Peru - Wikivoyage, the free collaborative travel and tourism guide - Pérou — Wikivoyage, le guide de voyage et de tourisme collaboratif gratuit

Peru (Perú (Spanish) Piruw (Quechua and Aymara))
Flag
Information
Capital city	Lima
Area	1 290 000 km²
Population	29 000 000 hab. (2010)
Density	22,48 inhab./km²
Form of State	Republic
Other languages	Spanish, quechua, aymara
Cash	nuevo sol (PEN)
Electricity	220 V/60 Hz, European and American plugs
Telephone prefix	51
Internet suffix	.pe
Flow direction	Right-hand drive
Spindle	UTC-5
Location
9 ° 24 ′ 0 ″ S 76 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ W
Official site
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the Peru is a country ofSouth America, border of theEcuador to the north-west of the Colombia to the northeast, from Brazil to the east, from the Bolivia to the south-east and Chile South.

Understand

Geography

Peru is divided into three natural regions with completely different landscapes and climates:

• The "Costa" (or coast) is the most populated area, the landscapes are rather desert. It is in this region that the capital is located Lima
• The "Sierra" is the mountain area in the center of the country, the plateau is between 2 500 m and 3 500 m and the highest peaks exceed the 6 000 m, the highest villages are around 4 000 m. The vegetation is short and dry, we meet many herds of sheep and alpacas.
• The "Selva" in Amazonia is located in the east of the country, an immense and almost uninhabited region, there are very few roads and travel is done by plane or boat. The Amazonian vegetation is lush and very rich as is the animal diversity.

Weather

Peru is located in the southern hemisphere, so the coldest season is summer in the northern hemisphere. Each of the three geographic areas has a specific climate:

• The coast: the hottest months on the coast are December, January, February, when it is between 25 ° C and 30 ° C. The coolest months are June, July, August but winter temperatures do not compare with European or Canadian winters, these usually do not drop below 15 ° C. Winters on the Peruvian coast are also characterized by a lingering mist.

• The Sierra: the period between April and November is the best time to go to the Andes, the temperatures are pleasant there, it is dry and sunny. Afterwards, the temperatures are higher and above all, it is the rainy season. Due to the altitude the temperature differences are very important, it is not rare to see frosts in the morning. The sun is also very strong, so it should not be underestimated.

• Amazonia: The rainy season lasts from around December to March. It is best to avoid going to this part of Peru during this period as well, when it rains in the Amazon, it is a lot of water. During the dry season, temperatures are high (30 ° C approx) but the air is relatively drier, which makes the visits more pleasant.

Story

Many civilizations have populated Peru including the Huari, Moche, Nazca or Mochica. They were submitted by the Incas around Cuzco. The Spaniards conquered Peru in the XVI^e century. Peru has been independent from Spain since 1821.

Population

Peru had 32.17 million inhabitants in 2017, nearly a third of whom lived in Lima.

Holidays and public holidays

The most important holiday in Peru is the “fiestas patrias” on July 28 and 29. Residents are asked to put a Peruvian flag on their window.

The other festivals are mainly Catholic and are accompanied by processions.

Regions

Cities

• -12.045299-77.0311371 Lima  – The capital and the economic center. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -16.430816-71.5155032 Arequipa  – The second city, in the south of the country, at the foot of the Misti volcano. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -7.156944-78.51753 Cajamarca  (last update Feb. 2018)
• -6.7704-79.84194 Chiclayo  (last update Feb. 2018)
• -13.5219-71.97665 Cuzco  – The ancient capital of the Inca Empire. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -12.0785-75.19766 Huancayo  (last update Feb. 2018)
• -3.7447-73.24057 Iquitos  – In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -15.8378-70.02328 Puno  – On the shores of Lake Titicaca. (last update Feb. 2018)
• -6.48809-76.360289 Tarapoto  (last update Feb. 2018)
• -8.1124-79.02810 Trujillo  – The third city, on the North Pacific coast. (last update Feb. 2018)

Other destinations

Historical places

• -13.1661-72.54391 Machu Picchu  – Famous perched Inca ruins, considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, this is a must visit. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Nazca  – The lines to be seen by plane or just from the 2 planned watchtowers. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Sacred valley  (last update Feb. 2018)
• Archeosite of Inka Llacta  – shows life-size daily Inca life. (last update Feb. 2018)

Natural wonders

• Lake Titicaca  – Border lake with the Bolivia on the rural outskirts preserved from mass tourism, possibilities for boat trips to the many archipelagos including the Uros floating islands, the Amantani islands and the Taquile islands. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Huascarán National Park  – Located in the department of Ancash, this national park encompasses the entire Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. It has an extension of 340,000 hectares. It is the ideal place to practice adventure sports such as mountaineering and rock climbing. There is a great wealth of flora and fauna, snow-capped mountains and spectacular landscapes. Several of the peaks and lagoons of this mountain range are known worldwide for their beauty. Snow capped mountain Alpamayo rises to 5,947 meters of altitude and has been named the most beautiful peak in the world. This is where the Huascarán is located, the highest peak in Peru and one of the largest in America, with an altitude of 6 768 m. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve  – Located in the department of Loreto, the Pacaya Samiria reserve covers an area of ​​2,080,000 hectares, and is the largest national reserve in Peru. Also considered to be the jewel of the Peruvian Amazon jungle, Pacaya Samiria is the home of an abundant flora and fauna. It contains a multitude of lakes, swamps and water holes where the 130 types of mammals, 330 species of birds and countless reptiles and amphibians take refuge. Attractions in the area are the Turtle River, manatees, pink dolphins, and black caimans. Considered the greatest source of fish biodiversity in the world, the reserve is protected. Only certain guides have access to it. Thus, tours of several days are organized in total respect for nature from Tarapoto. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Huacachina  – Magnificent Oasis in the middle of the desert near Ica. Go to Ica then take shuttles to Huacachina for sand surfing, and trips into the desert aboard a non-standard all-terrain vehicle. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Colca Canyon  (last update Feb. 2018)
• Cotahuasi Canyon  (last update Feb. 2018)
• Manu Park

To go

Formalities

By plane

Accessible from all countries.The main airport is Jorge Chavez Lima (Callao), but some flights also serve Cuzco directly.

On a boat

It is possible to reach Peru by boat from the following countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile.

By train

By bus

From Bolivia, from La Paz, via Copacabana (and Lake Titicaca)

• La Paz - Copacabana: 3 h about
• Copacabana - Puno: 2-3 h approximately, with customs clearance on foot

The most popular means of transport among locals and travelers "low cost"is by far the bus. No particular safety problem

Possibility for those who do not want to take the bus: most (if not all) trips are negotiated by taxi. Count about 3 or 4 times the price of the bus ticket.

By car

It is mandatory to present a customs clearance book if you are traveling with your own vehicle, as well as taking out insurance when crossing the border.

A "laissez-passer" is issued by customs.

Circulate

By plane

From Lima there are daily connections to the main cities of Peru. Aviation companies have been going bankrupt regularly in recent years, but there is always at least one that survives. In 2005 it was called Lan Peru, subsidiary by Lan Chile. Taca is another company that serves a few small towns that are difficult to access. Star Peru is an inexpensive company.

By train

There are hardly any major rail links in Peru, apart from Cusco-Puno, Lima-Huancayo and one or two others. Note the very touristy train (separate cars for tourists and locals) which serves Macchu Picchu, with fares more than 90% cheaper for Peruvians (subsidized cars) than for tourists.

It is also possible to go from Lima To Huancayo with the train of clouds, the second highest in the world. This trip, to 4 871 m altitude, heart of Peru is simply amazing. The expedition through landscapes as far as the eye can see lasts 11 h, the train passes under 69 tunnels, crosses 58 bridges and makes 6 zigzags. In 1999, the company was privatized and in 2005, the tourist cars were renovated, with unparalleled comfort and on-board service, the "Andes train" is now one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world.

By bus

The best way to get around Peru when you are sightseeing without too high a budget is still the numerous and inexpensive buses. There are connections between all the cities several times a day, in more or less comfortable buses depending on the money you want to put there. For comfortable night buses, the company cruz del sur offers safe service with first class sleeper seats. For classic bus trips go directly to the bus stations, the destinations are displayed and announced in the counters.

By taxi

Note that in small groups, it can sometimes be more advantageous to hire a taxi for the day than to pay each one a bus ticket. In addition, the driver takes you where you want, when you want and can even act as a guide. Of course, the price has to be negotiated in advance.

By car

The signage deviates in certain points from European standards.

Be especially careful if you plan to drive at night.

Speed ​​limits:

• Route: 60 To 100 km / h
• City : 30 To 60 km / h

The authorized blood alcohol level is 0,5 g / l of blood.

The rental of a vehicle is generally possible from the age of 25, it is mandatory to present an international driving license.

To speak

The official language of Peru is Spanish which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Quechua and Aymara are also co-official in some territories. Some people in the Andean regions, especially the elderly, only speak Quechua. English is spoken and understood in most tourist locations and in business settings. The Spanish used is much slower than that used in Spain.

To buy

The currency used is nuevo sol (S /., PEN), which is approximately 0,3 € (~ 0.33 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ $ 0.45 C - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 0.36 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 196.68 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). The American dollar (US) is commonly used in Peru, for large sums (beyond 15 $ (~12,42 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 13.73 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 18.6 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 8,145.53 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021)). Even if this currency is used all over the world, one should not try to change change in the street, in stores for small sums, because people will not take dollars, even in banknotes. 1 $ (~0,83 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 0.92 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 1.24 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 543.04 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). Please note, dollar banknotes are only accepted if they are in perfect condition. A simple little tear and your ticket will be refused. Some will offer to take it, but for a smaller amount than what is indicated on the ticket. Banknotes in soles (one sol, two soles (pronounced "solès")) are accepted, even in poor condition. The euro begins to be adopted in the same way as the dollar. There are many places where you can exchange money; there are "stands" in the streets of big cities, you can also exchange money for people in the street, you just have to be careful not to take fake banknotes (real banknotes have a black line with the sum of the written note visible when viewed transparently), however, do not change too much money (as much as possible 100 $ (~82,83 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 91.54 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 124.02 - price of 04/27/2021) (~ 54,303.53 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021)) because malicious people could see it. Never do it, you would contribute to the devaluation of the national currency of the country which on the contrary needs to have its currency recognized, and whatever the underdeveloped country you visit.

Distributors are not very common, except in large cities.

Watch out for counterfeit tickets.

Eat

Peruvian food is extremely varied and depends heavily on the region. Even those who speak Spanish will be confused. The dishes often bear very typical names, sometimes descending from indigenous languages, or are based on products that are not found elsewhere. The dishes are often accompanied by fries and rice. Potato products are particularly good (potatoes originally come from the Andes). Chicken (pollo) is everywhere available in 1/4, 1/2 or whole. Note also the extraordinary variety of fruits. In Lima, you should definitely take the opportunity to eat lucuma or chirimoya ice cream that you probably won't find anywhere else.

The coast being one of the most fish-rich in the world, it is the ideal place to feast on fish and seafood. You must especially taste the national dish:

• Cebiche  – These are raw fish (or seafood) marinated in lime: a real delight. To the north (Tumbes), you can try the cebiche de conchas negras: it seems that it is an aphrodisiac. (last updated Oct 2015)

Other typical dishes of the coast:

• la causa: mashed potatoes stuffed with tuna, crab or vegetables,
• the chupe de camarones: a crayfish soup,
• lomo saltado: thin strips of beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes, fries and rice,
• aji de gallina: crumbled chicken in a (slightly) spicy sauce,
• rocoto relleno: specialty of Arequipa, a pepper stuffed with meat for those who don't mind very spicy dishes,
• carapulcra: dehydrated potatoes cooked with pork and / or chicken,
• arroz chaufa: rice with small pieces of meat, omelet, pepper, onions ... always served copiously,
• the aeropuerto: like the arroz chaufa with in addition vermicelli pasta

Some typical dishes of the sierra:

• a soup (sopa or crema) is sometimes served before the dish, ideal for hydrating and thus avoiding altitude sickness
• chancho chicharron: grilled pork,
• the cuy (chactado, al horno or even pimente de cuy): guinea pig, essential, we find it in Peru, however there is not much to eat in a cuy, the prices are excessive in very touristic towns
• alpaca meat: firm and tasty meat
• the chuño: another type of dehydrated potato, to try rather in soup,
• tamales: corn flour cooked in leaves and sometimes stuffed with meat and olives

In the Amazon:

• el tacacho: plantain, grilled and crushed, then formed into a ball with pork fat,
• la cecina de chancho: seasoned and smoked pork, eaten with tacacho and a cucumber and avocado salad,
• el juane: rice and chicken / or egg preparation, cooked in bijau leaves, a specialty for San Juan,
• sarapateira: soup made from grated green plantain and water turtle, cooked in its shell,
• chonta: the heart of palm cut into strips, a bit like noodles,
• the paiche: a big local fish,
• the lagarto: caiman meat

Drink / Go out

the Pisco, national alcoholic drink, lemon juice is added to it, topped with a beaten egg white and a pinch of cinnamon, this is called "Pisco Sour". Be careful not to abuse alcoholic drinks at altitude, they go up very quickly to your head. Contrary to popular belief, pisco is reserved for the middle class or even wealthy. There is a version from the colca region, called Colca Sour, to which cactus juice is added. The No. 1 drink is unquestionably beer, relatively inexpensive and of good quality. Rum (cultivation of sugar cane in the north of the country) as well as cañazo, a lower quality derivative are appreciated on the coast. The Indians rather drink an anise derivative of poor quality; if they offer it, take it, take a sip and move on. For wine lovers, a small production, concentrated in the department of Ica, produces excellent Merlots and Malbecs. A few compete with Chilean or Argentinian wines without any problem.

The night in Lima is very lively, prefer the districts of Miraflores, Barranco and the center of Lima which now recovers its chandeliers of yesteryear. The people are very open and jovial. Don't hesitate to chat and share a drink. In Cuzco, the city comes alive after dark: collect flyers in the Plaza de Armas.

Housing

Ask to see the room before accepting. You can sometimes haggle over the price. You can find very decent double rooms starting at 15 soles if you go a little further from the center. You can also find vacation rentals in Miraflores, the tourist area of ​​Lima.

To learn

There is much to be learned from a people who have, for the most part, kept their traditions and passed them on to others. This is not the case in many countries in South America but in Peru, and more particularly in the regions of Arequipa or Cuzco, most of the people you will meet in the street are happy to tell you about the history of their country ... and of the Incas, of course. A word of advice: listen to them.

To work

You might as well say it right away: working in Peru is far from being El Dorado. Very low minimum wage (750 soles per month, or about 200 € (~ 221.03 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 299.45 - price of 04/27/2021) (~ $ 241.46 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 131,121.21 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021)), 10 h per day, 5 days a week ... so think carefully before going there, hoping to make your hole.

Communicate

Photo

Peru offers countless opportunities to take photos, between its magnificent landscapes, its people with colorful outfits and its llamas. Ask permission from local people before photographing them. Some accept for 1 or 2 soles (in very touristy places), others for free and others refuse, especially the elderly.

Security

Peru is no more dangerous than other South American countries. In the beautiful districts of Lima it is possible to walk on foot day and night without risk. As a rule, not to display wealth. Do not wear jewelry or watches. Put money, passports, plane tickets in pockets under clothes. And especially be careful when entering a taxi or motorcycle taxi to close your window or put your bags in the middle.For your safety, avoid walking alone in the ruins around Cuzco, group yourself, if you get to know other tourists.

Government travel advice

• Belgium (Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• Canada (Government of Canada)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• France (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• Swiss (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)  (last updated Jan 2016)

Respect

The term "gringo" refers to tourists in general and is not pejorative, it is common to be called gringo or gringa and there is nothing aggressive about it.