Roy and Isabel Alva

From ancient ruins to lively cities, a colorful country pursues progress despite conflict

The ancient Inca civilization once encompassed Peru and a vast region of South America, before the Spanish reached its shores. The dense Amazon jungle covers nearly two-thirds of the country's landmass, bordered by the Andes mountains and dotted with more than a hundred archaeological sites.

Today ancient meets new in bustling marketplaces of Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco and other cities where four out of five Peruvians live. The country's distinctive cuisine includes plentiful fish, frequently served in ceviche, and many varieties of potatoes and corn.

Peru continues to recover from more than two decades of civil conflict and violence that began in 1980. Fishing, mining, energy and tourism industries feed its economy. Pockets of extreme poverty persist, and many workers have a hard time finding permanent jobs, but trends indicate a growing number of professional opportunities.

Your participation with Missions Door helps to meet strategic and spiritual needs of communities in Peru through church planting, leadership development, social outreach and economic development to provide income for pastors.

Cultural Snapshot

Peruvian hand-spun llama and alpaca yarns are prized for making especially warm and soft sweaters, socks and scarves.

Faith Fact

Religious practice in Peru often blends Catholic traditions with indigenous beliefs.

Country Profile

Population: 30 million, 47% ages 0–24

Major Religions: 81% Catholic, 13% Protestant

Languages: 84% Spanish, 13% Quechua

Literacy: 93%

Poverty: 26%