Peru is a country of ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and one of the world's most exciting food scenes. From Machu Picchu to the Amazon, here are 15 fun facts about Peru to get you excited for your trip.
1. Machu Picchu Is One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
The 15th-century Inca citadel, set high in the Andes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry is by timed ticket on set circuits, so book in advance.
2. The Amazon Covers About 60% of Peru
Peru's rainforest is home to jaguars, macaws, giant otters, and an enormous variety of plants. Iquitos is the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road.
3. Peru Has an Extraordinary Range of Climates
From coastal desert and Pacific beaches to snowy Andean peaks and tropical rainforest, Peru has a remarkable variety of ecosystems.
4. Lake Titicaca Is the World's Highest Navigable Lake
At about 3,800 meters, the lake on the border with Bolivia is home to the Uros people, who live on floating islands made of totora reeds.
5. The Nazca Lines Are Still a Mystery
These giant geoglyphs, including a hummingbird, a monkey, and a spider, were created in the desert more than 1,500 years ago and are best seen from the air.
6. Peruvian Food Is World-Famous
Peruvian cuisine blends Indigenous ingredients with Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Try ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, and Nikkei dishes in Lima.
7. Cusco Was the Capital of the Inca Empire
Its UNESCO-listed center mixes Inca stone walls with Spanish colonial churches and mansions.
8. The Peruvian Paso Horse Has a Unique Gait
This national breed is famous for its smooth, four-beat lateral gait, showcased at competitions and festivals across the country.
9. Peru Has Thousands of Potato Varieties
The potato was domesticated in the Andes, and Peru grows more than 3,000 varieties in every color and shape.
10. Andean Condors Soar Above the Canyons
With a wingspan of up to about 3.3 meters, the Andean condor is one of the world's largest flying birds. Watch them glide over Colca Canyon in the morning.
11. Vicuña Wool Is One of the Finest in the World
Once reserved for Inca royalty, the vicuña's fleece is extremely fine and valuable, and the animal appears on Peru's coat of arms.
12. Peruvian Weaving Traditions Live On
Andean communities, especially around Cusco and Lake Titicaca, still weave alpaca and llama wool into colorful textiles using techniques passed down for generations.
13. Colca Canyon Is One of the Deepest in the World
At more than 3,200 meters deep, it is about twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
14. The Maras Salt Pans Date Back Centuries
Thousands of terraced salt pools fed by a salty spring have been worked since pre-Inca times in the Sacred Valley.
15. Inti Raymi Celebrates the Sun Every June
On June 24, Cusco reenacts the Inca Festival of the Sun at the Sacsayhuamán fortress, with music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Plan Your Trip to Peru
Allow a couple of days in Cusco to adjust to the altitude before hiking, and book Machu Picchu tickets and the Inca Trail well ahead. Stay connected from Lima to the Andes with an egoViet Peru eSIM, and compare plans in our Peru eSIM guide. Exploring more of the region? Choose a South America eSIM.
FAQs: Fun Facts About Peru
What is Peru famous for?
Peru is famous for Machu Picchu, the Inca Empire, the Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, alpacas, and its world-class cuisine.
What language is spoken in Peru?
Spanish is the main language, and Quechua and Aymara are also official languages in the areas where they are spoken.
How high is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu sits at about 2,430 meters above sea level, lower than Cusco at about 3,400 meters.
What is the national dish of Peru?
Ceviche, raw fish cured in lime juice with chili and onion, is considered Peru's national dish.