Smithsonian Journeys Cultural Guide: Peru

For the savvy, cosmopolitan traveler who wants to delve into Peru’s history and culture

Smithsonian Journeys Cultural Guide: Peru is a travel guide like none other: it gives a vital overview of the history, geography, foodways, and culture of this remarkable destination. This e-book original from Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s worldwide educational travel program, provides all the cultural and historical information travelers need to inform their visit to Peru.

Readers discover the rich tradition of Peruvian trade so they can see it at play in the contemporary markets they will visit, such as the Mercado Indio in Lima. They learn all about the diverse plants and wildlife of the region so they can spot a Quetzal bird, pinpoint a blade of Ichu grass, and even distinguish between an alpaca and a llama. They study the Incas’ monumental achievements in architecture, astronomy, art, and engineering so they will be even more awestruck at the base of the mighty Machu Picchu.

Peru lives up to its name–in the ancient Quecha language of the Incas, it means “land of plenty”–and Smithsonian Journeys Cultural Guide: Peru lives up to the reputation of the Smithsonian by providing travelers with the knowledge they need to make the most of the journey of a lifetime.