Peru - Amazon
Mission Trips

Peru is a South American country rich in culture and diversity. Famed for its impressive pre-Incan cultures and archaeological sites, it also has breathtaking landscapes that stretch from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. Peru is home to some of the world's most unique and beautiful attractions such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the Nazca Lines. Additionally, Peru boasts a rich and vibrant cuisine culture, full of flavors native to their land. From diverse climates, people groups, and socio-economic statuses, Peru is a country of extremes. From a growing, urban economy to a simple life of living off of the land along the Amazon River, there is a large range of experiences and cultures throughout the country.

Peru is also full of wildlife, hosting 84 of the earth's 104 known life zones. It is home to diverse species that are not found anywhere else in the world, like the pink dolphin, a variety of primates, and 4,000 types of butterflies. In addition, Peru is the site of many significant world heritage sites, including the famous Machu Picchu ruins.

Climate

With 28 microclimates represented in Peru, climates vary greatly by each region. The western coastal plain consists primarily of dry deserts, while the Andean highlands can be very cold. Along the coast, the weather changes with the seasons, with winter consisting of clouds from June to September and average temperatures of 57 F/14 C. Summertime at the coast can get up to 82 F/28 C. In the Amazon jungle, you will find tropical weather year-round (hot and humid) with a defined rainy season lasting December through April. The capital city of Lima has a more moderate climate, ranging from light rain in the winter to a warm summer, with temperatures ranging from 50-82 F/10-28 C throughout the seasons of the year.

Language

The official languages of Peru are Spanish (80.3%) and Quechua (16.2%). Other dialects are also spoken in the Amazon jungle area, consisting of 15 linguistic families and 38 different languages.

Safety

Overall, Peru is safe to visit. As in every country, there are areas to avoid. Tourist hotspots draw petty crime and pickpocketing, but your PPM staff and host partners are invested in keeping your team safe and will ensure that your team is well cared for.

The average income in Peru is $44,000 annually, but a sizable wealth gap means that there is a vast difference between the upper and lower socioeconomic classes throughout the country. The urban areas are relatively wealthy, while those who live in the Amazon jungle areas work hard to survive day to day. Throughout Peru, you will find industries of mining and mineral refinement, such as steel, metals, petroleum, and natural gas, with other prominent industries like fish and fish processing, clothing, and food processing.

The currency in Peru is the sol, which has an exchange rate of roughly 3.5 Peru sol to 1 US dollar.

Peruvian food is considered one of the most varied and delicious in the world. With the diversity of its people, Peruvian food has influence from the Incas, Spanish immigrants, African, Cantonese, Japanese, and Italians. Typical meals include seafood, meat cooked in onions and tomatoes, soups, ceviche, and rice and beans.

The rich cultural background of Peru allows for a plethora of activities in which to partake. From vibrant cultural dances, fishing excursions, jungle hiking, exploring the mountainous Machu Picchu, the opportunities are endless depending on the region you are in. Peru also has a vibrant visual arts and music tradition.

Throughout most of its ancient history, Peru was inhabited by various tribal peoples. The Incan city of Cusco was formed during the 12th century by the leader, Manco Capac. This initiated the Inca Empire. The Incan Empire expanded to conquer Peru over the next several hundred years, reaching into much of Ecuador, parts of Bolivia, and northern Chile to become one of the most powerful ancient civilizations. When the Spanish conquerors arrived in 1531, the Inca civilization was highly developed.

In 1533, the Spanish conquistador Franciso Pizarro conquered the Incas and captured Cuzco. Gold and silver were soon discovered in the Andes Mountains, accelerating foreign interest and the power of the foreign colonizers. The great city of Lima was established in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. Lima became the capital of the region and is a major world city to this day. Peru declared independence from Spain in 1821, defeating the Spanish to become a free country with the help of South American liberation heroes Jose de San Martina and Simon Bolivar.

The predominant religion in Peru is Christianity, primarily Roman Catholic, but there is a scattering of other Christian denominations. Many indigenous Peruvians, however, have blended Catholicism and their traditional beliefs.