Peru
Empire of the Sun
Come visit the home of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World!
About Peru
Peru is located in South America, the countries that border it are Bolivia, Columbia, Brazil, and Ecuador. The capitol is Lima and the nickname for Peru is Empire of the Sun or Land of the Incas. The weather can range between 57 and 79 degrees. Peru is home to one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Since 1897 Peru has had 4 main monetary systems; Libra Peruana de Oro(Peruvian Gold Pound), Sol de Oro (Golden Sun), Inti, and the most recent one Nuevo Sun (New Sun). During New Years everyone eats 12 grapes, 1 for each month of the year, and make a secret wish. There are many historic sites, including Machu Picchu, to visit while in Peru.
Map of Peru
Links
Historical Sites in Peru
Machu Picchu
Machu PIcchu is one of the most important archeological sites in South America and it is also the most visited tourist attraction in Peru.
Cusco
Cusco dates back to 1200 A.D. and is linked to the first Inca ruler Manco Capac. The most noticeable things about the architecture of Cusco are the Inca walls constructed of enormous granite blocks which are shaped to fit perfectly in a puzzle pattern.
Lima Cathedral
The Lima Cathedral was conceived, designed, and built by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The construction of this small adobe building began in 1535 and it was completed in 1538.
Activities in Peru
There are many activities available while in Peru, such as mountaineering, trekking, riding horses, hang gliding, scuba diving, rafting, sand boarding, surfing, and many more.
Typical Main Courses in Peru
Lomo Saltado (Sautéed Beef Stew)
- sliced beef stir fried with red onions, tomatoes, yellow Peruvian chiles, soy sauce, vinegar, & cilantro mixed in with french fries and served with rice.
Cau Cau (Tripe Stew)
- strips of pre cooked tripe cooked with onions, yellow Peruvian chiles, garlic, chunks of potatoes, sprinkled with chopped mint or hierbabuena.
Aji de Gallina (Spicy Chicken Stew)
- thin chicken strips in a savory, creamy yellow sauce, made of milk, bread, parmesan cheese, garlic, yellow Peruvian chiles, and pecans or walnuts.
Holidays and Festivals
A few holidays celebrated in Peru are New Years, Carnival, and International Spring Festival.
Four Main Monetary Systems
Libra Peruana de Oro (1st one)
Sol de Oro (2nd one)
Into (3rd one)
Nuevo Sun (current one)
Extra Facts
- Land area: 494,208 square miles
- Total area: 496,223 square miles
- Population: approx. 30,147,935
- Growth Rate: 0.99%
- Birth Rate: 18.57/1000
- Infant Mortality Rate: 20.21/1000
- Life Expectancy:73.23
- Government: democratic republic