Peru is the homeland of the mighty Incan Empire whose power and splendor impressed all who witnessed it. The Incan capital was the richest city of the Americas. Their wealth was so vast that often religious temples were covered in sheets of pure gold. Today, the ruins of the ancient Incan city Machu Picchu, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. World Heritage sites are places around the world that have been internationally recognized for their outstanding value as natural and cultural treasures. These sites are sources of inspiration for travelers, and sources of pride and economic opportunity for local communities. With its ancient temples and ritual structures, Machu Picchu was not only a cultural site, but also a spiritual center for the Inca.
Spanish conquistadors first arrived in 1527, beginning a five-year struggle between the Inca and the Spaniards over Peru and its vast natural reserves. However, the Spanish carried many diseases that the Inca had no immunity against and soon the Incan population, decimated by disease, came under Spanish rule.
Peruvians gained independence in the late 19th century, but Spanish is still the official language of Peru. However, many indigenous languages are still proudly spoken especially in the Peruvian highlands.
While the grand Incan Empire has long since faded, Peruvian culture is still rich with remnants of ancestral traditions. Peru celebrates over 3,000 festivals a year. These joyous events are filled with music and dance, an integral part of Peruvian culture. Archaeologists have found musical instruments in Peru that date back over 10,000 years ago, such as puntutos, which were trumpets made out of sea conch shells. Today, traditional instruments are still used along with modern-day instruments like guitars, drums, and harmonicas. There has also been a renaissance of Peruvian artists and writers in Peru’s cities.
The population of modern-day Peru is split between the highlands and the lowland coastal regions and fertile river valleys. While those in the lowlands enjoy lush farmland and wealth, the people of the highlands currently struggle with poverty.
Peru has a diversity of stunning landscapes from its soaring Andes mountain range towering over the country or the Amazonian jungle with its vast array of plant and wildlife. The breathtaking geography presents Peru with a myriad of natural disasters from earthquakes to mudslides to droughts. The steep hills of the highlands have also made it difficult to build roads, schools, and health clinics for the people causing much of that part of the country to remain underdeveloped. However, the relative isolation has allowed many of Peru’s indigenous populations to retain their culture.
Helen and I taking a break from filming to pose at 12,000 feet.