Peru

Peru is one of the world’s most diverse and multicultural countries of the world. It is especially characterized by the Andes mountain range, the Amazon, the Inca and the pre-Columbian influences. Due to the different climate zones (Andes Mountains, Coast, and the Amazon rainforest) the country has a unique wildlife, flora and fauna. It is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has an incredible gastronomy. Find more detailed information about your next travel destination below!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Here you will find all everything about Peru!

Capital of Peru:	Lima
Currency:	Peruvian Sol S/ (PEN)
Population of Peru:	33 million (in 2020)
Languages in Peru:	Spanish and 47 indigenous languages, like Quechua and Aymara

FAUNA AND FLORA

Peru is a country immensely rich in biodiversity. It holds more than 40,000 species of plants, including 3,000 species of orchids.The Peruvian rivers house about 2,000 species of fishes and over 4,000 species of butterflies, making this a world record. The Andean fauna has an incredible variety, such as pumas, llamas, alpacas, vicunas and the famous king of the skies, the Condor.

GASTRONOMY

Peruvian cuisine is born of the mixture of indigenous and Spanish traditions. Travelers will have the opportunity to taste many local specialities! Here are some culinery delights that you should not miss during your next trip to Peru:

Ceviche, the national dish of Peru,. It is a seafood dish, typically made from fresh raw fish cured in fresh lemon juice, and spiced with ají, chili peppers, chopped onions and salt.
Pisco Sour, an alcoholic cocktail of Peruvian origin! The drink's name comes from Pisco, a grape liquor. The cocktail consists of the base liquor pisco, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, ice, and egg white. Very refreshing!
Coca Tea, a herbal tea made using the raw or dried leaves of the coca plant, which is native of South America. The infusion has many benefits and is used for altitude sickness.
Lomo Saltado, a popular, traditional Peruvian dish, a stir fry that typically combines marinated strips of sirloin with onions, tomatoes, french fries, and other ingredients. It is typically served with rice.
Guinea Pig, commonly called "Cuy". It is usually cooked in a wood-fire oven and often served with vegetables.
Anticucho, a meat dish consisting of small pieces of skewered and grilled meat, the most popular of them made with beef heart, called "anticuchos de corazón".

PERSONAL CARE & HEALTH INFORMATION

Peru does not have a system of purification on tap water. Do not to drink tap water unless it is boiled or purified with tablets.
Be careful with meat and fish dishes places unknown or local markets! It is recommended to try Peruvian dishes in restaurants.
Peru does not require any immunizations for entry, although we recommend vaccination against yellow fever. Please consult your doctor.
In case you are staying in the Amazon rainforest (Jungle), we recommend to consider a malaria vaccination (consult your doctor)
Symptoms of altitude sickness tend to occur within hours after arrival at high altitude and can produce headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and stomachaches. Please do not plan any physically demanding activities the first days, drink a lot of water and eat well-balanced food.

Peru has a great geographic diversity and different climate zones, determined by its altitude and seasons.

On the coast: Summer season is from November to April and reaches high temperatures, whereas the winter is quite fresh and misty, but never cold.
In the Andes and Amazon there are two seasons: the dry season (from May to October) and the rainy season (from November to April). During rainy season it is not recommended to go hiking in the mountains because the rains can be quite strong and very dangerous if there are lightning bolts. In both of the regions, the weather can be changing a lot during the day, so this is why recommend to bring various clothes, warm for the fresh evenings, lighter for the sunny days, and a rainy coat.

A passport valid for six months is required to enter and depart Peru. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel. Travelers to Peru will receive a card from Peruvian Immigration upon arrival stating the length of approved stay (usually 90 days). Please visit the Embassy of Peru in your country for more information. We recommend you to have a travel insurance for your trip to South America.

The Sol S/ has the official currency code PEN and replaced the Peruvian Inti in 1991. The name is a return to that of Peru's historic currency, as the previous incarnation of Sol was in use from 1863 to 1985. Although Sol in this usage is derived from the Latin solidus (English: solid), the word also means "sun" in Spanish. There is thus a continuity with the old Peruvian Inti, which was named after Inti, the Sun God of the Incas.

Emergengy numbers of U.S. Embassy in Peru: