Considered one of the cradles of civilization, the Peruvian territory was home to several cultures during the ancient and medieval periods, and is one of the earliest recorded civilizations in the Americas. Formerly home to the Nazca Culture, the Wari and Tiwanaku empires, the Kingdom of Cusco, and the Inca Empire. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and officially established the Kingdom of Peru that encompassed most of its South American territories, with its capital in Lima. Higher education starting at the National University of San Marcos in Lima with its establishment in 1551. The fight for Peru's independence began in 1821, and  after an extended struggle against Spanish rule and several years of fighting, its independence from Spain was achieved in 1824.

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With the Spanish Conquest in the 16th Century, Catholicism was forcibly introduced and became the dominant religion. The Spanish actively suppressed indigenous religious practices, often destroying temples and idols, and establishing the Catholic Church as the primary religious and social institution. While Catholicism became the official religion, indigenous beliefs and practices often persisted in various forms, leading to a syncretic blending of traditions that continues to influence Peruvian religious life today.​ Peru remains predominantly Catholic, but the religious landscape is more diverse than in previous centuries. While the Catholic Church still plays a significant role in national life, the presence and influence of Protestant churches are increasingly evident. Indigenous spiritual practices continue to hold importance for many, particularly in rural areas, often coexisting with Christian beliefs. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, contributing to this evolving religious landscape.