Peru Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Lima.

Geography:

Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific coast of South America that borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west. There are three natural zones:

The Costa region, which contains Lima (the capital), is a narrow coastal plain consisting of large tracts of desert broken by fertile valleys. The cotton, sugar and rice plantations and most of the so-far exploited oil fields lie in this area, as does the majority of the population. The best roads run along the coast, having straight, flat paths ahead of them, and travel times are usually good.

The highland Sierra contains the Andes, with peaks over 6,000m (20,000ft), most of the country's mineral resources (silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold) and the greater part of its livestock. Roads in this area wind up, down and around mountains, so travelling in this area is often time-consuming.

The Selva (jungle), an area of fertile, subtropical land, lies between the Andes and the borders with Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador. The Amazonian jungle has vast natural resources. The absence of land communications, however, left the area largely uncharted until full-scale oil exploration began in 1973. Even today roads barely penetrate the region. Some areas are best reached by small plane.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The principal international airline in Peru is LATAM (www.latam.com).

The major airport is: Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport.

Departure Tax

Included in the air fare.

Flight Times

To Lima: from London - 12 hours 30 minutes; New York - 8 hours.

Getting There By Road

The Panamerican Highway and two other main roads located further inland run from the north to the south of the country. There are buses from every town or city in the neighbouring countries which take you across or to borders, from where you can catch another at the other side.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Callao and San Martín. Some international cruises occasionally call at Callao and Salaverry (Trujillo). Iquitos is the main river port and the major water route between Peru and Brazil, for travel through the Amazon Basin.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

LA  (www.lan.com), Avianca (www.avianca.com) and LC Perú (www.lcperu.pe) handle virtually all domestic air traffic. Routes link Lima to Andahuaylas, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cusco, Huánuco, Iquitos, Juliaca-Puno, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Tacna, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Tumbes and other cities. Flights to Huaraz are occasionally offered. For information on internal flights, contact the Peruvian Corporation of Airports (Corpac) (www.corpac.gob.pe).

When travelling around Peru, you have to make a decision: time or money? The bus from Lima to Cusco can take over 24 hours instead of a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes, but it will be a fraction of the price. If taking a shorter trip to Peru, flights will leave you a lot more time at your destination.

You can book in advance from outside the country, or a few days in advance through local tour operators for not much more money. Some flights (of lower prices, and particularly with LAN) are for Peruvians only – if you purchase them be prepared to pay a fine.

Air Travel Note

Domestic flight schedules are often subject to last minute change – try to confirm that your flight is leaving at the time stated on your ticket before you head to the airport.

Bike

Cycling around Peru is only for the foolhardy or extremely experienced. The coastal paths are the most manageable, but they are still rarely of good quality and cover immense distances often with no facilities en route – not good if you break down. Due to road quality, other traffic and altitude, the mountains can be dangerous to cycle in.

If you must cycle around Peru, then you can only hire bikes of a good quality in the big towns: Lima, Huaraz and Cusco. Bringing your own bike (and repair kit) is a better option.

Motorbike: Motorbiking in Peru is only for enthusiasts, rather than the casual rider who thinks it looks cool. It’s expensive to fly your bike out there, and not always straightforward to cross borders with them. It is very much a community-based form of transport, so check out http://advrider.com/forums to search for advice on where to buy bikes and recommended routes to take.

Breakdown Services

There is no countrywide emergency breakdown number. Ensure that your car hire agreement includes towing services if you break down.

Car Hire

International firms have offices in all the major cities and bigger airports. You must be at least 25 to hire a car in Peru, and need to present your passport, national driving licence, credit card as a guarantee, and sometimes a cash deposit.

Coach

Taking the bus is the travel method of choice in Peru; buses go in almost every direction. You can book yourself onto everything from a bus with seats that recline until fully horizontal and hostesses to bring you dinner, to a squashed-in place in the back of a pick-up truck, depending on your budget.

The crème de la crème of coach companies in Peru is Cruz del Sur (tel: +51 ) 311 5050; www.cruzdelsur.com.pe). It’s the most expensive, but you get a nice meal and a good night’s sleep. Other coach companies are Flores (tel: +51 1 332 1212; www.floreshnos.pe), Linea (tel: +51 1 424 0836; www.transporteslinea.com.pe) and MovilTours (tel: +51 1 716 8000; www.moviltours.com.pe). Otherwise just turn up at a bus station or ask around.

Departure Tax

Included in the air fare.

Documentation

You can drive for six months on a national driving licence and up to a year on an International Driving Licence. After that, you need a Peruvian licence. You can obtain permits in Peru through the Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú (www.touringperu.com.pe). All foreign vehicles must have documentation from their own national automobile association or you can obtain it on the Peruvian border before entering the country. Always carry your driving licence, a copy of your passport and, if the vehicle is hired, a copy of the rental contract.

Getting Around By Rail

Peru Rail (tel: +51 84 581 414; www.perurail.com) runs comfortable tourist trains between Puno and Cusco and between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Ferrocarril Central Andino (tel: +51 1226 6363; www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe) runs a twice-monthly tourist service on renovated trains between Lima and Huáncayo (April to November only). This spectacular route is the second highest railway in the world (the highest being in Tibet).

Regulations

The minimum driving age is 18. Seatbelts should be worn both in the front and back of a car, and also on coaches (though most people don’t bother). 

Theoretically, the speed limit is 100kph (62mph) on highways, 80kph (50mph) on other major roads and 30-60kph (19-37mph) in built-up areas. No one in Peru follows this though, driving as fast as possible.
 

Getting Around By Road

Main roads in Peru are, at least, reasonably paved; others can range from extraordinarily bumpy to impassable after landslides. Landslides are frequent in the mountains during the rainy season (December to March), making for slow travel and closed roads. Take care driving on the mountain roads, which are narrow, windy and above all high up. Local drivers who know the roads well go like the clappers, but if you try it you may well go off a cliff.

Road Classification

The well-maintained Pan-American Highway runs down the length of Peru's coast, with intersecting highways running east into the mountains.

The Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú and the Instituto Geográfico Nacional sell maps. Travel guides like Guía Toyota include good road maps.

Road Quality

Many mountain roads are unpaved, and almost all are badly potholed. Landslides are frequent in the mountains during the rainy season (December to March), making for slow travel.

Side Of Road

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Taxi

Many unlicensed taxi companies operate in Peru and visitors are advised to avoid these. They usually have a red and white taxi sign on the windscreen. Licensed yellow taxis are the only cabs allowed in downtown Lima. Taxis do not have meters and you should agree fares before departure (they are relatively inexpensive).

Extensive and safe taxi services are available by telephone in main cities. Hotels and hostels can book them for you. Taxi fares increase by 35 to 50% after midnight and on holidays. Drivers do not expect tips.

Urban Travel

Public transport in Lima is provided by conventional buses and by minibuses (combis), though they are overcrowded, sometimes dangerous and not particularly useful for tourists. These operate from 0600 to 0000 on established routes; wherever possible, try to avoid using bus travel late at night. Lima also has a small, efficient metro system.

Getting Around By Water

Transportation is available between Pucallpa and Iquitos (journey time - 4 to 7 days), Yurimaguas and Iquitos (journey time - 2 to 3 days) and from Iquitos to the border with Brazil and Colombia (journey time - 2 to 3 days). However, river travel can be long and uncomfortable and apart from main routes, service is sporadic.

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel  

Within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for: 

• the Amazon River
• the area of the triple border with Brazil and Colombia from and including the towns of Caballococha in Peru up to the actual triple border at Santa Rosa de Yavari town

Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.

We advise against all but essential travel to these two areas for safety and security reasons.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Peru's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Peru set and enforce entry rules. If you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish).

Passport validity requirements

To enter Peru, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel to Peru without a visa for tourism or short visits. If you are travelling for any other reason, check requirements with the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish).

When you arrive in Peru, you will normally get permission to stay for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. The 180 day period is calculated from the date of your first entry into Peru. Immigration officials can grant you a maximum of 183 days in a 365 day period as a visitor or tourist.

If you overstay, you will get a fine and you could be detained.

Arriving at an international airport

If you arrive in Peru at an international airport, authorities will register your entry digitally through a Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) - a virtual immigration control document.

You can check how long you are allowed to stay in Peru on the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones website (in Spanish).

Arriving by land

If you enter Peru by land from a neighbouring country, get a passport entry stamp at the immigration checkpoint. You cannot leave Peru without one. If you did not get a stamp, apply to get a passport entry stamp online (form in Spanish) and:

• give your passport details
• give evidence of your entry to Peru, such as a bus ticket in your name
• show an exit stamp from the last country you visited

The British Embassy can help you to apply for an entry stamp. You should start this process as soon as possible.

If you cannot give the information needed, you must apply for an exit order or expulsion order to leave Peru in person at the Immigration Office in Lima. These orders may stop you from re-entering Peru for a number of years. The British Embassy cannot intervene in these decisions but can help you with the exit procedure.

Travelling inside Peru without a passport 

If your passport is lost or stolen and you plan to travel inside Peru, contact your travel agency, airline or bus company to check their requirements. Some companies will not allow you to travel carrying a police report only. You may need a new passport or an emergency travel document.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Peru guide.

Travelling with children

Children aged 17 and under who are travelling on a British passport and have Peruvian resident status need written permission ('Autorización de Viaje Notarial') from the non-accompanying parent or parents to leave Peru.

You must get permission in a letter signed by a public notary in Peru. The letter must include:

• proposed destination
• purpose of the trip
• departure date
• return date

These requirements do not normally apply to children with tourist status, but immigration officers may ask for them in circumstances considered suspicious, or if the child has overstayed in Peru and the stay lasts more than 183 days.

For further information, contact the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish) or the Peruvian Immigration Department (in Spanish).  

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Peru (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You can bring one laptop and 2 mobile phones into Peru without paying tax.

When you leave Peru, you may be stopped and prosecuted if you are carrying:

• products made from wild animal skins
• crafts made with preserved butterflies, spiders, starfish, sea horses or other fish or insects
• crafts and jewellery made with condor or other wild bird feathers, turtle shells, teeth, bones and other animal parts

The sale of souvenirs made with wild animal parts, including condor feathers, is illegal in Peru. These products are often sold in tourist markets in Cusco and Iquitos.

It is illegal to remove any archaeological artefacts from Peru without authorisation.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Peru.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Peru

Terrorist attacks in Peru cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Political protests in Peru are unpredictable and can escalate quickly. Demonstrations can become violent and lead to roadblocks, travel disruption, including trains, and suspension of immigration services at land borders. This is often without notice or notification of estimated re-opening timelines.

Local groups can announce strike action, with little or no notice, particularly in areas connected to mining. These may quickly spill over from one region to another. 

It's illegal for foreigners in Peru to participate in political activities, including demonstrations against the government. You may face detention or deportation if you take part in a demonstration. To reduce any risk:

• avoid large gatherings and protests
• stay in a safe place
• follow the instructions of army or police officers
• take the advice of local authorities or tour operators
• monitor local media, including social media channels
• be wary of unverified, unofficial information
• make sure you travel with enough food, water, local currency and personal medication
• allow extra time to reach your destination

Protests in Lima often happen in the historic centre, where access can be restricted, but they can also spread to other areas. Other regions that have seen recent protests include Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, La Libertad, Madre de Dios and Puno.

Some train services in the south, including those to and from Machu Picchu, are occasionally suspended or disrupted because of protests. Contact your travel provider for further advice on disruptions, and check if changes need to be made to your journey.

Contact the iPeru information service for help with issues travelling to different regions of Peru.

The British Embassy's ability to provide help will be very limited where protests or criminal activity disrupt travel or damage infrastructure.

Help from local authorities, including police and emergency services, will also be very limited, especially if airports, roads and railroads are affected.

Crime

Organised crime

There is a higher risk to your safety in areas where there is serious organised crime linked to drug production. This includes the border areas with Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil and the Valley of Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM). Remnants of the Shining Path guerrilla group are still active in some of the main coca growing areas in central Peru (Alto Huallaga, Aguaytia and VRAEM river basins).

Street crime

Street crime, including muggings and thefts, is a significant problem in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other major cities. Be alert in public places and when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

It is safer to use ATMs inside banks, supermarkets or large commercial buildings during business hours. Do not walk on your own in quiet areas or at night.

There have been a number of robberies at gunpoint of British tourists and residents. Attacks can take place in tourist areas of Lima such as Miraflores and Barranco. To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid wearing or displaying expensive items
• avoid using your phone at the roadside, as motorbike riders may snatch it
• report crimes to local police as soon as possible
• ask lodge or hotel staff for help if an incident happens on site

Criminals target cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep your doors locked and windows shut while driving.

Protecting your belongings

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common, so:

• keep your belongings secure
• do not leave bags unattended
• on bus journeys, keep your passport with you

Fake taxi drivers

There is a risk of robbery by criminals posing as taxi drivers, especially at Jorge Chavez International Airport and bus terminals. Fake taxi drivers and thieves pretending to be tour operators sometimes approach arriving passengers. To reduce your risk:

• use licensed telephone or app-based taxi services
• do not hail taxis on the street
• ask your hotel to book taxis for you
• use one of the official taxi companies at the airport, located at desks directly outside the baggage hall
• use one of the taxis registered at bus terminals

Kidnappings and hold-ups

Tourists, especially those travelling alone, are at risk of 'express kidnapping'. Victims are taken hostage and forced to withdraw money from ATMs for their release, usually at night. Incidents often involve armed criminals posing as taxi drivers, or taxi drivers working for organised gangs. Armed robbers sometimes hold up provincial and inter-city buses.

If a kidnapping or hold-up happens to you:

• do not attempt to resist attackers
• agree to any demands for cash or goods
• report the incident to the police as soon as possible

Criminals can also fake kidnappings by contacting the numbers from a stolen mobile phone and claiming to have kidnapped the owner. They then demand a ransom. Report it to the police if you suspect this has taken place.

Sexual assault

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen, mostly in the Cusco and Arequipa areas. Unscrupulous tour agents have targeted young females, travelling alone in the Cusco area. You should:

• buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them
• try to get help from people you know
• report incidents to the police as soon as possible
• read advice for women travelling and living abroad

For information on reputable tourist services around Peru, contact the iPeru information service.

Money scams

Counterfeit US and Peruvian banknotes are in circulation. There have been reports of street money changers in Cusco tourist areas fraudulently using Peruvian intis (former currency now out of circulation).

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry ID with you. The Peruvian police may ask to see ID; if you do not have it with you, you may be required to go to the nearest police station.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Illegal drug use and drug trafficking in Peru carry lengthy jail sentences. Prison conditions in Peru are extremely poor and the British Embassy cannot intervene in police or judicial matters, or secure more favourable conditions.

You should:

• pack your luggage yourself and always keep it with you
• not carry anything through customs for anyone
• not take coca leaves or coca tea out of the country – it is illegal to import these items into the UK

Drug couriers have targeted British nationals with email scams. These criminals will try to get you to travel to Peru to pick up items containing drugs. You'll face detention for drug trafficking if convicted.

Military photography

Do not take photographs of anything of a military nature, it is illegal and you could face a prison sentence of two to five years.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Peru, but social attitudes are generally conservative. Crimes against the LGBT+ community are not included in hate crime legislation and same-sex partnerships are not formally recognised.

Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Make sure your insurance covers you for all planned activities.

Unregulated tour services

Make sure that agencies providing adventure activities like zipline, canopy tours, bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, rock climbing, sand buggies and surfing have a licence. You should also check their health and safety precautions. For updated information on tour and sport services, contact the iPeru information service.

Hiking and mountaineering

Peru's highest peaks are in the Cordillera Blanca Mountains. Several hikers have died and others had to be rescued after serious accidents. Much of the region is inaccessible by helicopter so rescues are usually carried out on foot. Contact the iPeru information service in Huaraz – phone: 0051 (43) 428 812 – before you set off.

Sand buggies  

There have been deaths and accidents involving recreational sand buggies, particularly in the sand dunes around Ica and Lake Huacachina. These buggies are unregulated, and the drivers and agencies take no responsibility for the welfare of passengers.

Surfing

There are unauthorised surfboard rentals at the beaches of Miraflores. There may not be lifeguards on beaches.

River rafting and Amazon riverboat cruises  

For more information or to check the credentials of rafting and cruise operators, contact iPeru information service.

For more information about the risks of travelling in the Amazon region, see Regional risks.

Spiritual cleansing

Shamans and other people offer 'spiritual cleansing' (Ayahuasca or San Pedro) to tourists in the Amazon area, northern Peru and Cusco. This often involves drinking a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic drug that is a Class A substance in the UK. This brew is not regulated and its effect on existing medical conditions is not well understood. People have become seriously ill and, in some cases, died after taking part. Spiritual cleansing retreats are usually far from populated areas, making it difficult to get medical attention.

There have also been reports of sexual assault during these ceremonies. For guidance to support you if you have been sexually assaulted or raped in Peru see Getting help.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Peru, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Peru for up to 6 months if your immigration stay permit is valid. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Always carry your passport or valid ID ('carne de extranjería' if you are a resident) when driving.

Take particular care if you are driving close to places where protests are taking place. Do not attempt to pass blockades.

Driving standards in Peru are poor. Drivers often ignore stop signs and traffic lights, and fatal crashes are frequent.

Drivers do not always show concern for pedestrians. You should be extra cautious when walking alongside traffic.

Bus crashes are common, especially at night. Only use reputable transport companies, and where possible, avoid overnight travel, especially in mountainous and remote regions.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Rainy season

The rainy season in Peru runs from November to May. There is heavy rain and snow in northern Peru, the Andes, including Cusco, and other parts of the country.

The rainy season can disrupt:

• travel services
• road travel between provinces
• flights
• tourist sites

Rockslides, mudslides and snow can disrupt walking routes, road and rail travel in mountain and jungle areas:

• across the Cusco Region
• routes to Machu Picchu, including the alternative Santa Maria-Santa Teresa-hydroelectric plant route, and the Salkantay route
• the route to Manu, in Cusco and Madre de Dios
• across northern regions

You should:

• check the latest conditions with your tour operator
• travel with enough food, water, cash in local currency, medication and warm clothes
• monitor local media for updates on travel information before starting your journey
• contact the iPeru information service before you set off

Earthquakes

Peru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors.   

Follow advice given by the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. 

Volcanic eruptions

If you are planning to visit areas of known volcanic activity, listen to all warnings and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Peru's most active volcano, Ubinas, has been emitting gas and ash recently, leading to some local villages being evacuated, affecting 30,000 people.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after a volcanic eruption.

Tsunamis and high tides

Although tsunamis are rare in Peru, higher tides often happen either after an earthquake or for other reasons throughout the year. See the Peruvian Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (in Spanish) for information.

This section has safety advice for regions of Peru. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice. 

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice. 

Peru-Colombia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for: 

• the Amazon River
• the area of the triple border with Brazil and Colombia from and including the towns of Caballococha in Peru up to the actual triple border at Santa Rosa de Yavari town

This is due to a high level of violence from organised criminal gangs who produce and traffic illegal drugs.  

Putumayo River

The advice against all but essential travel applies to the Peruvian side of the Putumayo riverbank, though not on the river itself. If you are planning to leave a boat on the Colombian side of the river, check Colombia travel advice.

The Putumayo River forms most of Peru's border with Colombia. The area is known for intensive cocaine and marijuana production. Drug trafficking and other violent organised crime takes place on and around the river.

Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.

Remnants of the Shining Path guerrilla group occasionally attack the police, military forces and local authorities in this area. They do not usually target tourists. However, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or by getting caught up in a security incident involving others.

There is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.

Note that some parts of the Apurimac River in the Departments of Cusco and Arequipa are not within the VRAEM.

Amazon River

Armed criminals operate along the Amazon River and have targeted solo travellers and foreign nationals. These include:

• thieves, known locally as 'river pirates'
• organised criminal gangs, who transport and smuggle illegal drugs

Travel with a reputable commercial or travel company if you are visiting the Amazon River. Stay on your boat where it passes through areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

There is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.

States of emergency

States of emergency have been declared in some parts of Peru. You can read a list of the areas with a state of emergency in El Peruano official newspaper (in Spanish). For more information on your destination, contact the iPeru information service. 

In these areas you may notice an increased security presence. You should:

• comply with the instructions of local authorities
• avoid crowds
• monitor the situation closely

Peru-Ecuador border

The Peruvian government has taken preventive measures in northern Peru in response to the security situation in Ecuador. You may notice an increased security presence.

If you are travelling to northern Peru or plan to cross land border checkpoints, ensure you follow the advice of local authorities.

If you wish to enter Ecuador by crossing a land border from Peru, you must show the Ecuadorean authorities certain documents. See Ecuador travel advice.

Only cross the Peru-Ecuador land border at official checkpoints. Other parts of the border may still have unexploded landmines. Some tourists have been robbed by fake taxi drivers. Be extremely vigilant in these areas.

There is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.

Inca trail 

Only basic medical services are available at Machu Picchu. Several climbers have died or suffered serious injuries after falling while climbing Huayna Picchu, a peak near Machu Picchu. 

You should:

• always register when entering national parks
• be particularly careful in steep and slippery areas, or those that are unfenced or unmarked

The 'Inca Jungle Trail' can be difficult for vehicles due to poor road conditions. There have been fatal road accidents.

Lake Titicaca

Armed robbers have attacked travellers walking on their own. You should:

• always take care
• contact the local tourist information centre for advice about known safe zones
• travel with a group at the southern end of Lake Titicaca if walking at night

Nazca Lines

If you are planning to fly over the Nazca Lines, check the airline company is licensed and has a good safety record before you book. There have been several fatal accidents in recent years.

You can ask the iPeru information service for advice about booking flights.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 106 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Peru
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Peru including: 

• Oropouche virus disease
• yellow fever
• malaria
• Zika virus

Altitude sickness is a serious risk in parts of Peru, including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Canyon and Kuelap. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water is common and is potentially serious. See more about food and water hygiene.

Dengue outbreak

Peru is experiencing a major dengue outbreak following floods. See the 'Outbreaks' page of the TravelHealthPro Peru guide for more information.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Many medications are available over the counter in Peru, but local prescriptions will be required for some.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Peru

Medical treatment is not easily available and can be more difficult to access outside of Lima. Make sure you have appropriate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip in Lima, dial one of the following numbers: +51 1 416 6767 (Lima - Alerta Med), or +51 1 467 4861 (Lima - Clave Medica) and ask for an ambulance. These services are private, so you will need to pay for them.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Peru where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Peru

Ambulance: 106

Fire: 116

Police: 105

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Peru
• dealing with a death in Peru
• being arrested or imprisoned in Peru
• getting help if you are a victim of rape or sexual assault
• getting help if you are a victim of crime
• what to do if you are in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Peru on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	Sometimes*
Typhoid	Yes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	Sometimes*
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

International travellers are strongly advised to take out full health insurance and should be prepared to pay up front for medical services. Bear in mind there is much scope in Peru for taking part in extreme sports activities, and you should ensure that your insurance covers you for this.

If choosing to take part in an adventurous activity, such as a multi-day hike over 4,000m (13,000ft) or a night-climb of a snowy mountain above 6,000m (19,700ft), you will find there are many tour companies. In the interests of your own safety, it is wise to ask other travellers for up-to-date recommendations of reputable tour operators. Check for yourself any equipment provided in advance. Be aware of your own limitations: it is very tempting to scale a mountain but if you’ve never done anything like it before you may end up being airlifted off a peak.

The emergency telephone number all over Peru is 105, but if you have a medical emergency it is quickest to ask someone to drive you to the nearest hospital, particularly if you are in a very rural area, as waiting for an ambulance could take a very long time.

Vaccinations Note:

*Vaccination for yellow fever and antimalarial tablets are recommended for travellers visiting jungle areas below 2,300m (7,546ft). Travellers who are only visiting Cusco, Lima, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu do not require a vaccination/tablets.

Food Drink:

Drink only bottled water, and take purification tablets in case bottled water is unavailable. Pasteurised milk is widely available, but if you are staying in mountain towns you will also find that unpasteurised milk is often sold in shops, served in plastic bags. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk.

Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. You will find that there is plenty of street food available in stores and at markets, and you should try to ensure that what you buy has been heated properly and not been left out. In particular, you will find lots of ceviche, a cold seafood dish made using raw fish, which is practically the national dish. It is heavily acidic, which must kill some bacteria; nevertheless be aware that unless the fish is very fresh the potential for food poisoning is high. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Dengue fever outbreaks are common in the Amazon Basin. Altitude sickness can be a problem if visiting the highlands, and trips should be planned so you spend stretches of time at high altitude in order to give your body time to get used to it, rather than going back and forth between mountain tops and sea level for a couple of days at a time. On arriving at a high altitude, you should take time to acclimatise, particularly before climbing any mountains.

Vaccination against hepatitis B is sometimes recommended, for those who are planning to stay in Peru longer than six months or who could have sexual relations with the local population. If you do require vaccinations for your trip, ensure they are administered sufficiently in advance of your trip. The rabies vaccination, for example, is a series of three shots administered over a month.

Currency Information:

Nuevo (new) Sol (PEN; symbol S/.) = 100 céntimos. Nuevo Sol notes are in denominations of S/.200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of S/.5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 céntimos.

Note: US Dollars are also in use and accepted for payment, particularly in tourist areas. While effectively interchangeable, it is best to use local currency wherever possible, and it is always good for tourists to have some local currency in small denominations, to pay for buses, taxis and goods in some small establishments.

Credit Cards:

All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted. It is also sensible to carry some cash rather than rely on cards.

ATMs:

ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru. They are found almost everywhere, including in small towns, although when travelling in remote places it is best to have some cash just in case the nearby ATMs are not working or have run out of money. In bigger cities, use ATMs inside banks for greater security, especially at night. Many banks have gun-carrying security guards.

Travellers Cheques:

Banks will exchange traveller’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. The ability to use traveller's cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be accepted in the area you are visiting prior to travel. The use of ATMs is generally preferable, but if you do decide to bring traveller's cheques, the best currency to bring them in is US Dollars.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Only a few bureau de change in Lima and Cusco will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and many shops also readily accept US Dollars (although very old, torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
PEN	S/.

Exchange Rates

3.57

4.25

3.42

Language

Spanish and Quechua are the official languages. Aymara is spoken in the Lake Titicaca area. Many other dialects exist in the jungle regions. English is spoken in major tourist areas.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Maundy Thursday	2024-03-28 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul	2024-06-29 00:00:00	0
Independence Day Celebrations	2024-07-28 00:00:00	0
St Rosa of Lima Day	2024-08-30 00:00:00	0
Battle of Angamos	2024-10-08 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Immaculate Conception	2024-12-08 00:00:00	0
Christmas Eve (half day)	2024-12-24 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following items may be imported by visitors into Peru without incurring customs duty:

• 20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (over 18 years of age).
• 3L of alcoholic beverages (over 18 years of age).
• Gifts or new articles for personal use up to a value of US$500.
• One laptop with its own power source (over 7 years of age).
• One electronic tablet.
• Two mobile phones (over 18 years of age), one mobile phone (18 years and younger).

• Two cameras.

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Banned Imports:

• Unlicensed firearms and narcotics.
• Raw ham from Italy and Portugal.
• Salami, sausage meat, ham and cheese must be in their original packaging and unopened.
• Genetically modified organisms.

You must carry the appropriate certificates if importing plants or animals and their products.

Telephone:

Telephone cards are available in the main cities from stands and supermarkets. The best and cheapest way to call home is to find an internet café that offers internet-based calls. You'll find them all over the country.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies, but making calls from an international phone will be very expensive. You can rent mobile phones in Lima and the main cities, or buy Peruvian SIM cards; the company Claro is best for international calls and texts, and Movistar is good for local calls. Remember to get your phone unlocked to accommodate a foreign SIM. Coverage is sporadic.

Internet:

Public internet booths and internet cafés are widely available in cities and most towns. Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly common in cafés, restaurants and hotels.

Post

Airmail to Europe and the USA takes up to one week. Postal facilities are limited outside Lima. First-class airmail from Europe or North America addressed to PO boxes in Peru usually takes only a few days, but may be subject to delay. The main post office (Correo Central de Lima) is near the Plaza de Armas.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-2000; Sat 0900-1330.

Media:

Privately run broadcasters and newspapers dominate the Peruvian media scene, with the state-run media having relatively small audiences. The airwaves of Lima are home to dozens of radio stations and several TV channels. Many radio stations and regional newspapers are available beyond the capital. Almost all hotels have TVs in the rooms (they seem to be considered just as important as hot water) and you can usually find an English-speaking channel. Morning daily newspapers include El Comercio and La República. British newspapers are not widely available but you can find them in the big cities.

Plunge into Colca Canyon

At a depth of more than 3,400m (11,333ft), the Colca Canyon is almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Villages, such as Yanque and Chivay, which have hardly changed for centuries, and the many pre-Inca tombs, ruins, and hot springs in the area, are also worth visiting.

Cruise sky-high Lake Titicaca

Take a cruise on Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, straddling the Bolivia-Peru border. Covering 8,379sq km (3,235sq miles), Lake Titicaca is surrounded by ancient ruins and is home to several small island communities, including the Uros islands, made from reeds.

Immerse yourself in nature in Manu National Park

Peru's greatest treasure in biodiversity, Manu National Park covers 20,000sq km (7,722sq miles) of tropical rainforest. This World Natural Heritage Site in southeastern Peru is home to around 2,000 plant species, 1,200 butterfly species, 800 bird types and 200 different mammals, including monkeys, tapirs, sloth, jaguar and capybaras. Eco-tour packages available range from no-frills to boutique luxury.

Gaze in awe at mountaintop Machu Picchu

Whether it's your reward at the end of the Inca Trail, or via a comfy train ride through the Andes, you cannot fail to be overawed by Peru's top attraction: the Inca city of Machu Picchu, perched atop a remote mountain northwest of Cusco. This World Heritage Site, rediscovered in 1911, is arguably the most important archaeological site in South America, and the most dramatically located.

Bask in the year-round sunshine of Arequipa

This beautiful colonial city is the gateway to Colca Canyon and is renowned for its year-round sunshine. Explore the peaceful cloisters of the Monastery of Santa Catalina, where, for hundreds of years, nuns lived their entire lives; and visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos to see Juanita, a perfectly preserved mummy of a sacrificial Inca girl.

Chill in Huacachina

This palm-fringed oasis in the southern desert near Ica, surrounded by pristine sand dunes, is a place for relaxation and fun. As well as a laidback nightlife, Huachina offers dune buggying and sand boarding, and is great for either a day trip or to chill out for a few days.

Look out for condors

Overlooking the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in the Americas, is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. From here you can spot condors majestically soaring up from the valley below on morning thermals. You can reach the canyon from Arequipa via either a tour group excursion or a long, bumpy ride on public transport through stunning Andean scenery.

Get drenched at Carnival

Go to Cajamarca's Carnival, which is famous throughout Peru for its annual celebrations that last for an entire month. One word of warning – the traditional Cajamarca Carnival greeting is to be soaked with water so look out for cheeky children flinging water balloons. Other special attractions include ancient Inca remains, hot springs and weird rock formations in the surrounding mountains.

Haggle for handicrafts in Ayacucho

Apart from its famous 33 colonial churches, the Andean city of Ayacucho is also well known for its handicrafts. You can browse here for traditional crafts such as pottery, leatherwork, textiles and jewellery. Other places to scout for high-quality souvenirs include Cajamarca, in northern Peru, or the colourful daily market in Lima's Chinatown district.

Greet the Sun God at Sacsayhuamán

If you're looking for impressive Inca ruins, the massive stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán is a great place to explore. Overlooking the city, this is the most impressive of Cusco's four neighbouring Inca sites (the others are Puca Pucara, Qenko and Tambo Machay). On 24 June, thousands gather here to celebrate Inti Raymi, a festival for the Inca sun god.

Hike the Inca Trail

Puff your way around one of the world's most famous mountain treks, the (literally) breath-taking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the mountaintop city. This ancient trail passes snow-capped mountains, cloud forest and a string of Inca ceremonial centres, including Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. Only recognised tour operators can purchase permits to the Inca Trail, with 500 available per day.

Be puzzled by the mysterious Nazca Lines

Take a flight over the ancient Nazca Lines, vast and spectacular geoglyphs etched into the desert floor 420km (265 miles) south of Lima. The most notable designs represent animals, including birds, felines and reptiles. How they were made or why remains a mystery, but the enigmatic lines date back to between 500BC and AD500.

Be Awed by the adobe city of Chan Chan

You can discover more archaeological treasures, at the UNESCO-protected site of Chan Chan. Home to the ancient Chimu culture, Chan Chan was the biggest pre-Columbian city in South America. The adobe city has been excavated along with its nearby huacas (pyramid temples) of the sun and the moon. The beautifully restored Huaca Arco Iris is covered with pre-Inca hieroglyphics.

Crack the mysteries of Caral

Spread across the desert to the north of Lima are the remains of the 5,000-year-old city of Caral, deemed the most ancient city in the Americas. Consisting of a complex of pyramids and sunken plazas dating back to 2500 BC, Caral was discovered in 1994 and has opened to visitors following years of excavation.

Bone up on the history of Iglesia San Francisco

See one of the few buildings to withstand Lima's 1746 earthquake, the UNESCO-listed Iglesia San Francisco. Inside visitors can gawp at an extraordinary domed roof, a vast library and masterpieces attributed to the schools of Zurburán, Rubens and Van Dyck. Oh and did we mention the eerie catacombs, which are adorned with the bones of some 25,000 souls?

Discover Lima's colonial centre

Trawl through five centuries of colonial history in the Peruvian capital, admiring its handsome plazas and opulent mansions with Moorish-style latticed wooden balconies. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is home to the impressive 18th-century cathedral and the lavish Government Palace. The centre has been spruced up and the paved Jirón de la Unión is lined with lively street cafes.

Explore Cusco, ‘Navel of the Universe’

Don't miss a trip to the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. This World Heritage Site, founded in AD1100, is a fascinating mix of Inca temples and colonial Spanish palaces and churches. Narrow cobblestone alleyways are flanked with original Inca stonework, beautifully constructed by hand to withstand centuries of volcanic activity.

Hit the hiking trails

From the mountain-based city of Huaraz, you can head off on world-famous hiking routes. You can also get stuck into some extreme sports such as white-water rafting and ice climbing, or for those with gentler tastes, go on a nature trail to view the Puya Raimondi, the world's biggest bromeliad.

Tackle the Cordillera Blanca

The extraordinarily beautiful Cordillera Blanca trail is a 180km-long (113 mile) paradise of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, emerald-green lakes and archaeological sites, containing a wide variety of flora and fauna. This awesome mountain range contains some of the highest peaks in the Andes, including Huascarán, at 6,768m (22,205ft), the tallest in Peru.

Overview

If you are looking for souvenirs to remind you of your trip to Peru, there are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, colourful weaving and silver jewellery. These are widely obtainable all over the country – they are generally cheaper in small villages but the major cities sell items of the highest quality.

Galleries and handicraft shops abound in Cusco and the Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and downtown districts of Lima. Big handicrafts markets in Lima are located in Miraflores (Avenida Petit Thouars, blocks 52 to 53) and Pueblo Libre (Avenida La Marina, blocks 8 to 10).

If you are shopping in Cusco, you’ll find a popular handicrafts markets on Avenida El Sol, and Arequipa sells souvenirs in the streets leading from the main plaza and tiny stalls accessible from the main plaza which expand into huge areas full of things to buy as you go further in. All of these stalls expect gentle haggling, especially in the form of discounts for multiple items. When haggling, it is important not to be aggressive and not to expect massive reductions.

You can generally find the best deals at outdoor Andean craft markets in places such as Pisac near Cusco and the Mantaro Valley near Huancayo.

For more standard shopping fare such as clothes, the Miraflores district of Lima contains plenty of shops. For designer clothes and shoes at cheaper prices than you’ll find at home, there is Lima’s Mercado Central.

Opening Hours

Hours vary significantly, but the standard is Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1600-2000.

Overview

The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by ajo and ají (garlic and hot pepper), has become celebrated at home and abroad. However, there are plenty of non-spicy dishes going, so you'll be able to find something if you can't handle the heat.

Helped by the country's broad range of tropical and Andean landscapes, Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of fruit and vegetables – there are over 2,000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone.

For a traveller, the menú del día (menu of the day) is a good way to experience local foods at low prices, but brace yourself for lots of carbs and exotic meats, including cuy (guinea pig) and even fried ants. While you're at the coastal regions, take advantage of the cheap, delicious and varied fruits available from the markets.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Service charges of 10% are added to bills. Additional tips of 5-10% are expected in better restaurants.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

Lima and Cusco have the largest choice of hotels in Peru. Other cities and areas where you can find 5- and 4-star hotels are Arequipa, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Colca Canyon, Ica, Iquitos, Puno, the Sacred Valley and Trujillo (the grading does not always match international standards).

Throughout Lima and in most major towns, there are many economical pensiones and hospedajes (guest houses). The quality of accommodation in the provinces varies considerably, but hotels are frequently of a good standard. In jungle areas accommodation ranges from 5-star eco-resorts to hammocks strung outdoors, though most options fall somewhere in between. Hotel prices in the provinces are lower than in the capital. For backpackers, Lima, Cusco and Arequipa in particular have hostels where you’ll find like-minded travellers, happy hours on drinks and dog-eared travel guides.

Grading: Hotels are classified by the star system, the highest and most luxurious being 5 stars. The level of comfort, quality of service and general infrastructure are the criteria for inclusion in each grade. Prices vary accordingly. All accommodation prices are subject to a 19% general sales tax (IGV), however foreigners who can demonstrate they live outside of Peru are not charged the tax. Showing a passport and Tarjeta Andina de Migracion (TAM Migration Card) is usually sufficient to have the tax deducted from your bill. Hotels of the higher categories might also add 1-13% service charges. It is advisable to reserve a room during the peak tourist season (June to September) and during major holidays such as Easter week.

Camping Caravaning

Other than designated spots on popular trekking routes, no formal arrangements exist in Peru, and it is generally considered too dangerous to just pitch a tent anywhere. That said, you can often ask farmers if you can camp on their land – expect to pay a small fee for this, though they might well offer you breakfast.

Other

History

Before the Spanish invasion of Latin America in the early 16th century, many advanced cultures had settled in present-day Peru culminating in the vast Inca Empire. The Spanish imposed its cultural practices on the country, in everything from religion to building construction, and this quickly became very widespread as the country was brought under its control.

However, owing to the geography of the country, the smaller, more remote groups of indigenous peoples living in the mountains were largely untouched by Spanish culture. After centuries of colonial rule, Peru declared independence in 1821, and the revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar took over the running of the country.

Unfortunately, relations between Peru and its neighbours were not smooth, and over the next 100 years the government had its hands full trying to fight wars while keeping the economy stable. The War of the Pacific (1879-1883) between Chile and Peru all but bankrupted the country, leaving it little chance to recuperate. From 1914 onwards, Peru seemed to lurch from one military coup to another, some more destructive than others. Added to which, throughout the 1980s, it also had to combat the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) extremist guerrilla group belonging to the Peruvian Communist Party, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Since 1990, Peru has been trying to recover and sustain economic growth, and it is now one of the fastest-growing economies in South America. Despite its booming modernisation, however, tribal life remains in many ways the same today as it was before the Spanish conquest, with indigenous people still dressing in traditional clothes, living in agriculture-based communities and speaking the original languages. Quechua, which was spoken by the Incas, is still widely used in Peru, with an estimated 6 to 8 million speakers. Likewise, the physical characteristics of indigenous peoples remain distinctly Amerindian, whereas in the bigger cities you are more likely to see lighter skin and eyes, and more Western features.

Peru has suffered through surges of drug trafficking, which have threatened the recent relative peace of the country. Some estimate that Peruvian cocaine exports have overtaken those of Colombia.

Did you know?
• Abimael Guzmán, leader of the Sendero Luminoso movement, was finally captured in a hideaway above a ballet school in a plush Lima neighbourhood.
• The Yavarí is a floating hotel on Lake Titicaca, built as an iron steamboat in England in 1861 and transported from the coast of Peru in pieces by mules.
• The Callao, Lima & Oroya Railway is the second-highest railway line in the world, reaching 4,783m (15,692ft) in the Andes, after a journey from sea level at Lima.

Religion

81.3% Roman Catholic, 12.5% Evangelical, 3.3% other denominations, 2.9% unspecified or none.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Kissing on one cheek between women and between women and men is common in coastal cities. Travellers should avoid the scruffy ‘backpacker’ look – it is not admired and considered bad etiquette.

Peruvians (and Latin Americans in general) are not really confrontational people – if you are struggling with some aspect of your travel (uncomfortable rooms, late buses etc), losing your temper will not get you very far. Instead, stay patient, keep smiling and someone will help you eventually, if only to make you go away.

Best Time To Visit:

The weather in Peru varies according to area – the changes in altitude are so extreme that the climate goes from freezing snow in the mountains to boiling sun on the coast. Likewise, the coast covers such a large stretch of longitude that the temperature changes dramatically as you head further south.

On the coast winter lasts from June to September. The weather tends to be overcast and slightly damp at this time, but rarely very cold. It hardly ever rains in Lima nor most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

During June to September, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. This is high tourist season and the best time to visit most regions. Rainy season in the Andes starts in September and peaks between January and March, and this is a dreadful and occasionally dangerous time to be hiking.

Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It is rainy and hot for most of the year, but between March and September there are occasional cold surges which might require a jumper.

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Required Clothing

For travel in Peru, a variety of clothes are necessary. You will need very lightweight clothes for summer on the coast, and thermals, hats, gloves and ski jackets for winter up in the mountains. It can become freezing at night at altitude and remain hot and sticky through the nights in the jungle. Waterproof clothing is thoroughly recommended for the rainy season, because the heavens open very suddenly, and then it pours.

If you are travelling to the jungle you’ll need something protective and waterproof for your feet. For any mountain hiking you’ll need proper, supportive boots. If you’re spending time along the coast you’ll need sandals or flip-flops.

Dialing Code:

+51

Area(sq km):

1285220

Population:

32.971.854

Population Density(per sq km):

24

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

117