PERU
YOUR GUIDE TO PERU
Explore One of South America’s Most Diverse & Eclectic Countries
A country steeped in Incan and Spanish history, Peru offers an astounding number of culturally rich cities to explore and historical sites to visit. Travelers have access to immersive activities, fascinating museums, charming wineries, and colorful markets. Plus, with the Andean mountains, unspoiled beaches, coastal desert with deep canyons, and dense Amazon jungle, Peru’s variety of natural wonders is boundless. One can find themselves on the beach in the morning and then hiking in the jungle that afternoon. And if you’re a foodie, get ready for some delicious meals like classic ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Picarones (Peruvian doughnuts).
Top Attractions & Activities:
Machu Picchu & The Inca Trail
Peruvian Andes
The Sacred Valley
Colca Canyon
Amazon River Cruising
Cusco Tours
Lima Tours
Arequipa Tours
Boating on Lake Titicaca
Wine Tastings
Traditional Cooking Classes
Horseback Riding
Peruvian Music & Dancing
Capital and Population:
Lima is the capital of Peru. The country has a population of 32.9 million.
Language Spoken:
Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in Peru, while Quechua is the most popular indigenous language in the country. English is widely spoken in the hospitality industry.
Currency:
The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).
Credit cards are widely accepted, with the exception of local markets and some attractions. It’s recommended to bring cash to exchange. However, with counterfeiting being a problem in Peru, make sure you have crisp, new, untorn U.S. bills. Money exchangers and banks will often refuse to exchange even slightly damaged notes. In addition, try to acquire small bills whenever changing money. ATMs are less accessible, but can be found in major cities and banks.
Best Time to Visit and Weather:
Peru has varied terrains (mountains, deserts, jungles), each with their own climate.
If you’re in the mountain regions, the rainy season is October through April with the heaviest rains occurring between January and April. Many visitors love to go to the Andes between May and September, which are generally the driest months.
On the desert coast, it almost never rains. During the months of April through December most days it will be cloudy, especially on the central and south coasts.
For those venturing out on the Amazon River, May and early June are the best time to visit because of less heat and humidity, and the rain waters have leveled off, which allows for more expeditions. From July to September, plan for high heat and humidity. Lowest temperatures are in December.
Interesting Facts:
San Marcos University, located in Lima, is one of the oldest in the world. The university was founded in 1551, which was 70 years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock.
There are over 4,000 varieties of potato grown in Peru!
The deepest canyon in the world (Cotahuasi Canyon) is found in Peru. At 11,004 feet deep, the canyon is almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Peru is the third largest country in South America.
Lake Titicaca, which straddles Peru's border with Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world.
