Facts About Peru

We have compiled a list of fun facts about Peru that you can use to impress your new Peruvian friends or that may be useful down at you local pub quiz.

Quick Tip: If you want to get off the beaten path, then head to Caral, the oldest civilisation in all of the Americas!

Peru is the home of the potato and where it was originally discovered. You can find up to 3,500 varities of potato here…why not set yourself a challenge to try them all!
Guinea Pig (or Cuy as it is known locally) is a traditional dish eaten here in Peru although many tourists may find it difficult to eat it when the poor Guinea Pig´s eyes are still looking at you…FACT!
Pisco is the national drink of Peru and can be drank straight or more traditionally in a cocktail called a Pisco Sour, which is made using lemon, sugar, eggs and ice. Ica is known as the home of Pisco so you simply must try one if you ever visit this part of Peru
Pisco is the subject of many heated debates between Peru and its neighbouring Chile, with both countries claiming ownership, although do NOT dare tell a Peruvian that Chile is the home of Pisco for your own safety…very important fact about Peru!
Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world, was lost within the Amazon Jungle for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911
Lake Titicaca in Puno (which borders Bolivia) is the largest lake in South America. It is also a fact that it is the world´s highest navigable lake.
The Amazon rainforest covers approximately 60% of Peru, yet only 5% of Peruvians actually live in the Amazon area.
There are something like 90 different micro climates in Peru, which in simple terms means you are never far from rain, sun or even snow. In Lima you can be in cold cloudy temparatures, drive 30minutes through the mountains and be basking in sunshine.
Lima is the capital of Peru although it was Cusco that was the most important city during the Inca times.
Spanish is the official language of Peru although there are still many people who speak Quecha, particulary in mountain regions.
The 28th July is a very important day in Peru as it is when Peru celebrates its independence. This day is known as ¨Fiestas Patrias¨
It is acceptable to eat cat (yes..cat!!) in Chincha, approximately 3 hours south of Lima, so if you visit here be careful when you order meat and chips!!
Peru is famous for producing some of the finest cottons in the world, and many well known clothes brands such as Lacoste make their clothes here in Peru.
Cotahausi Canyon (visited on the Colca Canyon trek) is one of the deepest in the world at 11,500 feet deep, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
The oldest city in the America´s is a place called Caral, just 2 hours north of Lima, and dates back almost 5,000 years

So now you some fun facts about Peru to share with any of your friends. Better yet, why not come visit these amazing places yourself and experience these amazing facts for yourself!