The Popular Culture of Contemporary Peru

A country in western South America, bordering Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the south east, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

It is the home of many indigenous ethnic groups.

The President of Peru is the head of state and head of government executive power is exercised by the government.

Like its rich national history, the popular culture of contemporary Peru is the result of a fusion of cultures, constituted primarily from the cultural legacy of the indigenous groups, and Spanish and African colonists. This cultural mixture has been further enriched by the contributions of other immigrant groups, particularly Asians and non Iberian Europeans.

Holiday in Peru is fascinating and thrilling country that promises to be all that is South America, from colourful markets, excellent music and smiling faces to historic civilisations, intriguing cultures and time honoured traditions. It encompasses the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Jungle, the desert plains and the towering snow capped volcanoes. Here too live the llama, the condor, the piranha and the jaguar.

Rising from Perus desert is the worlds highest sand dune, cutting through its mountains is the worlds deepest canyon, resting on its lofty plains is the worlds highest navigable lake and hiding in its rainforest is the worlds highest concentration of flora and fauna.

Inhabited by diverse cultures, a Peru holiday offers a wealth of archaeological treasures. In the desert are the extraordinary lines etched by the Nasca people, on the coast lies the vast adobe city of the Chimu kings and most famously, in the jungle, hides the ancient citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu. Trekking in Peru, most notably Machu Picchu, is stunning.

In addition, a Peru holiday offers charming colonial towns founded by the Spanish Conquistadors, the floating reed islands of the Aymara Indians and the traditional terraced farms of the Quechua communities.

A holiday in Peru holds the most extraordinary variety and colour for any visitor, with traditional Indian markets, colonial towns with their cobbled streets, imposing snow clad volcanoes, cascading streams and rivers racing down to the steamy Amazon Jungle.

Popular celebrations are the product of every town's traditions and legends. These celebrations gather music, dances, meals and typical drinks.

Peruvian cuisine is becoming more popular on the world gastronomic scene. It is a blend of Amerindian and Spanish food with influence from other groups, including Africans, Italians, Chinese and Japanese, all of whom have added their own ingredients and traditions to the mix.