The Basics
Country: Peru
Where is it?: Peru is in both our hearts and minds. Peru is on the west coast of South America, north of Chile.
Why do people go here?: Tourism: Machu Picchu (Famous Incan Ruins), Lake Titicaca, Andes, Mountain Climbing, Rafting/Kayaking, Eco-Tourism, Amazon Jungle/River Trips. Volunteer Work. Missionary Work.
What are the main entry points?: Air: Lima. Land: North into/from Ecuador: Tumbes. South into/from Chile: Tacna. East into/from Bolivia: Puerto Maldonado. Sea:Pisco, Lima, Tumbes, Trujillo, Chiclayo.
Currency used: Nuevo Sol/Soles; Vernacular Sol or Soles
Country Code for Phones: 51
Area codes for Major Cities: Lima: 01
Religion: Roman Catholic: 90%
Population: 29 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Indigenous 45%, Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and white) 37%, White 15%, Other 3%
Government: Constitutional Republic
Languages: Mainly Spanish, Quechua (Indigenous), Aymara (Indigenous)
Travel Information
Major Cities: Lima, Arequipa, Cusco
Attractions: Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca
Accommodation: Peru Hostels
Tips for Visiting
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Machu Picchu Trail Hike: If you are looking to save a few soles, book your trip while in Cusco. Tour agencies often look to fill gaps in already existing tour groups. However, this is not advisable during the high-season [June-Aug.]. During the high-season it is a VERY good idea to either book your hike in Lima, or allow yourself a few days of wait time in Cusco for trip openings. Lake Titicaca Home Stay: Setup of trips can be done in most travel agencies. Save some money by booking your two day trip in Puno. Amazon Jungle/Boating Trips (via Santa Rosa)
Health Issues: Altitude sickness, Cholera, hepatitis, malaria (Malaria exists in the lowlands), rabies, typhoid, yellow fever
When to go: High season for Machu Picchu is from June to August. June-Aug.: Dry season in the mountains. Weather is usually comfortable year-round in the coastal regions.
Common Phrases: Chao = Goodbye. Ch�vere = Cool. Cuanto cuesta? = How much?. Donde esta? = Where is?. Como se llama? = What is your name?. Me llamo = My name is
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 28 July
Getting Around: Buses are cheap and go almost anywhere and stop almost anytime (even when the driver doesn’t want them to). City buses and cheap transport busses are not first class cruises. However, if you are willing to pay a few extra soles for longer trips, bus camas� (sleeper busses) are very comfortable, quick, and usually supply a steward.
Good to know: Peru shares Lake Titicaca (pronounced Titi-haha) with Bolivia, the highest navigable lake in the world. Both Peru and Chile have towns name Pisco.Each country claims this is the origin of the pisco grape, used to make the world famous Pisco Sours. Home to world-famous author Mario Vargas Llosa.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Peru is the Jorge Chavez International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Peru travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
