Peru Flag
Why visit Peru?
For the outdoor adventurous traveler seeking to enjoy Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains, archaeological sites, art, birdwatching, colonial city, coastal desert, culture, deep canyons, dense jungle, ecotourism, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, Machu Picchu, museums, natural wonder, unspoiled beaches, ruins, and surfing.
Cruzco, Peru. Photo Credit: Joaquín Enríquez/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Alpaca-wool goods, blankets, cotton fabrics, gold, leather goods, linen fabrics, miniature handmade statues, oil paintings, ponchos, pottery, silver, tapestries, walking sticks, wood products, and woven-straw goods.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Carapulcra (stew). Chupe de Pescado (fish dish). Jamon del Pais (sandwich). Lomo Saltado (beef). Papa Rellena (stuffed potato). Pollo a la Brasa (roasted chicken).
- Local Drink to Try: Chicha de Jora (beer). Chicha Morada (juice). Chilcano (cocktail).
Cusquena (beer). Inca Kola (soft drink). Mate de Coca (tea). Pisco Sour (national).
Cuzco Main Square (Plaza de Armas de Cuzco), Cusco, Peru. Photo Credit: Alfonso Cerezo/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- Human evidence dates to approximately 12,500BCE.
- San Marcos University (Lima) was founded in 1551.
- Home to the highest navigable lake in the world (Lake Titicaca).
- Northern tip is within a mile of the equator.
- South America's third largest country.
- Home of largest variety of orchids in the world.
- Incan Royalty would chew coca leaf representative of privilege.
- Largest city, Iquitos, remains inaccessible by road.
- World's largest commercial supplier of fishmeal.
- Has the fourth largest military in Latin America.
- Developed a mountain biking tourism industry.
- Home to rare mammal species: jaguar, puma, and spectacled bear.
- Diverse cultural traditions in art, cuisine, literature and music.
- Largely produces artichoke, asparagus, avocado, banana, blueberry, boron, cocoa, coffee, copper, gas, gold, grape, lead, maize, molybdenum, oil, pineapple, potato, rice, silver, sugarcane, tin, and zinc.
- Music usually includes charango (instrument).
- Produced the first animated 3-D film in Latin America (Piratas en el Callao).
- World's largest producer of quinoa.
Colca Canyon, Chivay, Peru. Photo Credit: Adrian/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Foundation of Lima, Trujillo Marinera Festival, (February) Fiesta de la Candelaria, International Adventure Sports Festival, Juliaca Festival, (March) Festival Internacional de la Vendimia, Surco Wine Harvest Festival, (April) Festividad del Señor del los Temblores del Cusco, Lima Food Week, Lima Jazz Festival, (May) Fiesta de las Cruces, Lima Marathon, Nazca Tourist Week, (June) Inti Raymi, Saint John Festival, (July) Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, Lima International Book Fair, (August) Día de Santa Rosa de Lima, Lima Film Festival, Lima Half Marathon, Pachamama Raymi, (September) International Spring Festival, Mistura Culinary Festival, (October) Creole Song Festival, Lima Beer Week, Procesión del Señor de los Milagros, (November) Puno Week, and (December) Santuranticuy.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Day, International Workers' Day, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Independence Day, Battle of Junín, Santa Rosa de Lima, Battle of Angamos, All Saints’ Day, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas.
Tarapoto, Peru. Photo Credit: Maik Alexis/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Rainy Season is October - April.
- Do not expect deluxe accommodations.
- Known to lack high standards of service.
- Sanitation standard levels may pose an issue for the inexperienced traveler.
- Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huaraz, and Puno are at high altitude.
- Avoid tap water consumption.
- Surf Season is February - September (north) and March - December (south).
- Prevalent diseases: Dengue, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Hepatitis A and B, Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Zika.
- Exporting artifacts or antiques is illegal.
- Air pollution is a significant problem in major cities.
- Ambulance services are not present throughout the country.
- Avoid use of "ceremony” or “spiritual cleansing” due to known strong hallucinogen substances.
- Many popular destinations are remote.
Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo Credit: MLbay/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $30,000USD.
Subject to earthquakes.
- Best Time to Visit: May - September
- Coldest Months: December - March
- Hottest Months: May - September
- Peak Season: June - September & December
Lima, Peru. Photo Credit: Julia/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Abiseo River National Park, Arequipa, Chan Chan, Cusco, Historic Centre of Lima, Huascaran National Park, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manu National Park, Nazca Lines, Saqsaywaman, Sitio Arqueológico Chavín de Huántar.
Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo Credit: Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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