The old Peruvian musical traditions are those of the Amerindians of the Andes. Its music is very well-known outside the country through the characteristic panpipes of poncho-clad folklore groups. However, there's more rhythms and popular music found here deserve a lot more recognition, including chica and huayno, still relatively unknown abroad, as well as the distinct coastal tradition of Afro-Peruvian music, rooted in black slaves brought to work in the mines.

Huayno: Maybe the expression of Pre-Columbian music is huayno, which is popular throughout Peru, its modern center of innovation, as well as the other Andean countries of Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia. Modern singers like Picaflor de los Andes, Eusebio Grados(El chato grados), Flor Pucarina and El Jilguero de Huascaran have become superstars in Latin America.

Chicha: Chicha is fusion of huayno, rock and roll and cumbia.
It arose in places like Lima, Huancayo and Arequipa, soon spreading throughout Peru. The first chicha hit song was "La Chichera" by Los Demonios de Mantaro. Other famous performers include Mirlos, Pastorita Huaracina and Los Shapis. One of the last recognized artists is Chacalón, who died some years ago and was known because of his hit "Soy provinciano", which its lyrics tells about the life for country people in Lima.