Peruvians express their culture through their music, literature, art forms, dance, clothing, celebrations, religion, education, sports and clothing.

Fine Arts and Crafts

Art in Peru has been an important part of its culture for thousands of years dating back to pre-Inca times. Many skilled craftsmen continue the tradition today. Native Amerindians still spin cotton, llama, alpaca and sheep wool into yarn and weave the yarn into cloth that will be used to make clothing and other textile.Weaving is not limited to wool, residents of the floating islands of Titicaca Lake weave reeds to build the islands and the houses where they live. Weaving have distinctive colors and patterns distinguishing particular villages.

Other hand made crafts include wood carving and jewelry, specially gold and silver. Retablos from Ayacucho are colorful wooden altars with carved religious and everyday scenes and figurines. Pottery is made to reflect ancient Moche and Nazca patterns and designs. Many hand made crafts can be found in markets as souvenirs.

Retablo from Ayacucho

During the colonial period artists came from Spain and Italy and most of their art was related to religion, their paintings and sculptures are found in many churches today. Native Peruvian painters emerged in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, they were known as the Cuzco school of painters. The theme of their work was mostly religious but they also included local landscape scenery. The best known painter of the Cuzco school was Diego Quispe Tito. The nineteenth century was characterized by paintings of battles, independence war and heroes. The following century was mostly influenced by the great Mexican muralists best represented by José Sabogal. Modern art is mostly abstract and the best known modern painter is Fernando de Szyslo. The most famous Peruvian sculptor is Joaquin Roca Rey.

Arcangel, a painting from the Escuela Cuzqueña

Music and Dance

One of the most important parts of any Peruvian party, maybe after food, is music and dance. Andean music is world famous for the sweet sounds of  its flutes and panpipes. String instruments introduced by the Spaniards such as charango, harps and violins complement the sounds of native drums, brass and wind instruments. Andean people have at least 300 different dances but the most popular is the huayno which is danced with vigorous stamping of the feet, dancers wear colorful costumes. Puno is the folklore capital of Peru.

A couple dancing marinera

Music from the coast is very different from Andean music. It is called Criollo music and has its origins in Spanish and African rhythms. The most popular criollo dance is Peruvian marinera, a traditional and graceful courtship dance performed using handkerchiefs. Its music is accompanied by cajon and guitar. One of the most popular composers and singers of criollo music was Chabuca Granda. Another new kind and popular music that emerged in the 1950s is chicha. Chicha has its origins in the shantytowns sourrounding Lima and it is named after a popular fermented corn drink. Chicha is a mix of Afro-Peruvian and Andean beats.

Food

Peruvian food is different in each region, so what they eat depends on where they live. Cuisine from the coast is based on seafood. Dishes from the Amazon use fish available in rivers and lots of tropical fruits. Andean cuisine is based on potatoes and meat. Thousands of years ago potatoes, maize, quinoa and the meat of llamas and guinea pigs were the only resources in the Andes. Today Peruvians combine those staple foods with others introduced by Europeans to create tasty and unique dishes. Some ancient cooking methods are still used today such as pachamanca, a hole dug in the ground and covered with hot stones where meat and potatoes are cooked.

Ceviche is a typical dish from the coast

Sports

Peruvians are soccer crazy. It is the national sport played by every school age child, most popular among males than females but the majority of the population share a strong passion for “futbol”. There are two main teams in Peruvian soccer, Universitario de Deportes and Alianza Lima. Both clubs have dominated soccer in Peru for decades, their rivalry ignites the passion in soccer fans. The most important achievement in futbol was when the Peruvian team  qualified for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico defeating and eliminating all time favorite Argentina. In 1978 Peru qualified again for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Soccer became a passion shared by all regions and social status and not just confined in Lima.

For people who live in coastal cities a popular sport is surfing. Chicama Beach is known for having the longest waves in the world.

Bullfighting was brought to Peru by the Spaniards and continue to be a tradition. Many Peruvians are passionate about bullfighting and it is best enjoyed at Plaza de Acho, the oldest bullring in the Americas. In Plaza de Acho there are also demonstrations of caballos de paso or steppping horses, a long established tradition in coastal cities.

Bullfighting in Plaza de Acho, Lima

Religion

In every city in Peru, where there is a plaza, there is a church. Christianity was brought to Peru 500 years ago and today more than 90% of the population consider themselves Catholics. The Spaniards encountered Inca religion whose beliefs they considered pagan. The Incas worshiped stones and other natural resources, sacrificed animals and had multiple gods. Spanish priests tried to eradicate the native religion but it was mostly transformed, what is left today is a mix of values and beliefs known as syncretism. Many Amazonian tribes were not reached by the early influence of Christianity due to their remoteness. These communities have hang on their original religion. Many national holidays and festivities have their origin in religious celebrations.

Education

Children begin preschool when they are 5 years old. There are 6 grades in primary school and 5 grades in secondary school. After that they can choose to go to university or learn job skills at a technical school. Public school is free in Peru but not all attend or those who attend drop out early. In rural areas schools are far away from home and with no  public transportation it is hard for children to get an education. Aside from the inaccessibility of schools, poverty is another factor children do not attend school as they are often needed to tend the farm and animals and provide for their younger siblings. About 25% of children do not complete primary school and only 50% go to secondary school. Standards in public school are not high, teachers are paid poorly, classes are large, schools have poor infrastructure and there are shortages of textbooks and basic school supplies. Private schools are a better option but only for those who can afford them.

School children in a rural area in Peru

There are public and private universities, some of them are internationally recognized. The oldest university in the Americas, University of San Marcos, was founded in Lima in 1551. Public university students are often active in politics many times causing student strikes.

Related information

Society in Peru

Peru’s complex social system and its hierarchical values were inherited from colonial times and continue as guidelines and principles that regulate social and interpersonal behavior that have become part of the culture of Peru.

National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History

The museum is the largest and oldest public museum in Peru. It was founded in 1826 and features an extensive archeological collection of more than 100,000 items from pre-Inca cultures.

Museum of Art of Lima

The museum has over 12,000 pieces as part of its permanent collection, some of the older pieces date back more than 3000 years.

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Peak Ausungate is located in the south of Peru between Cusco and Puno and it is the highest peak in this area of the Andes, it traverses Cordillera Vilcanota and Cordillera Carabaya. The highest point is the route from Chilca to Pukaqocha in the Paso de Palomani where the altitude reaches 5,100m/16,732ft. This trek on the Ausangate offers the experience of observing the lives of people living in one of the most remote areas of the Altiplano of Peru. Their lifestyles have changed little from the Inca times several hundred years ago.

Mount Ausungate – Photo  Caroline Shannon

Cordillera Vilcabamba stretches for about 260km/160m northwest from the city of Cusco.  This trek offers the variety of high Andean glaciers and the subtropical rainforest. This section of the Andes has deep canyons that have been eroded by rivers from the melting glaciers. The ruins of Vilcabamba are along the way, this was the last stronghold of the Incas before the Spanish conquest. The trail will eventually join the Inca Trail that leads to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Peak Alpamayo is considered the most beautiful mountain the Andes because of its unusual shape. It is located in the Cordillera Blanca in the department of Ancash. The highest point of the peak is 19511 ft / 5947 m and many passes are at 4,600 to 4,900 m. The Alpamayo is Alpine grade AD, or fairly hard. This hike is recommended for hikers with experience and acclimatized to altitude. Climbing the Alpamayo is risky, in 2003, 8 climbers were killed by an avalanche. There are many hiking options close to Alpamayo such as the Santa Cruz Trek, which offers shorter routes but beautiful scenery.

Mount Alpamayo

Nevado Huascaran is the highest peak in Peru and is located in the Cordillera Blanca, the western range of the Andes, in the department of Ancash.  It was name after Sapa Inca Huascar, one of the rulers of the Inca Empire. The summit of the Huascaran reaches 6,768 m/22,205 ft. The peak is divided into South and North Huascaran, the summit of the South Huascaran is 113 meters higher than the North peak. The Huascaran is rated as PD, however because of changes in climate the peak has also changed making it steeper and more difficult to climb.

The best information about climbing and trekking the Andes is found here:

Related Information

Altitude Sickness or Soroche

At high elevations the pressure of oxygen diminishes so the quantity of oxygen molecules per breath is lower than at sea level making us feel sick.

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the ten most popular trekking trails in the world. It encompasses archeological sites of the ancient Inca Civilization and various ecological and biodiverse areas in the tropical Andean forest.

Travel Cusco-Peru

It is estimated that around 1.5 million tourists visit Cusco every year, and the city of Cusco have become the main tourist attractions in Peru and one of the most visited in South America.

Travel Puno-Peru

The area is well known for its herds of llamas and alpacas and for its traditional lifestyle. Lake Titicaca is its main attraction. Puno is the Folklore capital of Peru.

Food in the Andes

People living in the Andes have for centuries based their diet on native crops such as potatoes, quinoa and maize. One traditional dish is guinea pig.

Inca Civilization

The Inca civilization was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. Understanding it gives a more clear view of the current society in Peru.

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The Inca Empire extended from Quito, Ecuador to south of Santiago, Chile.

For the Incas being “Inca” meant being a member of the group identified by that name. They considered themselves superior to the other tribes and being Inca was a source of pride; only descendants of the original tribe were true Inca or children of the Sun. All others were subjects of the Inca.

The Incas ancestors were hunters who came from Asia crossing the Bering Strait. Over 20,000 years ago the Bering Strait connected Siberia and Alaska, it took several thousand years to populate and create civilizations in the Americas. Groups of people settled along the way creating communities. Others continued south and between 13,000 BC and 10,000 BC they reached the Pacific coast of South America and the Andes Mountains where they settled and found a new way of life. They learned how to cultivate plants such as corn and potatoes. Among the most important and first animals they domesticated were llamas and alpacas, this occurred between 3000 and 2500 BC. These animals were useful in many ways, they served as source of food, their wool was used for clothing and they were also used as pack animals.  Between 3800 and 3000 BC they learned to grow cotton.

From around 8000 BC pre-Inca cultures started flourishing in the Andes and along the coast; Caral and Kotosh are one of the first cultures known in this area. They were followed by Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Moche, Tiawanaku, Wari and Chimu.  Between 1150 and 1250BC the Incas, by then a small tribe, were searching for farmland which they found in the fertile mountain valleys of Cusco. They dominated and improved on their ancestors’ achievements creating the largest pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas, the Inca Civilization. The Incas explained their origin through legends, the best known are the legend of the Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo who emerged from Lake Titicaca and the Legend of the Ayar Brothers.

Related Information

Origin of the Incas

The history of the origin of the Incas has been passed on orally from generation to generation in the form of myths and legends.

Inca expansion and its government

The government was highly organized without the benefits of a writing system. In order to control the population of such a vast territory they created laws that were rigidly enforced.

The Inca and its family

The Sapa Inca was polygamous and he usually married his sister who was his most important wife, she was known as the Coya.

Inca religion – A religion of many Gods

Inca religion was a large melting pot of beliefs. Since the Sapa Inca was a god, religion and government were in many ways intertwined.

Cusco, the City of the Puma

The inner city of Cusco was laid out in the shape of a puma whose head was the fortress of Sacsahuaman. His body was shaped by the rivers Tulumayo and Huatanay and his tail was where both rivers meet in a place known as Pumaq Chupan.

Economy of the Inca Empire

Collective labor was the base for economic productivity and for the creation of social wealth in the Inca society.

Roads and Chasquis

Because the Inca Empire controlled such a vast territory they needed a way to communicate with all the corners of the empire. They set up a network of messengers known as Chasquis.

Inti Raymi, the celebration of the Sun

The Inti Raymi was prohibited by the Spanish during the conquest and colony claiming that it was a pagan ceremony and not in compliance with the Catholic religion.

Society in the Inca Empire

Society in the Andes was built around the ayllu. All its members had some kind of family ties, like an extended family. They all believed they were descendants of a common ancestor.

The fall of the Inca Empire

A long civil war between brothers Huascar and Atahualpa and disease brought by the Spaniards from Europe contributed to the rapid decline of the empire.

Inca Art

The Incas were an artistic people who used materials available to them in nature and blended them creating many artistic forms in utilitarian ways. Inca architecture, textile and clothing, jewelry and metallurgic, and music and dance are discussed.

Inca Law

Inca law was based in a set of believes, customs and practices established by the Sapa Inca or his representatives. Social stability in the Inca Empire was achieved by applying the laws to maintain a moral and disciplined society.

Facts about the Incas

Interesting facts about the Incas and what they achieved.

Music of the Incas

The purpose of music in this society was primarily spiritual and associated to religious rituals and wars, usually accompanied by singing that was high pitched and nasal.

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The Sun or Inti was the most important god in the Inca empire and since gold shone like the sun it was the metal that was used the most in religion ceremonies. Therefore they made vases and plates to serve food to the gods, jewelry for the nobility,  knifes known as Tumis for sacrificing animals and performing surgery, they decorated their temples with sheets of gold and made altars of solid gold.

Gold Tumi made by the pre-Inca Lambayeque Culture in the north of Peru

Inca art was inherited from cultures that predated the Inca Empire by thousands of years. They took what they thought was important and useful from them and perfected it adapting forms of art to their own needs and likes. The Inca people were skillful craftsmen who worked in ayllus producing work for the empire. There were ayllus that specialized in certain type of art such as pottery making or weaving. Their production would be taken to all parts of the empire and distributed, like a centralized economy. There were as well specialized artisans working on art pieces such as jewelry and clothing for the nobility and the Sapa Inca. Such workers or artists were the acllas who were the Chosen Women, picked among the most beautiful young females in the empire.

Inca art gives us an understanding of how the Incas lived as they did not leave written records of their history. Everything we know about their lives have been passed on in oral form from generation to generation and from the interpretations of artifacts discovered by archeologist. Andean countries such as Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador have inherited these forms of art which is imbedded in their culture and can be seen in their current arts and crafts usually sold in craft markets.

Inca Architecture

It is commonly questioned as to how the Incas were able to develop such an exquisite architecture without the use of the wheel and modern tools. Their buildings have withstood five centuries in an earthquake prone zone and provided the foundations of many current buildings.

Ancient Inca wall in Cusco

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Inca art – Inca textile and clothing

Ancient Andean weaving developed by pre-Inca civilizations and inherited and perfected by the Incas is considered as one of the greatest textile in the world and is compared to finest textile developed by the ancient Egyptians.  The Incas used cotton, the wool of alpacas, llamas and the superior and rare wool of vicuñas and guanacos. Clothing made of the wool of vicuñas and guanacos was exclusively for the Inca and the nobility.

Andean woman inherited weaving Inca technique

More about Inca textile and clothing

Inca art – Inca Pottery

The best example of pottery produced before the days of the Inca Empire is found in the ceramic produced by the Moche or Mochica culture that thrived from 100 to 700 AD in the northern Peruvian coast.

Moche sculptural portrait stirrup spout bottle

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Inca art – Inca jewelry

Most of the Inca gold jewelry and artifacts was looted by the Spanish conquerors, melted and taken away to Spain. The largest part of the pieces shown in museums have been found by archeologist in burial grounds. They show us to a great extent the meaning and use of jewelry in the Inca civilization.

The more gold, the closer to God Inti

More about Inca Jewelry

Inca Art – Inca Music

The Incas had two types of musical instruments, wind and percussion. String musical instruments were introduced by the Spanish and adapted to their music repertoire. Music reached all corners of the empire and all social classes. The Incas used one word “taqui” to describe dance, music and singing, though this word in Quechua means “song”. Their music was pentatonic; they based their music in the combination of  five notes re, fa, sol, la and do.

More about Inca and Andean Music

These books were used as bibliographical references:

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Inca Trail Options

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the ten most popular trekking trails in the world. It encompasses archeological sites of the ancient Inca Civilization and various ecological and biodiverse areas in the tropical Andean forest.  Private tour operators have tailored personal packages to suit different demands. They offer itineraries varying from 2, 4, 5 or 7 days that vary from easy to moderate and difficult. Choose a tour operator that best suits your interests and budget. The most economical way to hike the Inca Trail is to hire group service, this is when the operator advertises a day of departure selling to different clients who will be trekking with you.

Sacred Trail – 2 days

This is an easy to moderate trek. It starts at kilometer 104 and joins the final stages of the 4 day hike. This trail leads to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and then descends to Machu Picchu. This trails offers a good option for those with limited time or not fit enough to complete the longer trail. This part of the trail is located at a lower altitude which makes for a more comfortable hike.

Classic Inca Trail – 4 days

This is considered a moderate trek and it is the most popular route in the Inca trail. It starts at kilometer 82 along the railroad and includes Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna before it reaches Machu Picchu.

Classic Inca Trail – 5 days

This is a moderate trek and not as popular as the 4 day option. In addition to visiting all the ruins in the 4 day Classic Inca Trail you have the chance to visit Llactapata.

Salcantay Inca Trail – 7 days

Salcantay is a holy mountain considered a god by the Incas. The view of Salcantay is breathless, this option offers the best scenery. Being fit is a must in this trek, it involves high mountain passes.

Inca Trail regulations

Admission to this section of the trail is controlled by authorized Inca Trail operators and the only ones allowed to sell permits to this trek. Guides are also licensed and must follow strict regulations. Trekking permits are limited to 500 a day, 200 are assigned to tourists and the rest to porters, cooks and guides. Permits for the year (March to December) are issued at around mid-January. They sell out fast so we recommend you make a reservation as advanced as possible.

It is possible to take on the Inca Trail independently without the help of a guide or tour operator; however groups of 10 or more require a guide. The maximum number of people in a group is restricted to 16.

When to go

The dry season is from May to September when the average monthly rain is two days, average high temperature is 21C or 70F and low temperature 1C or 34F at night. Days are usually sunny and fairly dry and because of the high altitude sun rays are very strong so it is recommended to wear sun block. The trail is closed on February every year for maintenance.

How to prepare

Being in good health and physical condition is a must. The highest point in the trail is 4,200 meters so altitude sickness can be a letdown, be prepared to rest before you embark on your trek. Usually two days in Cusco is enough, you can visit the nearby ruins and many artisan markets. At high elevations the pressure of oxygen diminishes so the quantity of oxygen molecules per breath is lower than at sea level. The respiratory, circulatory, nervous and renal systems are affected by the inadequate amount of oxygen. Now, it is different with every person, about 30% of travelers never feel any sickness. As long as you follow the basic rules you will acclimatize in no time.

What to bring

If you are trekking independently you will need the following equipment: Gas cooker, matches, saucepan, food, cooking utensils. If you hired a tour operator all these equipment should be provided in addition to your meals.

Necessary equipment:

• Hiking boots.
• Sneakers.
• Cotton thin and thick socks. Wear the thin socks and over it the thick socks, make sure the hiking socks are pre worn to prevent blisters.
• Warm and weather proof clothing.
• Wear lots of layers as it can get hot during the day.
• Hat, mosquito repellent and sun screen. UV rays at high altitude can be very damaging to the skin.
• Sleeping bag.
• Water bottle and water purification tablets.
• Flash light.
• Binoculars.

If you booked a guide for your hike, porters will take care of your personal belongings.

Recommended books:

Related Information

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Cusco, the City of the Puma

Cusco, Cuzco or Qosco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire founded by Inca Manco Capac in approximately 1200AD. It was built in the shape of a Puma, a mythological God in Inca religion.

Cusco Travel – Altitude Sickness or Soroche

Low oxygen pressure at high altitudes affects the amount of oxygen we breath making us feel sick.

Cusco weather

Weather in the Andes is characterized for having many climates, or micro climates, that vary according to its altitude. Cusco enjoys a very stable climate that can be observed throughout the year.

Cusco, the capital of the Inca Civilization

It is puzzling to comprehend how the Incas conquered and controlled such an extensive territory that comprised what today are Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador.

Machu Picchu, Cusco

Indeed, there must have been a good reason to justify the laborious construction of this magic city in such a challenging land. The real purpose for the building of Machu Picchu is not clear, it remains a mystery and is open to speculation.

Inti Raymi

Celebrated in the month of June the celebration of the Sun is full of tradition and history.

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There are more than 2,500 varieties of potatoes native to the Andes. The potato is the main ingredient in Andean dishes.

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Yellow chilli peppers is a condiment and seasoning used in many dishes of the Coast.

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Corn or maize in many colors

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Peruvian cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures brought by the arrival of immigrants from Spain, Africa, Italy, Japan and China. One of the most influential immigrant community is the Chinese who produced one of the most popular Peruvian gastronomical creations, Chifa. Chifa  is a fusion of Chinese food adapted to local ingredients and accompanied by a local cola drink, Inka Cola.

Chifa, a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food

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The main staple foods in Peruvian cuisine are native Peruvian crops such as corn, beans and potatoes and its many varieties. The Spanish brought products such as rice and wheat which became staple foods and part of the culinary culture of Peru.

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Food in the Coast

In the Coast, seafood is the heart of its many dishes. Perhaps the most popular dish is ceviche.

Food in the Andes

Food in the Andes is based on native crops such as potatoes, quinoa and local animals such as guinea pigs and llamas.

Food in the Amazon

Fried bananas is the most common garnish to every dish. Fresh water fish and local fruits are the base of many dishes.

Native Crops of Peru

Crops endemic to Peru have been consumed since pre-Colombian civilizations. The potato is the main ingredient in many Andean dishes.

Recommended books. Try some of the best Peruvian dishes:

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Uros Islands

The unique Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca are a group of 41 manmade floating islands located just 5km east of Puno’s harbor. They are the top tourist attraction as there is nothing like them to be found anywhere else in the world.

To visit the islands you have to go to the dock in Puno where there are many tour boat operators or you can hire a private boat. Tours usually leave early in the morning from 7am until late afternoon. The standard tour takes about two hours and visits the main island and two others.

These islands are populated by local indigenous people, the Uros who first settled in the shores of the lake thousands of years ago. It was during Inca times when they built the islands as a way to escape the aggressive and powerful Incas and their taxation system. The Uros still live on these islands as many natives choose to follow the island lifestyle continuing the tradition of their ancestors.

Floating islands and totora reed huts

The floating islands of Lake Titicaca are made from totora reeds found in the shallows of the lake. The building process starts by cutting large chunks of reed from the root and drag them into position, they anchor it into place using ropes and long sticks. Once it is finished the island reaches up to 2.5 meters thick and is able to support homes and their inhabitants and even villages, as one walks there is a soft bouncy feeling. As the reeds at the bottom of the islands rot they have to be continually replaced by new piles on top which creates a habitat that is always evolving. The construction of the islands represents an enormous workload for the people of the tribe, who not only have to build the islands but also their homes and boats to be able to move between islands and to the shore of the lake.

The Uros’ life is simple; they are happy and healthy people. Their way of life has been impacted by modern civilization which goes against the original idea of isolation. There is a clinic and a school on the main island and even a church. Electricity is provided by solar panels. Buildings are still built with totora reeds but roofs have been replaced by tin. The Uros people used to make a living from fishing but this has been replaced by tourism. The biggest of the islands has several buildings with many souvenir shops where tourists can purchase handcrafted jewelry, paintings, fabric, pottery and other local art.

Uros Women

Taquille Island

Isla Taquille is different from the other islands. It is located 35 km east of Puno and inhabited by 2000 people. The population of this island is Quechua speaking and rarely marries non-Taquille people. Their relative isolation gives a feeling of detachment from the rest of the world. The scenery is unspoiled by modern life, surrounded by snow peaks of the Andes and the strong highland sunlight against the lake gives a sense of tranquility.

Taquille Island

Island of the Sun

Isla del Sol is the largest island of Lake Titicaca. Its terrain is rocky with many hills and has a population of about 800 families who make a living from agriculture, fishing and tourism. Island of the Sun occupies an important place in Inca mythology, it was the place where Viracocha created the Sun or Inti, the most worshipped god in Inca religion.

Island of the Moon

According to Inca mythology it is in Isla de la Luna where Viracocha created the moon. It is located east of the much larger Island of the Sun.

Island Amantani

Isla Amantani is populated by 800 Quechua families who make a living from terrace agriculture, fishing, alpaca farming and tourism. The island is known for its handicrafts specially its textile and ceramics. The island has a surface of about 10 km². There are no hotels but some families offer lodging which is overseen by the local tourism office.

Related Information

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca  Peru  is located in the department of Puno bordering Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, its surface is evenly distributed between Bolivia and Peru.

Lake Titicaca History

Lake Titicaca[/intlink] is a geological wonder formed during the pre-ice age about sixty million years ago.

Lake Titicaca Facts

Interesting facts about the highest navigable lake in the world.

Puno

Puno is a small port city where the main industry is tourism, it offers a departure point to the many Inca and Pre-Inca ruins and to Lake Titicaca and its islands.

Folklore in Puno

Puno is considered the Folkloric Capital of Peru, there are more than 300 different local dances representing centuries old traditions inherited from the Incas and the colony.

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Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

• Headache
• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness-vertigo
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme fatigue
• Low volume of urine

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Chewing coca leaves helps fight altitude sickness.

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How to fight altitude sickness

• Drink lots of water and avoid coffee and alcoholic drinks.
• Eat in small quantities, preferably carbohydrates.
• Take it easy on your first day of arrival, rest is best.
• Do not take sleeping pills or tranquilizers.
• Drink mate de coca, a tea made from coca leaves.
• Chewing coca leaves alleviates some of the symptoms.
• Ask your doctor about Diamox to fight altitude sickness.

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Map of Economic Activity

Map of Peru – Vegetation

Map of Peru shaded relief

The capital of Peru is Lima

How large is Peru?

The area of the Peruvian territory is 1,285,215 sq km.

What is Peru’s official language?

Peru has two official languages, Spanish and Quechua.

By what countries is Peru surrounded?

Peru is surrounded by Ecuador and Colombian in the north, Brazil and Bolivia in the east, Chile in the south and the Pacific Ocean in the west.

What is Peru’s currency?

Peru’s currency is called Nuevo Sol.

What is Peru famous for?

Peru is known for its ancient Inca civilization and its food.

What is the most visited place in Peru?

Cusco and Machu Picchu are the most visited places.

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People

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What is Peru’s population?

The estimated population of Peru is 29.5 million.

How is the population divided by age?

Population under 15: 31.8%

Population over: 60: 8.1%

What is the life expectancy in Peru?

Life expectancy of Women: 74 yrs

Life expectancy of men: 68.9 yrs

What is the percentage of urban population in Peru?

The urban population of Peru is 74.6%.

What is Peru’s fertility rate?

The fertility rate per women in Peru is 2.4 children.

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Society

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What is the religion of Peru?

Most Peruvians consider themselves Catholics. About 89% of the population is Catholic, 6.7% Evangelical and 4.3% other denominations.

What is Peru’s ethnic mix?

Peru is a multi-ethnic society, it is estimated that 45% of the population is Amerindian, 15% Europeans, 37% Mestizo, 3% Asians and Africans.

What is Peru’s most popular sport?

The most popular sport in Peru is soccer (football in Peru).

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Economy

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What are Peru’s main exports?

Peru’s main exports are copper, gold, zinc, fishmeal.

Who are Peru’s main trading partners?

Peru’s main trading partners in order of importance are United States, China, Chile, Canada.

What is the cost of living in Peru?

As of Dec 2007,  where New York=100: 61.

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Health and Education

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What is Peru’s adult literacy?

Peru’s adult literacy is 90.5%.

How much does the government of Peru spend in education?

The government of Peru spends on average 2.5 % of its GDP in education.

How much does the government of Peru spend in health?

The government of Peru spends about 4.3 % of its GDP in health.

How many doctors does Peru have per 1000 pop?

There are 1.2 doctors per one thousand people.

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Source: The Economist 2009 Edition

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Related Information

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Peru Economy

Peru adopted a market economy in the early 1990s during the government of Fujimori. After a period of hyperinflation, stagnation, price controls and limitation of foreign investment the economy was opened to new investment and to market forces.

Peru Trade

Much of the country’s trade depends on the international price of its main commodities.

Competitiveness of the Peruvian Economy

Today too many businesses in Peru are still uncompetitive. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, the country as well as the whole region lags behind in total factor productivity compared to Asia.

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