If you want to know more about Peru, you’ve come to the right place. Below is a beginner’s guide to this fascinating country, one of the most popular destinations in the world. Read on to find out what makes Peru so special.

Basic Information About Peru

Peru is located in the western region of South America. It is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina. It is bordered to the north by Ecuador and Colombia, to the south by Chile, to the east by Brazil and Bolivia, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

The total population of Peru is 32,510,000 people, with 10,500,000 residing in the capital, Lima. The second most populous city is Arequipa, with 1,000,000 inhabitants.

Fun Fact: Peru is home to 30 of the 32 global climates. This makes it one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world!

Amazon rainforest

The Amazon rainforest, the largest on the planet, covers almost half of Peru’s territory. The Amazon region of Peru is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are unique to this area, such as the Pink Dolphins, the Lion Monkey and the Marvelous Hummingbird. The national bird of Peru is the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.

Brief History

The area known today as Peru was home to ancient civilizations such as the Norte Chico, the Inca Empire, and later the Spanish Empire. Peru declared its independence from Spain on July 28, 1821, during the Latin American Wars of Independence.

Today, Peru is a melting pot of cultures: 45% of the population is of Amerindian origin, 84% speak Spanish and 13% use Quechua (especially in the Andean regions). In addition, 82% of the population identifies as Catholic.

Peruvian Food and Gastronomy

Peru has more than 400 national dishes, with Peruvian ceviche being the most famous. This dish consists of fish marinated in lemon, accompanied by garlic, onions, cilantro, chili pepper, corn and sweet potatoes.

Other standout dishes include Pollo a la Brasa, Lomo Saltado, Ají de Gallina, Cuy, and Seco. If you’re planning a food tour, we suggest trying these six must-try Peruvian dishes during your visit.

Climate

Peru has a wide variety of climates. In fact, the country has 84 of the 103 climates identified in the world.

Lima, located in a coastal desert region, maintains temperatures that vary between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

Iquitos, located in the northeastern Peruvian Amazon, experiences temperatures that typically range from 71°F to 89°F, without dipping below 67°F or exceeding 94°F.

Cusco, a high-altitude Andean city, offers all four seasons in one day: cool nights (35-40 degrees), spring mornings, warm afternoons (75-85 degrees), and winter nights.

Tourism opportunities

Peru’s main tourist attraction is Machu Picchu, which receives nearly 3,000,000 visitors annually. Cusco was recently featured as the best city to visit in Central/South America by Travel+Leisure magazine.

Iquitos, where the Amazon River begins, is another important tourist destination, famous for its excellent exotic bird watching. If you want to live unique experiences such as swimming with dolphins, hiking in the jungle or exploring the Amazon on an overnight cruise, you can do it! At Treehouse Lodge, we offer more than 15 excursions for you to enjoy.

In southern Peru, you’ll find Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet, and the Colca Canyon, which is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States and home to the Andean Condor (a bird with a wingspan of 8-10 feet). On the northern coast, you’ll discover Mancora, famous for its waves ideal for surfing.

Currency Exchange in Peru

The official currency of Peru is the “Sol” (or “Soles” in plural), officially known as Peruvian Nuevos Soles , with the abbreviation PEN. The exchange rate with the US dollar can vary, but dollars and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels and shops, especially in Lima. In small shops, craft markets and most places outside the main cities, it is advisable to carry some Soles, as the use of dollars is less common in those places.

Peru Summary

Peruvians are incredibly friendly and welcoming to all visitors to their country. Peru is a place of majestic mountains, ancient ruins, world-renowned surf breaks, dense Amazon rainforest, and delicious cuisine. In short, this country promises an unforgettable experience.