Peru Travel Guide

Basic Facts

Location: in western South America, faces the Pacific on the west
Area: 1,285,216 square km (496,225 sq mi)
Population: 31.49 million
Language: Spanish
Currency: Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Time Zone: UTC-5
Capital: Lima
Administrative Division: 25regions and Lima Province
Religions and Beliefs: Catholicism

Things to Do

Abundant in history and culture, Peru has 12 world cultural heritages, among which seven are festivals. Peru is a perfect place for adventures because of diverse landscapes like deserts, coasts, mountains, and jungles. Apart from adventures, visitors can take part in many leisure activities, such as surfing, taking hot spring bath and spa. If you are a food lover, then you are in the right place. The cate of Peru is also famous in the world. Full of shopping plazas in cities and handicraft marketplaces in towns, Peru is a good place for shopaholics.

Top destinations: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Puno
Top attractions: Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, Lake Titicaca, Plaza de Armas, Manu National Park, Nazca Lines, Amazon Rainforest

Best Time to Go

May to October is the best time for traveling there, as the weather would not be too hot. Climate and weather change according to geographic features. The coastal desert of western Peru is dry and mild, with an annual temperature of 12~32℃ (54~90℉). If you want to travel there, topcoats and short sleeves are better to be taken. The mountain region in central Peru has complex geological condition and temperature changes greatly, ranging from 1℃ to 14℃ (34~57℉) averagely throughout the year. The eastern tropical rainforest area is warm and humid, with annual average temperatures reaching 24~35℃ (75~ 95℉). If it’s your destination, effective mosquito repellents and umbrella should be taken.

Transportation

Peru has convenient transportation. There are 10 international airports, which are located in Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Pisco, Pucallpa, Iquitos, Cusco, Trujillo, Tacna and Juliaca. Both international flights and domestic flights are offered. There are two rail companies in Peru: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Peru Rail provides three classes of carriages with different ticket prices. Thanks to the good road condition and satisfying bus service in Peru, visitors can choose economical buses mainly for locals or tour buses according to budget and preference.

Travel Tips

Before travelling to plateaus, please have a good rest, eat some light food and drink much water in order not to suffer from altitude stress. In case you have altitude stress, have a rest firstly, and then drink some liquid or medicine containing coca. Cardiovascular patients should consult with doctors before going to the plateau section. If you are going to visit the rainforest, mosquito repellent is a necessity, and yellow fever vaccine should be vaccinated ten days before departure. Some stores, restaurants and petrol stations accept payment in US dollars. Visitors can exchange money in registered institutions like banks and hotels. ATMs are distributed in main cities. Main credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, Amex card and Diner Club card, etc are accepted.

History

Peru has a long history, and plays an important role in South American civilization. Before the coming of Inca, there had given birth to advanced civilization. Around the 10th century, Inca established their state here, which was called the Inca Empire. Then it had been the colony of Spain for nearly 300 years since 1533 and declared independence in 1821. The combination of different kinds of civilizations has left spectacular historical sites.

Geographical Features

The Andes Mountain runs through north to south, and 1/3 of the country’s total area is mountainous area. The whole country can be divided into three regions from west to east: the coastal desert, mountain region and eastern rainforest. Its geographical features contribute to various landscapes and natural resources. With an altitude of 6,768 meters (22,204.7 feet), Navado Huascaran Mountain is the highest peak in this country.