2. Boasts one of the largest varieties of arts and crafts on Earth. The diversity, color, creativity and multiple functions of Peru's folk art has made it a fundamental activity. These works are just some of the cultural manifestations of a people who communicate mainly through art.

3. In Peru's rural areas, the way people dress creates an important distinction The Peruvian poncho dates back to the seventeenth century. In Cusco, ponchos are short and feature elaborate geometric figures against a red background. On the coast, ponchos were used by the plantation workers. Traditional dress tends to be topped off by woolen or straw hats, sometimes in a variety of colours.

6. Has a varied cuisine with ingredients like maize, tomato, potatoes, avocado. Fruits like chirimoya, lúcuma and pineapple. Animals like taruca, llama, and guinea pig

7. Ceviche: fish and shellfish marinated in citrus juice. Chupe de camarones: a soup made of shrimp. Anticuchos: cow's heart roasted in brochette. Lomo saltado: meat fried lightly with tomato and onion, served with French fries and rice

8. The most notable is Carnival week that usually takes place in February. The costumes poke fun at the Spanish who tried to wipe out the Indian culture.

10. Carnival: weekend before Ash Wednesday Semana Santa: Holy week ending on Easter Sunday Fiesta de la Cruz: 1 May in much of highlands and coast Inti-Raymi: The whole of June is a fiesta in Cusco culminating with June 24 the festival of the Sun. Santa Rosa: 30 August in Lima

11. Señor de los Milagros: Lima in October Todos los Santos (All Saints): 1 November Inmaculada Concepción: 8 December Independence (Fiestas Patrias) 28-29 July