About Peru:
Peru’s early history included The Inca Empire, centered in Cusco (home to Machu Picchu) and was conquered by the Spanish in 1532. Peru remained a colony of Spain until it declared its independence in 1821, with full independence being achieved in 1824. As with much of South America, the Spanish…and the Catholic Church…left a major legacy, with the nation of Peru being predominantly Catholic….in fact it is about 90% Catholic, making it one of the most Catholic of all countries in South America…and the world as well. In of geographic size, Peru is third-largest country in South America and approximately twice the size of Texas. The current population of Peru is approximately 34.9 million people, with a median age of 30…the global average (countries like India (28-30) and Indonesia are in this bracket…the U.S. is a bit higher at 39 years old).
Peru has a growing upper-middle-income economy driven by mining (copper, gold, silver), agriculture, fishing, tourism, and services. It is a major producer of quinoa, asparagus, and avocados. Peru also holds a large share of the world’s alpaca population (Alpacas are highly valued for their incredibly soft, lightweight, and warm fleece).
Peru held general elections in April 2026 amid concerns over crime, corruption, and political instability. The country continues to face challenges with organized crime but remains a major tourism and resource-export destination. Perhaps Peru’s most well-known historical site is Machu Picchu, is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains above the Urubamba River valley. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it’s renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery.
Catholic places of interest in Peru:
Peru has produced two very famous saints: Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres.
Chiclayo: the Cathedral of Saint Mary (Catedral de Santa María) formerly Cathedral of Fr. Robert Prevost……. Pope Leo XIV.
Lima: The Chapel of Our Lord of the Miracles; Convent of Santo Domingo; Shrine of Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres.