Able to study some enjoyable and attention-grabbing info about Peru? Whether or not you’re planning a visit to Peru otherwise you’re simply having fun with some armchair touring, put together to be awed by these superb 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.
Fascinating Information About Peru
Do you know there’s a canyon that’s over 10,000 toes deep (twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon)? Do you know there’s a mass grave of 400 rectangular skulls that some folks consider are historical aliens? Do you know you’ll be able to go boarding down sand dunes which might be over 1,000 toes excessive? Not solely are these locations actual, however they’re all situated in Peru. This gem in South America is likely one of the most biodiverse and culturally fascinating locations on the planet.
1. The Thriller of the Nazca Strains
Is it historical spiritual paintings? A constellation chart to trace the celebrities? Or a long-lost alien touchdown strip? The Nazca Strains stay one of many world’s best mysteries.
Archaeologists now know the way the Nazca folks made these well-known geoglyphs, however nobody has but discovered why. Positioned on a coastal plain 250 miles south of Lima, that is one website you merely must see to consider.
What makes the Nazca Strains so fascinating is their scale and precision. There are over 800 straight traces 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. Lastly, there are over 70 depictions of vegetation and animals, a few of that are over 1,200 toes lengthy.
They had been believed to be created between 500 BCE and 500 CE and researchers have been finding out 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 aim behind these traces stays a thriller. Whereas some researchers consider that they could have had astronomical significance, others suppose that they could possibly be associated to water, fertility, or spiritual rituals. Ebook an aerial tour of the Nazca Strains throughout your journey to Peru and provide you with your individual concept!
2. Coca Leaves Are Nice for Your Well being
Peru’s native coca plant typically will get a foul rep as a result of it may be used to make cocaine. Nevertheless, in its pure, non-concentrated type, it affords customers a number 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 stuffed with Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and iron. Locals use it to alleviate ache and starvation, whereas guests can expertise aid from altitude illness. Prior to now, Incans used the plant in spiritual rituals and even buried coca leaves with the lifeless.
Coca-leaf tea is protected to drink and extensively out there throughout the nation. It’s also possible to do because the locals do and easily chew on the leaves to take pleasure in the advantages.
3. Peru Gave Us Potatoes & Tomatoes
It’s exhausting 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 residence to over 3,000 forms of potatoes in an array of sizes, colours, and textures. Actually, it’s such an integral a part of the Peruvian food plan that proud locals typically say, “Soy mas Peruano que la papa” (I’m extra Peruvian than the potato).
Whereas potatoes instantly grew to become well-liked all through the remainder of the world, tomatoes had been truly 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 Eighties that tomatoes grew to become 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. Curiously, although, this plant is the wild ancestor of each sort of tomato we eat immediately.
4. Peru’s Geography Is Astoundingly Various
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 variety is staggering. With so many alternative landscapes Peru is likely one of the most bio various international locations on this planet.
The Peruvian Andes mountain vary, probably the most outstanding options of Peru’s geography, is the longest mountain vary on this planet. The highlands are residence to a wealthy tapestry of cultures and historic websites, together with Machu Picchu. The Amazon basin which covers practically 60% of Peru, is likely one of the most ecologically wealthy areas on the planet, with an virtually unfathomable number of plant and animal life.
5. The Atacama Desert
Neglect the Sahara Desert. The driest place on earth is the Atacama Desert of Peru and Chile, the place it’s unattainable for something to develop. Actually, the one factor that lives there’s a microscopic organism that will get moisture from minerals as an alternative of water.
Simply how dry is the Atacama? Some components of it have obtained lower than an inch of rain prior to now 30 years!
These situations and otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama have led it to be in comparison with Mars, and it has even been used as a testing website for Mars rovers.
Within 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 situations have additionally contributed to the preservation of historical geoglyphs, just like the Nazca Strains, and mummies that present perception into the area’s historical civilizations.
6. Cotahuasi Canyon
Do not forget 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 this planet which makes it a testomony to Peru’s breathtaking pure magnificence. Positioned 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 in america.
It’s typically overshadowed by Colca Canyon however if you happen to love journey like we do then you’ll undoubtedly need to go to Cotahuasi Canyon for trekking, white-water rafting, and the chance to discover historical ruins. The canyon can also be residence to various natural world, together with large hummingbirds and the Andean condor, one of many largest flying birds on this planet
7. The Amazon Rainforest
An attention-grabbing truth about Peru is that two-thirds of the nation is roofed in thick, lush, tropical rainforests. Peru can also be residence to the 5 rivers and tributaries that function the headwaters for the mighty Amazon River. Though nearly all of the Amazon rainforest lies in Brazil, the gateway to the Amazon lies within the coronary heart of Peru.
Greater 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 may study all these info about Peru (and way more) if you take an Amazon River cruise from Iquitos.
8. Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca holds the honour of the world’s highest lake. It sits at a dizzying 12,507 toes above sea stage and covers an space 120 miles lengthy and 50 miles huge.
Lake Titicaca, located within the Peruvian Andes between Peru and Bolivia, holds the title of the very best navigable lake on this planet. Additionally it is South America’s largest lake by quantity of water. With a floor elevation of 12,507 toes, it offers breathtaking views of the encompassing snow-capped mountains.
The lake is steeped in historical past and legend. It’s 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. Additionally, Within the Nineteen Seventies, researchers found a whole metropolis hidden beneath the waters of the lake. The thriller continues.
9. Rainbow Mountain
Vinicunca, extra generally often called Rainbow Mountain, is one among Peru’s pure wonders. Positioned within the Andes, this mountain is known for its strikingly colourful layers, that are a results of sedimentary mineral layers being uncovered by erosion. Virtually undiscovered till 2015, Rainbow Mountain shortly grew to become 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 colour.
You may learn all about what it’s wish to trek to Rainbow Mountain in our complete information to Climbing Rainbow Mountain.
An expedition to this pure surprise isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, although. At over 17,000 toes above sea stage, it’s sure to be one of many highest altitudes you’ve ever trekked. Ensure 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 this planet, standing at an astounding top of over 3,800 toes. To place that in perspective, that’s taller than the very best mountain in England!
Positioned close to the well-known Nazca Strains, 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 if you attain the summit you might be rewarded with panoramic views of the desert panorama and an exhilarating descent on a sandboard.
11. Machu Picchu Is a Marvel of the World
You may’t hear the phrase “Peru” with out conjuring a psychological picture of the misplaced metropolis of Macchu Picchu. A hike alongside the Inca Path to this man-made marvel is a should for anybody who visits Peru. Observe the footsteps of the mighty Inca Empire by the Sacred Valley to town within the sky.
Positioned excessive within the mountains outdoors Cusco, Macchu Picchu was misplaced to the skin world till 1911. Archaeologists consider the traditional metropolis was constructed on the top of the Inca Empire in the course of 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 certain why it was constructed.
The once-lost metropolis spans 5 miles and contains 150 buildings and three,000 stone steps. It’s little surprise (pun meant) that it was designated one of many New Seven Wonders of the World again in 2007. Learn: Easy methods to Plan a Journey to Machu Picchu
12. The Quechua Individuals Have Fascinating Marriage Customs
The native Quechua persons are identified for his or her heat smiles and colourful patterned clothes. However 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 lady you meet. How? Straightforward: Single ladies put on knitted caps, whereas married ladies put on straw hats.
Much more attention-grabbing, the Quechua observe “trial marriage,” a customized relationship again 1000’s of years. Women and men 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 selected couple.
13. The Weird Elongated Skulls of Paracas
The Paracas Peninsula on Peru’s southern coast is thought 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 shortly unfold that they had been as soon as aliens. Though it’s an interesting concept, science has confirmed that the skulls are human in origin.
The bizarre form is as a result of historical observe of head binding. Throughout the first few years of a child’s life, dad and mom would wrap the top in particular methods to change the form of the rising bones. This may occasionally have been accomplished as a ceremony of passage or to tell apart completely different courses in society.
Whereas 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 aren’t Pets in Peru
In lots of components of the world, guinea pigs are saved as lovely pets, however in Peru, they’ve a distinct standing. One of many strangest meals we encountered in Peru was the deep-fried guinea pigs. Peruvian delicacies is kind of various with a mix of seafood, and meats with corn and potatoes being its base. However 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 often served entire, typically baked or barbecued, and is well known for its high-protein and low-fat content material. Additionally it is a central a part of numerous Andean festivals and rituals. Whereas it is perhaps a cultural shock for some (us included), attempting cuy is taken into account a should for experiencing genuine Peruvian delicacies.
15. Conventional Peruvian Poncho
The normal Peruvian poncho is a garment deeply rooted within the historical past and tradition of the Andean area. Wealthy in symbolism and crafted with unparalleled talent, Peruvian ponchos aren’t solely useful but in addition function a mirrored image of the wearer’s identification and heritage.
Initially, ponchos had been comprised of a single piece of cloth with a slit within the heart for the top. This fundamental design offered heat and safety towards the tough climate of the Andes. Nevertheless, 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, typically taking a number of weeks and even months to finish. Alpaca and llama wool are the commonest 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 spread of vibrant colours.
16. There are Three Official Languages in Peru
Some of the attention-grabbing and enjoyable info about Peru is that there are three completely different languages spoken within the nation. Whereas Spanish is essentially the most extensively 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 popularity of those languages just isn’t solely vital for communication but in addition performs a big function in preserving the wealthy cultural heritage and variety of Peru.
17. The Capital Metropolis 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. Based 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 residence to numerous historic websites, together with colonial church buildings, palaces, and the well-known Plaza Mayor.
The town 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’s a lot to do in Lima and you may uncover all of it in our article Finest Issues to do in Lima, Peru.
18. The Inca Civilization
The Inca civilization is likely one of the most iconic features of Peru. At its top within the fifteenth century, it was the most important empire in pre-Columbian America. The Incas had been exceptional engineers, as evidenced by constructions like Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán. It’s mentioned that The Incas had been the solely historical tradition on this planet to outline constellations of each darkish and lightweight.
Though the Inca Empire was short-lived as a result of Spanish conquest, its impression on Peruvian tradition is plain. The Quechua language, conventional clothes, and numerous customs have been carried by generations, preserving the legacy of the Incas.
Information About Peru FAQ
What Are 5 Enjoyable Information About Peru?
- Peru is residence to the very best sand dune on this planet, Cerro Blanco, which stands at roughly 2,078 meters.
- The Amazon Rainforest covers practically 60% of Peru, making it the second-largest portion of the Amazon, after Brazil.
- Guinea pigs, often called ‘cuy’ in Peru, are thought of a delicacy and have been consumed within the Andean area for 1000’s of years.
- Peru grows greater than 55 forms of corn, ranging in colour from white and yellow to purple and black.
- The Floating Islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are made fully of reeds and are residence to the Uros folks, who preserve them by including new layers of reeds.
What Are Some Distinctive Information About Peru?
- The Nazca Strains, a collection of historical geoglyphs within the Nazca Desert, stay an enigma. They had been created between 500 BCE and 500 CE, and among the figures can solely be totally seen from the air.
- Cotahuasi Canyon is likely one of the deepest canyons on this planet, virtually twice as deep because the Grand Canyon in america.
- The Quechua folks observe ‘servinacuy’, a type of trial marriage, the place {couples} reside collectively for a interval earlier than deciding to formally marry.
- The traditional Paracas tradition practiced cranial deformation, resulting in the invention of the weird elongated skulls within the Paracas Peninsula.
- The normal 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 Enjoyable Information About Peru?
So, which of those info about Peru was most attention-grabbing to you? Was it the mysterious Nazca Strains? The just lately found Rainbow Mountain? The distinctive cultural traditions of the Quechua folks? Or the unimaginable biodiversity in a rustic that’s residence 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 superb nation.
Is Peru on the high of your journey bucket listing? Would you wish to study extra attention-grabbing info about Peru, together with find out how to plan your journey to South America? Click on right here for our in-depth Peru journey information and continue to learn about this unimaginable journey vacation spot.
