Peru represents a unique lifestyle that incorporates the rich historical influences of numerous cultures around the world. Peru lies on the site of the ancient Inca civilization, a highly skilled empire who ruled for over 300 hundred years until the early 16th century. The Inca civilization eventually fell to Spanish conquest which then introduced European influences to the area as well. Eventually, the Peruvians gained independence by defeating Spanish forces in the 1820's. Through these events, each of these groups contributed to the diversity of the customs, language, foods, arts and overall Peruvian culture that survives today.

Language
One of the most obvious Inca influences is the Quechua language, which is still spoken by many Amerindians who reside in the area. Quechua was used by the Incas in their time and is now recognized as an official language of the country, along with Spanish.

Music
Music was very prevalent in the Incan society and still carries much importance. Many percussion instruments that were used by the Incas are still in used in composition today. With Spanish conquest, string instruments were also introduced to the area which contributed to the further development of the arts in Peru.

Natural Lodges
Literature The first writing of the Peruvian culture dates to the 16th century, after the Spanish conquest. Garcilaso de la Vega, the son of an Inca royalty and a Spanish conqueror, wrote about the history of the Inca civilization. In more recent years, poetry has become very popular in the area, producing world-renowned writers including Cesar Vallejo.

Cuisine
Spanish conquest also brought over animals such as chickens and lambs, adding to the Peruvian diet. These meats have become staples in many Peruvian dishes along with rice, potatoes, and fish. A variety of Peruvian peppers, or aji, are also commonly used. These new foods aided in developing Peru's reputation for great dishes.
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Architecture
The Spanish culture also had an effect upon many of the lasting Inca architectural constructs. Many buildings have survived, particularly in the center of the capital, Lima. These constructs serve to demonstrate the amazing ability of this ancient civilization. After the conquest, the Europeans built upon some of these structures creating the Creole style of architecture, or a blending of the Spanish and native influence.

Wildlife
The animals of Peru are intertwined with the culture and the people of this land. Llamas of four types - llama, alpaca, vicuna, and guanaco - roam the area and are a huge attration to tourists. Other particulars to Peru such as Pato horses are quite special.
Llama Information
Alpaca Information
Vicuna Information
Guanaco Information
Paso Horse Information

Peru Today
Peruvian society today functions on an informal economy mostly focused upon street trading for goods. The agriculture and fishing industry are strong markets in Peru, which contribute to the country's overall economic functioning. The attraction of Peru also lies in the impressive sites it has to offer including the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu, and the desert along the coast of the country.

Peru: Lima | Cusco | Amazon | Manu | Nazca
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Peru Culture Overview

  Peruvian Cuisine
    Traditional Foods
    Inca Foods
    Alpaca
    Cuy
    Aji Peppers
    Pisco

    Coca Leaves
    San Pedro Cactus