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Peru Information

Overview

Few destinations have as much to offer visitors as Peru, an astonishingly varied country. Here you’ll find panoramic mountain ranges, vast deserts, beautiful beaches and tropical jungle, not to mention fantastically rich history, archaeology, wildlife and enduring indigenous cultures.

Images of the extraordinary remains of ancient civilizations will inevitably jump to mind. The Inca stronghold Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and photogenic archaeological sites in the world and the mysterious Nazca Lines boggle the mind, but there are hundreds of similarly fascinating and even older sites to discover.

All are set in stunning landscapes, whether parched desert costa (coast), soaring sierra (mountains) or remote selva (rainforest) overflowing with wildlife. Such a diverse landscape generates diverse pleasures; the visitor can hike through snowy peaks one day, and relax on the beach the next; paddle a dugout through lowland rainforest or hop on a traditional reed boat on some of the world’s highest lakes.

There are a wealth of sports and activities on offer, from sandboarding and surfing to extreme mountain biking and rafting. Add to this medicinal hot springs, mesmeric music, well-stocked museums, rich culture and uncommonly friendly people and you have a destination with something for everybody.

Top Things To See

Ascend to Peru’s top attraction, the awe-inspiring Inca city of Machu Picchu , perched atop a remote mountain northwest of Cusco. This World Heritage Site, rediscovered in 1911, is arguably the most important archaeological site in South America, not to mention the most dramatically located.

Don’t miss a trip to capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. This World Heritage Site, founded in AD1100, is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture. Murals depicting historical scenes splash across walls and local women still wear traditional dress.

Trawl through five centuries of colonial history in Lima, admiring the handsome plazas and opulent mansions with their Moorish latticed wooden balconies. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is home to the impressive 18th-century cathedral and the lavish Government Palace.

See one of the few buildings to withstand Lima’s 1746 earthquake, UNESCO-listed Church of San Francisco. Inside are an extraordinary domed roof, a vast library, masterpieces by Jordeans, Rubens and Van Dyck, and catacombs complete with ghoulish circular displays of the bones of some 70,000 souls.

Drift out upon Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, and visit the unique waterborne reed islands and boats of the native Uros people. Covering 8,379 sq km (3,235 sq miles), Lake Titicaca is surrounded by ancient ruins and is home to 19th-century steamship, the Yavari.

Delve into Manu National Park, Peru’s greatest treasure in biodiversity. Covering 20,000 sq km (7,722 sq miles) of tropical rainforest, this World Natural Heritage Site is home to around 2,000 plant species, 1,200 butterfly species, 800 bird types and 200 different mammals, including monkeys, tapirs, sloth, jaguar and capybaras.

Visit the 5,000-year-old city of Caral, near Lima. Caral was discovered in 1994 and has recently opened to tourists following years of excavation.

Discover more of Peru’s countless archaeological treasures, including UNESCO-protected Chan Chan, the largest pre-Inca mud city (20 sq km/8 sq miles) and the nearby huacas (religious centres) of the Sun and the Moon. The beautifully restored Huaca Arco Iris is covered with pre-Inca hieroglyphics.

Venture into the Tambopata-Candamo Reserved Zone, 45km (28 miles) from Puerto Maldonado by river, which specialists say contains the largest and richest biodiversity of the world. The flora and fauna within includes more than 2,000 flower varieties, 1,000 birds and 900 butterflies and dragonflies.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Fly above the ancient Nazca Lines, vast and spectacular geoglyphs etched into the desert 420km (265 miles) south of Lima. The most notable designs represent animals (birds, felines and reptiles), and date back to between 200BC and AD600.

Puff your way around one of the world’s most famous mountain treks, the (literally) breathtaking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This ancient trail passes through snow-capped mountains, cloud forest and a string of 12 Inca ceremonial centres, including Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.

Explore the magnificent Incan ceremonial centre Sacsayhuamán on horseback. This is the most impressive of Cusco’s four neighbouring Inca ruins (the others are Puca Pucara, Qenko and Tambo Machay). On 24 June, thousands celebrate the Inti Raymi festival here.

On 30 August, marvel at the religious processions honouring Lima’s patron saint, Santa Rosa de Lima. Later, on 18 October, a purple haze descends upon the city as the faithful march in purple robes to praise El Señor de los Milagros.

Browse for exquisite handicrafts in areas like Ayacucho (specialising in pottery, leatherwork, textiles and jewellery) or Cajamarca. There is also a colourful daily market in Lima’s Chinatown district that should not be missed.

Go to Cajamarca’s Carnival, famous throughout Peru for its annual celebrations that last for an entire month. One word of warning – try to avoid getting soaked with water, since it is the traditional Cajamarca Carnival greeting!

 Trek around glacial lakes and spectacular snow-capped peaks near Huaraz, in the central Andes. It is also possible to ski on the Pastoruri Glacier, see giant bromeliads (up to 15m/49ft high) and wildlife like the viscacha, puma, vicuña and the rare spectacled bear.

 Hike the extraordinarily beautiful Cordillera Blanca trail, a 180km- (112.5-mile-) long paradise of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, emerald-green lakes and archaeological sites, containing a wide variety of flora and fauna.

 Take your pick of more world-famous treks, including the Olleros-Chavín Llama Trek to the impressive archaeological site Chavín de Huántar; the Cordillera Huayhuash (Huaraz); the deep Colca Valley; and the demanding Mount Ausangate trek.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by ají and ajo (hot pepper and garlic), has become celebrated at home and abroad. Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of vegetables; there are over 2,000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone. Table service is the norm in hotels and restaurants and many also offer buffet-type lunches.

National specialities:
• Ceviche (uncooked fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and hot chilli pepper).
• Chupe de camarones (chowder-type soup made with shrimps, milk, eggs, potatoes and peppers).
• Causa relleña (potato cakes with chicken in the centre, but also cooked with avocado or crabmeat).
• Tamales (boiled corn dumplings filled with meat and wrapped in a banana leaf).
• Mazamorra morada (purple maize and sweet potato starch jelly cooked with lemons, dried fruits, cinnamon and cloves).

National drinks:
• Pisco sour (bittersweet cocktail made from a potent grape brandy).
• Other pisco-based drinks are algarrobina (pisco and carob syrup), chilcano (pisco and ginger ale) and capitán (pisco and vermouth).
• Chicha de jora (fermented corn juice) and chicha morada (non-alcoholic purple corn juice) are popular drinks dating from Inca times.
• Peruvian beers and wines are good.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Service charges of 10% are added to bills. Additional tips of 5% are expected in better restaurants.

Nightlife

There are many good bars, pubs, discos and casinos in the major towns and tourist resorts. Peñasalways serve snacks and some serve full meals. Here you can enjoy criolla or folk music, especially at weekends. Nightlife in Lima and Cusco has a wide array of choices. Most discos, peñas, pubs and karaokes are open until 0300 or 0400 in the morning.

Shopping

There are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, colourful weaving and jewellery. Galleries and handicraft shops abound in Cusco and the Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and downtown districts of Lima. Handicrafts markets are located in Miraflores (Avenida Petit Thouars, blocks 52 to 53) and Pueblo Libre (Avenida La Marina, blocks 8 to 10). Bargaining (regateo) is an expected practice with beach vendors and at markets.

Shopping hours: Hours vary significantly, but the standard is Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1600-2000.

Climate

Varies according to area. On the coast winter lasts from June to September. During this period, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It hardly ever rains in Lima nor most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

Required Clothing

Lightweights during summer with much warmer clothes worn in upland areas, especially at night. Mediumweights are advised during cooler months.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Mar Maundy Thursday.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
29 Jun St Peter’s and St Paul’s Day.
28-29 Jul Independence Day Celebrations.
30 Aug St Rosa of Lima Day.
8 Oct Angamos Battle.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve (half day).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
9 Apr Maundy Thursday.
10 Apr Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
29 Jun St Peter’s and St Paul’s Day.
28-29 Jul Independence Day Celebrations.
30 Aug St Rosa of Lima Day.
8 Oct Angamos Battle.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve (half day).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: Sometimes*

Health Care

International travellers are strongly advised to take out full health insurance and should be prepared to pay up front for medical services.

Note

* Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting jungle areas below 2,300m (7,546ft). Travellers who are only visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu do not require a vaccination.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

New Sol (PEN; symbol S/.) = 100 céntimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of S/.200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of S/. 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 céntimos.

Currency Exchange

Only a few bureaux de change in Lima will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and many shops also readily accept US Dollars (although very old, torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru.

Traveller's Cheques

Banks will exchange traveller’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars. The ability to use traveller’s cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be accepted in the area you are visiting prior to travel.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/1/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except:
1. nationals of Latvia and Romania who do require a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

2. A business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the business visa holder must register at the Dirección General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Dirección General de Migraciones.

Nationals applying for a tourist visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,000 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application. Nationals applying for a business visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,200 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application.

All nationals are advised to check with the Peruvian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any documentation which might be required. Postal visa applications are not accepted unless submitted through a travel agency.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.

Validity

Up to 90 days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses for details.

Working Days Required

At least 24 hours; longer if authorisation from the immigration office in Lima is required.

Contact Addresses

PromPer (Commission for the Promotion of Peru)

Calle 1 Oeste No 50, Piso 13, Edificio Mincetur, Lima, Peru
Tel: (01) 224 3131 or 574 8000.
Website: www.peru.info

Embassy of the Republic of Peru in the UK

52 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SP, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 1917 or 2545.
Website: www.peruembassy-uk.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Consular section: Tel: (020) 7838 9223.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 (general enquiries); 1500-1630 (collection point only).

Embassy of the Republic of Peru in the USA

1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 833 9860.
Website: www.peruvianembassy.us

South American Explorers

126 Indian Creek Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Tel: 1 800 274 0568.
Website: www.saexplorers.org

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits are trouble-free. However, street crime is a problem, particularly in Lima and other big cities. Robberies by rogue taxi drivers in the main tourist areas, including Lima airport, Cusco and Arequipa, are an increasing problem. Travellers are advised to book taxis through reputable companies rather than hailing them in the street.

The Ministry of Transport & Communications has suspended the activities of the CIAL bus company on the route between Lima and La Paz via Cusco following a fatal bus carsh on 4 December 2007.

Peru was struck by an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale on 15 August 2007. About 595 people died, mostly in the cities of Ica and Pisco (around 100 miles south of Lima), the area most affected. 318 are still missing. Local travel and communications were affected, but previously suspended bus services have now resumed. The area is still suffering from the devastation caused by the quake, with infrastructure seriously affected.

Since late June 2007, there has been an increasing number of civil disturbances, including strikes, demonstrations and street protests, which have now spread to all areas of the country. While the demonstrations have been mainly peaceful, there have been incidents of violence. There is also disruption to travel in many areas including blocked highways and airport closures. In particular, road and rail services between Puno and Cusco are severely disrupted. Travellers are strongly advised to check with your travel company or airline before travelling within Peru.

There is a risk of ’express kidnappings’. Travellers should exercise caution when arriving in, and travelling around Peru and be aware of the general risks of crime for visitors. 

Heavy rainfall has led to several instances of flooding and landslides in central Peru, and the blockage of many roads. Travellers are advised to check before travelling to the central areas of the country. 

There has been a marked increase in cases of dengue fever in Trujillo, La Libertad province.

Street demonstrations and protests are commonplace in Peru, and sometimes turn violent. Travellers should take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering.

The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February. This is an annual closure in order to carry out maintenance and conservation works.

Travellers should carry some form of identification at all times. A photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages is sufficient.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Peru Overview
• Peru Things to See
• Peru Things to Do
• Peru Events
• Peru Climate
• Peru Public Holidays
• Peru Health
• Peru Currency
• Peru Passport & Visas
• Peru Contact Addresses
• Peru Travel Advice