General Information

Peru is the most diverse country on the face of the Earth. You can find almost every type of weather here as well as world records for the number of butterflies, orchids, birds, whales, and other animal groups. Deserts, unending beaches, snowcapped mountains, enchanted lakes, inter-Andean valleys, cloud forests, and jungles that stretch to the horizon and divided by the longest, mightiest river in the world, the Amazon.

If we had to make a list of other impressive sites, then we would be obliged to top it with Machu Picchu, recently voted one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, followed by incredible Pre-Incan sites like the Nasca Lines, mud temples from the Moche civilization, and marvelous terraced hillsides along the Colca Valley, each an extraordinary testimony of people who lived in these lands long before the Incas.

El tiempo – Tutiempo.net


Interesting facts

10 reasons to visit Peru
  1. Geography privileged.
  2. World Class Cuisine.
  3. Ancient history.
  4. The most biodiverse country.
  5. Safety and hospitality.
  6. Diversity of living cultures.
  7. Paradise Adventure.
  8. Excellent regional connectivity.
  9. Adequate infrastructure.
  10. Affordable.
Category Information
Capital Lima
Surface 1´285,215 Km2
Parts Coast, Highland and Rainforest
Population 30 millions
Languages Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Religion Predominantly Catholic
Government Democratic Republic
Currency Sol (PEN – S / .)
Current weather www.weather.com
News www.elcomercioperu.pe
Tourism www.peru.info
Time zone -5 GMT
Electric power 220 V. Most 4 and 5 * hotels offer 110v current.

In addition to bringing clothes suited for each city’s normal temperature range, we suggest you pack the following:

  • Warm clothing for nights
  • Raincoat or waterproof poncho
  • Windbreaker
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Small carrying case
  • Camera, extra batteries, film, memory card
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medication
  • Copy of your passport

People react differently to changes in altitude, so we offer these recommendations that you may find helpful:

  • Rest for a couple of hours right after you arrive.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, like Gatorade or Powerade.
  • Hotels provide you free of charge an herbal tea called mate de coca, a traditional beverage that helps the body acclimate faster.
  • Don’t overeat and try to eat more carbohydrates.
  • Walk at a measured pace.
  • Plan your itinerary so you will gradually ascend to the highest altitudes.

We invite you to read these frequent inquiries

Local currency and use of US dollars

The national currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).

The US dollar is widely accepted in Peru, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments. Euros (€) can also be exchanged for Peruvian Sol or US dollars at authorized exchange houses, banks, or currency exchange offices.

Money exchange: Travelers can exchange euros, dollars, and other foreign currencies at authorized exchange houses, banks, or currency exchange offices. It is recommended to exchange money at reputable establishments and avoid street exchanges.

ATMs: Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available in Peru’s main cities and tourist areas. They dispense Peruvian Sol and may also offer the option to withdraw US dollars. Most ATMs accept major international cards such as Visa, American Express, and MasterCard.

No vaccinations are mandatory for entering the country.

However, if you are planning to travel to the Peruvian Amazon or other remote regions, vaccinations are recommended:

  • Yellow fever vaccination: This vaccination should be received 10 days before visiting the jungle or remote areas.
  • Consult your physician regarding other vaccinations such as hepatitis, typhoid, and tetanus, and consider malaria prophylaxis if you plan to stay in the jungle for a prolonged period.

Peru has diverse climatic conditions due to its varied geography:

  • Coastal region: The coastal areas, including cities like Lima, have a desert-like climate with warm temperatures and low rainfall throughout the year.
  • Highland region: The highlands, including cities like Cusco and Arequipa, have a cooler climate, especially at higher altitudes. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
  • Amazon region: The Amazon rainforest region in Peru has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. It tends to be hot and humid.
  • January 1st – New Year’s Day
  • Moveable date (February or March) – Carnival
  • April 21st – Tiradentes’ Day
  • May 1st – Labor Day
  • September 7th – Independence Day
  • October 12th – Our Lady of Aparecida
  • November 2nd – All Souls’ Day
  • November 15th – Proclamation of the Republic
  • December 25th – Christmas Day

The world’s leading car hire companies operate in Peru.

For visiting regions with rugged terrain, the most frequently requested vehicles are four-wheel drive SUVs.

To drive in Peru, you must carry with you:

  • Driving license
  • Copy of passport
  • Vehicle documentation (SOAT – Compulsory Traffic Accident Insurance, Certificate of Roadworthiness, and Ownership Card)
  • Vehicle hire contract, if the car is rented
  • International driving license valid for one year.