Peru is a beautiful nation located on the central, western coast of South America. Peru is perhaps best known for it's rich cultural history, being home to the Incan Empire and the world's oldest known civilization, the Norte Chico. Geographically, Peru is extremely diverse, from the majestic heights of the Andes Mountains, to the arid plains along the Pacific Coast, to rainforests of the Amazon Basin.

The population of Peru is multi-ethnic, with the majority being Amerindians, Africans, Asians and Europeans. This unique mixture of cultural backgrounds has developed into a diverse selection of fine cuisine, music, art and literature. Spanish is the official spoken language, however many residents speak native languages, such as Quechua.

The name, Peru, originated from Birú, a 16th century ruler who resided in the Bay of San Miguel, Panama. In 1522, this area was the southernmost charted territory of South America, therefore Francisco Pizarro, upon exploring further south, labeled the region Birú, or Peru. In 1529, the name received legal status from the Spanish Crown designating the Incan Empire as the nation of Peru. Under Spanish Rule, Peru officially became the Viceroyalty of Peru, renamed the Republic of Peru after achieving independence in 1821.

Approximately two-thirds the size of Mexico, Peru's land mass covers 1,285,220 square kilometers. Ecuador and Colombia border Peru to the north. To the east lies Brazil, southeast Bolivia and Chile on the southern border. To the west lies approximately 2,600 kilometers of Pacific Coastline.

Parallel to the Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains stretch north and south, splitting Peru into 3 geographical categories. The narrow plains run along the coast of the western edge, with an arid climate in most areas expect where valleys have been naturally created by seasonal rivers. The highlands are located in the Andes Mountain region, which include the highest peak in Peru, Huascarán, at 6,768 meters, and experience much cooler temperatures. Extending far to the east is the flat, jungle region covered by the expansive Amazon rainforest. this region makes up about 60% of the entire country.

Affected by the habitation of both the Andes Mountain range and the Amazon jungle, Peru does not offer the consistently tropical climate of it's Latin American neighbors. In general the higher the altitude, the lower the temperature and humidity become, while lower altitudes present warmer climates, higher precipitation and much more humid weather, except on the coastline, which is predominantly dry. In the As far as the Amazon region is concerned, only the southernmost reaches offer freezing temperatures and lower rainfall.

The diverse climate creates for a bio-diverse ecosystem as well. Peru is home to 21,462 plant and animal species. As of 2003, 5,855 of those species were endemic (unique to Peru). Due to the endemicity of so many species of nature and wildlife, the government of Peru has established preservation and conservation measures in a host of protected areas.

Tourism in Peru is predominantly directed towards the ancient civilizations and cultures of the region, as well as the architectural designs, influenced by those cultures. The Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, known to many as the "The Lost City of the Incas", are perhaps the most popular destination of Peru vacationers. Built in 1450 and abandoned one hundred years later upon the Spanish conquest of Peru, Machu Picchu alone boasted 400,000 visitors in 2003.

 

Vacationing In Peru

Due to the rich presence of historical artifacts and architecture, this Latin American country is a hot-spot for tourism year round. However, there is much more to Peru than ancient civilizations and the Amazon rainforest. The coastline of Peru offers some of the best surfing conditions in the world, while mountain climbers and hikers will find the Andes Mountains quite accommodating. The mixed cultures of Peru bring together some of the finest cuisine in all of South America - not to be missed when vacationing in Peru.

For those interested in planning a Peru vacation, you will find Peru.Rica24 is the perfect starting point. We provide in-depth resources regarding every aspect of a Peru vacation. From travel agencies, accommodations, dining and tourist attractions to public and private transportation - anything you may need to know before and during your stay in the geographically diverse regions of Peru can be found right here.

Moving to Peru

With 60% of Peru covered by the Amazon rainforest, Peru is not typically on the top of one's list when seeking to purchase real estate and undeveloped property in Latin America. However, there is so much more to this tropical paradise than jungles. Real estate prospects are actually quite favorable, with much lower price ranges than those found in more occupied areas of South America.

Peru.Rica24 provides Peru Real Estate listings, along with a complete Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Peru, which includes in-depth descriptions of property rights and types, purchasing procedures and methods, taxes and fees and most importantly, how to protect your investment. You'll also find detailed materials describing how to buy a car, how to obtain a driver's license, a temporary or permanent residency visa, educational and employment opportunities - virtually everything you could possibly need to know before moving to Peru.

At Peru.Rica24, our number-one goal is to shepherd you towards, and assist in the completion, of a wondrous vacation or successful real estate acquisition in Peru. With a little help and expertise from Rica24, you can make your dreams a reality, whether they be investing your way to a wealthy future, or retiring in the magnificently diverse landscape of Peru.