🇵🇪 Peru Quiz: Test Your Knowledge About the Land of the Incas!

Arequipa earned its nickname “La Ciudad Blanca” (White City) because many of its colonial-era buildings are made from white volcanic stone called sillar. The city also sits at the base of the Misti Volcano and has a stunning historic center recognized by UNESCO.

Ceviche is Peru’s national dish, made from raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice, onions, and chili peppers. The acid from the citrus juice “cooks” the fish. It’s often served with sweet potatoes and corn, and celebrated annually on June 28, Peru’s National Ceviche Day.

Pisco Sour is Peru’s national cocktail, made from pisco (a grape brandy), lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. It’s so iconic that National Pisco Sour Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of February each year.

Machu Picchu was constructed by the Inca civilization around the 15th century, during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti. Hidden high in the Andes Mountains, it remained unknown to the outside world until its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the architectural genius and engineering skills of the Inca Empire.

Mount Huascarán, located in the Cordillera Blanca range, rises to 6,768 meters (22,205 feet). It’s the highest point in Peru and the entire tropical region of the world. The surrounding Huascarán National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its glaciers and biodiversity.

The Cantuta, or "Sacred Flower of the Incas," grows in the Andes at high altitudes. Its bright red, pink, or yellow tubular blossoms were used in religious ceremonies by the Incas and are now Peru’s national flower.

The Nazca Desert is home to the Nazca Lines—huge geoglyphs depicting animals, plants, and shapes. These designs were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, and their purpose remains a mystery, though many believe they had astronomical or ritual significance.

Peru is divided into 24 regions (departments) and one constitutional province, Callao. Each region has its own local government, contributing to the country’s administrative and cultural diversity.

The Zampoña is a wind instrument made of bamboo or reed pipes of varying lengths. It produces a soft, harmonious sound and is central to traditional Andean music, often played during festivals and ceremonies.

Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, led the expedition that overthrew the Inca Empire in the early 1530s. His conquest opened the way for Spanish colonization and dramatically changed the region’s history and culture.

Located on Lake Titicaca, the Uros people of Puno create floating islands using totora reeds. These islands support entire communities with homes, schools, and churches—all built on layers of reeds that must be renewed regularly.

Chicha Morada is a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made from purple corn, pineapple, cinnamon, and cloves. Purple corn, native to Peru, gives the drink its distinct color and antioxidant properties.

Inti Raymi, or “Festival of the Sun,” is an ancient Incan celebration held every June 24 in Cusco. It honors Inti, the Sun God, and marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival features colorful parades, traditional music, and Incan rituals.

Cusco was the heart of the Inca Empire and is often called the “Navel of the World.” The city still preserves many Incan stone walls and temples beneath its colonial buildings. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Peru is one of the top global producers of high-quality Arabica coffee. Grown in the Andes’ cloud forests, Peruvian coffee is known for its mild flavor and is a key part of the nation’s agricultural exports.

Peru’s western coastline lies along the Pacific Ocean, extending over 2,400 kilometers. The ocean provides rich fishing grounds due to the Humboldt Current, making Peru one of the world’s leading producers of fish and seafood.

The Amazon River begins in the Peruvian Andes, near Nevado Mismi, before flowing east through Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the second-longest river in the world and carries more water than any other, supporting immense biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest.

Lake Titicaca, at an elevation of 3,812 meters, is the world’s highest navigable lake. It’s shared between Peru and Bolivia and is considered sacred by the Inca civilization. The Uros people still live on floating reed islands built on its surface.

Atahualpa was the last Inca ruler before the Spanish conquest. He was captured by Francisco Pizarro in 1532 and executed in 1533 despite paying a massive ransom in gold and silver, marking the fall of the Inca Empire.

The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the national currency, introduced in 1991 to replace the Inti after a period of hyperinflation. “Sol” means “sun” in Spanish, symbolizing stability and renewal in Peru’s economy.

Also known as the Atacama Trench, this deep oceanic trench lies off the coast of Peru and Chile. It’s formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, contributing to Peru’s frequent seismic activity.

The Andes Mountains form the backbone of Peru, running north to south through the country. These mountains are the world’s longest continental range and significantly influence Peru’s climate, culture, and economy. Many ancient Inca trails and villages are nestled within this rugged terrain.

Lima is the political, economic, and cultural capital of Peru, founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Located along the Pacific coast, Lima is the country’s largest city, home to over 10 million people. It’s known for its colonial architecture, rich culinary scene, and historic sites such as the Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery.

Alpacas are native to the Andes and valued for their soft, hypoallergenic wool. Their fleece is used to make high-quality textiles and clothing. Unlike llamas, which are used as pack animals, alpacas are bred primarily for their fiber.

Spanish became Peru’s official language after Spanish colonization in the 16th century. However, indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara also have official recognition in regions where they are predominantly spoken, reflecting Peru’s multicultural heritage.