Lesser-Known Facts about Peru

Everyone has heard of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Pisco Sours, however here are some interesting lesser-known facts about Peru!

 

Lake Titicaca

 

• Peru has 90 different microclimates! 
• The first evidence of humans on the planet was found at Caral and dates back 5000 years! 

 

Caral

• A third of Peru’s population live in the capital city, Lima. 
• Peru is the 6th largest gold producer in the world. 
• Peru boasts 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Cusco, Machu Picchu, and a number of national parks.
• Peru has over 3000 varies of potato and 55 varieties of corn! 
• There are 43 Indigenous languages spoken in Peru.
• Peru is home to 1625 species of orchids. 

 

Orchid at Machu Picchu

• Peru has 90 different microclimates! 
• Cerro Blanco, near Nazca, is the highest sand dune in the world, measuring 1176 metres high! 
• Cotahuasi is one of the deepest canyons in the world, plummeting to a depth of 3535 metres. 
• Peru eats pets! With cat and guinea pig regional delicacies. 
• Huacachina is the only oasis in Latin America. 

 

Huacachina Oasis

• Peru is home to the smallest monkey in the world- the Pygmy Marmoset. 
• Nevado Mismi in Arequipa, standing at 5597 metres high, is the source of the Amazon River. 
• Inca Cola is the unofficial national drink of Peru. Step aside Coca Cola, this flavour of bubble gum and cream soda will give you an extra burst of energy and a caffeine hit, when needed.
• Peru has the longest left-handed wave in the world, 4km long.

 

Humbolt Penguins, Paracas

 

• You can see penguins in Peru! A boat ride to the marine reserve in Paracas will get you up close to these comical animals living on the rocky outcrops.
• Stunning yet shy, the endangered pink dolphins swim in the Amazon River near Iquitos.

 

Pink Dolphin, Amazon