Untitled Flashcards Set

Overview of Peru

Geographic Context

• Located in Western South America

• Bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean

• Major cities: Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Trujillo

Indigenous Groups

• Group 1: Indigenous Groups

  • Los Incas

    • Ancient civilization with capital in Cusco

    • Developed quipus (a communication system using strings and knots)

    • Ayllú: Family-based societal structure

    • Language: Quechua

  • Los Aymaras

    • Indigenous group currently residing in the Altiplano region

  • Los Jíbaros

    • Indigenous people from the jungle known for headhunting practices

Tourist Attractions

Group 2: Popular Destinations

• Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

  • Location: Southern Peru

  • Known for its multi-colored landscape

• Machu Picchu

  • Incan citadel built in the 15th century in the Andes Mountains

  • Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911

  • Historical significance for Incan civilization

• Nazca Lines

  • Over 300 large-scale geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert

• Floating Islands

  • Artificial islands on Lake Titicaca, inhabited by the Uros people

• Ballestas Islands

  • Wildlife-rich islands in Paracas known for bird species and guano production

Key Landforms

• Lake Titicaca

  • Highest navigable lake in the world

  • Largest lake in South America

Climate & Geography

Group 4: Geographic Zones

• Three geographic regions:

  • La Costa: Arid, desert-like climate

  • La Sierra: Mountainous, temperate climate

  • La Selva: Amazonian region, covers 60% of the territory, tropical climate

Government & Capital

Group 5: Political Structure

• Current president: Dina Boluarte (since December 7, 2022, succeeded Pedro Castillo)

• Political system: Democratic republic

• Capital: Lima founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535

  • Notable facts:

    • About 1/3 of Peru's population lives in Lima

    • Second driest capital in the world

Important Cities

Group 6: Major Urban Centers

• Cuzco: Former capital of the Incas; gateway to Machu Picchu

• Arequipa: Industrial city notable for its white buildings

• Trujillo: Coastal city founded by Diego de Almagro

Food & Cuisine

Group 7: Traditional Dishes

• Ceviche: Dish made of raw fish marinated in lime juice

• Ají de Gallina: Creamy chicken dish with aji peppers served with potatoes

• Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef strips in soy sauce, served with rice and potatoes

• Cuy Chactado: Fried or roasted guinea pig, a traditional dish of the Incas

• Beverages:

  • Pisco: National drink with an annual celebration in July

  • Mate de Coca: Tea used to alleviate altitude sickness

Traditions & Culture

Group 8: Cultural Heritage

• Music: Influenced by Andean, Spanish, and African roots, characterized by instruments like the charango

• Dance: La Marinera, national dance involving couples showcasing flirtation

• Important national holidays include Independence Day (July 28-29) and Santa Rosa de Lima (August 30)

Social Issues

Group 10: Current Challenges

• Healthcare: Inequality in access, particularly for Indigenous populations

• Emigration: Outmigration of youth due to corruption

• Unemployment: High rates of unemployment, especially among young people

Tips for Visiting Peru

• Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua, and Aymara

• Currency: New Sol; adopted in 1991

• Altitude Sickness: Common in high-altitude regions like Cusco; remedies include mate de coca and oxygen supply in luxury hotels.