A country in western South America, Peru is the 19th largest country in the world, and the third largest in South America. Peru is a multicultural nation, filled with traditions, a unique gastronomy and vast natural reserves. It is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 84 of the planet’s 117 life zones.
Its enormous territory, covering more than 1.2 million square kilometers, is composed of three regions: Coast, Highlands and Jungle. Its current population exceeds 31.5 million inhabitants. Peru is a mega diverse country, with habitats ranging from the arid plains of the Pacific coastal region in the west, to the peaks of the Andes mountains extending from the north to the southeast of the country, to the tropical Amazon basin rainforest in the east with the Amazon River.
Spanish is the official language of Peru; however, 47 indigenous languages are also spoken in the country, including Quechua and Aymara.
Top 10 interesting places to visit in Peru:
1. Capital City Lima – for food and culture
2. Machu Picchu – for archeological interest and hiking
3. Arequipa – Historical and cultural center
4. Lake Titicaca – Large freshwater lake in the Andes Mountains
5. Huacachina – “Oasis of America”. According to local legends, the water and mud of the area are therapeutic.
6. Vinicunca – Rainbow Mountain for hiking
7. Sacred Valley – Inca archeological ruins
8. Colca Valley for Andes Candors
9. Caral – Archeological ruins
10. Cusco – Capital of Inca Empire and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO