From the world’s oldest city to mysterious lines in the desert, these are the most interesting facts about Peru.
Fast facts
Official name: Republic of Peru
Population: 32,600,249
Area: 1,285,216 sq km
Capital city: Lima
Major languages: Spanish (official) 82.9%, Quechua (official) 13.6%, Aymara (official) 1.6%
Major religions: Christianity (Roman Catholic 66.4%, Protestant 22.4%)
Time zone: UTC-5 (Peru Time)
Interesting facts about Peru
1. Peru is located on the western coast of South America, bordering Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Brazil and Bolivia.
2. Peru is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina. It is the 20th largest country in the world by area.
3. The earliest inhabitants arrived in Peru about 15,000 years ago.
4. The Chimú population made up Peru from the 13th century AD.
5. The Incas arrived in 1465. They lived in Peru for about 600 years ago and built Machu Pichu, a UNESCO-listed heritage site.
6. Francisco Pizarro (ca. 1475–1541) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who first arrived in northern Peru in 1531. He founded the city of Lima in 1535.
7. The Incas were conquered by the Spanish in 1532. The Spanish achieved complete control of the nation by 1572.
8. Pisac, a village of indigenous communities in the Sacred Valley, is home to the Potato Park, or Parque de la Papa. It is the secondary center of origin of the potato. Approximately 2,300 of the 4,000 known potato varieties are grown here.
9. Peru’s Indigenous peoples are among the world’s largest landholders as they occupy a significant area of the Amazon rainforest.
10. The Andes Mountains stretch across Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It is the longest continental mountain range, at 8,900 kilometers (5,500 miles) in length.
11. The flag of Peru consists of vertical red and white stripes, with the red representing sacrifice for freedom and the white symbolizing peace. The flag may feature a coat of arms depicting a vicuña (a relative of the llama), a cinchona tree, and a cornucopia with coins, symbolizing the country’s fauna, flora, and mineral wealth.
12. According to the UN Environment Program, Peru is one of the 10 most biologically diverse countries.
13. Peru has 559 mammal species, 1,857 bird species, 2,231 fish species, 469 reptile species, 622 amphibian species, and more than 19,174 vascular plant species.
14. Peru is home to as many as 4.5 million, or 85% of the alpaca population.
15. In 2002, archaeologists uncovered about 2,000 mummies in one of the Inca’s largest burial sites. They date back from 1472 to 1532.
16. Caral is the oldest center of civilization in the Americas. It is believed to date to 2,500 BC. The earliest city has received UNESCO World Heritage status.
17. CIP, the International Potato Center located in Lima, Peru, plays a crucial role in preserving and providing access to genetic resources of potatoes, sweet potatoes, Andean roots, and tubers. CIP also has the largest in vitro gene bank, which means that the genetic material is stored and maintained outside of its original environment.
18. The Tropical Pacific Sea of Peru is recognized as a Hope Spot, a unique sanctuary providing refuge and breeding grounds for many threatened and critically endangered species. The Hope Spot is a vital part of ocean health.
19. Cerro Blanco is a gigantic sand dune that rises up from the desert at 3,860 feet (1,176 meters). It claims to be one of the tallest, if not the tallest, of the dunes on the planet.
20. In 2022, Peru was the biggest exporter of Animal Meal, Grapes and Fish oil
21. The UNESCO-listed Lake Titicaca, on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is the largest freshwater lake in South America, covering 3,200 square miles (8,300 square kilometers).
22. Lake Titicaca is also the highest of the world’s large lakes, sitting 3,810 meters above sea level.
23. The Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site northwest of the city of Nazca in the desert plains, are large line drawings over an area of about 450 square kilometers (173 square miles). They were constructed over 2,000 years ago, and the lines bear resemblance to geometrical shapes, plants and animals.
24. The Nazca Lines are among Peru’s greatest mysteries, with many speculating on the meaning behind the lines. Some archaeologists are convinced they were used as a form of communication in the desert. Others believe they may have formed part of a religious ceremony.
Every effort has been made to verify these facts about Peru using primary sources. However, if you find an error or have any questions, please contact us.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.