Peru
is a land of ancient civilisations, soaring Andes landscapes and
vibrant cultural traditions. Discover surprising facts, hidden
stories and unique insights that reveal a deeper side to this
remarkable South American nation.
• Peru is home to the world’s highest sand dune, Cerro Blanco.
• Guinea pig (cuy) is a traditional festive dish in many regions.
• The country has more than 3,000 varieties of potato.
• Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake.
• The mysterious Nazca Lines can only be fully seen from above.
• The Inca developed advanced agricultural terraces still used today.
• Quipu was an early data-recording system based on knotted cords.
• Ancient Peruvians mastered cranial surgery long before Europe.
• The Inca road network spanned thousands of kilometres across the Andes.
• Greetings often involve a friendly handshake or cheek kiss.
• Public displays of affection are modest in traditional towns.
• Bargaining is normal in markets but done respectfully.
• Coca leaves are legal to chew or brew into tea for altitude relief.
• It’s polite to accept offered food or drink so as not to offend the host.
• Pachacuti, the Inca emperor, expanded the empire across the Andes.
• Mario Vargas Llosa is one of Latin America’s most celebrated authors.
• Gastón Acurio helped elevate Peruvian cuisine worldwide.
• Yma Sumac, famed for her extraordinary vocal range, was born in Peru.
• Peru contains a section of the Amazon rainforest rich in biodiversity.
• Machu Picchu sits at nearly 2,500 metres above sea level.
• The Andes run the entire length of the country.
• The Colca Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon.
• Peru has one of the world’s most varied climates and ecosystems.
• Peru is ethnically diverse, with strong Indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Peruvian heritage.
• Family gatherings often revolve around food and storytelling.
• Traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery remain central to local identity.
• Music and dance vary widely across coastal, Andean and Amazonian regions.
• Quechua and Aymara languages remain widely spoken.
• Festivities like Inti Raymi celebrate ancient Inca traditions.
• Peruvian cuisine includes ceviche, lomo saltado and anticuchos.
• Colourful textiles are used in clothing, bags and everyday household items.
• The Inca Empire was the largest pre-Columbian civilisation in the Americas.
• Caral, one of the world’s oldest cities, dates back over 4,000 years.
• Spanish colonial influence reshaped architecture and culture.
• Many archaeological sites remain unexplored across the Andes and Amazon.
• Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Rainbow Mountain displays naturally occurring mineral stripes.
• The Uros People live on floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca.
• The Amazon River begins in the Peruvian Andes.
• Peru has 3,000+ potato varieties.
• Ceviche is the national dish.
• Quechua is widely spoken.
• The Amazon begins in Peru.
• Machu Picchu is a global icon.
• Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake.
• The Inca road system covered 40,000km.
• Peru has deep canyons like Colca and Cotahuasi.
• The Nazca Lines remain a mystery.
• Terraced farming dates back centuries.
• Alpacas and llamas are native.
• Peru holds vast rainforest biodiversity.