¡Hola! Welcome to the land of the Incas—Peru, a stunning nation on the western coast of South America. There are around 34 million people living here, and the capital is Lima, a sprawling seaside metropolis famous for being the gastronomic capital of the world. The official languages are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara, reflecting a rich blend of colonial and indigenous heritage.

Peru covers about 1,285,216 square kilometers (496,225 square miles). The country is roughly three times the size of California in the U.S., or approximately the same size as France, Spain, and Italy combined. It is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on Earth, containing the arid Pacific coast, the towering Andes mountains, and the deep Amazon rainforest.

The most popular sport is Football, but the national Women’s Volleyball team also has a massive and historic following. Their national animal is the Vicuña, a relative of the llama with incredibly soft wool that was once reserved only for Incan royalty.

The flag consists of three vertical stripes of red, white, and red, where the red symbolizes the blood shed for independence and the white represents peace and purity.

The food is globally celebrated for its innovation and variety. You must try Ceviche, fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers. Another favorite is Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry that blends beef, onions, and tomatoes with soy sauce and French fries, showing the country’s unique “Chifa” (Chinese-Peruvian) influence. For a true Andean experience, locals eat Cuy (guinea pig) or Anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers). To drink, you can’t miss a Pisco Sour or the bright yellow Inca Kola.

Peru is home to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” an architectural marvel perched high in the Andes and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The country features the Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor that can only be fully appreciated from the air. You can visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, where the Uros people live on floating islands made entirely of reeds. For adventurers, the Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! Interestingly, Peru is the birthplace of the potato, with over 3,000 different varieties grown in the highlands.

From the rainbow-colored slopes of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) to the colonial charm of Cusco, Peru is a land of ancient mysteries and world-class flavors. ¡Gracias! That means “Thank you!”