[2] After more intensive contacts in the 16th and 17th centuries, bilateral relations only intensified again in the last few decades and are now regarded as problem-free and increasingly friendly.

Despite the Portuguese-Spanish Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, a large number of Portuguese traders, craftsmen, mercenaries and artists also tried their luck in the areas of South America that had been ceded to Spain, including Peru, which was known for its incredible silver wealth.

In 1620, the book Descrición General del Piru, em Particular de Lima was published anonymously by the Portuguese author Pedro Leão Portocarro [pt].

Written in Spanish but interspersed with numerous Portuguese mannerisms, the work contains extensive geographical, economic and social descriptions.

In Peru's capital Lima, the main shopping street known as the Calle de los Mercaderes was dominated by Portuguese traders until they disappeared after the Grande Cumplicidade in 1659.