PERU WILDLIFE GUIDE

Peru is a country in South America, with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The first known civilization in Peru was the Norte Chico civilization, which emerged around 3500 BCE. This civilization is notable for building some of the largest stone structures in the Americas, including the pyramids of Caral.

Around 1200 BCE, the Chavin culture emerged in Peru, which was notable for its religious iconography and the construction of elaborate temples. This culture would influence later civilizations, such as the Moche and Nazca.

The Moche civilization emerged around 100 BCE and flourished until around 800 CE. They are known for their advanced metallurgy, irrigation systems, and the construction of large adobe pyramids. The Nazca civilization emerged around 200 BCE and is known for their intricate geoglyphs, which can still be seen today.

In the 15th century, the Inca Empire emerged in Peru and became the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Incas are known for their advanced architecture, such as Machu Picchu, as well as their extensive road network and agricultural systems. However, the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, led by Francisco Pizarro.

Under Spanish rule, Peru became a colony of the Spanish Empire and was known as the Viceroyalty of Peru. The Spanish brought with them Christianity, which became the dominant religion in Peru. The Spanish also introduced new crops and animals to Peru, such as wheat, sugar cane, and horses.

In 1821, Peru declared its independence from Spain, led by General Jose de San Martin. However, it wasn’t until 1824 that the Spanish were defeated in the Battle of Ayacucho, which secured Peru’s independence.

Peru’s early years as an independent nation were marked by political instability and economic hardship. In the 20th century, Peru experienced periods of economic growth and political turmoil, including the presidency of Alberto Fujimori in the 1990s, which was marked by authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

Today, Peru is a democratic country with a diverse economy that includes mining, agriculture, and tourism. The country is known for its rich culture and history, including the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, which is a popular tourist destination.

Country Code: +51.

Crime: Crime in Peru has been a persistent problem for decades, with a variety of crimes such as theft, drug trafficking, and gang-related violence occurring in different parts of the country. The crime rate in Peru is relatively high compared to some other countries in the region, and it is a concern for both locals and tourists.

One of the major contributors to crime in Peru is poverty, particularly in urban areas, where crime rates tend to be higher. Poor economic conditions can lead people to resort to criminal activity as a means of survival. In addition, drug trafficking is a significant contributor to crime in Peru, with drug cartels and criminal organizations involved in the production and distribution of cocaine and other illicit drugs.

Violent crime is also a concern in Peru, particularly in the regions of Lima and Callao, where gang-related violence is prevalent. Tourists have been targeted in robberies, muggings, and other violent crimes in popular tourist destinations such as Cusco and Machu Picchu. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is also common in crowded areas and public transportation.

Peruvian authorities have implemented various measures to address the crime problem, such as increasing police presence and cracking down on drug trafficking. Tourists are advised to take precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding displaying valuables and keeping a low profile in unfamiliar areas. Additionally, it is recommended to only use reputable taxi services and to be cautious when using ATMs or exchanging currency in public places

Currency: Peruvian Sole.

Electricity: Type A (2-prong, flat, US type), Type C (2-pin, round).

Language: Spanish.

Latitude and Longitude: 9.1900° S, 75.0152° W.

LGBT: LGBT rights in Peru have made significant progress in recent years, but there is still room for improvement. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Peru in 1924, but discrimination and violence against the LGBT community have been persistent issues.

In 2017, the Peruvian government passed a law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The law also allows transgender individuals to legally change their gender on official documents. Same-sex marriage, however, is not currently recognized in Peru, although there have been efforts to change this.

Peru also has laws that protect LGBT individuals from hate crimes and hate speech. In 2019, the government introduced a bill that would allow same-sex couples to register their civil unions, providing them with some of the same rights as married couples, such as inheritance and social security benefits.

Despite these legal advancements, there are still reports of discrimination and violence against the LGBT community in Peru, particularly in rural areas where traditional attitudes towards gender and sexuality are more prevalent. In addition, transgender individuals in Peru face significant challenges, such as discrimination in employment and healthcare

Population: 33.72 million (2021).

President: Dina Boluarte.

Here are some of the biggest embassies in Peru, along with their addresses:

Embassy of the United States, Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n, Surco, Lima 33.

Embassy of Spain, Avenida Jorge Basadre 498, San Isidro, Lima.

Embassy of the United Kingdom, Torre Parque Mar, Avenida Jose Larco 1301, Miraflores, Lima 18.

Embassy of France, Avenida Arequipa 3415, San Isidro, Lima 27.

Embassy of Germany, Avenida Arequipa 4230, Miraflores, Lima 18.

Embassy of Brazil, Avenida Jose Pardo 850, Miraflores, Lima 18.

Embassy of Japan, Avenida San Felipe 356, Jesus Maria, Lima 11.

Embassy of Argentina, Avenida Republica de Colombia 643, San Isidro, Lima 27.

Embassy of Canada, Avenida Gregorio Escobedo 803, Jesus Maria, Lima 11.

Embassy of Mexico, Calle Augusto Tamayo 160, San Isidro, Lima 27.

Note that the above list is not exhaustive, and there may be other embassies with significant diplomatic presence in Peru.

Lima is known for its amazing food scene, which has been called one of the best in the world. Peru was named the World’s Leading Culinary Destination by the World Travel Awards for eight consecutive years, from 2012 until 2019 and 2021. The city’s cuisine is a unique fusion of indigenous Andean ingredients and cooking techniques with Spanish, African, and Asian influences.

Some of the most famous Peruvian dishes originated in Lima, including ceviche, a dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, and onions. Other popular dishes include lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, and causa rellena, a cold dish made with mashed potatoes filled with various seafood or vegetables.

Lima is home to some of the best restaurants in Peru and has gained worldwide recognition for its gastronomy. Many of the top restaurants are located in the upscale neighborhoods of Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. Miraflores is my favorite area, but Barranco is the fastest growing.

One of the most famous is Central, which has been named one of the best restaurants in the world multiple times. Other notable restaurants include Maido, which serves Nikkei cuisine (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian), and Astrid y Gastón, which offers contemporary Peruvian cuisine.

In addition to fine dining, Lima is also home to many street food vendors and food markets. The most famous food market in Lima is the Mercado de Surquillo, where visitors can find fresh produce, seafood, meats, and spices. The market also has several food stalls where visitors can try traditional Peruvian dishes like anticuchos (grilled skewers of beef heart) and churros (fried dough pastries).

Lima hosts several food festivals throughout the year, including Mistura, the largest food festival in Latin America, and Lima Food Week, where participating restaurants offer special menus at discounted prices.

Peru is home to a diverse range of national parks, each with its own unique natural beauty and wildlife. Here are some of the most popular national parks in Peru:

Bahuaja-Sonene National Park:

Located in southeastern Peru, Bahuaja-Sonene National Park is a vast wilderness area that encompasses tropical forests, savannahs, and wetlands. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including giant river otters, jaguars, and harpy eagles.

Cutervo National Park:

Situated in the northern highlands of Peru, Cutervo National Park is a mountainous area that is home to numerous bird and mammal species. The park also features beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and forests

Huascarán National Park:

Situated in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range in central Peru, Huascarán National Park is home to the highest mountain in Peru, Huascarán. The park also features beautiful lakes, glaciers, and a diverse range of plant and animal life.

Manu National Park:

Located in the southeastern region of Peru, Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It is home to over 15,000 plant species, more than 1,000 bird species, and numerous other animals such as jaguars, tapirs, and giant otters.

Paracas National Reserve:

Located on the southern coast of Peru, Paracas National Reserve is a protected area that encompasses desert, ocean, and islands. It is home to a variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and dolphins.

Tingo María National Park:

Located in central Peru, Tingo María National Park features beautiful waterfalls, caves, and rock formations. It is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including monkeys, birds, and orchids.

Here are 15 of the top tourist attractions in Peru.

Machu Picchu: One of the most famous and awe-inspiring sites in the world, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city perched high in the Andes Mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Lima: The capital city of Peru is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern and colonial architecture, world-renowned cuisine, and vibrant culture. It is also home to several museums, including the Museum of the Nation and the Larco Museum.

Cusco: Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a fascinating mix of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to many historic and cultural attractions, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, and the Inca Museum.

Lake Titicaca: This beautiful lake is the highest navigable lake in the world, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It is home to several islands, including the Uros Floating Islands, and is a popular destination for boat tours and cultural experiences.

Colca Canyon: This spectacular canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is home to several traditional Andean villages. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a tour to see the canyon and its stunning views.

Nazca Lines: These ancient geoglyphs are located in the Nazca Desert and are thought to have been created by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 AD. They are best viewed from the air on a plane tour.

Huacachina: This picturesque oasis town is located in the middle of the desert and is a popular destination for sandboarding and dune buggy rides.

Amazon Rainforest: The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can take tours to explore the rainforest and see wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and sloths.

Chan Chan: This ancient city was once the largest adobe city in the world and was the capital of the Chimú civilization. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fascinating glimpse into pre-Columbian history.

Sacred Valley: This region of the Andes Mountains is home to several Incan ruins, including the Pisac Ruins and the Ollantaytambo Fortress. It is also a popular destination for hiking and exploring traditional Andean villages.

Arequipa: Known as the “White City” due to its beautiful white stone architecture, Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several historic attractions, including the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Sacsayhuaman: This ancient fortress is located just outside of Cusco and is a testament to Incan engineering and architecture. It is made up of massive stone blocks, some weighing up to 130 tons.

Puno: This charming city is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca and is known for its traditional festivals and lively culture. It is also a great base for exploring the lake and its islands.

The Inca Trail: This famous hiking trail takes visitors on a multi-day trek through the Andes Mountains, ending at Machu Picchu. It is a challenging but rewarding experience for adventurous travelers.