Peru is located in the central western portion of South America. It covers 1.285 million square kilometres and is South America's third largest country, and the 20th largest nation in the world. Its total surface equals the combined areas of Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Holland and Belgium. It borders to the north Ecuador and Colombia, to the south Chile and Bolivia, to the east Brazil and to the west with the Pacific Ocean.
Lima
Peru's population is approximately 27 million.
Peru's many languages co-exist and are proof of the nation's diverse cultural heritage. Spanish and Quechua (the language of the Incas) are the nation's official languages although Spanish is much more widespread. Forty-nine other indigenous languages are also recognised by the Peruvian State. English is used widely by travel service providers.
Geography: Peru is a country of diverse climate and geography. It is divided into three natural regions: the Coastal band, the Andean highlands and the Amazon jungle.
The Coast: Peru's 2500 kilometre long coastal strip stretches between the western slopes of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Here deserts are interspersed with beautiful beaches and lush oasis. Summer stretches from December to March when temperatures reach 27°C (80°F) on average, whilst in winter (May to October) the temperature may fall to a mild 12°C (53°F). Although it rarely rains, mist and drizzle are usual in winter, especially in Lima. The sun shines 365 days a year over Peru's northern coastal tip, with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). The cities of Lima, Trujillo and Chiclayo as well as the Nasca Lines, Puerto Inca and Lagunas de Mejia National Sanctuary are in this region.
The Highlands: The proper name for the Andes mountain range, the Highlands, is made up of a mountain backbone that runs from south to north creating the Pacific-Amazon divide. Weather in the Highlands is dry and mild, with a well defined dry season (May to October) when days are sunny, nights chilly and rain scarce; making it the ideal time of the year for visiting. Dramatic temperature changes—with fluctuations ranging from 2°C (35°F) to 20°C (68°F) in one single day—are usual in the Highlands. The cities of Cajamarca, Huancayo and Cusco as well as Machu Picchu, Chavin de Huantar and Ishinca Mountain are in this region.
The Jungle: A region of lush tropical vegetation, the Peruvian Amazon area includes the nation's largest natural reserves. Its humid and tropical climate comprises two clear seasons; the dry (May to October) period when river flow is slack, days are sunny and temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F) and the rainy season (November to April) with frequent downpours and large river flows. The Jungle is home to more than 1,000 indigenous communities that have managed to preserve their traditional customs, traditions and languages. The cities of Iquitos, Pucallpa and Puerto Maldonado, as well as the Amazon River and the Manu National Park are in this region.
Peru is home to 10 sites inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites:
Peru's national currency is the "nuevo sol (S/.)" divided into 100 cents. Coins worth 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1, 2 and 5 soles are in circulation, as well as 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevo sol notes.
Peru has over 27 five-star hotels, 24 four-star hotels and more than 460 three-star hotels. As an example of Peru's high quality accommodations, Hotel Monasterio in Cusco was named “Best in South America” by Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards in 2005.
36 airports equipped to receive commercial flights and 10 ready for international flights including Lima and Iquitos service Peru. 21 airlines operate international flights to and from Peru including LAN, Iberia, KLM, Continental, American Airlines, Air Comet, Avianca and TAM plus 7 airlines offer domestic flights within the country.
An abundance of restaurants across the country reflect the diversity of a nation that has mixed its native traditions with the cuisines of Europe, Arabia, China, Africa and Japan offering visitors unique flavors that make Peruvian cuisine one of the best and most varied in the world. The cuisine is as flavourful and diverse as the country itself, utilizing ingredients from Peru's biodiversity and varied geography. Rare and varied spices, aromatic herbs, succulent fruit, fresh meat and seafood are among the elements that have helped to make Peruvian cuisine one of the most unique in the world. One of the great secrets to Peruvian cooking is the ability to absorb the many different culinary traditions and to add a touch of Peru's own natural and cultural wealth.
Visitors to Peru need a valid passport and those from North American and Western European countries do not need tourist visas. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' web page contains more information www.rree.gob.pe
No specific immunisation restrictions apply for visits to Peru. However, visitors should always check with their GP or a travel clinic for advise before travelling.