If you thought you knew everything about Peru, you might be in for a surprise.
This fascinating South American country hides a series of incredible facts that many people do not know. From the birthplace of surfing to thousands of varieties of potatoes, from deep canyons that rival the Grand Canyon to stunning desert landscapes, there is so much more to discover.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through seven surprising facts that make Peru even more fascinating.
Discover the facts you (probably) didn’t know about Peru
#1 It is the birthplace of surfing
It is widely believed that the small coastal town of Huanchaco is the birthplace of surfing.
In a way, local fishermen still use surfing to return to shore with their daily catch: we are talking about the famous caballitos de totora – small, slender reed boats.
These traditional handmade vessels date back at least 2,000 years.
In 2012, this small tourist community became the first in Latin America to be designated a World Surfing Reserve.
It is no coincidence that along the beach’s main road there are many surf shops offering boards and wetsuits for rent to the thousands of surfers who visit the area every year.
For beginners who want to give it a try, there are many surf schools offering scheduled daily lessons.
#2 Potatoes, and more potatoes
Peru is the birthplace of the humble potato, so it is no surprise that the country is home to more than 4,000 varieties.
These tasty tubers have been cultivated in this part of the world for at least 8,000 years. In any grocery store, you are sure to find at least a dozen different types on display. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its own distinctive texture and flavor.
In the southern colonial city of Arequipa, there is even a popular restaurant that has made the potato its signature. Hatunpa serves up to seven different types as the base for a variety of traditional dishes.
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#3 It is home to two of the deepest canyons in the world
Both Cotahuasi Canyon and Colca Canyon, in southern Peru, compete for the title of the deepest canyon in the Americas and generally rank among the world’s Top 10.
At over 3,500 kilometers deep, both are more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States.
#4 It is home to the highest navigable lake in the world – yes, you read that right
Although there are larger and smaller lakes around the world, Lake Titicaca is considered the ‘highest navigable lake’ because commercial boats operate on its waters.
By water volume and surface area, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. It is usually part of the southern tourist itinerary that includes Cusco and Arequipa and can be reached by road, plane, or train from both cities.
In addition, it has also become a popular destination for the ‘floating islands’ built by the Uru people using thick, buoyant layers of reeds that grow in the shallow areas of the lake.
#5 You will find the highest sand dune in the world
At an elevation of just over 2,000 meters, Cerro Blanco is considered one of the highest dunes in the world, if not the highest.
It lies between the Pacific coast and the Andes mountain range, in one of the driest regions on the planet, the Nazca Valley, which is also home to the famous Nazca Lines.
Although it takes three or four hours to reach the top of this enormous mass of sand, it takes only about 30 minutes to get back down to the base by sandboarding (think snowboarding on sand).
#6 Peru has three official languages
Peru is a highly culturally diverse country, as shown by its food, traditional clothing, and… the variety of languages spoken throughout the country.
Although Spanish is spoken by about 83% of the population, it is not Peru’s only official language. In the Andes and in other areas where they are widely spoken, the ancient Inca language Quechua and Aymara are also official – not to mention other Indigenous languages.
In fact, at least 72 different languages are spoken in Peru, if all dialects are taken into account!
#7 The Amazon River originates in Peru
Starting from the headwaters of the Mantaro River in the Rumi Cruz mountain range in Peru, the Amazon River is the largest river in the world by discharge volume and rivals the Nile for the title of the world’s longest river.
Peru’s Amazon basin covers 60% of the country and is home to more species of birds, plants, and mammals than anywhere else in the world.
The jungle city of Iquitos is a great starting point for exploring this fascinating region. With a population of more than 300,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the world that is not accessible by road, but only by air and river.
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Conclusions
Peru is a country full of surprises and fascinating facts that never cease to amaze us.
From the perfect surfing waves of Huanchaco to the thousands of potato varieties grown across the country, Peru offers a wide range of unique experiences.
Its incredibly deep canyons, such as Cotahuasi Canyon and Colca Canyon, rival the scale of the Grand Canyon and offer breathtaking views. Lake Titicaca is no less impressive: the highest navigable lake in the world, with its floating islands that tell a story of tradition and culture.
And for adventure lovers, there is the dune of Cerro Blanco, one of the highest in the world, offering the chance to try sandboarding in the heart of one of the driest regions on the planet.
With three official languages and extraordinary biodiversity, including the source of the Amazon River, Peru confirms itself as a unique and captivating destination.
So, have we made you at least a little curious? If you want to discover everything about this wonderful country, take a look at our itinerary and get your backpacks ready! Boom.
