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A land rich in cultural heritage and a variety of natural environments, harbors 84 of the 118 known life zones of the earth. This rich variety of ecosystems has also produced a variety of cultures and civilizations, which have flourished in different regions of the country over time. The cultures that comprise Perú influenced each other over time, cross-fertilizing their ability to evolve and to manage natural resources and the environment.

Immense treasures of human architecture, culture and religion are found throughout the country - from the dry desert coast interspersed with lush fertile valleys, to the foothills, valleys, snow-capped peaks, and cloud forests of the Andes mountains, and the Amazon flood plains. These three distinct climate and geomorphological zones are divided into a myriad of microclimates and ecozones that make Perú what it is - a land of unparalleled diversity.

The Coast To the north, valleys that harbored distinctive ethnic groups in Trujillo and Chiclayo drain into the Pacific Ocean. Here fishing is a mainstay for the local population and surfing is an important attraction. Beaches of arid sand and desert landscapes make a vacation in northern Perú unique and exhilarating. To the south, Paracas Resort is the ideal place to take a break from the maddening world.

The Andes The valleys and rolling hills of the Andes were the backbone of Inca and pre-Inca settlements and cultures. An array of microclimates along the North-South spine of the mountain range, and the advancing cloud forest along its eastern slopes, enabled a variety of flora and fauna to be domesticated and cultivated by the Incas and their predecessors. Hundreds of ruins and vestiges of Inca temples, housing, fortresses and warehouses abound. This area includes the towering Machu Picchu, the satellite citadel of  what used to be the main capital, Cusco.

Before  embarking in your adventures in the historic and peaceful Sacred Valley spend a day or two at magical  Sol y Luna one of the most secluded resorts by the river Urubamba. There are many other important sites and cultures to explore in the cities of Puno, Ayacucho, Huancayo, Huaraz and Cajamarca. Arequipa, the land of volcanoes and deep canyons is another intriguing destination. The rugged Andes are a tremendous lure for the more adventurous - hiking, trekking and river-running opportunities abound, and enjoyment of natural wonders can be combined with visits to striking archaeological sites.

Amazon Flood Plains  The drainage of glaciers, and run-off from rain and the cloud forest on the eastern Andes create a huge river system that culminates in the longest and largest river in the world - the Amazon in north central Perú. Covering 60% of the country, the rainforest offers opportunities to visitors to experience canoe trips, walks through interesting habitats, and stays in rustic lodges. The Amazon also contains two of the largest neo-tropical National Parks - Manu and Pacaya Samiria. The vast diversity of Perú abounds in this area but a visit to the rain forest requires time and patience to see wildlife and visit the rainforest.

 
Visas

• Visitors must have a return ticket and a passport valid for at least 6 months after their entry date into Perú.
• Citizens from the USA, EEC, Canada and Mexico do not need a tourist visa.
• Citizens from South and Central American countries do not need a tourist visa.
• Citizens from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and Philippines, Israel and South Africa do not need tourist visas. 
• All countries require business visas for stays longer than 90 days.

Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Peru. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities). Inquire with the Peruvian consular representation in your country if you need further information. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the web site of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Vaccinations  No vaccinations are required to enter Perú. However, malaria and yellow fever vaccinations are required for travel to the Amazon and other jungle areas. If you are entering Perú from another South American country, that country may require such vaccinations prior to departure. Check  CDC Travel Information for current requirements or call your airline.

If you plan on traveling to the Jungle, the administration of a yellow fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.

Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:

Jorge Chávez International Airport 2nd floor Service Hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day. Tel.: (01) 575-1745

International Vaccination Center
Calle Yupanqui 1400, Lima Service hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m Tel.: (01) 471-9920 Extension 1215

Customs and airport taxes On arrival, duty free allowance in new purchased items, whether for personal use or gifts, should not exceed US$ 200 in value; 2 liters of alcoholic beverages; 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars. An airport tax of US$5 is payable for each domestic flight from any airport in Perú. A departure tax of US$ 28 must be paid at any international airport before leaving Perú.

Currency, exchange, banks, credit cards The Nuevo Sol is the Peruvian currency. Its abbreviated form is S/. Many establishments and private persons accept US dollars for transactions. The exchange rate fluctuates daily. Hotels and credit cards use a slightly lower rate. There is no limit on the amount of currency you can take to Perú. Money can be changed at the airport, in most of the banks and casas de cambio.

Banking hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm or from 10 am to 6 pm with some variations during the summer months (January to March). International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, hotels and important stores.

Weather and altitude There are no intermediate seasons in Perú, and one can encounter summer and winter conditions at the same time of the year, according to the area visited. The highlands have dry and sunny weather the whole year round. The nights are cold, but temperature varies according to the altitude. Cusco is at 3,400 meters and the air is fresh; Arequipa is at 2,378 meters and has a mild, perpetually warm climate; Puno is the coldest at a higher altitude of 3,870 meters. The rainy season is from December to March, which are also the warmest months (19 to 25 degrees C).
The coast has a very mild weather and it hardly ever rains, apart from the area near Ecuador. The summer is from January to March with temperatures from 25 to 29 degrees C. Winter is from June to August with temperatures between 13 to 19 degrees C.

The rainforest and Amazon flood plains are hot, from 30 to 35 degrees C from December to April. It rains in brief showers the whole year round. Two of the largest, new tropical parks, Manú and Pacaya Samiria, offer great opportunities to visitors who prefer to stay in rustic lodges and observe wildlife.

Clothing Remember that when it is winter in the USA and Europe, it is summer in Perú. In the highlands, when it is sunny during the day, you should dress lightly but carry something to cover up, because it is cool in the shade. At night you will need a jacket because it becomes cool or cold according to the altitude. In Lima, during winter time (June to August), you need a sweater or a jacket. Nobody wears an overcoat.

Weights and measures The metric system of weights and measures is compulsory.

Health On arrival in Andean cities, you should allow your system to adapt naturally to the thinner air with less oxygen. Although you may not be affected at all by the altitude, eat and drink as little as possible to avoid soroche, or mountain sickness, and by your second day in the Andes, you should be fully acclimated. Watch out for sunburn, use HPF sunscreen. Drink only bottled water, avoid ice cubes and tap water, raw vegetables and salads.

Electricity  The voltage is 220, 60 cycles, except Arequipa (50 cycles) A few major hotels in Lima also have 110 volt outlets..

Time Lima time is the same as Eastern Standard Time. When it is noon in Western Europe, in Perú it is 6 am. When it is noon in Lima, it is 3 am in Japan.

Suggested reading 

Books:

Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Incas, by Hiram Bingham
The Conquest of the Incas, by John Hemming
Touching the Void, by Joe Simpson
Exploring Cusco, by Peter Forst (in its 5th edition)
Forgotten Vilcabamba, by Vincent R. Lee
Explorer of Machu Picchu, by Alfred M. Bingham

Travel guides:

Perú Handbook, by Alan Murphy, Footprint
Perú: Travel Survival Kit, by Rob Rachowiecki, Lonely Planet

U.S. Consulate in Lima La Encalada Cuadra 17 s/n, Monterrico, Lima
Tel: (511) 434-3000, Fax: (511) 434-3037

general conditions

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