Visit Peru
2015 Travel Guide
Overview
Peru, or the Republic of Peru is a South American country with a population of about 30,147, 935 (2014 est.). This constitutional republic is lead by President Ollanta Humala and has a rich history, including the rise an fall of the Incas. Peru is located South of Ecuador and Columbia, with the coast facing the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Currency
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol
1 USD= 3.09 Nuevo Sol
1 Nuevo Sol= .32 USD
Flag Significancce
The flag of Peru is very intricate and elegant. The significance of each component is described below:
Red- the blood shed for independence
White- peace and purity
Vicuna (coat of arms)- fauna, freedom, national pride, & heroism
Yellow cornucopia in vicuna- wealth
Cinchona tree- flora
laurel & palm- liberty & freedom
Peruvian Cuisine
Lomo Saltado
This common meal is stir-fried beef, red onions, tomatoes, yellow Peruvian chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, and cilantro with french fried and rice.
Pachamanca
This ancient cooking method uses hot rocks put into a hole in the ground to make a natural oven. This cooking method is still popular and utilized today for cooking mostly meats like guinea pig and chicken.
Arroz con Pollo
This popular traditional dish is rice with chicken or seafood and is seasoned with a Peruvian twist, separating it from a similar Asian dish.
Holidays, Music, and Entertainment
Annually, there are over 3,000 fiestas in Peru; many are celebrated by Incas, who worship several gods. Among these are celebrations to the god of the Sun and the god of earthquakes. Every place in Peru has a different dance and popular music that represents their lifestyle, as dancing is a large part of Peruvian entertainment and culture. Other popular forms of entertainment are soccer/football, volleyball, bullfighting, and cockfighting.
Peruvian Fiesta
During National Holidays and fiestas, all businesses close to go celebrate in the town. One example of these large fiestas is Carnival, which celebrates for several days until Lent begins.
Inti Raymi Celebration
This is the Incas worship to the Sun god. It is very traditional, dating back thousands of years. Quechua, an Inca language, is spoken in ceremonies and a lead character known as "The Inca" is carried on a platform wearing traditional regal garments. The Sun is deeply rooted in this culture, so the celebration is very significant.
Bullfighing
Bullfighting in Peru is almost always found in celebrations. One of the oldest bullfight plazas in the world can be found in Lima, where the best bullfighters make history.
Significant Tourist Attractions
Huacachina
This small town is next to a natural lake in the middle of huge sand dunes. This tiny oasis is popular among tourists because of the great sandboarding available.
Iquitos
This city is located near the "better version of the Brazilian part of the Amazon River". This part of the Amazon showcases Peru's exotic wildlife and is less polluted than it's Brazilian competitor.
Machu Picchu
This Lost City of the Incas has so much history and incredible architecture it naturally attracts tourists. This globally recognized city may very well be one of the best known cities in Peru.
Sources
touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-peru
mapsofworld.com
limaeasy.com
amautaspanish.com
lonelyplanet.com
peru.travel.com
peruflag.facts.co
xe.com
footprinttravelguides.com
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Travel-g294311-c5954/Peru:Bull.Fights.html