Info

General INFO

Location: In the central and western part of South America facing the Pacific Ocean on the West.

Area:  A total of 496,220 square miles, divided into three main geographic areas: the Coast, the Highlands and the Jungle.

Population:  28 million of the following ethnic strains: Europeans, Oriental, African, Indoamerican. In Lima: 8 millions.

Language:  Spanish. Quechua is also an official language. Aymara is spoken by people around lake Titicaca and dozens of languages are spoken by the native inhabitants of the Amazon basin.

Religion:  Roman Catholic: 95%. Protestant and others: 5%.

Climate:
- Coast: Winter (May-October) average: 14ºC / 57ºF
Summer (November-April) average: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Highlands:
Temperatures range from 18ºC / 64ºF during the day to 3ºC / 37º F at night. The rainy season lasts from December to March.
- Jungle:
Hot and humid, with sporadic rains all year round.

Currency:  The Sol, broken down into 100 centimos. US Dollars are accepted in Peru's larger cities. Credit cards widely accepted: VISA, Diners, Master Card, American Express. Travel checks may be cashed in main hotels. US Dollars exchange can be made at hotels and banks.

Entry Requirement:  Valid passport; citizens of few countries require visas. Yellow fever vaccination required for those visiting some areas of the Amazon basin. Passengers traveling through Peru to Brazil also require yellow fever vaccine.

Voltage:  220 volts. Major hotels have 110 volts outlets.

Government:  Democracy where the President and Legislative Chamber are elected every five years.

Entertainment, Gambling, Eating:  Some Lima hotels have casinos, while hotels in Cusco often feature folklore shows. Restaurants of Lima's districts of Miraflores and San Isidro offer a variety of cuisine ranging from traditional Peruvian "Criolla", to International. Bars and night clubs with live music, criollo, black and Andean music are a specially popular in the bohemian district of Barranco.

Time:  GMT-5 hours (No change during the Summer).

Security: Take normal precautions against pickpockets - Carry a copy of identification documents. Keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the responsibility assumed by the establishment. - Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage. - Do not carry suitcases, bags or sac packs on your back. - Do not exchange money out in the street. - Do not walk around late at night through areas with poor lighting or without a companion

Health: Only drink bottled or previously boiled water. - Be careful with raw vegetables and fruits. - Avoid eating from street vendors. - Rest on the first day of your arrival to the Highlands, and consume light meals to prevent altitude illness (soroche). Drinking "coca tea" is recommended. - If you travel to the Highlands or to the Jungle, make sure to carry insect repellent and a raincoat. 

Banks: Banking hours in Peru are normally from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, most banks open for the public half day on Saturdays. In the main cities there are ATM machines.

Money Exchange: It is recommended that money should be exchanged in hotels, banks and authorized money exchange offices (Service hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., approximately). The exchange rate against the US Dollar is variable. Inquire before changing your money. For exchanging other currencies inquiry at money exchange offices

Nightlife: Most of the cities of Peru have a wide variety of night life entertainment. Information about places of interest can be obtained where you are staying. If you wish to enjoy typical Peruvian music, you can visit the so-called "peñas". In Lima, the most popular discotheques, pubs and night clubs are in the Districts of Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco. In other cities they are normally found in city centers (main square and vicinity).

Food and Drink: Peruvian cuisine offers a great variety of dishes typical of the Coast, the Highlands and the Jungle. Always first ask about their ingredients, since some dishes can contain hot pepper or be highly spiced. You will also find establishments where international food is prepared. As far as drinks are concerned, try the very Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) in any of its various recipes, as well as "chicha morada" (purple corn juice) "chicha de jora" (fermented red or yellow corn juice) and agüaje juice, made from a tropical Jungle fruit.