Peru Travel Guide

Peru is a country located in South America with name that begins with letter P. Wide highlands with mighty peaks, dense jungles, bright blue lakes and ancient cultures characterize the South American Republic of Peru, which borders Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile in the west of the continent.

The total population of Peru is estimated at 30 million, of which half live on the Pacific coast; the capital Lima alone has 9 million residents. 40% of Peruvians live in the highlands and only 10% in the huge jungle area east of the Andes. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter P.

Entry requirements

EU citizens only need a valid passport to enter Peru, which must be valid for 6 months at the time of entry.

Climate

Peru is located south of the equator and consists of three regions with completely different climates:

• The desert, which stretches more than 2,000 km along the coast – this zone is characterized by drought and large temperature differences; in addition, a blanket of fog called guagua often spreads in the coastal region from April to December.
• The Andean highlands with peaks well over 6,000 m and the Altiplano in southern Peru, which is about 4,000 m above sea level: it is cool here from May to September, but clear and dry, while the temperatures are higher from October to April, but the mountain peaks are frequent lying in damp fog.
• The Amazon lowlands – here it is humid and hot from January to April, dry and hot from May to October.

The best time to travel to Peru is from June to September; but the whole year is used as the travel season.

Culinary and traditional cuisine

The food in Peru is quite varied and very tasty. When walking through a local market, you will be impressed by the variety of vegetables and fruits. In the kitchens of Peru, which are very different from region to region, Inca traditions and their staple foods, maize and potatoes, mix with Spanish influences, which have recently been enriched with African and Chinese elements. Cuy chactado: roasted guinea pig is one of the specialties of the country. The most famous alcoholic drink is the pisco brandy.

The water from the pipes is not suitable for drinking. Please only drink water from purchased bottles, boiled or filtered water!

Medical advice

No special vaccinations are required to enter Peru. Please clarify with your doctor in good time which vaccinations are necessary for you.

Outside of Lima, medical care does not meet European standards. A personal pharmacy with your own medicines is strongly recommended; it makes it easier to act in the event of illness.

Altitude: When traveling in high mountain regions of Peru, an adjustment to the altitude must be made. We ask you to read our recommendations for a successful adaptation to great heights in the travel documents carefully before starting your journey.

Also be careful when dealing with the sun: The UV rays are much stronger than ours due to the altitude and proximity to the equator. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and headgear are mandatory.

General security

In terms of crime, Peru is in the Latin American midfield; Compared to the EU countries there is a higher risk of falling victim to theft or assault It is advisable to leave money and valuables in the hotel safe or not to carry them openly with you, to avoid crowds and to be vigilant in contact with strangers. In the cities you should only use official, registered taxis and if possible pre-booked taxis.

Clothing & cultural behaviors

When it comes to clothing, you are well on your way in Peru with European customs. As the colorful country invites you to take photos, it should be noted here that you should respect people’s privacy and ask for permission before taking photos. Photography is prohibited in most churches and museums.

Please give begging children or intrusive traders a friendly but firm rebuff. The children do not benefit from our handouts.

Special criminal law provisions

Drug offenses are severely punished in Peru.

Climate and travel time

Argentina

Due to its geographical extent, Argentina includes several climatic zones. In the north a subtropical climate (extremely hot and humid summers), in the south a subarctic climate, in the capital and the economically more important provinces a temperate climate.

Bolivia

There are no seasons in the true sense of the word, just an alternation of rainy and dry seasons. The climate varies depending on the altitude. In the highlands, there is a dry season from May to November with large temperature fluctuations between day and night. Frequent and heavy rains can be expected between December and March. In the lowlands there is a tropical climate with high humidity. The rainy season lasts from December to May.

Peru

Peru is located south of the equator and consists of three regions with completely different climates. The desert that stretches for more than 2000 km along the coast; the Andean highlands with peaks well over 6,000 m and the Altiplano in southern Peru, which is about 4,000 m above sea level, as well as the Amazon lowlands. The high mountain ranges of the Andes largely hold back the clouds from the Amazon lowlands. Exceptional drought and large temperature differences are therefore the main characteristics of the climate in the desert strip on the coast. In addition, the guagua, a fog that spreads along the coast from late April to just before Christmas, makes life in this zone uncomfortable. It can often take days before you see the sun in the capital Lima and you might think that you are not in the tropics.

In the Andes it is cool but clear and dry from May to September, while the temperatures are higher from October to April, but the mountain peaks are often covered in damp fog. In the Amazon Basin, it is humid and hot from January to April, and dry and hot from May to October.

The cheapest travel time for Peru is June to September; but the whole year is used as the travel season.

Important: In July / August it is pleasantly warm during the day on the trekking routes, but some nights in higher camps can be extremely cool! Please be sure to bring a good sleeping bag (comfort temperature down to approx. -5 ° C) and warm clothing.

All about money

Currency

Argentina: The legal tender is the Argentine Peso. 1 Peso (ARS) is equal to 100 Centavos.

Bolivia: The legal tender is the boliviano. 1 boliviano (BOB) equals 100 centavos.

Peru: The legal tender is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). 1 sol is equal to 100 céntimos.

Money

The most convenient way to get money is to withdraw it from an ATM. With the usual credit cards (don’t forget your PIN!) It is possible to get cash in larger cities. In most cases, it is also possible to use a debit card (EC card), but a credit card offers more security. Fees are to be expected for each correction, which is why it is advisable to choose a larger amount. In remote regions and on hikes lasting several days, it is not possible to get money, so make sure you have enough cash.

It is advisable to exchange US dollars as security and take them with you on your trip. You can exchange and pay with US dollars (in small denominations) almost anywhere. For smaller expenses, the local currency is preferred and exchanging on the street is not recommended.

Other essential information

Time difference

Argentina: Time difference to CET -4h

Bolivia: Time difference to CET -5h

Peru: Time difference to CET -6h

Electrical current

Argentina: 220 volts / 50 Hertz alternating current, three-pin plug (adapter plug required)

Bolivia: In La Paz 110 volts or 220 volts, 50 hertz, outside continuously 220 volts, 50 hertz; American plug shapes (adapter plug required)

Peru: 220 volts / 60 Hertz alternating current, flat plug