Welcome to Peru 😊
Peru is a country in South America that is full of history, culture, and amazing sights to see. If you're someone who loves adventure, you won't be disappointed! Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, tops many travelers' lists of "must-sees". But there's so much more to explore.
The capital, Lima, is a great place to start your trip, where you can try the delicious Peruvian cuisine, including ceviche and lomo saltado. But don't stop there! Make your way to Cusco to see the majestic Andean landscapes and explore its rich history. There's also Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, where you can learn about the ancient cultures that built their homes on its waters.
Peru also has unique wildlife, including the Peruvian hairless dog and the alpaca. You can visit them at the many animal sanctuaries throughout the country. And let's not forget about the vibrant nightlife in Lima or the colorful markets where you can find handmade textiles and crafts.
So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in this beautiful country where adventure, culture, and history all come together. Peru is waiting for you!
Quick Facts About Peru
- Currency: Peruvian sol.
- Population: 33359418
- Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Money and Finances
The currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Denominations of coins include 10, 20, and 50 centimos, and 1, 2, and 5 soles. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available in Peru, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. It is recommended to use ATMs located in banks or shopping centers as they tend to be more secure.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted in some places in Peru, but not as widely as in other countries. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, with American Express less commonly accepted. It is recommended to also carry cash as a backup, especially in more rural areas.
Internet and Phones
Peru has an average internet speed of 18 Mbps for downloads and 6 Mbps for uploads. The government does not impose any major restrictions on internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Peru has several telco companies, including Claro, Movistar, and Entel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 80-100 PEN (23-29 USD) per month. There may be some sim compatibility issues, so it is recommended to check with your provider beforehand.
Dialling to Peru
To call Peru from another country, dial +51 followed by the area code and phone number. The country uses several area codes, including 1 for Lima and Callao, 2 for the north, and 3 for the south.
Transport Around Peru
Air Travel
Peru has several international airports including Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, and FAP Captain Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport in Piura.
Train Travel
Peru's train network mainly consists of the PeruRail and Inca Rail companies, which provide tourist trains to Machu Picchu, with tickets ranging from $70 to $300 and journey times from 3 to 7 hours depending on the destination.
Metro / Local Trains
Peru does not have a metro system in any of its major cities.
Buses
Peru has a modern and extensive bus network, with companies such as Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offering tickets for trips between different cities starting at around $10. Journey times vary depending on distance and traffic, but can range from a few hours to over 20 hours.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies like Uber and Cabify operate in major cities in Peru, with average prices varying depending on the distance and time of day.
Driving by Car
Driving in Peru can be challenging due to narrow and winding roads in some areas, as well as heavy traffic in cities like Lima. Speed limits are typically around 60-80 km/h on highways and 30-40 km/h in urban areas. Peru drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Local Customs
In Peru, tipping is common but not expected. It is customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants and for services like haircuts. Locals greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, and shaking hands is also common. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to ask about their well-being before beginning a conversation. Men and women generally address each other formally unless they know each other well.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The healthcare system in Peru has both public and private options. The public system is available to all residents and offers services either for free or for a small fee. However, the public system may have longer wait times and limited resources. The private system offers higher quality and more extensive services, but at a higher cost. A visit to a doctor in Peru can cost between $30-$100 USD depending on the type of consultation and location of the facility.
COVID Situation
Peru has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government imposed a strict nationwide lockdown in March 2020 that lasted for several months, which helped slow the spread of the virus. However, there has been a surge in cases since the lockdown was lifted in July 2020. The current rate of coronavirus cases in Peru is high, with over 1.5 million confirmed cases and over 50,000 deaths as of February 2021.
Common Health Risks
Some common health risks for travelers to Peru include altitude sickness in high altitude regions, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, as well as mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus in some areas. There is also a risk of food and water-borne illnesses, such as traveler's diarrhea and hepatitis A. It is recommended to take precautions such as getting vaccinated, using insect repellent, and avoiding undercooked food and tap water.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
The legal drinking age in Peru is 18 years old. Alcohol can be purchased and consumed in public places without restrictions, but driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. In some regions of Peru, including Lima, there are alcohol-free zones where the sale and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in Peru, including for soft drugs such as cannabis. However, the use of traditional drugs such as coca leaves is legal and widely accepted.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no laws in Peru that criminalize pre-marital relationships. However, there are laws against sexual acts with minors and human trafficking.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Peru has made significant progress in recognizing and protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal, but civil unions have been recognized since 2015. Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is also illegal in Peru.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership in Peru is tightly regulated. Only citizens over 25 years old who pass a psychological test and demonstrate a legitimate need for owning a gun are granted a license. Private ownership of fully automatic weapons is illegal.
Regions in Peru
There are many wonderful regions to visit in Peru, browse through each to see what to visit.
1 Popular Travel Destination in Peru
