Peru Overview

The Republic of Peru is located in South America, on the western coast of South America. It's the continent's third largest country and home to just under 5 million people. Although the coast is dry, as one travels inland, one finds warmer and wetter lowlands, including the Amazon river basin, but one also finds the Andes Mountains rising high above
The various native peoples of Peru had largely become the Incan Empire in the 14th century, but when the Spaniards arrived in the early 1500s, it was the beginning of the end. The conquistadors, led by Prancisco Pizzaro, arrived in 1532. Pizarro founded the capital city of Lima, which he was assassinated in 1542. The Incan Empire fell to the Spaniards in 1572, with the execution of the last Incan ruler by Francisco de Toledo.
The new government, the Viceroyalty of Peru, lasted into the early 1800s, when General Jose de San Martin invaded with an army of soldiers from Argentina and Chile. This marked the beginning of a series of battles and declarations of independence that finally ended in 1824. There has been some political volatility in the intervening years, but in 1921 the country is largely stable and prosperous.
The majority of Peruvians speak Spanish, although native languages such as Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken by specific communities. English is not widely spoken, particularly outside the cities.
The population is about 50% of native descent, 15% white, and 35% mixed heritage. Traditional dress varies from region to region, although there are certain common features such as hats, ponchos, and brightly colored woolen clothing. In cities like Lima, however, this traditional garb tends to give over to more somber European or North American styles.
Peru's currency is the sol, and $1.00 U.S. equals about 3 sols. There are 10 dineros to one sol, and 10 centavos to one dinero.
As the Prologue to our tale takes place in March, this is essentially part of Peru's summer, because it lies in the Southern Hemisphere. Specific temperatures will vary depending on where your travels take you.