Peru

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.