Perhaps no other country has more to offer the visitor than Peru: panoramic mountain ranges, vast deserts, beautiful beaches and tropical jungle. All this combined with a rich historical and archaeological past and enduring indigenous cultures.

Peru is divided into the three main geographical zones of costa (coast), sierra (mountains) and selva (rainforest).
Such diverse landscape generates diverse pleasures; Peru successfully offers history, archaeology, sports, beaches, mountains, medicinal springs, nature, fantastic landscapes, friendly people and mesmeric music. Ancient archaeological remains and Nazca Lines augment Peru’s sense of mystery.

The indigenous Inca civilization of what is now Peru was conquered by Spain in the early 16th century.
Spain ruled the country until independence in 1821. The War of the Pacific broke out between Peru and Chile in 1879, with a complete victory for Chile and the loss to Peru of some southern territories.

The first of Peru’s many military coups was in 1914. The junta lasted five years, before giving way to
the civilian government of Augusto Leguia. His tenure ended with another military take-over.
While the military has always been a powerful force in Peruvian politics, its principal opponent and the country’s largest political party for much of the 20th century was the Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana.

Politics has also persistently been dogged by alleged (and sometimes proven) corruption. The ’war on drugs’ has long dominated relations between Peru and the USA.
Border disputes have also arisen; the most serious of these was with Ecuador over access to the Amazonian river system and control of the potentially mineral-rich Condor mountain range. In early 1995, full-scale fighting broke out after talks broke down, continuing intermittently until a settlement was reached in 1999.

Food and Drink

The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by ají and ajo (hot pepper and garlic), has become celebrated at home and abroad.
Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of vegetables; there are over 2,000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone. Table service is the norm in hotels and restaurants and many of them also offer buffet-type lunches.

Tipping: Service charges of 10% are added to all bills. Additional tips of 5% are expected.

Nightlife

There are many good bars, pubs, discos and casinos in the major towns and tourist resorts. Peñas always serve snacks and some serve full meals.
Here one can enjoy criolla or folk music, especially at weekends. Nightlife in Lima and Cusco has a wide array of choices. Most discos, peñas, pubs and karaokes are open until 0300 or 0400 in the morning.

Shopping

There are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, weaving and jewellery. Galleries and handicraft shops abound in the Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and downtown districts of Lima.
Handicrafts markets are located in Miraflores (Petit Thouars Ave, blocks 52 to 53) and Pueblo Libre (La Marina Ave, blocks 8 to 10). Bargaining is an expected practice with beach vendors and at markets and known as ’regateo’.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 10.00-13.00 and 16.00-20.00 (although many shops are open daily 09.00-20.00).

Climate

Varies according to area. On the coast winter lasts from June to September. During this period, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It never rains in Lima nor most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

Required Clothing

Lightweights during summer with warmer clothes worn in upland areas. Mediumweights are advised during cooler months.

Getting There by Air

The national airlines are Lan Perú (LP) (website: www.lan.com) and Taca Perú (TA)
(website: www.taca.com).
There are no direct flights from London; however, airlines with regular services to Peru include Air Canada, Air Madrid, Alitalia, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Continental, Iberia, KLM, Lacsa and United Airlines.

Air Passes

oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Participating airlines are Aer Lingus (EI), American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence.
It allows unlimited travel to 34 cities.
A minimum of three flights must be booked, with a maximum of 20; prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure Tax

US$28 from Lima’s airport. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt. Payment must be paid in cash prior to boarding.

Main Airports

Lima (LIM) (Jorge Chávez International Airport (website: www.lap.com.pe) is 16km (10 miles) northwest of the city center (journey time – 25 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis to the city center are available. Facilities: Duty-free and handicrafts shop, banks/bureaux de change, left luggage, pharmacy, medical centre, Internet cafe, car hire, coffee shops, bars and restaurants and tourist information.

Cusco (CUZ), located in the south, receives flights from La Paz (Bolivia).

Getting There by Water

Main ports: Callao and San Martin. Some international cruises occasionally call at Callao.

Getting There by Road

The main international highway is the Pan-American Highway running north–south through the coastal desert of Peru from Tumbes to Tacna.

Currency

New Sol (PEN) = 100 céntimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of PEN200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of PEN5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 céntimos.

Currency Exchange

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

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru.

Traveller’s Cheques

Banks will exchange traveller’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
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.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00, Sat 09.00-13.00 (may vary during the summer).