With its diverse heritage and multi-ethnic influences, Peru’s culture celebrates its many identities. Although may be best known as the birth place if the Incan Empire, Peru was home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. The Spanish dominated from the 16th century onward and Spanish influences continued to exist today but, Peru also has a rich indigenous culture, particularly around the Andes Mountains and in recent years, many Chinese and Japanese immigrants have settled in its capital city, Lima.

Peru boasts a vast wealth of resources including mineral deposits of gold and silver, a rich historical legacy; ancient archaeological sites and rare ecological treasures. Tourism is one of Peru’s most promising economic opportunities and in recent years, the country has capitalized on its amazingly diverse offerings.

From aired western coastlines to inland highlands to eastern rainforests, Peru’s tropical climate stays temperate throughout the year. The pacific coast is ideally suited for marine life and some of the most delicious seafood dishes can be found in Lima’s plentiful restaurants. Most Peruvian dishes include staples like rice, potatoes, and chicken all well-seasoned with garlic, onions, and a dose of ahi hot peppers.

Peruvian cuisine is finally catching on as the most delicious new dining trend in the United States. Like its food, Peru’s artistic heritage draws from multi-ethnic influences and is often rooted in the oral traditions of ancient civilizations. The result is a colorful diversity of expressions and literature, music, dance, and textiles, all of which maintains Peru’s reputation for exceptional, contemporary, and traditional art.