Peru has over 52 official languages. People in major cities like Lima and Cusco speak Spanish, but many communities still use the Quechua language—the language of the Incas. The Inca empire was the largest pre-Colombian empire, and it was the most developed empire, prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. The Inca empire was in existence until 1533 when the Spanish conquered them. The Inca people were devastated by new diseases the foreigners brought with them like smallpox. The Incas left behind beautiful sites including Machu Picchu which is thought to be a royal estate and temple.
Peru is unique because it is home to the Andes mountain range and many beautiful cultural traditions—like eating alpaca or guinea pig(?!)
The mountains and their height have allowed for the Peruvian people to develop irrigation systems. They can get water easily in the mountains since gravity brings the water downward. The mountains also protected Machu Picchu from the Spanish who never found the site!
