This unique and fascinating country stands out from the crowd with its different cultural and natural treasures. Peru is also home to natural wonders like the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and Rainbow Mountain as well as the beautiful coastal city of Lima. It’s a diverse country with countless destinations to discover! Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the biggest attractions for tourists around the world.

Entry requirements: Tourists from North America, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the European Union receive a visa upon arrival for up to 180 days. Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate.

Departure tax: in Latin America, airport taxes are sometimes not included in the ticket price. International airport taxes can ussually be paid in either local currency or US$ Dollar. Make sure you leave sufficient U$D or local currency in cash. International airport tax is U$D 31, 00. Domestic airport taxes may apply. The fees vary according to the airport but internal departures from Lima cost US $6.05.

The dry season (May to September) is considered the best time to visit Peru. It’s also high tourist season in. Coastal areas, including Lima and Paracas, have mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s an excellent time for visiting popular attractions like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco.

Peru’s astonishing ecological diversity has helped to produce an exciting cuisine. The national dish – ceviche – is made from fresh seafood marinated in lime juice and chillies, then served with sweet potato, a cob of corn and salad. Washed down at Sunday lunchtime with a cool Cusqueña beer, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Cuy (roast guinea pig), an exotic local speciality, is also worth a try, even if the thought may be off-putting. Street snacks are tasty and good value – grilled meats and empanadas are available almost anywhere, alongside delicious tropical produce. Finally, don’t leave without sampling the national tipple, pisco sour: a mix of Peruvian pisco, lime, syrup, egg white and bitters – delicious and surprisingly potent.

This South American country offers covetable items on almost every street corner. Apart from fine fabrics and colorful clothes, there’s delicious food and drink, and a wide variety of meaningful crafts.

Traditional crafts are some of the most popular souvenirs to pick up when shopping in Peru. Authentic goods from most regions can be found in markets and independent shops in Lima, carved gourds are imported from around Huancayo, and the best jungle crafts are from Pucallpa and Iquitos.

Peru has many languages in use, with its official languages being Spanish, Quechua and Aymara.

Clothing tips:

Lima: Casual warm-weather clothing for day and light jackets and sweaters for the evenings.

Cusco: Layered clothing recommended. (see CLOTHING – GENERAL section).

Inca Trail: See ‘Andean trekking’ section.

Puno: Whilst hot during the day, a jacket is important, high altitude means it can get very cold at night.

Amazon: See ‘The Amazon and Pantanal’.

Vaccinations:

This information is intended as an overview only. Please read HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS section and always consult your doctor.

Yellow fever: Vaccination against yellow fever for all passengers visiting jungle areas below 2300m in Peru. Travelers who will only visit the cities of Cuzco and Lima, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail and some areas west of the Andes, do not need vaccination..

Malaria: The number of cases of malaria has risen sharply in recent years. Most cases in Peru occur in Loreto in the country’s northeast Amazon region. Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa have no reported cases at time of writing.

Water: Do not drink tap water. Drink only bottled or boiled water.

Sun protection: Use sun block and a hat to protect your skin, especially at high altitude in the Andes and Lake Titicaca where the sun is intense.

Altitude sickness: Read section HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS section

Recommendations:

Eat: Peru has extraordinary, varied and exotic food. Try platos criollos and ceviche. Guinea pig (cuy) is an Andean delicacy. Your travel consultant can provide a number of popular restaurant and other recommendations for your destination(s).

Drink: Pisco Sour cocktails – the national drink. Popular with locals is Chicha de Jora a traditional drink made with fermented corn. Mate de Coca, a tea made from the leaves of the coca plant. IncaKola, Peru’s unique luminous yellow soft drink.

Some Notable Events

2 Feb Main day of the Mamacha Candelaria festival in Puno, a lavish folkloric festivity.

May/June Qoyllur Rit’i: A festival and huge pilgrimage of native indians in honor of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i in Cusco region.

24 June Inti Raymi in Cusco: Homage to the Sun, an important god in Inca culture, held on the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman.

16 July Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo near Cusco is a colorful mix of Andean pre-Columbian and Catholic ceremonies. Festive costumes, music and dance abound.

October El Senor de los Milagros: A religious procession through the streets of Lima to the venerated mural, lasting 24 hours and involving tens of thousands dressed in purple.

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