You probably think you can guess what Peru’s national animal is. Well, if you thought it was the llama then you’d be wrong. Peru’s national symbols actually throw up a few more surprises; from a tree used in fizzy drinks, to a flower with a fascinating story behind it. Here are some national symbols that you’ll spot when walking Peru:

Peru’s National Tree

Peru’s national tree is the cinchona, and if you’ve heard of it before then it’s probably because the bark of this tree is used to produce quinine. Quinine is used as a muscle relaxant, but is perhaps best known for being one of the main ingredients of tonic water and thus responsible for that bitter taste that you get in a gin and tonic. The ingredient is also the reason that gin and tonic glows in the dark under a black light. You’ll find that cinchona trees are fairly easy to spot when walking Peru  as they have distinct white, pink or red blossoms that are almost tubular in appearance.

Peru’s National Animal

Llamas are synonymous with Peru so most people wrongly assume that the llama is in fact the country’s national animal. However, Peru’s national animal is actually the vicuna, which is very llama-like in appearance. The animal is believed to be the wild ancestor of today’s domesticated alpacas and even features on the Peruvian coat of arms. Like alpacas, which are bred for their coats, the hair of the vicuna is widely sought after, particularly as the animal can only be shorn every three years. During the Incan civilization, the coat of the vicuna was so revered that only Incan royalty were allowed to wear garments made from the hair.

Vicuna can be found all over South America, but when walking Peru’s Andes you’ll see the highest population of these animals.

Peru’s National Flower

Peru’s national flower is the cantuta, a red tubular flower often found in the highlands of the Andes or the Yungas. The flower is also the national flower of Bolivia as it reflects the colours of the national flag.

There is an Incan legend associated with the cantuta that tells the tale of two prosperous kings both annoyed at the wealth of the other. Eventually these two kings attacked each other and both became mortally wounded in the battle. The two kings asked their sons to seek vengeance on one another after their death and the family feud continued.

Once again a bloody battle ensued and, like their fathers, both sons became mortally wounded. However, on their death-beds they generously forgave each other and asked that their servants place them side by side on the green grass of the battlefield.

The legend continues that the Goddess of fertility appeared beside the two kings and told them that they shouldn’t have suffered from their father’s unjustified enmity. To punish their fathers, two stars fell from the sky and became the highest peaks in Andes and the cantuta bloomed as a symbol of the people’s unity, bearing the colour of the two kings (red and yellow), with green standing for hope.

Peru’s National Bird

When walking Peru why not try a spot of ornithology too? Peru’s national bird is the brightly coloured and joyfully named, cock-of-the-rock. The bird has a stunning head-dress of framed orange and red feathers that are reminiscent of the fringes that the Incas used to wear as a badge of rank.

The birds are found in tropical and sub-tropical forests close to rocky areas, where they commonly build their nests.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.