Peru

Peru is a large country on the Pacific coast of South America, encompassing a desert coastline, tropical rainforest and soaring mountains, each with distinct environments. These offer an exceptional opportunity for travellers to experience a variety of landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, a rich history and archaeological heritage, and the vivacious character of durable native cultures, all within one nation.

Fishing villages, fine beaches, agricultural lands, and Peru's major towns and cities, including the capital of Lima, are interspersed along the narrow belt of desert coastline that stretches the length of the country. The lush Amazon Basin takes up half of Peru and is an ecologically rich area of tropical rainforest that encompasses some of the world's most remote and least explored areas, sparsely populated and for the most part, inaccessible. Separating the coastal desert from the jungle is the splendid Andes mountain range, an endless chain of soaring peaks over 22,000 feet (7,000m) high, and home to millions of indigenous highland people, speaking the ancient Inca language of Quechua, and living in traditional villages with steeply terraced agricultural fields, with their wandering herds of llamas and alpacas.

An interesting history of ancient civilisations, tales of lost cities, undiscovered treasures, and unsolved mysteries make Peru one of the most exciting countries to visit. Travellers can marvel at the sophistication of pre-Colombian cultures and explore the many legacies left by the imperial Inca Empire, particularly the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. Hiking along the legendary ancient royal Inca highway brings visitors to the awesome, majestic 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu. Boats transport tourists to the unique floating islands and the traditional world of the island people on Lake Titicaca. Travellers can wander around splendid colonial cities that have preserved their Spanish architecture, look into the depths of the world's deepest canyon, and contemplate the intriguing mystery of the Nazca Lines.

Peru, 'Land of the Incas', offers a stimulating and rewarding travel experience and is one of the most diverse and exhilarating of the South American destinations.

Climate

The weather on the Peru coast is generally sunny with little rainfall, but from April to November there is a heavy sea mist. The highlands have a wet season (October to April) and a dry season (May to September), when the days are clear and sunny but it's very cold at night, especially at altitude.

Money

The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.

Passport Visa

All travellers require return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If travelling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.
• British nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.
• Canadian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.
• Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Card do not require visa provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Peru.
• South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days.
• Irish nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.
• New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Card do not require visa provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Peru.

Health

There are several health issues to consider for travel to Peru. Those entering the country from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do occur; vaccination is recommended but is not necessary for Lima, Cuzco or Machu Picchu. No other vaccinations are officially required but visitors are advised to take precautions especially if planning to travel to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible. Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, except for Lima and the coastal regions to the south, and dengue fever is on the increase. There have been a number of incidents of rabies transmitted by bites from vampire bats in the Madre de Dios and Puno provinces, and near the border with Ecuador; visitors are advised to have a course of rabies injections and not to sleep in the open. Chagas' disease, Cholera and cases of the plague do occur. The most common ailments for travellers are diarrhoea and altitude sickness. Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good in the major cities (better at private clinics than at public hospitals) but is expensive; health insurance is essential. Screening for HIV is inadequate and visitors should avoid blood transfusions.

Embassy Consulates

• Peruvian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 833 9860.
• Peruvian Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7235 1917.
• Peruvian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 1777.
• Peruvian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 7351.
• Peruvian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 440 1030.
• Peruvian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 499 8087.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Lima: +51 (0)1 618 2000.
• British Embassy, Lima: +51 (0)1 617 3000.
• Canadian Embassy, Lima: +51 (0)1 319 3200.
• Australian Consulate-General, Lima: +51 (0)1 205 4000.
• South African Embassy, Buenos Aires, Argentina (also responsible for Paraguay): +54 11 4317 2900.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Lima: +51 (0)1 637 7800.
• New Zealand Consulate, Lima: +51 (0)1 627 7778.