History
Time of Incas
Peru has been inhabited for about 10,000 years. 3,000 years ago countries civilization rose to high level and was characterized by agriculture based on watering systems and textiles. Incas were one of the many tribes that lived in the highlands of the Andes. They built a large road network, bridges and many great cities. Most famous of the cities is Machu Picchu that is located high above the Urubamba valley. The Spanish came to Peru in 1532 after hearing stories about Eldorado. They destroyed Inca empire shortly after arriving.
Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu flourished in 16th century but after that it was lost from the world for hundreds of years until 1911 when American explorer Hiram Bingham found them. Many stories, myths and questions still surround Machu Picchu. You can read more about them in here...
Independence
Peru declared its independence from Spain on July 28, 1821 thanks to an alliance between the Army of José de San Martín, and the Army of Simón Bolívar. Its first elected president, however, was not in power until 1827.
Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso)
Shining Path is a Maoist guerrilla insurgent organization in Peru. Widely condemned for its brutality, including violence deployed against ordinary peasants, trade union organizers, popularly elected officials and the general civilian population, Sendero is on the U.S. Department of State's "Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations" list. Since the capture of its leader Abimael Guzmán in 1992, it has only been sporadically active.