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facts about peru - juanita the ice maidenJuanita the Ice Maiden

Juanita was discovered in September 1995 near the summit of Mt Ampato by an expedition led by American archeologist Johan Reinhard. (Ampato is a dormant 6,288-metre (20,630 ft) stratovolcano in the Andes of southern Peru, about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Arequipa.) A nearby volcano, Sabancaya, was erupting at the time and the resulting hot volcanic ash melted the snowcap near the summit of Ampato, revealing the bundle containing the frozen mummified body.

The fast melting ice caused most of the Inca burial site, including the body, to collapse down into a gully that led into the crater. As a result, part of the mummy’s clothing was slightly damaged, as was part of Juanita’s face that was exposed to the air. They also found many items that had been left as offerings to the Inca gods strewn about the mountain slope down which the body had fallen. These included statues and food items. A couple of days later, the body and the items were transported to Arequipa. The frozen mummy was named ‘Juanita’ after Johan Reinhard (this is the Spanish, feminine version of his name).

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New Facts about Peru in the Making...

  • Claudia Llosa – being written by Ania Leslie-Wujastyk
  • Pisco – being written by Stuart Duggan
  • PromPeru – being written by Jacqui Langer
  • Living in Peru Online Magazine – being written by Stuart Duggan
  • Francisco José Lombardi – being written by Ania Leslie-Wujastyk
  • 2011 Puno Protests – being written by Stuart Duggan
  • Alianza Lima Air Disaster – being written by Stuart Duggan
  • Lima Latin American Film Festival – being written by Ania Leslie-Wujastyk
  • Los Belkings – being written by Justin Leonard
  • M.A.S.A.C.R.E. – being written by Justin Leonard
  • Aeropajitas – being written by Justin Leonard
  • Expand Peru – being written by Maren Uffenkamp
  • Dune Buggy – being written by Shannon Bixler
  • Alberto Pizango – being written by Tim Rath
  • Bagua Province – being written by Tim Rath

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Peru Travel Information

Cities


  • Lima
  • Arequipa
  • Ayacucho
  • Cajamarca
  • Chiclayo
  • Cuzco
  • Huaraz
  • Iquitos
  • Puno
  • Trujillo

Destinations


  • Chan Chan
  • Chavin de Huantar
  • Huascaran National Park
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Machu Picchu
  • Manu National Park
  • Marcahuasi
  • Nazca Lines
  • Paracas National Reservation
  • Rio Abiseo National Park

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Alfredo Alcalde - Pintor - Facts about Peru
Alfredo Alcalde. TIM RATH/Perupedia

Alcalde explores contrasts of life and death in Peru

By Tim Rath

Peruvians that go about an ordinary morning routine may scoff at the idea of someone finding value in its documentation. However, that is exactly where artist Alfredo Alcalde finds the inspiration for his work.

Alcalde, a Peruvian artist born in Chimbote in 1961, who graduated with a Special Mention from the Escuela Nacional Autónoma de Bellas Artes, is currently presenting his work in exhibition called Eros y Tánatos.

Here, he transmits his very particular vision about life and death while human beings are portrayed as ordinary, affectionate people whose flaws and mistakes lead to the ultimate tragedy of suicides, terrorist attacks and lack of principles. Alcalde said that he finds himself of those people that are the subject of his work.

However, as Alcalde works to improve his relationship with the viewing public, he acknowledges that existence isn’t entirely made up of “ordinary” events. He sees his own works as a merger of “symbolic realism” with characters inspired by a “wave of expressionists” he come from and the “figurative artists” he now associates with.

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Top 10 Facts About Peru

  1. Peru is the third largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina.
  2. Another fact about Peru is that it has a diverse population, with indigenous peoples, Europeans, Africans, and Asian immigrants all contributing to its culture.
  3. Peru has a rich history, with ancient civilizations such as the Norte Chico, the Moche, the Wari, the Nazca, the Inca, and the Chimu all leaving their mark on the country.
  4. Another fact about Peru is that it was home to the Inca Empire, which at its height stretched from present-day Ecuador to Chile and was one of the most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations.
  5. Peru is home to Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel that is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  6. Another fact about Peru is that it has a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats, including the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and coastal deserts.
  7. Facts about Peru include that it has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina being particularly popular.
  8. Another fact about Peru is that it is known for its traditional textiles, ceramics, and metalwork, as well as its modern art and architecture.
  9. Peru has a growing economy, with a focus on industries such as mining, fishing, and tourism.
  10. Another fact about Peru is that it has a vibrant folkloric tradition, with dances, music, and festivals that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

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