Typical Clothing

Peruvian women wear traditional skirts called "polleras" or "melkkhay". They are trimmed with a colorful band called "puyto". Peruvian skirts are hand woven and made from Bayeta or wool cloth. They are usually layered and worn several items at once (up to 15 at festivals).

Cultural Clothing

Traditional Peruvian Skirts in Peru Native Dress. Traditional skirts worn by many of the Andean women are called Polleras. They are colorful and are made from Bayeta or wool cloth and are hand woven. A lot of times skirts are layered and three or four maybe worn at one time.

Climate

The Peruvian winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel, especially if you are planning to visit the Cusco area or trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The summer (December – March) is the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.

Flag

The upper right section shows the cinchona tree. Cinchona trees are used to make quinine, which is a powerful anti-malaria drug. The lower section shows a cornucopia full of coins. These coins represent the mineral wealth of the country. The Holm Oak Civil crown above the shield signifies victory and glory. The upper left section show the national animal of Peru, the vincuna. The flag of Peru was adopted by the government of Peru in 1824.It is a vertical triband with red outer bands and a single white middle band. Depending on its use, it may be defaced with different emblems, and has different name

Typical Food

Lomo Saltado is one of the most popular Peruvian dishes and symbolizes like no other the fusion of Peruvian ingredients with Asian techniques of preparing food. Lomo Saltado is made of sliced beef stir stir-fried with red onions, tomatoes, yellow Peruvian chilies (aji amarillo), soy sauce, vinegar and cilantro. Mixed with French fries and served with rice Lomo Saltado can be found in simple restaurants and up-scale places alike.

A Pionono is just like a jelly roll cake: a sponge cake made of eggs, sugar, flour, but filled with plenty of Manjar Blanco (a reduction of milk and sugar). Pionono is a delicious sweet treat for in between, as a dessert or cake. For some (like us here at LimaEasy) Pionono is heaven on earth and absolutely addictive. While in Peru Pionono is sold by street vendors literally everywhere or in bodegas and supermarkets, the good thing: you can really easily and quickly prepare it yourself at home.

Population

Money

The currency abbreviation or currency symbol for the Peruvian nuevo sol (PEN), the currency of Peru. The Peruvian nuevo sol is made up of 100 céntimo and is often represented by the symbol S/. The word "sol" is Spanish for "sun," and its use here is meant to give power to the Peruvian people. Peru is classified as upper middle income by the World Bank and is the 39th largest in the world by total GDP. Peru is one of the world's fastest-growing economies with a 2012 GDP growth rate of 6.3%.

Government

Peru is a democratic republic. Its government is structured following the principle of the separation of the three autonomous and independent powers: the Executive, whose maximum representative is the President of the Republic; the Legislative Power or National Congress (unicameral); and the Judicial Power.

History

History. Peru was once part of the great Incan Empire and later the major vice-royalty of Spanish South America. It was conquered in 1531–1533 by Francisco Pizarro. On July 28, 1821, Peru proclaimed its independence, but the Spanish were not finally defeated until 1824.

Language

Religion

Religion in Peru. The predominant religion is Roman Catholic, but there is a scattering of other Christian faiths. Indigenous Peruvians, however, have blended Catholicism and their traditional beliefs.

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