Peru, the third largest country in South America and nineteenth in the world, encompasses an area of 498,222 square miles and is located in the Central portion of South America. The country has four regions: the Pacific coastal region that runs 1,554 miles long and represents 10.6% of the territory; the Andean mountain region that runs through Peru from North to South and represents 30.5% of the territory; the jungle region is the largest of the territories and covers 58.9% of the territory; and the Territorial Waters which Peru includes as one of is natural regions and covers the full length of the country and 200 miles into the sea.

The population of Peru is over 25 million and 70% of the people live in the urban areas. The country is predominant Catholic (89%). Spanish and Quechua are the official languages of Peru and many dialects are spoken in the jungle region. In all mayor cities and tourist destinations, English is spoken.

Peru is one of the world's top seven mining countries in the world. Cooper, zinc, silver are the main minerals being extracted and it represents half of the annual export revenues. Fishing is one of the richest resources for Peru. Over six million metric tons of fish are produced every six years. Peru is the world leader in fish-meal exports. Thanks to it's 28 climate zones Peru can produce just about every food product on earth and it has a wealth of medicinal plants in the jungle region. Peru has developed a world-class vicuna, alpaca, llama and cotton gourmet industry.

Over 600,000 people are visiting Peru every year and the numbers continue to grow. Peru is a major destination in Latin America with famous sites like the City of Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu. In recent years, Peru's tourism infrastructure has significantly improved offering visitors a variety of accommodations from luxury hotels to clean and simple hostels.

Passport: To enter Peru you must have a passport and it must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Peru. For citizens of USA, Mexico, most of Central America, most of Asia and most of Europe, visas are not required if you are visiting the country for less then 90 days. For more information contact:

Peruvian Embassy in the US
1700 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 833-9860
Fax: (202) 659-8124

Air Travel

From the US people can choose from a variety of major airlines. Delta, United Airlines, Continental, American Airlines and Lan Chile provide daily service to the capital city of Lima from cities like Miami, New York City, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

ARE prices do not include travel insurance. ARE recommends travelers contacting their health, property and homeowners insurance providers to determine the extent of their coverage while traveling abroad. ARE offers travel insurance policies.

Peru domestic flights departure taxes are US$5.00 per flight per person and it is subject to increases. The departure tax for flights leaving the country is US$25.00 per person and is also subject to increases. These taxes can be paid in Peruvian Soles or U.S. Dollars.

The Sol (S/.) is the Peruvian currency and is available in banknotes and coins. U.S. Dollars are also welcome at most hotel, restaurants and shops at all major tourist destinations. The visitor can change money/traveler checks at banks, currency exchange offices, hotels and most major airports. All major tourist destinations have ATM machines available 24 hours a day. The machine will only provide the client with Peruvian currency.

In all of Peru the electricity is 220 volts and 60 cycles. Many of the new hotels, have in the bathrooms 110 volts for hair dryers and shaving machines. In Arequipa the electricity runs in 50 cycles.

The climate in Peru is generally divided into two seasons. The dry and the rainy season.

Along the Pacific desert coast from the months of January to March which is the Peruvian summer, the weather is for the most part sunny and the temperatures can reach 90 degrees. From April to December most of the coast with the exception of the region further to the north near the border with Ecuador, the coast is covered by what Peruvians call garua (mist) and the sun is hardly ever seen during this time of year. There is minimal rainfall and the low temperatures are in the high 50s. As the visitor travel away from the coast towards the mountains, the garua dissipates and the weather changes dramatically. In areas like the Nazca Lines area located just over 400km from Lima, the sun shines most of the year and is just 60km away from the coast.

In the mountain regions of Peru the dry season is from April to September and is the best time of year to travel if you are planning trekking and climbing. The days are for the most part clear and sunny and the chances of rain are minimal. The day temperatures can be in the high 70s and nights in the low 40s with occasional freezing at high altitudes.

In Tambopata the average daytime high temperature is between 82 and 93 F and the average nighttime low is between 62 and 73 F. Nevertheless between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina can sweep into southwestern Amazonia and push daytime highs down to 50 F (9 C) and the nighttime lows to 43 F (5 C). Thus, during that season always be potentially prepared for cold and drizzle.

During the rainy months of November through April, the traveler must always be prepared for heavy rain that can continue for hours or days. Around 80% of the annual average 200mm rainfall occurs during this season. Regardless, this is much less than the 300mm annual average rainfall that occurs in areas nearer to the Equator.

Travelers to the Cuzco and Andean areas need to take common sense measures in regards to altitude acclimatization. Cuzco is located at about 11,400 feet above sea level. Visitors are encouraged to limit exertion for the first few days and maintain themselves adequately hydrated. Coca tea is available at all hotels and assists in the acclimatization process. Individuals with coronary or other health problems should consult their physician before deciding to travel to Cuzco and other high altitude locations.

Before traveling to Peru it is important for the visitor to have the right protection against diseases and to understand fully what type of vaccinations that will be needed according to the regions he/she will be visiting. For general protection for visitors to Peru, it is important to have the following vaccinations:

For more information on medical considerations when traveling to tropical countries contact the:

It is vital that persons with medical problems or special diet requirements make them known to us well before departure so that land operators are properly informed.