Peru encompasses a past of over 10,000 years of the most harsh and inhospitable, if spectacular, environments in the world - the high Andes of South America. Civilization in the Andes has long been equated with the Incas. The architectural achievements of the Incas are inevitably compared to the feats of the Romans.

In contrast, the invasion of the Spaniards in 1532 between the Andeans was one of the first clashes between Western and non-Western civilizations. The Spanish conquest and colonialism has characterized Peru down through the centuries. Peru, like its geography, became divided economically, socially and politically between a semifeudal, largely native coast. The persistence of this “dualism” and the inability of the Peruvian state in more recent times to overcome it have prevented not only the development but also the effective integration of the Peruvian nation to this day.

Another unique feature of Peru is the role that foreigners have played in its history. Peru’s independence from Spain in 1824 was largely the accomplishments of “outsiders” such as the Venezuelan Simon.

Peruvian cuisine is one of the best in South America and it’s known not only for its exquisite taste, but also for its variety and ability to incorporate the influence from different times and cultures. The Peruvian cuisine is an important expression of its own culture just as its ceramics, textiles, music and literature. Thanks to Peru’s three regions and ocean there are an abundance of markets that can offer a variety of fresh ingredients that satisfy not only the housewife but also the most sophisticated chef.

The culinary history of the Peruvian food dates back to the Incas and pre-Incas with its maize, potatoes and spices that later was influenced by the arrival of the Spanish colonies, and throughout the years it incorporated the demands of the different migrations and “mestizajes”. Such groups included Chinese, European, African and Japanese immigrants.

Peruvian cuisine is one of the best in South America and it’s known not only for its exquisite taste, but also for its variety and ability to incorporate the influence from different times and cultures. The Peruvian cuisine is an important expression of its own culture just as its ceramics, textiles, music and literature. Thanks to Peru’s three regions and ocean there are an abundance of markets that can offer a variety of fresh ingredients that satisfy not only the housewife but also the most sophisticated chef.

The culinary history of the Peruvian food dates back to the Incas and pre-Incas with its maize, potatoes and spices that later was influenced by the arrival of the Spanish colonies, and throughout the years it incorporated the demands of the different migrations and “mestizajes”. Such groups included Chinese, European, African and Japanese immigrants.