Peru is a country that is known for its incredible Amazon, its gigantic history, and many traditions that still stand. Penguins that prefer rocks to ice, the oldest university in America, and the world climate synthesis among other facts about Peru, make the Andean country a unique universe to discover. And with so much to offer, it’s common for some things to go unnoticed while others stand out. That is why together with Machu Travel Peru we want to tell you about the different Peru facts that you do not know and make this beautiful country renowned.
20 most interesting Peru facts
- Overview
- It has Machu Picchu
- The territory of a great empire of the Incas
- Mysterious Nazca Lines
- Caral is the oldest American city
- San Marcos is the oldest American university
- Cradle of Surf
- Punk was born in Peru
- Colca is one of the world’s deepest canyon
- Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world
- The origin of the Amazon River
- It has rainbow mountains
- Renowned gastronomy
- Cradle of Potatoe
- Guinea pigs are food, not pets
- Penguins that prefer rocks over ice
- Endemic Peruvian naked dog
- Climate Synthesis of the World
- More than one official language
- Peru is one of the largest gold producers
- Home of the Shamans
Overview
| Official name | Republic of Peru |
| Location | Peru is in central-western South America, limited by the north with Ecuador and Colombia, by the east with Brazil, by the southeast with Bolivia, by the south with Chile, and west with the Pacific Ocean |
| Area | 1,285 246 square kilometers (496 224 square miles) |
| Population | 33.7 million inhabitants (2022 census) |
| Capital | Lima (10.8 million inhabitants) |
| Type of government | Presidential republic |
| Language | Spanish, and native languages Quechua and Aymara |
| Religion | 76% Catholic, 14.1% Evangelicals, 9.9% other religions |
| Money | S/ Nuevo Sol (New Sun) / $1 USD = 3.80 S/ approx |
| Time zone | 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time |
| Telephone country code | +51 |
1. It has Machu Picchu
Among Machu Picchu facts, the Incas built their cities over the top of mountains, to stay closest to the gods. Therefore, the lost city of the Incas is on a mountain 8,000 feet above sea level in the jungle eyebrow of Cusco that the Spanish conquistadors never reached despite knowing of its existence. Thus, it was never dismantled, remaining intact until rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Becoming the most famous attraction in Peru.
It is impressive what the Incas achieved in terms of engineering and architecture. Thus, it was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. But, What is Machu Picchu? Well, according to recent research, it was a ceremonial quarter. And a resting place for the Panaca del Inca Pachacutec (His family and relatives). To get there, you can choose to go on a hiking trail or take a train service. Also, if you plan to visit it, be sure to reserve your entrance tickets at least six months in advance!
2. The territory of a great empire, the Incas
One of the main Peru facts is that it is also recognized as being the land of the Incas. They were one of the largest empires in ancestral America. Its first integrants came from the Peruvian plateau (South of the country, today, border with Bolivia). And ruled for more than 300 years in the South American Sierra, having as capital the great city of Cusco. At the height of its domain, they were considered one of the largest empires worldwide! Covering modern territories of Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. Even, its extension is compared to the Roman Empire!
Today, the influence of the Inca Empire is still strong in Peru. More than 5 million Quechua speakers still living in the surroundings of modern Peruvian cities.
3. Mysterious Nazca lines
Among the different facts about Peru, you can find the mysterious Nazca Line. These are a collection of more than 70 giant glyphs, even some lines extend to 30 miles long. They were first observed from the air in 1927. Also, these are located in the desert highlands between Nazca and Palpa (the south region of Lima). But the most surprising thing is that these remain one of the largest archaeological mysteries in the world.
But, how were the Nazca Lines made? Theories about its function and origin abound. And some of them can be explained around fantastic themes such as landing strips or road signs for aliens. However, the most accepted theory is that it was a gigantic agricultural calendar made by the Nazca culture. Their archaeological sites are in the surroundings, together with current vineyards and museums.
4. Caral is the oldest American city
The awesome Peru facts only increase over the years. And, the discovery of the most ancient city in all of America in 1997 by the Peruvian archaeologist Ruth Shady, did nothing but increase the mysteries that Peru has to offer to the world. The city has around 5000 años of built. And its creators, the Caral civilization, lived around 3000 – 1800 B.C, 174 km north of Lima. In other words, Caral is contemporary to the world’s original civilizations (which did not derive from others). We can mention Egypt, India, Sumeria, and China!
The only difference is that Caral was developed isolated from the world. The original civilizations had contacts and commerce among them. Nowadays, the city can be visited. And see the work of many archaeologists trying to show more secrets about this ancestral city. Also, there is a local museum close to the zone.
5. San Marcos is the oldest American university
Neither Harvard, Yale, nor Stanford, the oldest university in America is called San Marcos and is located in Lima. The university was founded by Spanish King Carlos I of Spain and V of the Holy Roman German Empire, on May 12, 1551. Through a Royal Certificate. In this way, San Marcos became the oldest functioning university in America. Initially, the university was managed by the Dominican order but today, it has its own administrative board. Four schools form it:
- The Colegio Real y Mayor de San Martín
- The Colegio Real y Mayor de San Felipe y San Marcos
- The Real Colegio de San Carlos (focused on law and letters, derived from the merger of the two previous ones)
- The Real Colegio de San Fernando (focused on medicine and surgery)
6. Cradle of Surf
Peru is believed to have been the cradle of surfing in the small coastal town of Huanchaco, north of Peru. There, local fishermen still fish the traditional way like their ancestors used to. That is to say, they ride on Caballitos de Totora, artisanal rafts with a pointed prow made from Totora, a reed native to the area. And some even stand on them, sliding over waves, as if they were surfing.
The oldest record of evidence of surfing is in the ceramics of a pre-Inca culture called the Mochica (II AC). Which can appreciate persons trying to overcome a wave on Totora boards. Therefore, if you are looking for things to do in Peru, surfing can be a great option. It doesn’t matter if you have never ridden a wave. You will find various surf schools renting boards and suits for beginner enthusiasts.
7. Punk was born in Peru
The general knowledge affirms that the Punk movement, clothes, mindsets, and lifestyle, were born in England, in the late 1970s. Except in one subject: music. Punk music was born in Lima – Peru, 6,356 miles from London, in 1964. There, a group of young people gathered in the garage of the vocalist to make noise. None of them knew how to play. They only had two guitars, a bass, and a drum kit, a great desire to feel like rockstars.
So, they started playing their own songs in Lima theaters. They only recorded 6 singles and never recorded a complete album. Finally, they dissolved, like the Sex Pistols, between 1965 and 1966. Years later, a punk Spanish radio program rediscovered them in 1998 and achieved to get them together to record an album in 2006. In this way, Los Saicos were born, died, and resurrected. The pioneer band of punk around the world.
8. Colca is one of the world’s deepest canyon
Another incredible Peru fact is that it has two canyons competing among the deepest in the world. The Cotahuasi Canyon (3535 meters deep) and the Colca Canyon (4160 meters deep). Both are located in Arequipa, south of Peru. And are two of the most incredible landscapes of the Andean country. Both are twice as deep as the well-known Grand Canyon of the United States (2422 meters deep). Making them an essential part of tourism in Peru. There are numerous tours to enjoy hiking or luxurious hotels in its surroundings. Which combined with the dreamy views make it one of the best destinations available in Peru.
9. Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world
Peru boasts the highest navigable lake in the world. The Lake Titicaca is over 3812 meters above sea level and has 8562 square kilometers. It is accessible from the route through Cusco and/or Arequipa, besides Puno (where it is located). It has become in recent years a trendy destination due to the Uros islands. These are floating islands made entirely from totora reeds that you can explore and visit!
The Lake is also home to countless alternative cultures that continue to practice ancient traditions. We can mention the inhabitants of the islands of Sillustani and Taquile. So, if you want to know more about history, traditions, and native lifestyle, we recommend visiting Peru in June. This is the dry season, with more sun rays, clear skies, and cold breezes, to combine the landscapes with other wonderful festivities.
10. The origin of the Amazon river
Many of Peru’s charms have to do with its Amazonian territory. First of all, did you know that the Amazon River is born in Peru? Yes, you read it correctly, this renowned river that runs through several South American countries begins in the Peruvian Andes.
Specifically, it is born very close to Machu Picchu, in the Chila mountain range, in the foothills of the snowy Mismi, south of Peru. And it flows to the other side of the continent, on Brazil’s coasts, into the Atlantic Ocean. Even the Amazon in Peru occupies 60% of the entire Andean territory with awesome fauna like the Gallitos de las Rocas (Cock of the Rock), Peru’s national animal. This makes Peru an Amazon territory and not an Andean one. If you want to visit Peru, don’t overlook this fact. The Amazon rainforest is a place that you must not lose.
11. It has rainbow mountains
While it is true that Argentina, China, and even the United States have their rainbow mountains, none of them have colors as sharp as the rainbow mountains in Peru. The highly mineralized soil and the cold and dry climatic factor of the Peruvian highlands have made the colors of these hills clear and well distinguishable.
And, if you wanted to guess, well, you are right, these mountains are in the same department as Machu Picchu, Cusco. Therefore, Rainbows Mountains in Peru are the second most visited attraction, just behind Machu Picchu tours. Vinincunca is the name of the first mountain over 5,200 meters above sea level. Palcoyo is the second mountain at 4,900 meters above sea level.
12. Renowned gastronomy
In the 2000s, when Latin America began to revalue its native ingredients and products for its regional cuisines, Lima was the epicenter of the gastronomic revolution in the region. It was not surprising, that in Peru, to be the cradle of ancestral culture, the Incas, with their own cuisine tradition, begin to innovate their gastronomy with Andean ingredients and ancestral techniques of cooking. Therefore, Peru is known for its gastronomy.
Nowadays, Lima is the city where you can enjoy several distinguished restaurants. Even, many of them are located inside the top ten of the prestige list of “The World 50 Best” organization. Dishes such as the Peruvian ceviche, Cuy, or Lomo Saltado are just some iconic examples, besides other unique variations throughout the country. In addition, you can also experience numerous traditional Peruvian drinks to accompany your plates, like the Peruvian Pisco. As well as distinguished non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy on a cold night.
13. Cradle of Potatoe
Are you a fan of French Fries? Or just from Potatoes? Then you should know that Peru is the cradle of the Potatoe. It is one of the facts about Peru that tends to go unnoticed among tourists. Peru is home to some 4,000 varieties of potatoes, an inevitable ingredient in most of its gastronomy. Since around 8,000 years old, the south of Peru is the region in which for the first time this tuber was domesticated and cultivated.
In addition, the potato saved Europe from famine in the 19th century, becoming the basis of the diet in the kitchens of this part of the world. Therefore, it is one of the main ingredients in various Peruvian dishes. In any Peruvian market that you step on, you have at least 12 different potatoes for sale, whether it’s for frying, boiling, or cooking. Therefore, in Cusco, you will find many typical dishes where the potato is the protagonist.
14. Guinea pigs are food, not pets
If you are traveling alone in Peru, be sure to visit the different important gastronomic festivals. At many of these, you will see a dish served quite often. We refer to Cuy Asado (Roasted Guinea Pig). This is a traditional dish with a guinea pig as the main ingredient. The animal is usually served crisp and complete with its head, legs, and eyes, accompanied by potato boiled and stuffed red pepper.
If you are easy to impress, it may be a bit shocking, but it is an incredibly delicious dish. Among the different Peru facts, you will find that the Cuy is a traditional Peruvian food of great importance in the Andean regions. The dish is rich in protein and is usually quite healthy. Besides the Incas consumed it since immemorial times. A great option to experience something new, if you have the courage.
15. Penguins that prefer rocks over ice
You can not only see penguins in Antarctica or the North Pole. One of the most curious facts about Peru is that a special group of islets, of dry sand and rocks, are home to a quaint penguin species. The Humbolt penguin. But, How do these penguins appear in this particular zone? Well, the Humboldt Current is an outcrop of deep and cold waters of the Antarctic Sea that runs from south to north. The further north, these waters get warmer. In this way, the penguins follow this current, rich in nutrients, from Antarctica to the Ballestas islands in Peru.
In this sense, seeing the penguins in Ballestas islands is one of the best things to do in Paracas. It is a fixed point that you cannot miss on your vacation in Peru. By the way, these islets are rock formations that are home to these adorable penguins along with a few other birds and mammals, like seals and sea lions.
16. Endemic Peruvian naked dog
Foreign people know this quaint animal as naked, the Peruvians call it the Peruvian dog. This hairless dog breed is both cute and ugly, both at the same time. If you have never seen a hairless dog it may surprise you, but they are actually quite cute. His body is completely naked and hairless, often covered in spots. While on the top of their head and back, they have a small tuft of gray or white hair. These characteristics make him look like an elderly dog, but one of the fun ones. It is a breed that usually lives for more than 10 years and weighs approximately 20 pounds.
Recent researches affirm that the warmth of their skin can relieve rheumatic pain in the hands and feet of human beings. The person just has to put his skin in contact with the dog’s for a long time and, well done! Also, they are family dogs, very affectionate, and one of the Heritage of the nation, and the best of all is that this dog lives in Peru!
17. Climate Synthesis of the World
If you take as reference the movies of famous explorers like Indiana Jones, Tin Tin, Tomb Rider, and even the James Bond movies, you must realize that their stories are developed in different parts of the world. Since humid and hot jungles (Peruvian Amazon), passing by the driest deserts (south coasts of Peru), and the coldest snows (Peruvian mountain range), until arriving in paradisiacal beaches (Peru’s north) and picturesque town (Central Sierra). Well, Peru is cataloged as the climactic synthesis of the world because it has impressive climatic diversity. Also, Peru is the third largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina. In other words, it has all the climates of the world.
Hollywood would save a lot of money if they decided to film in Peru. Arid and temperate on the coast and Peru beaches, rainy and cold in the mountains, and very rainy and hot in the jungle, the climate in Peru can be a real surprise for an amateur tourist.
18. More than one official language
As is common knowledge, the Andean country has great cultural diversity. This is reflected in its clothing and food, but the languages in Peru deserve a special mention. Among the most awesome Peru facts, it is not surprising to know that it is home to 3 official languages.
83% of the Peruvian population speaks Spanish, but it is not the only language. In the Andes and the Peruvian plateau, you can find speakers of Quechua, the ancestral Incas language, and Aymara, the millennial language spoken by Peru-Bolivia plateau inhabitants. Besides them, there are many other indigenous languages spoken along the Amazon rainforest. Each one belongs to different Amazon tribes and communities. For this reason, if you come to Peru, at least learn about courtesy phrases in Spanish, and the same Peruvian will be grateful to you!
19. Peru is one of the largest gold producers
One of the most surprising facts about Peru is that the sixth-largest gold producer in the world, to be exact. Per year, Peru produces more than 162 tons of gold, this is equivalent to a value of more than 7 billion dollars. This is one of the reasons why the economy in Peru is quite stable in comparison to other Latin American countries. Money in Peru is not usually a problem, especially for foreign tourists. Most lodgings and other stores usually accept dollars and euros. In addition, you’ll be able to find amazing handicrafts and jewelry by Peruvian artisans with precious Peruvian gold.
20. Home of the shamans
In Peru, it is quite common to hear about Shamans. And in reality, shamanism has been deeply rooted in the local culture for more than 3000 years both in the Sierra and in the Peruvian Amazon. This is further reinforced in modern times when much of the Peruvian population doesn’t have access to free health services and cannot pay for private medical care, turning to Andean alternative medicine.
Healers or shamans practice the healing art to offer different benefits. They can do it to alleviate physical discomfort or cure heartbreak and the soul. The treatments are diverse and varied; cleanings, rituals, ceremonies, even to celebrate Andean marriages, and much more. And the use of Ayahuasca has also gained popularity among young backpackers and young tourists.
“GOING TO PERU IS… WELL, IF YOU EVER HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY IN YOUR LIFE TO GO THERE, YOU SHOULD DO IT BECAUSE IT IS ABSOLUTELY MIND-BOGGLING”
Together with the travel experts at Machu Travel Peru, we wanted to distinguish the many facts about Peru that make the country an emblematic destination. Not everything in this beautiful country consists of exploring the archaeological sites, there is also much more to know and discover. Therefore, if you want to learn a little more about all the beauty that there is to Andean life, you can consult our team of qualified advisers for free. We will be waiting for your soon visit to the beautiful Andean country!
