Peru is a truly magical place and visiting there is a life changing experience. Peru is where our company was born, and without this amazing place and the people living there, Campo would not be possible. Because of our deep appreciation for this country, we are going to give some interesting facts about Peru that you may not know.
1. Peru has the tallest sand dune on the planet. In southern Peru, the Sechura Desert has a 3,860 foot sand dune. That is over half a mile tall!
2. Peru has three official languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. It is also believed that there are 13 indigeous languages spoken in the Amazon jungle.
3. In 2007, Machu Picchu, the historic Incan city, was voted as one of the new seven wonders of the world.
4. Guinea Pigs are a popular dish to enjoy at Peruvian festivals. It has less fat and is healthier to eat than llama.
5. Peru is home to the longest river in the world- the Amazon! This river is 3,278 miles long.
6. Native Quechua women wear hats based on their relationship status. Single women wear knitted hats while married women sport straw hats.
7. Quechua people live on floating grass islands. There are 50 of these man-made grass islands on Lake Titicaca.
8. Peru grows over 55 varieties of corn and over 3,000 varieties of potato.
9. The Amazon Rain Forest covers two-thirds of the country. People live in stilted wooden homes in the jungle so that their homes are safe when the water levels rise.
10. The most expensive coffee in the world is made in Peru. It is made by picking arabica beans out of the dung of the Coati animal.
These are just some of the fascinating things about Peru, and we are so happy to call this beautiful country our second home!