Explore the Wonders of Peru: A Gateway to Diverse Adventures
Peru is a large country on the Pacific coast of South America, encompassing a desert coastline, tropical rainforest, and soaring mountains, each with distinct environments. These dramatic landscapes offer an exceptional opportunity for travellers to experience a variety of adventures, an abundance of wildlife, a rich history and archaeological heritage, and the vivacious character of durable native cultures, all within one nation.
Fishing villages, fine beaches, agricultural lands, and Peru’s major towns and cities, including the capital of Lima, are interspersed along the narrow belt of desert coastline that stretches the length of the country. The lush Amazon Basin takes up half of Peru and is an ecologically rich area of tropical rainforest that encompasses some of the world’s most remote and least explored areas, sparsely populated and for the most part, inaccessible. Separating the coastal desert from the jungle is the splendid Andes mountain range, an endless chain of soaring peaks over 22,000 feet (7,000m) high, and home to millions of indigenous highland people, speaking the ancient Inca language of Quechua, and living in traditional villages with steeply terraced agricultural fields, with their wandering herds of llamas and alpacas.
An interesting history of ancient civilisations, tales of lost cities, undiscovered treasures, and unsolved mysteries make Peru one of the most exciting countries in the world. Travellers can marvel at the sophistication of pre-Colombian cultures and explore the many legacies left by the Inca Empire, particularly the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. Hiking along the legendary royal Inca highway brings visitors to the awesome, majestic ‘Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu. Boats transport tourists to the unique floating islands and the traditional world of the island people on Lake Titicaca. Travellers can wander around splendid colonial cities that have preserved their Spanish architecture, look into the depths of the world’s deepest canyon, and contemplate the intriguing mystery of the Nazca Lines.
For the more adventurous, a number of powerful rivers race within Peru’s borders such as the mighty Amazon. Experienced paddlers will find some challenging stretches of white-water, while novices can enjoy the country’s gentler runs. The Urubamba Valley, the Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons, and the Rio Santa and Tambopata Rivers all have terrific options. Adventurers can also tackle many wonderful stretches near Arequipa, which makes a great base for rafting and kayaking holidays.
Peru, ‘Land of the Incas’, offers a stimulating and rewarding travel experience and is one of the most diverse and exhilarating of the South American destinations.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Spanish is the official language. In areas where they are predominant, Quechua, Aymara and other aboriginal languages also have official status. English is spoken only in major tourist centres and hotels.
- Passport/Visa:
All travellers require passports, return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If travelling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the visitor’s intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more limited. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pronged plugs with flat blades as well as plugs with two round prongs are in use.
Overview
If there’s one place in South America brimming with fascinating and awe-inspiring attractions, it’s Peru. With wonders such as Macchu Pichu, the Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nazca lines, the Coricancha Inca Ruins and Pisco, it’s no wonder Peru is one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations. The country is a favourite with backpackers and budget travellers and it is possible to travel cheaply if necessary. However, Peru’s most famous tourist activity, hiking the Inca Trail, is expensive and must be organised in advance as permits are required and very limited.
Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are charming and atmospheric, if a little shabby, with lots of colour and run-down colonial buildings. Peru has an interesting and refreshingly unique cuisine and the restaurant scene in places like Lima is fun to investigate. Lima also has a vibrant nightlife and some decent museums.
A reliable swell, fairly warm water and consistent offshore winds make the country a tremendous surfing destination too, with local surfers generally heading to Lima with its great waves. The north coast in particular has long, empty waves in beautiful locations, plus one of the world’s largest left-hand point breaks.
Getting around Peru is fairly cheap and easy with plenty of internal flights operating on an almost daily basis and an affordable and reasonably reliable public transport system. It’s advisable to fly between cities when possible or rent a car and explore all this mystical country has to offer, although long-haul bus trips are also an option.
Climate in Peru
Peru has three climate zones, one of which governs the coastal region. Its desert landscape is caused by the cold Humboldt Current, which prevents cloud formation over the land. Lima is generally sunny and humid, with next to no rainfall, though it experiences heavy sea mists from April to November. The northern coast has hot, sunny summers, with occasional rain showers. The coast gets less arid farther north, as the effect of the Humboldt Current decreases. The Andes region is cool, and its wet season runs from October to April. The dry season lasts from May to October, and this is the most popular time to visit Peru. During the dry season, days in the highlands are clear and sunny, though nights become very cold, especially at altitude. The forested region of the Amazon Basin has an equatorial climate, where conditions involve hot weather and frequent rain throughout the year.
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to October, and July and August are the peak months. Visitors will notice more rain between November and April, particularly over January and February. Travel at this time does offer the advantage of fewer visitors, greener scenery, and lower rates for flights and hotels. The Amazon also experiences more rain between November and March, but this should not deter you from visiting – the flora and fauna will still be abundant and there are always breaks in showers.
Health Notes when travelling to Peru
Travellers heading to Peru will need a yellow fever certificate if they’re entering from an infected area, and are advised to take precautions if travelling to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible, as are precautions against malaria, dengue fever and zika virus. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended, as well as a course of rabies injections if journeying into the wilderness. Diarrhoea and altitude sickness are the most common ailments, so travellers should only drink bottled water, avoid drinks with ice and be wary of street food. Healthcare is good in the major cities, particularly at private clinics rather than public hospitals, but travel insurance remains essential.
Safety Notes when travelling to Peru
Most visits to Peru are trouble-free and sensible precautions should be enough to keep travellers safe. There have been a few incidents on treks through the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and should seek safety advice before setting out. Travellers should only take official taxis as thieves can pose as drivers or tour operators.
Customs in Peru
Visitors should not take photographs of anything relating to the military. Many locals will ask for a tip in return for being the subject of a photograph. In some places, this is the primary source of income. Homosexuality, although legal, is frowned upon. Gay travellers should keep a low profile outside gay clubs. Visitors should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as this will be seen as insulting, regardless of their intentions.
Duty Free in Peru
Travellers over the age of 18 do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 3 litres of alcoholic beverages; and gifts to the value of US$500. Items such as sausages, salami, ham and cheese may only be brought in if accompanied by an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham from Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural or artistic items from the country is not permitted.
Doing Business in Peru
Business centres on the capital, Lima, and is usually conducted in a formal and somewhat conservative manner. It’s worth noting that foreigners will need a business visa from a local Peruvian Consulate.
Dress should be formal, with suits and ties being the norm. Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and handshakes are standard for men and women. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is useful to have them printed in Spanish on one side, though English is fairly common. In fact, any effort to speak Spanish will be well received.
Women may encounter sexism. Punctuality is important, though meetings are not likely to begin on time. Business hours can vary but are usually from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses close for a siesta from 1pm to 3pm.
Communication in Peru
The international access code for Peru is +51. Wifi access is available in most hotels, modern restaurants and cafés.
Tipping in Peru
Most restaurants add a service charge of 10 percent, which will be indicated by the words propina or servicio near the bottom of the bill. Even if a service charge has been added, the waiter can be offered an additional 10 percent for exceptional service; this is also the going rate for tipping where a service charge has not been added. In hotels, porters expect about US$1 per bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set before departure). Tour guides are customarily tipped.
Passport/Visa Note
All travellers require passports, return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If travelling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the visitor’s intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.
Tourist Offices
PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru), Lima: +51 1 616 7300 or https://www.peru.travel/biddingbook/home_en.html
Peru Embassies
- In the United States:
Peruvian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 833 9860.
- In Canada:
Peruvian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 1777.
- In the United Kingdom:
Peruvian Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7235 3802.
- In Australia:
Peruvian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6273 7351.
- In Ireland:
Peruvian Consulate, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 567 6951.
- In New Zealand:
Peruvian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 213 8943.
- In South Africa:
Peruvian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 440 1030.
Foreign Embassies in Peru
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Lima: +51 1 618 2000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Lima: +51 1 319 3200.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Lima: +51 1 617 3000.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Lima: +51 1 630 0500.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Honorary Consulate, Lima, Peru: +51 1 222 5252.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy in Chile (also responsible for Peru): +56 2 2616 3000.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Lima: +51 1 612 4848.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
