Peru is located in South America, just south of Ecuador. It is about the size of Alaska, the largest state in our country! The Pacific Ocean borders Peru to the west, and Brazil borders it to the east. Central Peru is the home of the Andes Mountains, and eastern Peru is one of the many homes of the Amazon Rainforest.

Peru was once the home of the Inca Empire. The Incas were a very advanced society that ruled much of South America until the 1500s. For several hundred years, the Inca civilization spread across a large part of South America. They were very progressive for their time, building many roads and structures that are still seen today. In 1532, a small group of Spanish conquistadors (conquerors) led by Francisco Pizarro, defeated the Inca ruler and took over the empire. Much of the culture was destroyed and changed greatly over time after the Spanish came into power.

Today, almost half of the people who live in Peru are Native Americans, and many are descendents of the ancient Incas. In the rainforest area of Eastern Peru, where we will visit, there are over 100 different indigenous tribes (indigenous means they are originally from there). These tribes live in virtual isolation from the rest of Peru's population, speaking traditional languages and surviving by hunting, fishing, and agriculture.

Another large group of Peruvians live in the highlands of the Andes Mountains. These groups of people actually have different body structures than us that allow them to survive in the higher more oxygen deprived regions. For example, their hearts are about 25% larger than ours to allow for more oxygen rich blood to pump through their bodies! Due to physical adaptations, the people of the highlands have survived in the extreme elevations of Peru for over 20,000 years.

Lastly, about 72% of the people of Peru live in the cities, such as Lima, Iquitos, and Cusco. How would living in the rural areas differ from living in the cities of Peru? Where would you like to live?

Peace,

Anna