Peru: useful information for tourist Safety Safety precautions to be taken when visiting Peru are the same as in any other tourist destination, such as not leaving your personal belongings una ended in public areas and avoiding deserted areas at night.
Population
31 million (INEI, 2017)
Health In order to avoid altitude sickness when travelling to the Andes, it is recommended to rest the first day of arrival, have light meals, drink a lot of water, and have lemon candies handy. Before travelling to the rainforest, make sure to carry insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites and have a yellow fever vaccination ten days prior to the trip. To prevent gastrointestinal infections, it is recommended to avoid eating uncooked and street food, and to only drink bo led or boiled water. In case of having a heart condition, please ask your physician before traveling to destinations at high altitude.
Official languages Spanish (the most widely used language), Quechua, Aymara, and some 48 other spoken indigenous languages. English widely spoken in the tourism and hospitality industries.
Form of government
VISAS AND CUSTOMS
Since Peru has a variety of geographic regions and different types of weather, we recommend you take with you the following, regardless of the season or the location:
Republic Tourist services Lodging Options include one to five star hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, and lodges.
Air transportation International flights arrive at Jorge Chávez Airport where domestic flight connections are available to visit the main touristic destinations in Peru.
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Citizens of most of the countries in the Americas and Western Europe do not require a visa. Citizens of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay can enter with their national identification document. Venezuelan citizens must have a passport and visa to enter Peru.
Luggage
Tourists are allowed a maximum 183 day-stay. For longer stays, including stays for other purposes (residency, study, work, etc.), it is necessary to apply at the Peruvian Consulate in your home country prior to your trip.
When packing, refer to the list of items exempt from customs duties available on this web page:
www.sunat.gob.pe/orientacionaduanera/viajeros/index.html
CURRENCY
Bus transportation With the exception of some cities in the Amazon, it is possible to travel to different local destinations by bus. Fares vary by level of comfort.
Hat
The sol (S/) is the official currency of Peru. U.S. Dollar ($) is accepted at some local businesses, restaurants, and gas stations.Transactions are accounted at the current exchange rate.
Sunglasses Co on shirts
Taxi service Several taxi companies offer their services around the clock, from and to the airport or to other destinations. Cash payment only.
Warm clothing
Water bo le
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
You may exchange euros, dollars and other foreign currencies at authorized exchange houses. It is not recommended to exchange with street money changers.
Sun block Comfortably fi ing pants
ATMs
Car rental The main car rental companies in the world have offices in our country. All-terrain (4x4) vehicles are the ones most in demand when visiting regions of rugged terrain. To drive in Peru you must have the following:
ATM machines available in Peru’s major cities. Major credit cards accepted.
Hiking boots, tennis shoes, and sandals
CREDIT CARDS
American Express, Visa, Diners and Mastercard accepted.
TRAVELLER’S CHECKS
Not all commercial establishments accept traveller's checks. Check with vendor before buying or ordering.
• Current national driver’s license (issued in the country of origin)• Copy of your passport • SOAT insurance • Proof of technical inspection • Vehicle registration • Rental contract (for rented vehicles) • Current international driver’s license valid for 1 year. Gastronomy Peruvian cuisine is famous for its variety and excellence. Some dishes can be spicy or highly seasoned and each region has its own culinary style. Tumbes: 6 meters (19 feet)
ELEVATION OF SOME OF PERU’S MAJOR CITIES
Trujillo: 34 meters (112 feet)
Lima: 154 meters (505 feet)
Arequipa: 2335 meters (7661 feet)
Huaraz: 3091 meters (10 141 feet)
Cusco: 3399 meters (11 152 feet)
Machupicchu: 2490 meters (8169 feet)
Puno: 3827 meters (12 556 feet)
The information contained in this sheet is current as of December 2019.
For more information, visit www.peru.travel
Tarapoto: Iquitos: 333 meters 104 meters (1093 feet) (341 feet)