and have withstood powerful earthquakes that damaged Spanish colonial buildings.
  3. The Convent of San Francisco in Lima contains catacombs with the remains of an estimated 25,000 people, arranged in geometric patterns and serving as the city’s primary burial ground until 1808. These underground tunnels were rediscovered in 1943 and are believed to connect to other parts of Lima’s historic center through a network of secret passageways.
  4. Caral, dating back to 2600 BC, is considered the oldest city in the Americas and flourished as a complex urban center at the same time as the Egyptian pyramids were being built. This 5,000-year-old coastal settlement features pyramids, circular plazas, and sophisticated urban planning, demonstrating that civilization in the Americas developed independently and contemporaneously with those in the Old World.
  5. The Kuélap fortress, built by the Chachapoyas culture, predates Machu Picchu by about 1,000 years and is often called the “Machu Picchu of the north.” Perched at 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level, this massive stone citadel contains more than 400 circular buildings and is encircled by walls reaching heights of 20 meters (65 feet).
  6. The Plaza de Armas in Cusco features architecture from both Inca and Spanish colonial periods, with the cathedral built upon the foundations of an Inca palace. The square was the heart of the Inca Empire, where imperial proclamations were announced and major celebrations took place, and continues to be the center of cultural life in Cusco today.

Unique Peruvian Customs and Beliefs

ndigenous woman wearing traditional colorful poncho and hat looking out over the city of Cusco from a hillside viewpoint
A woman in traditional Andean dress looks out over Cusco, showcasing the vibrant textiles and cultural traditions that remain central to Peruvian identity
  1. The Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge, made entirely of grass ropes, is rebuilt annually using Inca techniques in a three-day community festival that has continued uninterrupted for over 500 years. Located near Cusco, this 118-foot suspension bridge is handwoven from local q’oya grass over the Apurimac River by hundreds of villagers from four surrounding communities, who sing traditional songs during construction and celebrate with feasting and dancing upon completion.
  2. Pachamama, the Andean earth goddess, is still honored through rituals and offerings that include burying coca leaves, chicha (corn beer), and other items as gifts to ensure good harvests and protection. During August, known as “Pachamama month,” many Andean communities perform the “Pago a la Tierra” (payment to the earth) ceremony where shamans create elaborate despachos (offerings) that are burned or buried to ensure prosperity.
  3. The Uros people live on floating islands made of totora reeds on Lake Titicaca, continuously adding new layers to the surface as the bottom layers decompose in the water. These remarkable artificial islands, numbering around 120, each support 2-10 families who maintain their pre-Incan way of life, using the same reeds to construct their homes, boats, crafts, and even as a source of food and medicine.
  4. The ancient Paracas culture (not the Nazca) practiced cranial modification, elongating their skulls by binding infants’ heads between wooden boards as a sign of social status and beauty. This practice, which began around 700 BC and continued for nearly a millennium, could extend the skull to almost twice its natural length and was performed exclusively on children from elite families.
  5. Ayahuasca, a traditional plant-based medicine, has been used by Amazonian shamans for centuries in ceremonial healing rituals to diagnose illness, remove negative energy, and commune with spirits. This powerful brew, made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub, contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and has attracted global interest for its reported therapeutic benefits under proper guidance.

Notable Peruvians and Achievements

  1. Mario Vargas Llosa, a Peruvian novelist, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010 for his “cartography of structures of power and his trenchant images of the individual’s resistance, revolt, and defeat.” Born in Arequipa in 1936, Vargas Llosa has published more than 30 novels, plays, and essays, including masterworks such as “The Time of the Hero,” “The Green House,” and “Conversation in the Cathedral,” which explore Peruvian society and politics.
  2. Gastón Acurio, a renowned chef, has played a crucial role in popularizing Peruvian cuisine worldwide through his more than 50 restaurants in 12 countries and numerous cookbooks and television programs. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Acurio returned to Peru and transformed the country’s culinary scene, founding the influential restaurant Astrid & Gastón in 1994 and establishing Lima as one of the world’s premier food destinations.
  3. Yma Sumac, a Peruvian soprano, was known for her extraordinary vocal range of over five octaves and claimed descent from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa. Born Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chavarri del Castillo in the Andes, she became an international sensation in the 1950s, releasing albums like “Voice of the Xtabay” and performing at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
  4. Pedro Paulet, a Peruvian scientist, is considered a pioneer in modern rocketry and space science for designing the first liquid-fuel rocket engine in 1895, decades before Robert Goddard’s experiments. Born in Arequipa in 1874, Paulet studied engineering in France and later claimed to have built and tested a small rocket engine that used a combination of nitrogen peroxide and gasoline, reaching thrust levels that predated similar achievements in Europe and the United States.
  5. Julio C. Tello, known as the “father of Peruvian archaeology,” made significant discoveries about pre-Columbian cultures including the Chavín, Paracas, and Nazca civilizations. Born to indigenous parents in 1880, Tello overcame discrimination to earn degrees from Harvard and become Peru’s first indigenous archaeologist, revolutionizing understanding of ancient Peruvian history.

Interesting Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts About Peru

Aerial view of Lima's main square at dusk with colonial buildings, central monument, and pedestrian areas illuminated against the backdrop of the city
Lima’s central Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas) at twilight reveals the capital’s colonial architecture and urban design that dates back to the Spanish conquest
  1. The Peruvian national anthem is considered one of the longest in the world, with 6 verses and a chorus in its official version, though typically only the chorus and first verse are sung at public events. Composed by José Bernardo Alcedo with lyrics by José de la Torre Ugarte in 1821 following Peru’s declaration of independence, the anthem was chosen through a public competition and is known for its stirring melody and patriotic fervor.
  2. Peru is home to Huacachina, a tiny oasis town surrounded by massive sand dunes in the Ica Desert, where approximately 100 permanent residents live around a natural lake believed to have healing properties. This desert paradise, appearing like a mirage in the sandy landscape, has become popular for sandboarding and dune buggy rides, while local legend claims the lagoon was created when a beautiful native princess was bathing and fled into the water when spotted by a hunter, transforming into a mermaid.
  3. The Boiling River in the Peruvian Amazon reaches temperatures of up to 94°C (201°F), hot enough to cause third-degree burns in seconds and even cook small animals that fall into its waters. This geothermal wonder, known as Shanay-Timpishka (meaning “boiled with the heat of the sun” in Quechua), extends for approximately 6.4 kilometers and is considered sacred by local communities, with shamans using its steam in purification rituals.
  4. The Peruvian city of Iquitos, with a population of approximately 400,000, is the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road, accessible only by air or boat along the Amazon River. This isolated urban center boomed during the rubber trade of the late 19th century, leaving behind impressive European-style mansions and the Iron House designed by Gustave Eiffel, while today serving as the gateway to Peru’s northern Amazon rainforest and numerous ecological reserves.

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