Interesting facts about Peru South America. Interesting facts about Peru. Customs and traditions

Peru is one of those countries where almost everything is interesting. There is a rich history and culture, delicious, unusual cuisine, many unique monuments and attractions. People live poorly, but they appreciate every moment, loudly celebrate holidays and have fun during everyday life. It will take more than a dozen years to explore this country; it is large, interesting, diverse, it combines ancient and modern times.

New crops

The well-known tomatoes, potatoes and avocados were spread around the world from Peru. It was here that these products were originally grown, and conquistadors, conquerors, and explorers, having tasted them, transported them to all corners of the planet. In addition, it was also distributed from Peru around the world guava– a tropical fruit used for medicine and cosmetology.

More than 55 types of corn are grown in Peru in all possible colors. There are at least 3000 types of potatoes. Several main types of avocados of different shapes and colors also grow here. It is important to note that local residents are very sensitive to these cultures. For each dish there is a certain variety of corn, potatoes, avocado, and tomato.

Vodka fountain

Peru boasts one of the most interesting monuments culture – vodka fountain. For the country's independence day, the company producing the national drink Pisco Sour built this fountain in the main square of Lima. The fountain is filled with two thousand liters of grape vodka, which local residents drank absolutely free directly from the fountain on the day of the holiday.

On May 12, 1551, the first university in America was founded in Lima. Today he is one of the most famous, respected and privileged in the world. Studying there is not only the key to a good career and knowledge, but also honor. In addition to its university status, San Marcos is also the scientific research center of Peru.

Taming a Llama

The llama, currently domesticated, was tamed to humans 3,000 years ago by the Incas. They did not have carts or carts, and it was necessary to deliver cargo to different places, so they tamed the llama to use it as a beast of burden. At the same time, only males were taken for work, and females were used for breeding. At that time, they were not milked, not killed for meat, and not even sacrificed. Only wool was used.

The Incan city of Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century. The city operated until 1533, and today it attracts thousands of tourists. Upon arrival in Peru, this city is the first place where the average tourist aspires. This is very a nice place, protected by local authorities.

The city is located at a height 2450 meters above sea level deep in the Andes. The peculiarity of the place is not only in its beauty. The purpose of this place has not yet been precisely established. How the Incas used it, and where they mysteriously disappeared in 1533. These and many other secrets are one of the many reasons for the fame of this place and its popularity.

Local National cuisine has about 500 different dishes and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The culture of this country is in many ways similar to the Spanish one, since before independence it was ruled by Spain. And yet, despite such influences, Peruvian cuisine has its origins in the Incas. It is the dishes of the Inca civilization that are now considered the national Peruvian cuisine. Although you can also find several Spanish dishes in it.

Peruvian cuisine is very exotic, at first glance and tasting it is difficult to give an unambiguous assessment; you need to taste most of the dishes in order to understand and accept these dishes, since some of them are made in an unusual way and not entirely from the usual products. They often use guinea pig meat, a bunch of different varieties of corn and potatoes, different flavors and types, there is even a cocktail made from a live frog. Of the most frequently consumed and iconic dishes, two national ones should be named – Pisco Sour and Guy. The latter is made from guinea pig.

The highest city in the world is located at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level. City of gold miners. Despite their official status, they are not paid money for their work. At the same time, at the end of the working day they are allowed to take away any amount of mined ore. The trick is that identifying gold-bearing ore is very difficult and does not always work, so the principle of luck comes into play here.

The deepest canyon in the world - 3535 meters. Formed by the Cotahuasi River and located far from civilization. It will take about 12 hours to get there, but the spectacle that opens up is worth the time.

An amazing grass bridge is located in Peru. Its length is thirty-six and a half meters. The bridge was made from a certain grass by the people of Kanas province to connect several villages. Its peculiarity is not only in the material, but also in the fact that it is updated annually. Grass is not an eternal material, rain, wind, sun wear it out and spoil it, for this reason, every year local residents begin full-scale repairs, re-harvesting grass, ropes from it and renewing it.

And a few more facts

Peru is the 19th largest country in the world and the third largest in South America.
A drink made from a live frog is made by local residents. It helps against asthma, bronchitis and improves potency.
Koyur Riti is a national holiday at the end of May. During the day, you need to bring a piece of snow from the glacier to the temple, at its foot. It gets rid of illnesses and gives good luck.
There are a lot of shamans here, more only in India.
The Marcaruasi plateau is a place where stone figures of various animals are located: elephants, turtles, camels, which have not been found in Peru itself for a long time.
Last of the countries Latin America gained its independence in 1821. And before that it was considered a Spanish colony.
The most big lake Latin America - Titicaca, located in Peru.
The country has free primary and secondary education.
6th largest gold producer.
More than half of Peru's territory is covered by rain forests.
Yellow color is considered lucky among the Peruvians, so New Year, everyone tries to wear something of this color.
The eighth largest coffee producer in the world and the fifth largest Arabica coffee producer.
It has about 90 microclimates - one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Very varied landscape and views. There are mountains, plains, rainforests and sandy beaches.
The best varieties of cotton are grown in Peru.

Secrets of ancient civilizations, monuments of Inca culture, high mountain valleys and original cities... How about virtual travel to a mysterious and distant country in Latin America?

1. Machu Picchu

Yes, of course, Machu Picchu is a tourist cliche. But stamps don’t just appear out of nowhere! Indeed, when thinking about Peru, the first thing that comes to mind is the unique views of Machu Picchu - a once thriving Inca fortress, abandoned in the 16th century and for many years existing only in legends. And it doesn't matter if you get there lost city by train from Cusco or conquer a four-day walking route“The Inca Trail” - this journey will be remembered by you once and for all.

2. Cusco

Although many people perceive the city of Cusco only as a starting point on the way to Machu Picchu, you can find many reasons to stay here longer. Cusco lies at an even higher altitude than the Lost City of the Incas, so you can quickly acclimatize to the thin high-altitude air. The cobblestone streets of the city conceal rich history. Here you can feel the hustle and bustle unusual markets, stroll through the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Plaza de Armas) and take a bus ride to the White Christ statue for stunning views of the city. And from Cusco you can go on an excursion to other ruins left by the Incas: Sacsayhuaman, Choquequirao and Pisac.

3. Lake Titicaca

The largest lake on the South American continent, hiding a lot of legends and mysteries in its waters. Rumor has it that countless treasures of ancient civilizations are hidden at the bottom of the lake. Floating islands with Indian villages, untouched by the passage of time, sway on the water surface. The shores of the lake are framed by picturesque mountain peaks. The 10-hour train ride from Cusco to the shores of Titicaca through rural Peruvian provinces is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world!

4. Chachapoyas Province

High mountainous area, where powerful rocky mountain slopes unusually combined with dense, lush jungle. This secluded area is rarely visited by tourists, primarily because the road to get here is from major cities takes about two days. But those who still overcome this path get the opportunity to see such interesting places, like the Kuelap fortress towering on top of a mountain, abandoned ancient civilization Chachapoya, or the giant Gokta waterfall, cascading from a height of almost 700 meters.

5. Arequipa

The second largest city in Peru for its unique architecture received the nickname " White City" The city is famous for its mild climate; thanks to the prevailing here " eternal spring“It’s comfortable to visit it at any time of the year. Impressive volcanoes rise along the city skyline. The historical center of Aquipa, whose ancient buildings are built mainly from volcanic rocks, has been included in the List for many years World Heritage.

6. Kolka Canyon

The main purpose for which most travelers come to Arequipa, and one of the most recognizable attractions of Peru. This gorge, cutting through one of the highest sections of the Andes, reaches a depth of up to 4,160 meters, making it much deeper than the famous Grand Canyon in Colorado. From one of the best viewing platforms of the canyon - Cruz Del Codor - stunning views of the stone walls of the gorge open up, the space of which is constantly cut through by the mighty Andean condors. Impressive!

7. Amazon

Trekking into the pristine Amazonian jungle is an action-packed day of trekking through dense vegetation, interacting with Indian tribes and photographing monkeys jumping from branch to branch. These are peaceful evenings with starry skies and the singing of wood frogs. This is adventure. The best starting points for jungle trekking in Peru are the cities of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.

8. Huacachina

Have you ever snowboarded on sand? If not, then Peru - the best place for a start. Huacachina is a bright green oasis surrounded on all sides by huge sand dunes. The Peruvians themselves love to relax here, who come here to lie under palm trees by the picturesque lake and ride along the sand on SUVs and boards. Getting to the oasis is quite easy: it is located only three kilometers from the city of Ica, which, in turn, can be quickly reached from the capital of the country, Lima.

9. Nazca Lines

One of the most mysterious places planets! Many consider these lines and patterns, stretching for many kilometers across the arid lands of the Nazca Desert, to be one of the proofs of the existence extraterrestrial civilizations. Historians, however, are more skeptical on this score: in their opinion, the patterns were created by the ancient Nazca civilization for purposes in the period between 350 BC. e. and 600 AD e. You can view them from the window of a special tourist helicopter; The cost of such an excursion is usually about $250.

20 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PERU. The Republic of Peru is one of the most mysterious countries. Here are some interesting facts about Peru: 1) Thanks to Peru, the planet learned about such crops as tomatoes, potatoes and avocados. These vegetables were cultivated by the Incas. Potatoes are approximately 8 thousand years old, and their homeland is the Andes. And can you imagine that today Peruvians grow more than three thousand different varieties of potatoes! And Peruvians are world leaders in avocado exports. Tomatoes and corn are also native Peruvian products. All of them are the basis of Peruvian cuisine. 2) Peru is in 19th place in the top twenty large countries peace. 3) The Peruvian gesture is interesting - twisting a finger at the temple, it means that a person is thinking, and not that he is crazy. 4) In Peru, in the city of Lima, there is a vodka fountain. Even Russia cannot boast of this. 5) A woman, Lina, still lives in Peru, who in 1939, at the age of five, gave birth to a boy by Caesarean section. This is the first case of early birth in medical history. 6) The country is famous for the oldest university in America - San Marcos. It was built back in 1551. Today, students not only from the country, but also from all over the world study here in 49 specialties. It was created as a center for spiritual education and Catholicism on the basis of a monastic school of the Dominican Order, called St. Mark. This is where the name of the university itself came from. 7) The Peruvians were the first in the world to tame the wild animal llama and domesticate it. 8) The most important attraction of Peru is Machu Picchu - this ancient city Incas, founded several hundred thousand years ago. It is in excellent condition, time is beyond its control. 9) Peruvian cuisine is very interesting. It contains more than five hundred dishes and is included in the Guinness Book of Records. 10) Peru is home to the deepest canyon in the world - Cotahuasi. It is more than 3500 meters deep, and Grand Canyon in the USA it is only 1600 meters deep. 11) The Nazca Desert is mysterious. Throughout its territory there is a pattern similar to runways unexplored aircraft. Although who knows, maybe the ancient tribes did it. But the drawing is very clear and has no geometric errors. 12) In museums in Peru you can see unusual black stones (Ica Stones), on the surface of which interesting patterns are clearly visible. Some depicted hunting dinosaurs, others depicted people flying on huge birds, others depicted people watching the stars, and much more. 13) Peru boasts a bridge that is made of grass. It was created by the residents southern province Kanas to connect several villages. And every year in mid-June, all residents of the connected villages hold a ceremony to renew the bridge. This is the only one suspension bridge, which remains from the time of the Incas. 14) Only in Peru can you try a drink made from a live frog. The recipe is simple: mix frog, honey, bean soup, aloe juice and poppy root in a blender. It’s very disgusting and disgusting, but this drink cures asthma and bronchitis, improves masculinity. 15) La Rinconada is highest city peace. It is located at an altitude of 5000 meters above the sea. Gold miners live here, and the work is official, but they do not receive a salary. Each worker is allowed to take as much ore at the end of the month as they can carry, but it is not a fact that there will be gold in it. 16) Elections to the government are mandatory. If a person has not voted upon reaching 18 years of age, he will not be issued a passport. Or in most cases, after an election, a resident is denied government services. 17) The national holiday Koyyur Riti is celebrated in late May - early July. The essence of the holiday is to bring a piece of snow from the Ausangate glacier to the Temple, which is located at its foot. This offering is believed to bring good luck and cure illnesses. 18) There are still real shamans in Peru. 19) The Marcahuasi plateau, which is located 80 kilometers from Lima, is very interesting. There are huge stone sculptures of animals that are not currently found in all of South America - elephants, turtles, camels. 20) In Peru, in the depths of the Amazon, an Indian tribe was found that does not know about civilization. The government and scientists carefully hide their location so as not to interfere with their lives. The Indians live in thatched houses and engage in agriculture(they grow corn and beans), collect fruits in the forests, and hunt wild animals. So far, nothing threatens their lives, except for oil production in the Amazonian territory. Who knows, perhaps civilization will reach them too.

Peru - amazing country, in which the traditions of the Indians have survived to this day, despite the former onslaught of the Spanish conquistadors. Two cultures, native and European, mixed, ultimately forming a cocktail amazing in its brightness and originality. But local traditions and beliefs are still strong here, which makes Peru extremely interesting country for any tourist.

Peru is the third largest country in the South American continent after Brazil and Argentina.
The first people appeared in the territory now called Peru, 10 thousand years BC.
In the 12th century, the Incas appeared in Peru and founded a state called Tawantinsuyu. Over the five centuries of its existence, it grew to become the largest empire that existed on the continent before its discovery by Christopher Columbus.
Peru is home to one of the largest and most famous Inca cities, Machu Picchu. This amazing ancient monument is officially recognized as a wonder of the world. All the townspeople suddenly disappeared in 1532, and scientists still don't know what could have happened to them.
The capital of Peru was founded by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro, who destroyed the Inca Empire by executing their leader. Lima's birthday celebrations take place in January and last for a whole week.
In the 19th century, the territory of Peru was divided into two parts - Peru itself and Bolivia (see).
In Peru on June 28 state level celebrating Ceviche Day is National dish from raw fish marinated in lime juice and seafood. In 2013, a monument to this delicious food was unveiled in Lima.
In Peru, at least one strong earthquake occurs every year (see).
Russians do not need a visa to travel to Peru - they can spend up to 90 days in the country without any documents other than a passport.
Lima is a city with an unusual climate. Its distinctive feature is high humidity combined with an almost complete absence of rain.
In Lima you can try almost all the cuisines of the world, for which the city has earned the title of culinary capital.
Peru is a corn country; about 55 species of this plant grow on its territory. Fruit grains can be not only yellow, but also black, purple or white.
In Peru they prepare a traditional dish of guinea pigs (see).
Lima is home to the oldest university on the American continents - the university opened its doors to students in the mid-16th century
Peru ranks sixth in the world in gold production.
The Peruvians managed to breed over 3 thousand types of potatoes (see).
Peru has the second largest number of practicing shamans in the world.
In southern Peru, locals eat cats.
In the Peruvian region of Arequipa there is one of the deepest canyons on the planet - the depth of the Colca Canyon exceeds 3.5 kilometers.
Peru is widely known for its tropical forests, which occupy almost two-thirds of the country’s territory (see).
Experts believe that the best cotton in the world is grown in Peru.
One of the hotels in Peru houses the world's largest collection of orchids, owned by a private individual. It includes flowers of more than 500 varieties.
Before the New Year, Peruvians give panties to their family and friends.
In the Peruvian mountains is Lake Titicaca, which is considered the highest lake on Earth suitable for navigation. This body of water is also the largest in South America (see).
Residents of Peru managed to tame llamas over 3,000 years ago.
Peru is home to almost 90 different ecosystems, making the country famous for its rich populations of plants and animals.
In the Sechura Desert, tourists climb the world's highest sand dune- its height from base to top is almost 1.2 kilometers (see).
Peru ranks first in the world in the export of asparagus.
Due to its diversity, the national cuisine of Peru is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
The mysterious Nazca Lines, intriguing scientists from all over the world, are located on a desert plateau in Peru. These are huge images of animals or geometric shapes, made using grooves up to 135 centimeters wide and up to 50 centimeters deep. Science is powerless to explain when and how these incredible drawings, visible only from a bird's eye view, appeared.

Peru is considered one of the largest, territorially speaking, countries in South America. The knowledge of many tourists who set out for the first time to conquer the marvelous landscapes of this distant country comes down to exactly this. Not everyone can boast of a deep knowledge of facts and historical events for which this region is so famous. mysterious country, many of whose secrets have yet to be unraveled by all of us.

Lovers over modern history will certainly be interested in the University of San Marcos, which is considered the most ancient educational institution in South America. The first students left its walls back in 1551.

In addition, Peru presents amazing masterpieces of natural origin - the most deep canyon around the world Cotahuasi and the mysterious Nazca Desert. The canyon is famous for the fact that it has a maximum depth of 3.5 km, while the world-famous Great American Canyon boasts only 1600 meters in depth.

The mentioned desert still makes the most prominent scientists, archaeologists and historians puzzle. After all, a distinct pattern has been preserved on its surface weird shape, which suggests its alien origin. There is also an opinion that it was made by local tribes, although it is difficult to believe in the ability to execute such an ideal geometric shape, which, due to its scale, is clearly visible from a bird's eye view.

The museums of Peru are famous for their amazing exhibits, among which unusual black stones deserve special attention. They are unusual because they have certain patterns on their surface. There you can see a dinosaur hunt, people sitting on huge birds, and astronomers watching the stars with interest.

Unusual facts

In the Peruvian city of Lima there is a fountain from which not water flows, but real vodka! If rumors are to be believed, during the entire period of its operation, visitors drank approximately 2 thousand liters of the 45-degree drink.

An unusual medical incident occurred in the country in 1939. It was this year that a 5-year-old girl, Lina, gave birth to a child. Of course, it could not have happened without qualified medical assistance, and the fact itself was recorded as a record-early birth.

Also in the Guinness Book of Records you can find a mention of Peruvian cuisine. There are more than 500 official cuisine dishes alone. It owes such diversity and popularity to the unusual mixture of local traditions and innovations that came from Spain along with the first colonialists.

The city of La Riconada is officially recognized as the highest locality on the planet. This is a settlement of gold miners, who are allowed to remove any amount of ore from the mine once a month. But such “earnings” do not always bring dividends.

Apparently, the roots of the Incas “sprouted” so firmly in the Peruvians that even today you can meet a real shaman, who is treated with great respect here. What can I say! Not long ago it became known that in the depths of the Amazon jungle there lives a real tribe of Indians who have no idea of civilization at all. And the government decided to protect them from harmful influences from the outside, carefully concealing their location.

Although most Peruvians have a very modest level of income, getting a proper education is considered a duty here. Therefore, approximately 90 percent local residents educated.

The country can also boast of serious victories on the agricultural front. More than 55 types of corn and more than 3,000 varieties of potatoes are officially registered.

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