Today's Peru features a very diverse and rich cultural mixture. Spanish and African traditions and beliefs have been added to ancient skills and religions. The resulting Mestiza Tradition is charged with mysticism and color.
Art was always dedicated to all objects made by hand like textiles, ceramic and metalwork. Cultures like Chavín, Wari or the Inkas introduced the stonework and the military-urban planning. With the arrival of Spanish conquerors, urban design refined and included big mansions and religious buildings with the use of high towers, curved and decorated ceilings, balconies and baroque porches and arcades.
Among the most popular handicrafts are exquisite gold and silver jewelry, finely knitted alpaca and pima cotton sweaters, decorative wool tapestries, ponchos and woven belts in different regional styles, diverse ceramics, carved wooden objects, gourds with popular designs, reproductions of colonial mirrors and candelabras.
Local markets are the most interesting and picturesque places to purchase handicrafts. Bargaining is possible in the markets and fairs. You have to be careful when buying original old ceramic or paintings because export of these items is illegal.
Local festivals and dances also exhibit Peru's exotic cultural mixture. Folk dances are several and each town has their own typical dance.
Peruvians have a taste for good living and good food, entertainment and tradition. These qualities, together with their renowned hospitality and friendliness, will make your stay in Peru unforgettable. |
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Name: Peru |
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Area: 1.285.216 sq.Km (496,225 sq. miles) |
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Capital City: Lima |
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Population: 23,531,701 |
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Language: Spanish, Quechua |
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Currency: nuevo sol |
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Time Zone: GMT - 6 hours |
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Religion: 90% Roman Catholic |
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