Peru flag

Country in South America

Peru

Peru is the cradle of the Inca Empire, home to Machu Picchu, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and Lima's world-renowned cuisine — one of the most culturally and ecologically diverse countries on earth.

CapitalLima
LanguageAymara, Quechua
CurrencyPeruvian sol
Population34.4M

Key Facts

CapitalLima
RegionWestern South America / Andean
GovernmentUnitary presidential republic
Independence1821
Area1,285,216 km2
Population density26/km2
Time zonePET (UTC-5)
Calling code+51
Drives onRight

Quick View

HDI
0.762
Safety index
44.0
Internet access
72%
Life expectancy
77.4

Sources: World Bank, Numbeo, UN.

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Huascarán6,768 m
Yerupajá6,635 m
Coropuna6,377 m

Religion (est.)

  • Christianity90%
  • No religion5%
  • Indigenous faiths3%
  • Other2%

Why Visit

Machu PicchuThe iconic Inca citadel in the Andes, one of the world's greatest archaeological wonders.
Amazon BasinIquitos and Manu National Park offer access to pristine Amazonian wilderness.
Lake TiticacaThe highest navigable lake in the world, home to the Uros floating reed islands.
CuscoInca imperial capital with UNESCO-listed historic centre and gateway to the Sacred Valley.
Nazca LinesAncient geoglyphs etched into the desert, visible only from the air.

Top 3 Cities by Population

Lima
10.5M
Arequipa
1.1M
Trujillo
970k

Climate Overview

23CJan avg.
13CJul avg.
500 mmYearly rainfall
Tropical coast, highland, AmazonianClimate

Other Quick Info

CurrencyPeruvian sol
Official languageAymara, Quechua
National day28 July
Electricity220V, Type A/C