Peru is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture just waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore some of the mysteries and secrets of this South American nation with these 30 Peruvian riddles and their answers. From lost civilizations like the Incas to unique wildlife in the Amazon rainforest, these brainteasers will challenge your knowledge of Peru.
What ancient empire built Machu Picchu in the 15th century?
The Inca Empire built the historic citadel of Machu Picchu around 1450 AD during the reign of Inca Pachacutec. This magnificent site high in the Andes mountains was only revealed to the wider world in 1911 after being hidden for centuries.
What is the name of the famous Nazca Lines located in the deserts of southern Peru?
The Nazca Lines are a collection of gigantic geoglyphs depicting animals, plants, imaginary creatures, and geometric figures etched into the desert surface. Their purpose remains a mystery.
Lake Titicaca borders which two South American countries?
At 12,500 feet (3,810 m) above sea level, Lake Titicaca sits on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It contains over 40 islands and is considered the highest navigable lake in the world.
History Riddles
The ruins of which lost jungle city were rediscovered in 1911?
The lost city of Machu Picchu was rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911 after being reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years. Machu Picchu remarkably remains one of the best preserved sites from Inca civilization.
Which famous 16th century conquistador helped the Spanish conquer the Inca Empire?
Francisco Pizarro led the Spanish conquest of the Inca in 1532, capturing the Inca ruler Atahualpa and looting vast quantities of gold and silver. This marked the decline of the mighty Inca civilization.
The ancient Nazca Lines can only be fully seen from where?
The best way to view the full expanse of the Nazca Lines is by flying over them in an airplane. More than 70 animal forms and geometric figures stretch for over 50 miles across the arid Nazca plains.
Which sacred Inca city did Hiram Bingham rediscover in 1911?
Hiram Bingham brought the magnificent long-lost Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru’s Andes mountains back to global attention after stumbling upon its ruins covered in overgrowth in 1911.
Lake Titicaca was considered the birthplace of which ancient civilization?
According to legend, the first Inca king, Manco Cápac, was born on the Island of the Sun in Lake Titicaca. Inca mythology states he and his siblings emerged from the waters to found Cusco and the Inca civilization.
Culture Riddles
What is a popular musical instrument used in traditional Andean music?
The charango is a small Andean stringed instrument resembling a lute that is iconic in Peruvian folk music. Originally made from an armadillo shell.
Ceviche features raw fish marinated in citrus juice – true or false?
True – Ceviche is Peru’s national dish, consisting of fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, usually with onion, chili pepper, corn, sweet potato and spices. It dates back to Inca times.
The Potato Orignated from which South American country?
The potato originated from the Andean mountains of Peru and Bolivia. There are now over 4,000 varieties of this staple crop first domesticated around 10,000 years ago.
What is the layered colorful skirt that forms part of traditional Andean clothing called?
Women from indigenous Quechua communities in the Peruvian Andes wear colorful, intricately woven skirts known as polleras. Several layers are worn at once over petticoats.
The Inca Trail leads to which famous lost city in Peru?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a legendary 25 mile (40km) trek through mountains, cloud forests and alpine tundra. The hike ends at the peak of Dead Woman’s Pass overlooking Machu Picchu ruins.
Nature Riddles
What is the name of one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests located in Peru?
The Amazon rainforest covers over half of Peru and is one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth. It sustains over 2,000 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Which stinky, smelly fruit is found across Peru?
Durian fruit is revered in Southeast Asia but despised in Peru for its intense foul odors. Its spiky outer shell protects sweet, custard-like flesh studded with large seeds.
What is the national animal of Peru?
The Andean Condor is Peru’s national animal. With a 10ft (3m) wingspan, this iconic vulture is the largest flying bird in the world. It glides across Peru’s mountain skies on updrafts seeking carrion.
Which high altitude camelid mammal is closely related to the llama?
The alpaca is a domesticated camelid thriving on the windswept Andean plateaus of Peru and Bolivia. Prized for their soft hypoallergenic fleece, they are smaller cousins of the llama.
What unusual looking creature found in Peru has venom potent enough to kill humans?
The giant Peruvian Violin Mantis mimics leaves and vines to ambush prey and intruders. One bite from this 3 inch (8cm) insect can kill a human with toxins 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake.
Food Riddles
Which grain was sacred to the ancient Inca?
Maize or corn was revered by the Inca, featuring in religious rituals and mythology. Hundreds of colorful varieties are still farmed across Peru’s Sacred Valley as they were 500 years ago.
What are cancha corn nuts?
Cancha corn nuts are a popular Peruvian snack of toasted or fried corn kernels, lightly seasoned with salt or spices. Their crunchiness makes them the perfect hiking food.
Ceviche is raw fish cured in citrus juice and spices – true or false?
True – One story says ceviche originated with Inca fishermen curing their catch with river citrus before taking it to the high Andes. Now a national icon, ceviche comes in infinite flavor variations.
What pear-shaped fruit is one of Peru’s biggest exports?
Sweet, soft avocados originate from central Mexico but thrive in Peru’s coastal orchards. Hass avocados especially are prized around the world, accounting for over $100 million in annual exports.
What nut is used to make chicha, an ancient Peruvian corn beer?
Jora corn kernels are germinated then dried and ground to make chicha morada. Boiled with spices and purple corn, this non-alcoholic drink dates back millennia in the Andes.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed testing your knowledge of Peru with these 30 riddles ranging over history, culture, nature and food. This magical country has many more secrets left uncover across its mountains, jungles and deserts. Maybe you’ll explore them for yourself someday! Let me know if you have any other questions about the mysteries of Peru.
