On the western coast of South America is the Republic of Peru. Peru is a Spanish speaking country that is bordered by Pacific Ocean to the west, Chile to the south, Bolivia to the south west, Brazil to the east, and Ecuador and Colombia to the north. From her neighbors, you can tell that Peru is a tourist friendly country...but how friendly? Check the list of facts below.

1. There are over 55 varieties of corn; and they come in shades of yellow, purple, white and black; and they are all grown in Peru.

2. The phrase 'Soy mas Peruano que la papa' is translated as 'I am more Peruvian than the potato' is used since potatoes are originally from Peru.

3. Peru is the 6th largest gold producer in the world.

4. Founded in 12th of May of 1551, the National University of San Marcos is the oldest university in the Americas.

5. Peru has the second largest population of Shamans in the world after India.

6. The Pima and Tanguis, the best cottons in the world, are both Peruvian.

7. The Cotahuasi Canyon in the Arequipa region is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. It is estimated to be as deep as 3,535 meters (11,597 feet).

8. Are you a surfing buff? Trust me; it doesn't get better than Peru's Pacific coast. Peru's Chicama has a 4 kilometer left hand wave - the longest in the world.

9. Peru's Capital, Lima, was once the most powerful Latin American city but it fell into decline after the Spaniards created a viceroy in Rio de la Plata.

10. Peru declared its independence from Spain on July 28, 1821, becoming one of the first Latin America independent states.

Peruvian gastronomy has been in the headlines for years and therefore apart from surfing and hiking into the Amazon jungles, you will also get to sample some of the best South American foods. Make sure you make a stop in this country before heading out to Rio or Santiago.