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Introduction
Facts & Information
Peru History
Peru Hotels
Peru Attractions
Peru Tours
Transportation
Picture Gallery
Resources

Peru.

Peru Facts & Information

Location Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador
Climate Varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes
Terrain Western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)
Population 28,409,897
Nationality Peruvian
Ethnic groups Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%
Religions Roman Catholic 90%
Languages Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara
Government Type Constitutional republic
Capital Peru
Currency nuevo sol
Description of Flag The flag of Peru has three equal, vertical bands of red, white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a vicuna, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath in the center of the flag.
Peru Flag Flag of Peru

More Information
www.travel.state.gov
www.cia.gov

Peruvian Culture

The culture in Peru is very pronounced in every manner. The women still dress in very traditional outfits consisting of large skits, hats tipped to the side of their head, and very colorful shawls draped around their bodies for carrying food and babies. They also wear their hair in long braids. Young female children will also be seen in dressed in a similar fashion.

The traditional music of the highlands is heard

throughout the cities. This music is folk, with flutes and other instruments played.

Peruvian PeopleThe main religion is Roman Catholic. The main language is Spanish, however 70 other languages are spoke throughout the country.

Peru is famous for its varied and imagin ative gastronomy. The primary ingredients found in nearly every Peruvian dish are rice, potatoes, chicken, pork, lamb, and fish. Two-hundred varieties of potatoes exist in this region and therefore, they are found in many dishes. Papa la Huancaina is such a dish-- potatoes served with a special spicy sauce, olives, lettuce, and egg. Seafood is very prevalent in cities along the coast, such as Lima. One seafood dish, ceviche, one of the most popular in Peruvian culture, is a must try for any tourist. In the highlands you can try roast guinea pig, or in the Amazon sample rice dishes baked in palm leaves.

Artwork and architecture has a Spanish influence of the renaissance time or baroque period. However, Indians soon began mixing their technique with the Spanish to create a style known as Mestizo, prevalent in the south. Artists also grew away from European influence and painted in more of a fairytale fashion.

More Information:
www.state.gov

Peru Shopping

Peru is a shopping mecca for crafts and artwork and happens to be one of the top destinations for shopping in all of Latin America. Small stores align the streets with handmade alpaca clothes and other textiles, woven items, and pottery. Outdoor markets are also popular, as women set out their items and barter for your money. Traditional Peruvian items are very colorful and quite dazzling—something you do not see in your American malls. In cities such as Lima

and Arequipa, you can also find textiles and ceramics from ancient civilizations at a very reasonable price (the dollar goes a long way in Latin America).

Lima and Cuzco have the best shopping for touristy souvenirs. Lima also has special areas just for shopping, cars cannot drive down the street, leaving more shoppers to peruse and window-shop at their leisure.

In the northe rn Amazon, you will find items such as hand-painted textiles and pottery. You will also find items from the jungle such as alligator skins and turtle shells, but be warned that purchasing is illegal despite how good the price you receive.

Although many shops abound, the best shopping is found on the street. You can easily bargain for prices most of them come with discount vouchers—it is even expected.

Peru Restaurants

We’ve provided listings for some of the top restaurants in Peru including Cusco, Lima, Miraflores, Puno, Arequipa, and more. You’ll find lavish gourmet restaurants, affordable restaurants serving up good food, and everything in between. Sample traditional Peruvian cuisine or other specialty cuisines that are sure to make your taste buds happy.

Read reviews entered by other patrons and be sure to return to our site to submit your own restaurant review.

Choose A Peru Restaurant Location
Arequipa Cusco Lima
Machu Picchu Miraflores Puno
San Isidro Trujillo

Peru Shopping

Peru is a shopping mecca for crafts and artwork and happens to be one of the top destinations for shopping in all of Latin America. Small stores align the streets with handmade alpaca clothes and other textiles, woven items, and pottery. Outdoor markets are also popular, as women set out their items and barter for your money. Traditional Peruvian items are very colorful and quite dazzling—something you do not see in your American malls. In cities such as Lima

and Arequipa, you can also find textiles and ceramics from ancient civilizations at a very reasonable price (the dollar goes a long way in Latin America).

Lima and Cuzco have the best shopping for touristy souvenirs. Lima also has special areas just for shopping, cars cannot drive down the street, leaving more shoppers to peruse and window-shop at their leisure.

In the northe rn Amazon, you will find items such as hand-painted textiles and pottery. You will also find items from the jungle such as alligator skins and turtle shells, but be warned that purchasing is illegal despite how good the price you receive.

Although many shops abound, the best shopping is found on the street. You can easily bargain for prices most of them come with discount vouchers—it is even expected.

Peru Restaurants

We’ve provided listings for some of the top restaurants in Peru including Cusco, Lima, Miraflores, Puno, Arequipa, and more. You’ll find lavish gourmet restaurants, affordable restaurants serving up good food, and everything in between. Sample traditional Peruvian cuisine or other specialty cuisines that are sure to make your taste buds happy.

Read reviews entered by other patrons and be sure to return to our site to submit your own restaurant review.

Choose A Peru Restaurant Location
Arequipa Cusco Lima
Machu Picchu Miraflores Puno
San Isidro Trujillo

Peru Travel Guides
 Frommer's Peru
 Lonely Planet Peru
 Let's Go Peru
 Fodors Peru