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.
- Peru is the home of the potato and where it was originally discovered. You can find up to 3,500 varieties of potato here…why not set yourself a challenge to try them all?!
- Guinea pig (cuy) 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 looking back at you!
- Pisco is the national drink of Peru and can be drank straight or more traditionally in a cocktail called a Pisco Sour – made using lemon, sugar, eggs and ice. Ica is known as the home of Pisco so you must try some if you ever visit this part of Peru
- Pisco is also the subject of many heated debates between Peru and its neighbour Chile, with both countries claiming ownership. Do NOT dare tell a Peruvian that Chile is the home of Pisco for your own safety… it’s a 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, in fact, 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 means you are never far from rain, sun or even snow. In Lima, you can be in cold cloudy temperatures, drive 30 minutes through the mountains and bask in the sunshine.
- Lima is the capital of Peru even though Cusco was the most important city during the Inca times.
- Spanish is the official language of Peru, but there are still many people who speak Quecha, particularly in mountain regions.
- July 28th is a very important day in Peru because 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 the deepest canyon in the world at 3535m/11,597 ft 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
Now you have some fun facts about Peru to share with your friends! Better yet, why not come visit these amazing places and experience these amazing facts for yourself?!
