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 dramatic
landscapes offer an exceptional opportunity for travellers to
experience a variety of adventures, 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 in the world. Travellers can
marvel at the sophistication of pre-Colombian cultures and explore
the many legacies left by the Inca Empire, particularly the ancient
Inca capital of Cuzco. Hiking along the legendary 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.
For the more adventurous, a number of powerful rivers race
within Peru's borders such as the mighty Amazon. Experienced
paddlers will find some challenging stretches of white-water, while
novices can enjoy the country's gentler runs. The Urubamba Valley,
the Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons, and the Rio Santa and Tambopata
Rivers all have terrific options. Adventurers can also tackle many
wonderful stretches near Arequipa, which makes a great base for
rafting and kayaking holidays.
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.
Key Facts
Language:
Spanish is the official language. In areas where they are
predominant, Quechua, Aymara and other aboriginal languages also
have official status. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Passport/Visa:
All travellers require passports, 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 the visitor's
intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration
officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel
agents and official sources.
Currency:
The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos.
Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major
international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all,
establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more
limited. 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.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pronged
plugs with flat blades as well as plugs with two round prongs are
in use.
Travel to Peru
Overview
If there's one place in South America brimming with fascinating
and awe-inspiring attractions, it's Peru. With wonders such as
Macchu Pichu, the Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nazca lines, the
Coricancha Inca Ruins and Pisco, it's no wonder Peru is one of
South America's most popular tourist destinations. The country is a
favourite with backpackers and budget travellers and it is possible
to travel cheaply if necessary. However, Peru's most famous tourist
activity, hiking the Inca Trail, is expensive and must be organised
in advance as permits are required and very limited.
Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are charming and
atmospheric, if a little shabby, with lots of colour and run-down
colonial buildings. Peru has an interesting and refreshingly unique
cuisine and the restaurant scene in places like Lima is fun to
investigate. Lima also has a vibrant nightlife and some decent
museums.
A reliable swell, fairly warm water and
consistent offshore winds make the country a tremendous surfing
destination too, with local surfers generally heading to Lima with
its great waves. The north coast in particular has long, empty
waves in beautiful locations, plus one of the world's largest
left-hand point breaks.
Getting around Peru is fairly cheap and easy with plenty of
internal flights operating on an almost daily basis and an
affordable and reasonably reliable public transport system. It's
advisable to fly between cities when possible or rent a car and
explore all this mystical country has to offer, although long-haul
bus trips are also an option.
Climate in Peru
Peru has three climate zones, one of which governs the coastal
region. Its desert landscape is caused by the cold Humboldt
Current, which prevents cloud formation over the land. Lima is
generally sunny and humid, with next to no rainfall, though it
experiences heavy sea mists from April to November. The northern
coast has hot, sunny summers, with occasional rain showers. The
coast gets less arid farther north, as the effect of the Humboldt
Current decreases. The Andes region is cool, and its wet season
runs from October to April. The dry season lasts from May to
October, and this is the most popular time to visit Peru. During
the dry season, days in the highlands are clear and sunny, though
nights become very cold, especially at altitude. The forested
region of the Amazon Basin has an equatorial climate, where
conditions involve hot weather and frequent rain throughout the
year.
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May
to October, and July and August are the peak months. Visitors will
notice more rain between November and April, particularly over
January and February. Travel at this time does offer the advantage
of fewer visitors, greener scenery, and lower rates for flights and
hotels. The Amazon also experiences more rain between November and
March, but this should not deter you from visiting - the flora and
fauna will still be abundant and there are always breaks in
showers.
Health Notes when travelling to Peru
Travellers heading to Peru will need a
yellow fever certificate if they're entering from an infected area,
and are advised to take precautions if travelling to jungle
regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible, as are
precautions against malaria, dengue fever and zika virus.
Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended, as
well as a course of rabies injections if journeying into the
wilderness. Diarrhoea and altitude sickness are the most common
ailments, so travellers should only drink bottled water, avoid
drinks with ice and be wary of street food. Healthcare is good in
the major cities, particularly at private clinics rather than
public hospitals, but travel insurance remains essential.
Safety Notes when travelling to Peru
Most visits to Peru are trouble-free and
sensible precautions should be enough to keep travellers safe.
There have been a few incidents on treks through the Huayhuash
region near Huaraz and should seek safety advice before setting
out. Travellers should only take official taxis as thieves can pose
as drivers or tour operators.
Customs in Peru
Visitors should not take photographs of anything relating to the
military. Many locals will ask for a tip in return for being the
subject of a photograph. In some places, this is the primary source
of income. Homosexuality, although legal, is frowned upon. Gay
travellers should keep a low profile outside gay clubs. Visitors
should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as this will be
seen as insulting, regardless of their intentions.
Duty Free in Peru
Travellers over the age of 18 do not have to pay duty on 400
cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 3 litres of alcoholic
beverages; and gifts to the value of US$500. Items such as
sausages, salami, ham and cheese may only be brought in if
accompanied by an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham
from Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural or
artistic items from the country is not permitted.
Doing Business in Peru
Business centres on the capital, Lima, and is usually conducted
in a formal and somewhat conservative manner. It's worth noting
that foreigners will need a business visa from a local Peruvian
Consulate.
Dress should be formal, with suits and ties being the norm.
Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and handshakes
are standard for men and women. Business cards are usually
exchanged and it is useful to have them printed in Spanish on one
side, though English is fairly common. In fact, any effort to speak
Spanish will be well received.
Women may encounter sexism. Punctuality is important, though
meetings are not likely to begin on time. Business hours can vary
but are usually from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses
close for a siesta from 1pm to 3pm.
Communication in Peru
The international access code for Peru is +51. Wifi access is
available in most hotels, modern restaurants and cafés.
Tipping in Peru
Most restaurants add a service charge of 10 percent, which will
be indicated by the words propina or servicio near the bottom of
the bill. Even if a service charge has been added, the waiter can
be offered an additional 10 percent for exceptional service; this
is also the going rate for tipping where a service charge has not
been added. In hotels, porters expect about US$1 per bag. Taxi
drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set before departure).
Tour guides are customarily tipped.
Passport/Visa Note
All travellers require passports, 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 the visitor's
intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration
officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel
agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to
183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is
required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of
up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date
is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of
up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date
is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays
of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated
for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three
months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is
required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up
to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is
required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays
of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated
for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three
months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is
required.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic
stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the
arrival date is required.
Tourist Offices
PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru), Lima: +51 1 616
7300 or https://www.peru.travel/biddingbook/home_en.html
Peru Embassies
In the United States:
Peruvian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 833
9860.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Peru. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
When traveling in Peru, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Peru, see malaria in Peru.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Peru, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Peru
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. For more information on this recommendation, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Peru.Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Peru. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
When traveling in Peru, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Peru, see malaria in Peru.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Peru, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Peru
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. For more information on this recommendation, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Peru.Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Note: Zika is a risk in Peru. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Peru. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Peru, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Ceviche is a popular Peruvian dish of raw fish or seafood that is “cooked” in an acidic marinade. CDC recommends that travelers avoid raw seafood, but if you must try the ceviche in Peru, stick to clean, established restaurants.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Peru. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Some diseases in Peru—such as dengue, louse-borne typhus, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.
Note: Zika is a risk in Peru. For more information, see Zika Virus in Peru.
If your travel plans in Peru include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Many popular destinations in Peru, such as Machu Picchu, are at high altitudes. You may experience altitude sickness as a result. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent and treat altitude sickness.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Peru. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Peru’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Peru. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Peru may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Peru, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in Peru, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Peru.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
To call for emergency services while in Peru, dial 116 for the fire department and 105 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.
Learn as much as you can about Peru before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Peru from the US Department of State.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Peru for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Peru. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Zika Virus in PeruAugust 29, 2017Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos.
Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major
international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all,
establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more
limited. 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.
Exchange rate for 1 PEN - Peruvian Nuevo Sol
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.26EUR Euro
0.26USD U.S. Dollar
0.22GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
37.04JPY Japanese Yen
0.34CAD Canadian Dollar
0.25CHF Swiss Franc
0.38AUD Australian Dollar
9.47UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
122.78KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
389.27LBP Lebanese Pound
1.27LYD Libyan Dinar
1.78BOB Bolivian Boliviano
32.80NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.10OMR Omani Rial
0.95QAR Qatari Rial
0.36SGD Singapore Dollar
2.76SEK Swedish Krona
1.75TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
13.66DOP Dominican Peso
1.94HRK Croatian Kuna
5.17MXN Mexican Peso
169.36XOF West African CFA Franc
0.91PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.26BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.58FJD Fiji Dollar
6.36HNL Honduran Lempira
36.27DZD Algerian Dinar
541.49MMK Myanma Kyat
3.36BWP Botswana Pula
237.95CLP Chilean Peso
104.47AMD Armenia Dram
6.34CZK Czech Koruna
4.99MDL Moldova Lei
35.84ISK Icelandic Krona
2,821.13UZS Uzbekistan Sum
0.89ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.18JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.08KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
10.51UYU Uruguayan Peso
11.65MUR Mauritian Rupee
9.27NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
2.62NOK Norwegian Krone
1.22PLN Polish Zloty
0.97SAR Saudi Riyal
94.00LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
9.48THB Thai Baht
0.95AED U.A.E Dirham
1.34BRL Brazilian Real
1.27RON Romanian New Leu
2.03HKD Hong Kong Dollar
169.66XAF Central African CFA Franc
6,075.07VND Vietnamese Dong
36.88ARS Argentine Peso
0.70XCD East Caribbean Dollar
2.01GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
2.74MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.10BHD Bahrain Dinar
0.26PAB Panamanian Balboa
0.44AZN Azerbaijan Manat
1,139.98COP Colombian Peso
20.86KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
105.17HUF Hungarian Forint
2.64TJS Tajikistan Ruble
3,835.29IDR Indonesian Rupiah
5.01EGP Egyptian Pound
360.76KRW South Korean Won
1,799.26PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
1.17MYR Malaysian Ringgit
163.27CRC Costa Rican Colón
0.43NZD New Zealand Dollar
57.69PKR Pakistani Rupee
15.54RUB Russian Rouble
4.53ZAR South African Rand
0.83TND Tunisian Dinar
0.52BBD Barbadian Dollar
0.51BGN Bulgarian Lev
4.71TRY Turkish Lira
14.79PHP Philippine Peso
8.04TWD New Taiwan Dollar
110.53NGN Nigerian Naira
30.81XPF CFP Franc
2.59GHS Ghanaian Cedi
39.30JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.46ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.36BND Brunei Dollar
30.29RSD Serbian Dinar
1.80CNY Chinese Yuan
1.92DKK Danish Krone
0.90TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
20.59INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1 USD = 3.87 PEN
Exchange Rate for Euro to Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1 EUR = 3.87 PEN
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1 CAD = 2.94 PEN
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1 GBP = 4.45 PEN
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1 AUD = 2.60 PEN
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1 NZD = 2.32 PEN
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1 ZAR = 0.22 PEN
Lima International (LIM) Jorge Chávez International Airport http://www.lima-airport.com
Location: The airport is situated seven miles (12km) from
Lima.
Getting to the city:
Buses and minibuses service the city centre. Travellers will
find their stops outside the airport gates. They travel to the
city, stopping along the main avenues.
Car rental:
Avis, Budget and Hertz offer services at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis can be pre-booked or found outside the airport
terminals.
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include banks, bureaux de change,
ATMs, a post office, a couple of restaurants, shops, left luggage
and a tourist information desk. There are disabled facilities;
those with special needs should contact their airline in
advance.
Parking:
Parking is charged at PEN 7 per hour and PEN 49 per day, and is
located across from the main terminal building.
Cuzco Airport (CUZ) Alejandro Velasco Astete International
Airport
Location: Cuzco The airport is located two miles (3km) from downtown
Cuzco.
Time: Local time is GMT -5
Getting to the city:
There are no trains or buses from the airport, so taxis or a
rented car are the only options to reach destinations in the city.
Some hotels offer a pick-up service from the airport that should be
arranged prior to arrival.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Hertz,
Avis, and Europcar.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis from the airport can be arranged from booths within the
terminal. Visitors should not use unmarked taxis and should
negotiate a price before setting off to their destination.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include restaurants, a club lounge, shops,
ATMs, and massage facilities.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Overview of the Attractions in Peru
If there's one place in South America brimming with fascinating
and awe-inspiring attractions, it's Peru. With wonders such as
Macchu Pichu, the Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nazca lines, the
Coricancha Inca Ruins and Pisco, it's no wonder Peru is one of
South America's most popular tourist destinations. The country is a
favourite with backpackers and budget travellers and it is possible
to travel cheaply if necessary. However, Peru's most famous tourist
activity, hiking the Inca Trail, is expensive and must be organised
in advance as permits are required and very limited.
Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are charming and
atmospheric, if a little shabby, with lots of colour and run-down
colonial buildings. Peru has an interesting and refreshingly unique
cuisine and the restaurant scene in places like Lima is fun to
investigate. Lima also has a vibrant nightlife and some decent
museums.
A reliable swell, fairly warm water and
consistent offshore winds make the country a tremendous surfing
destination too, with local surfers generally heading to Lima with
its great waves. The north coast in particular has long, empty
waves in beautiful locations, plus one of the world's largest
left-hand point breaks.
Getting around Peru is fairly cheap and easy with plenty of
internal flights operating on an almost daily basis and an
affordable and reasonably reliable public transport system. It's
advisable to fly between cities when possible or rent a car and
explore all this mystical country has to offer, although long-haul
bus trips are also an option.
Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin Lima
Shoppers, vendors and sightseers crowd the long pedestrian
street connecting Plaza Mayor to Plaza de Armas. The heart of the
old town is found in these locations, with the latter's bronze
fountain and old street lamps providing an old-fashioned feel.
Several notable buildings surround the square, such as the Spanish
Baroque Cathedral occupying the site of an ancient Inca temple and
housing the Museum of Religious Art and Treasures; the Government
Palace; the Archbishop's Palace; and the Plaza San Martin, buzzing
with street artists and soapbox speakers surrounding its central
fountain.
Cajamarca
Cajamarca is considered one of the best tourist destinations in
Peru's northern highlands, with the Andean traditions very much
alive and well. It's also where the Inca Empire fell during a
bloody battle with the Spanish in 1532. The steps on Santa Apolonia
Hill lead up to the famous Inca Seat, from which leaders would
address their subjects. Other archaeological sites include the
monoliths of Kuntur Wasi, the pre-Colombian Cumbe Mayo aqueduct and
the pre-Incan necropolis of Ventanillas de Otuzco. Foodies will
enjoy the town's cheese, ice-cream and chocolate, while its
attractive centre is filled with colonial buildings, beautiful
churches and stately period mansions. Travellers may also want to
see the Incan Baths in Banos del Inca, often used as homeopathic
treatment for bone disease.
Museo de la Nacion (National Museum) Lima
Located in Lima, the anthropological and
archaeological museum's exhibits trace the history of Peru's
ancient civilisations. All in all, they provide an outstanding
overview of the country's archaeological richness. The museum's
chronological layout guides visitors through complicated ancient
history, highlighting the many conquering cultures and their
achievements. Visitors can view the history of the original
inhabitants and the Inca Empire, as well as an exhibition on Peru's
internal conflict which began in 1980. Visitors can enjoy guided
tours for a small fee and will marvel at the size of the
collection, which spans a few floors.
The Inca Trail Cuzco
The world-famous Inca Trail is the toast of
South America's hikes. Constructed as a royal road to the citadel
of Machu Picchu, the stone-paved walk ventures deep into cloud
forests and provides dramatic climbs up the mountains. The
beautiful but arduous four-day trail is part of the Machu Picchu
Historic Sanctuary. Hikers cross over three high-altitude mountain
passes and come across scattered Inca ruins, with exotic vegetation
and awe-inspiring views being constant companions. The ancient
royal route reaches the stone Sun Gate, from where Machu Picchu
becomes visible and Huayna Picchu's looming peak dominates the
background. Visitors must arrange hikes through an official Inca
Trail agency as independent trekking is prohibited, with permits
ideally booked long in advance.
Museo Rafael Larco Herrera Lima
Housed in an 18th-century mansion and
surrounded by an award-winning garden, the Larco Museum houses a
world-class collection of ancient ceramics. Most of the pieces come
from the Moche Dynasty, who lived along Peru's northern coast
between 100 and 700 AD. They're said to have accomplished the
region's most imaginative languages through creative pottery,
through which visitors can learn about their dance, music and
religion, as well as transport and agriculture. The collection also
includes crowns, masks and erotica, as well as statues and
jewellery from around 4,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian
history.
Website: http://www.museolarco.org
Amazon Basin
Nearly half of Peru lies within the sweltering Amazon Basin,
where an untouched rainforest conceals every foot and fang.
Believed to be the most biologically diverse region in the world,
it's sparsely populated and largely inaccessible. Many of the
country's indigenous tribes also call the jungle home, adding
another layer to the destination's allure. Nature lovers find the
basin irresistible, yielding to the pull of jaguars, pink dolphins
and giant anacondas. The city of Iquitos is the best place from
which to access the northern basin. Situated on the mighty Amazon
River and humid all year round, Iquitos was originally founded by
Jesuit missionaries in 1754, and has grown into a bustling
city.
Church of San Francisco
A block away from the Plaza Mayor, San
Francisco is the most spectacular of Lima's colonial churches.
Thankfully, locals and visitors can still enjoy its striking white
and yellow towers and stone facade, as it's one of the few
buildings to survive the earthquake of 1746. Its famous underground
catacombs contain the bones and skulls of around 70 000 people,
while columns, mosaic tiles and a Moorish-style ceiling decorate
its exquisite interior. The Baroque church also has a superb
17th-century library full of antique texts and a room of painted
masterpieces by Flemish greats Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck.
Visitors must take a guided tour if they want to explore the church
and catacombs.
Pisco
Pisco is a small port and fishing village,
best known for its fiery white-grape brandy. One of Peru's major
ancient civilisations, the Paracas established their culture in the
area and left an astounding collection of antiquities now housed in
Lima's museums. The nearby Paracas National Reserve contains an
incredible variety of wildlife, with boat tours of the Ballestas
Islands affording spectacular close up views of the animals.There
are thousands of resident and migratory birds, such as penguins,
flamingos and pelicans, and the waters are home to sea lions,
dolphins, turtles and whales. Boats pass the famous Candelabra on
their way to the islands, the prehistoric drawing etched into the
sandstone cliffs overlooking the bay.
The Nazca Lines
Nazca is a small desert town in southern
Peru, famous for the mysterious lines and diagrams etched into the
surrounding desert floor thousands of years ago. Visitors will also
find interesting museums and archaeological sites, including the
Chauchilla Cemetery where 12 exposed underground tombs contain
skeletons and preserved mummies. The town's main attraction is an
aerial flight over the Nazca Lines, which are spread over miles of
the region's vast desert terrain. The dimensions of these enormous
figures, spirals and geometric designs are so large that the only
way to view them is from the air. Pilots will point out animal
representations such as the Condor, Spider and Hummingbird and the
unusual character known as the Astronaut.
Plaza de Armas Cuzco
The Plaza de Armas is Cuzco's graceful main
square, lined with colonial-style covered walkways and houses
containing souvenir shops. Visitors will also find bars,
restaurants and travel agencies, while a large cathedral overlooks
the square. Its elaborately carved wooden altar is covered in gold
and silver plate, and its carved wooden choir stalls are regarded
as Peru's finest. Cathedral visitors usually linger over The Last
Supper painting, where the table has a platter of the local Inca
delicacy of roasted guinea pig. One of Cuzco's most ornately
decorated churches, La Compania is also on the plaza. History
lovers should make a point of walking the alleyway of Loreta, as
it's lined with Incan stone walls.
Coricancha Inca Ruins Cuzco
The sacred complex of Coricancha was
considered the centre of the Inca world, with the walls and floors
of the Temple of the Sun once covered in sheets of solid gold and
accompanied by golden statues. But Spanish colonists constructed
the Church of Santo Domingo on the site, destroying the temple and
using its foundations for the cathedral. Major earthquakes have
severely damaged the church, though the stone walls still stand and
bear testament to their sophisticated masonry. Visitors will find
an underground archaeological site museum nearby, containing a
number of interesting pieces such as mummies, textiles and sacred
idols.
Sacsayhuaman Cuzco
Of the four ruins near Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman
is the closest and most remarkable. Spanish conquistadors used it
as a quarry during their day, providing many of the materials for
the city's colonial buildings. It's often referred to as a fortress
because of its high, impenetrable walls but some believe it to be a
religious or ceremonial centre. According to estimates, the complex
took about 100 years to build, requiring thousands of labourers.
The massive blocks of stone fit together perfectly, each weighing
between 90 and 125 tonnes, and standing around 16ft (5m) tall.
History buffs will note that the Inca and Spanish fought at the
centre during the infamously bloody battle of 1536. Today, the site
holds the annual celebrations of Cuzco's most important festival,
the colourful Inti Raymi.
Getting there: A steep 40 minute (2km) walk up from the Plaza de
Armas.
Huarez
Nestled in the Andean Highlands, the Huaraz region is one of the
most rugged and beautiful parts of Peru. Found in a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, the wide valley wedged
between dramatic snow-capped mountains is the country's climbing
and hiking centre. The spectacular Callejón de Huaylas Valley
boasts glacial lakes like Lago Parón, beautiful mountain scenery
and superb hiking opportunities. Visitors will find a group of
picturesque villages on its fringes serving as starting points for
Andes hiking expeditions, with Peru's highest peak, Huascaran,
towering above. Travellers can visit the spectacular ruins of the
Chavin de Huantar temple or the remains of ancient Chan Chan, or
relax in the hot springs at Monterrey.
The Sacred Valley (Urubamba River Valley) Cuzco
Known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas,
this breathtakingly beautiful and fertile valley stretches between
the villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Travellers will navigate
it on the winding Urubamba River, with ancient Inca ruins watching
from the hilltops above. Agricultural terraces flank the steep
sides of a mountain crowned by alarmingly narrow trails, all
leading to the cliff-hugging citadel above Pisac with massive stone
doorways and stairways cut into rock. The temple-fortress of
ancient Ollantaytambo also sits on the cliff edge. Originally
developed as an Inca administrative centre, its layout is one of
the few remaining models of an Inca grid plan. The ruins include
the Royal Chamber, the Princess Baths and the Temple of the
Sun.
Chan Chan
Once the Chimu Kingdom's capital, Chan Chan
was home to around 60 000 inhabitants and was wealthy in gold,
silver and ceramics. Most of its treasures disappeared with Spanish
looters generations ago, though it remains the largest
pre-Columbian city in the Americas and the largest adobe city in
the world. Only one of the UNESCO site's nine palaces has been
properly excavated and opened to the public, but visitors will
still see more than enough to paint a picture of what the city must
have looked like. Highlights include the intricate murals of birds,
fish and otters, which add mesmerizing details to the massive
site.
Website: http://www.chanchan.gob.pe
Machu Picchu Cuzco
The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is
regarded as the most significant archaeological site in South
America, perched high in the Andes. Fortunately, Spanish colonists
didn't discover and destroy the structure, as it's completely
concealed from below. The site is surrounded by grazing llamas and
steep agricultural terraces, and consists of a central plaza,
towers, palaces and water canals, as well as ornate fountains and a
sacred ceremonial area of royal tombs and intricately carved
temples. The sacred Temple of the Sun is one of the site's
highlights, with the mountain of Huayna Picchu forming a dramatic
backdrop to the city.
Website: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
Santa Catalina Monastery Arequipa
The Santa Catalina Monastery is an enormous
complex of rooms, chapels and plazas, coupled with ornate
fountains, cobbled streets and beautifully archways. The high and
brightly painted walls contain a number of cells, which over time
housed over 200 members of the female nobility. Visitors can admire
its valuable collection of Spanish American religious art, the huge
17th-century kitchen, or the murals on the vaulted arches of the
sky-blue Orange Tree Cloister. A beautiful church compound, Santa
Catalina is a masterpiece of colonial architecture and the most
fascinating religious complex in Peru.
Website: http://www.santacatalina.org.pe
Museo Santuarios Andinos (Museum of Andean
Sanctuaries) Arequipa
This small museum's most famous attraction
is the 600-year-old frozen body of a young Inca girl named Juanita,
discovered in near-perfect condition on the top of the Ampato
Volcano in 1995. She was sacrificed to the mountain gods and buried
in a tomb with funeral offerings, her body encased in ice and
preserved by the freezing temperatures for centuries. It was found
along with other ice mummies after a volcanic eruption melted the
ice and exposed the tomb. The Ice Maiden is exhibited in a
refrigerated glass case and analysis of her DNA has afforded great
insights into the Inca culture, while other artefacts from
surrounding sites are also on display.
Lake Titicaca
Many Peruvians revere Lake Titicaca as legend says the founders
of the Inca rose from its waters. Today, the Uros people live on
man-made floating islands, fishing in beautiful carved canoes atop
the highest navigable lake on the planet. Tourists will find a
splendid mix of indigenous and colonial structures in nearby Puno,
as well as mestizo art and crafts. Puno is also reputedly the
centre of Peruvian folklore, with its inhabitants descending from
the Aymara and Quechua Andean tribes. Visitors can experience some
of the country's most vibrant traditional festivals, such as
February's feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria and its main event:
the Dance of The Devils.
The Colca Canyon Arequipa
The Colca Canyon is the most popular
excursion from Arequipa and the world's second deepest canyon. The
picturesque valley is home to huge mountains, grand churches and
lively market places, as well as herds of wandering llamas. The
Crux del Condor is the region's most popular viewing point, and the
best place to see giant condors soaring over the dramatic depths.
Many people stay in the quaint market town of Chivay, offering a
good range of hiking trails, bus services and accommodation.
Travellers can choose from a number of tour operators or set off
for a solo adventure.
Ayacucho Cuzco
Located in Peru's central highlands and
crossed by two mountain ranges, Ayacucho is home to some of the
country's most significant archaeological attractions, as well as
gorgeous, pastel-coloured colonial buildings. An ancient capital
city, some of the oldest prehistoric remains found in America and
richly decorated churches are all part of the destination's
inheritance. Ayacucho is a relatively unknown tourism gem due
largely to previous political unrest. Fortunately, travellers are
rediscovering it, with the best time to visit around Easter when
the city's carnival celebrations are in full swing.
Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi is a plateau in the Andes, where
travellers interested in the mythical side of Peruvian culture will
find a wonderful excursion from nearby Lima. The mountains are home
to some massive rock formations of mysterious origin, depicting
various animals, human faces and other symbols. Visitors will also
see ruins on the north side of the plateau, where more than 50
structures stand in varying states of dilapidation. Some locals
view the plateau with superstitious awe and consider it a spiritual
site of great power. Marcahuasi has campsites and the views from
the plateau are breathtakingly beautiful. Nights can be freezing
cold, though. Visitors can rent tents, mattresses and other
equipment in the village of San Pedro de Casta, which is the
gateway to Marcahuasi.
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There’s no doubt that Machu Picchu rightly earns first place as the must-see site in Peru’s Sacred Valley. When exploring the country’s legendary spiritual center, however, another stop that should top any discerning traveler’s list is Tambo Del Inka. Offering luxurious accommodation, a sumptuous spa and authentic Peruvian fine-dining fare
The US Department of State reissued a travel advisory cautioning against travel to Peru on July 18. The reissue comes ahead of the Pan American Games and Para pan American Games, which will be hosted in Peru. Certain areas are wholesale banned for US government personnel to travel to, including the Colombian-Peruvian border region. The Machu Picchu area, the Sacred Valley
Shrouded in thick rainforest and centuries of mystery, the ancient Mayan city of Tikal is one of the greatest overlooked sites of antiquity in the West. We've all heard of Machu Picchu, but the scale and preservation of Tikal, located in the lowland tropical forest of eastern Guatemala, dwarfs the famed Incan ruins in Peru. Some of Tikal's skyscraping temples, which rise
The Inca designed Machu Picchu to be hard to reach and, for hundreds of years, the mountaintop citadel has been protected by the spectacular peaks and gorges which encircle its ancient fortifications. Now, however, work has begun on a new international airport, according to a Peruvian government statement, which will make the ruins more accessible than
Pawtucket, RI (May 20, 2019) – Collette, global tour operator, is pleased to announce that through 5/31/19, guests will save 15% on select exotics tours including Wonders of China, Mysteries of India, Kingdoms of Southeast Asia, Experience Colombia, Peru: Ancient Land of
Peruvian archaeologists, historians and conservationists are banding together to petition against a new airport at Machu Picchu. The famous Incan ruin is Peru’s most famous tourist attraction, bringing in almost 1.5 million people in 2017 alone, according to The Guardian. In order to bring more people to the landmark, the Peruvian government has begun construction on an airport
Machu Picchu, the dazzling Inca city built nearly 8,000 feet above sea-level atop Peru’s Andes mountains, is comprised of sprawling terraces, narrow lanes and more than 100 flights of stairs. More than 1 million tourists make the challenging trek through Machu Picchu each year; now, people in wheelchairs will also get a chance to experience this world wonder
Machu Picchu is estimated to be about 600 years old. But it has only been fully wheelchair accessible for a few months. Travel company Wheel the World has developed the first-ever wheelchair-accessible tour of the iconic site in Peru, which is considered one of the wonders of the world. The company was the brainchild of two longtime best friends from Chile
With its Baroque architecture and thriving textile scene, this former colonial capital is among Central America’s most beguiling destinations. Nestled in the forested hills of southern Guatemala, the small city of Antigua was once the most prominent seat of Spanish colonial government between Mexico City and Lima, Peru. Founded in the early 16th century, it served as
Moonachie, NJ – (January 14, 2019) – Central Holidays’ specialized Latin America team has negotiated incomparable preferred pricing and is pleased to introduce amazing savings on two last minute Peru travel deals. These enticing offers are fully commissionable to travel agents. Here is a
Peru’s gastronomy, overall culture, and Machu Picchu were recognized as some of the world’s best at an international travel awards show this week. For the seventh year in a row, Peru won the ‘Best Culture’ award at the World Travel Awards show. A second
Foreign tourists are flocking to a group of rocky islands a few miles off the coast of Peru’s capital for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a chance to swim with sea lions. The 39 rocky islands near Lima are home to an untold number of sea lions who bathe gracefully and feast on abundant fish that thrive in the cold-water Humboldt current.
Every year, UNESCO meets to determine the next round of places that will be added to the organization's coveted list of World Heritage Sites. In order to qualify, a place or structure must have great cultural, historical, and/or natural significance—examples include Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Machu Picchu in Peru. This year's
If you’re traveling to Thailand’s City of Angels, you’re likely already planning to snack on street food, peruse the souvenir stalls and bars of infamous Khao San Road, and admire the ornate architecture at the Grand Palace. But if you want to experience the beating heart of this spirited city, you’ll need to dig a little deeper and wander a little further from the
Vinicunca, also called Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), is located in the Andes in the Cusco region of Peru. In order to get to the trailhead, it’s a three-hour drive from Cusco. To get to the lookout, you’ll need to hike about six miles. The trip is fairly challenging, so it’s not recommended for beginner hikers.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous ancient ruins. An Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains firmly visited by over one million tourists each year. But overcrowding is taking its toll with an average of 5000 people a day visiting during the summer months, double the 2500 visitors recommended by UNESCO.
Stripes of turquoise, lavender and gold blanket what has become known as “Rainbow Mountain,” a ridge of multicolored sediments laid down millions of years ago and pushed up as tectonic plates clashed. It’s only within the last five years that the natural wonder has been discovered by the outside world, earning it must-see status on Peru’s burgeoning backpacker tourist circuit.
In an effort to protect Peru’s most popular attraction from overcrowding and degradation, the Ministry of Culture issued a raft of rules last year that aims to protect the Inca site by modifying visitation practices
With Scandinavian Airlines now flying direct from six major airports in the US, it’s easier than ever to spend a weekend in Copenhagen. When you wake up refreshed on Friday morning after the overnight flight, use our guide as you peruse the city
From the emerald cliffs tumbling toward the ocean to the historic city center’s sherbet-colored facades, Lima, Peru, brims with reminders of the city’s seaport past
The new infrastructure would allow tourists to explore the stairways, terraces, plazas and temples that form the hilltop complex, spanning 1,800 hectares, as part of a trip to its more famous neighbour
Move over, Texas. In Peru, everything is bigger and better. That’s because the under-the-radar country is nourished and inspired by the aortas of the Amazon Basin Rainforest, which covers some 60% of its land mass
The number of visitors allowed to tackle the route to the ancient citadel in Peru is limited to 500 a day, with permits bookable only through authorised tour operators and often sold out months in advance
Upscale cruise operator Seabourn is out with a new, 24-night itinerary that takes a deep dive into the region with more than a dozen stops in Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Seabourn only is offering a single sailing of the itinerary for now that kicks off on Nov. 4, 2018. It'll take place on the 450-passenger Seabourn Quest
Set up as a training facility for the “Explorer Guides” employed by Inkaterra – a Peruvian ecotourism company with a portfolio of luxury lodges – Inkaterra Guides Field Station has until now hosted research scientists and volunteers, but not paying guests
Crossing the spine of the Peruvian Andes, more than 12,000 feet above sea level, between the cities of Cusco, Puno and Arequipa, three days and 456 miles one way, this is the first ever luxury sleeper train in South America. It's a New World version of Europe's Orient Express, adventure and Champagne on the roof of the world
Peru's Machu Picchu — heralded as the "Lost City of the Incas" by American explorer Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered the largely forgotten site more than 100 years ago — has evolved into a tourist magnet. Buses full of visitors regularly zigzag up and down the road that leads to this bucket-list destination built centuries ago, high in the Andes
I was just excited to be going on a unique travel experience: the maiden voyage of The Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, by Peru Rail. Peru Rail also operates the Hiram Bingham, a luxury train that makes day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu
“Was it worth it?” That’s the most common question I’ve fielded since I visited Machu Picchu, the ruins of a 15th-century Incan estate that sit almost 8,000 feet above sea level. Thrust back into prominence when the American explorer Hiram Bingham “discovered” it in 1911, it was used, by some accounts, as a palace, a retreat for the wealthy, a religious sanctuary or all three. Today, the photo-friendly ruins (popular with tourists and Obamas alike) receive thousands of visitors daily and are the engine that drives Peru’s tourism industry
In some ways Cuzco, often spelled Cusco, seems like a city frozen in time: cobblestone streets and clay-tile roofs, men and women in indigenous garb selling fruits and vegetables, and meticulously preserved traditions and relics dating back centuries. I was able to get a taste of it all — on a reasonable budget, of course
History and culture run deep in Lima — about as deep as you’re willing to venture. At Huaca Pucllana (admission, 12 soles), an archaeological site right in the heart of the city, I learned about Lima’s pre-Hispanic culture and saw an adobe pyramid roughly 1,500 years old
The investigation by the Peruvian Nanvy concluded that the tragedy might have been averted had the 31-passenger luxury cruise ship been equipped with its advertised safety features, had its crew
2017 is shaping up as the year of luxury train travel. From Peru to Japan, new and newly refit locomotives are chugging along the rails, treating passengers to gourmet local cuisine in white-tableclothed dining cars, five-star service in sleeping suites, and old-fashioned globe-trotting camaraderie with other guests
Every year, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meets to discuss sites that have been proposed as new members of their list. In order to be a UNESCO World Heritage site, a place or structure must have great cultural, historical, and/or natural significance—examples include Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Machu Picchu in Peru. This year's committee named 21 new spots to the list—so get your passports ready
Thirty miles south of Lima and well off the tourist trail, Punta Hermosa is the go-to summer getaway for Limeños. For decades it has attracted surf fanatics in search of the perfect wave. I love visiting, as surfing is so much more than just a pastime here – it’s an inherent part of the community, and surfers young and old come together to bond over the best breaks in the country. They join Peru’s surfing star, Sofía Mulánovich, winner of the World Surfing Championships in Hawaii in 2004, who calls Punta Hermosa home
The taxi climbs endless switchbacks until we’re level with the clouds. Then, after a two-kilometre walk to a breathless elevation of 3,000 metres, I’m a speck against the ancient and dramatic 20-metre-high stone walls of Kuelap, dubbed the Machu Picchu of the North
"The Amazon is both less and more than people imagine," expedition leader Carlos Romero says over breakfast on the first morning of our 10-day Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic cruise into Peru's Upper Amazon. "It is 'less' in the sense that people come expecting to see big animals like in a diorama and 'more' because of the biodiversity and the interconnectedness of rainforest creatures great and small, including an estimated 2.5 million insect species. There could be 10 million, we don't know."
A tourist boom and natural disaster almost led to the extinction of an ancient way of life but, thanks to a women-led initiative, old weaving techniques and economic viability have returned
The Peruvian capital just got a lot easier to reach thanks to direct British Airways flights from Gatwick, which launched today - the first since 1982. It will surely be an enticing prospect for the legions of travellers that dream of visiting this mystical land, home to ancient civilisations, crumbling citadels and the world's most famous trek
Once just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu, Peru's capital is now a hot destination in its own right - and the first direct flights from the UK, with BA from 4 May, will make it even easier to reach
Blue notes and more can be found at these celebrations of all that jazz. Pay respect to artists old and new at venues from lakeside Montreux to piazzas in Perugia
There's something to be said for roughing it and embracing nature wholeheartedly, but a few remote resorts are bringing a new level of luxury to the middle of nowhere. From Peru to Japan, guests at these stunning retreats can find rejuvenation in the outdoors, while taking advantage of the spas, gyms, full service restaurants and opulent amenities available. Because if you're going to stay in a tent, you might as well make it a fully furnished, geodesic dome with views of the African Savannah
With Peru's more famous Inca Trail becoming increasingly overrun, the lesser-known Salkantay Trek is quickly gaining a reputation as both a less-crowded and more strenuous alternative
Piranha fishing isn't like regular fishing. There's no sophisticated equipment (just a short rod made from bamboo) or any wriggly maggots to contend with (a chunk of filet mignon will do just fine). Then there's the technique to master. Pretty simple, really
Since I was a little girl, planning travel was something I delighted in. I would peruse travel guides and tour books while Mom and Dad mapped out of summer vacation route. As an exchange student in high school, I could hop on public transportation and cure my wanderlust with a friend
What is adventure travel? Depending upon whom you ask, the answer might be surfing off the coast of Peru, biking in the South of France or taking a hike with the kids in Acadia National Park
Do you ever wish you could preview your hotel room before you arrive? Maybe you’d take note of the room layout, the distance to the elevator, or the amenities offered on your floor. Or, do you wish you could peruse a neighborhood in a foreign city before you jump on a flight — maybe get a sense of its walkability or its proximity to the major sites?
A pressure group is urging tourists to refrain from unsolicited contact with uncontacted tribes around the world, following reports of increased encounters with tribes in Peru