Peru

Introduction to Peru

The Republic of Peru, (Spanish: República del Perú), or Peru, is a country in western South America, bordering Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the east, south-east and south, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Peru is rich in cultural anthropology, and is well-known as the cradle of the Inca empire.

Peru is located in Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador. It also shares borders with Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia.

The western coastal plains (costa) are separated from the eastern lowland jungle of the Amazon Basin (selva) by the high and rugged Andes in the centre (sierra). On the border with Bolivia lies Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 3821 m.

A land rich in cultural heritage and a variety of natural environments, harbours 84 of the 118 known life zones of the earth. Peru is a land rich in minerals, and its three types of land (Costa, Sierra y Selva) proportionate wonderful sights.

Peru's various Geography permits the development of various activities, such as: (In the Costa)Surfing, Sandboard, 4*4 and sandbuggy, (In the Sierra) alpinism, rafting, rappelling, downhill and rally, and in the Selva you can enjoy hard excursions.

Cultural notes about Peru

Peru is home to thousands of dances of pre Inca, Andean and mestizo origin. The southern Andean region is famous for the Huayno and Cusco for its Muliza.

Arequipa is the proud creator of the famous Yaravi Arequipeño (sang by many brothers of the Andes) and the Pampeñas. The Huaylas is a happy the dance of the central Andes.

The coast has a different feel to the Andean, more rhythm yet it just as melancholic and interesting. Coastal have big Romany gypsy music and African influences, along other more romantic tunes like the well know Peruvian Valse; probably representing the ethnical coastal mix of Perú and especially Lima.

Commonly known Peruvian Valse tunes are: Alma Corazon y Vida, Odiame, Mi Propiedad Privada, El Plebeyo, La Flor de La Canela and Devuelveme El Rosario de Mi Madre, some of which are sang by Caribbean artists in the Bolero or Salsa version.

Out of the resulting mix most coastal rhythms is sang and played by duos of Creole guitars, the Peruvian Cajon and spoon rhythms. African derived rhythms like the Festejo or Landó are common in the black communities of the southern coast. Music with a strong African influence is known as Afro Peruvian.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Peru

Terrorism by subversive groups may be on the increase. Canadians should avoid large crowds and public areas, particularly those foreigners are known to frequent.Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended. Curfews may also be in effect.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to Peru should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

There are continuing concerns about a possible resurgence of terrorist activity by remnant members of the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) in Peru's remote interior.

Isolated terrorist incidents have occurred in remote areas within the departments of Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Junin, Ayacucho, Cuzco, Ucayali, San Martín, Huanuco, and Apurímac. These were mostly robberies, temporary takeovers of small villages and, very occasionally, violence or threats of violence against security forces personnel or local community figures. Overland travel in these regions can be dangerous. On December 20, 2005, eight Peruvian policemen were ambushed and killed by rebels in the vicinity of Aucayacu, in the province of Huanuco. In large centres, terrorist activity has been restricted to propaganda.