Peru is rich in attractions. Machu Picchu is world famous but do you know the impressive ruins of Kuelap or the mysterious Chachapoyas?
Did you know that Peru has been named the best gastronomic destination for the fourth time in a row or that the reigning surf world champion comes from Peru? Tradition and modernity, that's what distinguishes Peru.
Peru scores with superlatives: the Colca Canyon near Arequipa, the bizarre Nazca lines, Huaraz at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca - meeting point of the international mountaineering scene, the ruined cities of Chan Chan and the pyramids of Tucumé - archaeological highlights in the north, the Amazon lowlands near Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado - home to many endemic bird species and the "Holy Valley" of the Incas with picturesque villages and countless sights: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, the salt pans of Maras ...
The way to Machu Picchu: There are possibilities for every taste - comfortable by train, to Perd or traditionally on the Inca Trail.
TRAVEL TIPS
Culture:
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Chavín, Chan Chan, Old Town of Lima, Museo Larco, Arequipa, Pampas de Jumana near Nasca (all UNESCO World Heritage), Chachapoyas
Nature:
Manu, Huascarán and Rio Abiseo National Parks (all UNESCO World Heritage), Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon
Sports:
Mountaineering, Trekking, Paragliding, Surfing, Rafting
Festivals:
Inti Raymi - Cusco Midsummer Festival (24 June), Santa Rosa de Lima Festival (30 August), "Fiestas Patrias" - National Holiday (28 and 29 July)
Reading:
Astrid Martinez Paternina "The Andes Cookbook"
Tip:
Be sure to try it: Cebiche, e.g. at the Cebicheria "La Mar" or at "Chez Wong": outstanding Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine at "Maido", this year voted one of the 50 best restaurants in the world, or the variety of local products from all parts of the country at the "Central" restaurant in Virgilio Martinez.
DATES AND FACTS
Country and people:
In Peru, 31.83 million inhabitants live on a land area of 1.3 million square kilometres, 45 % of them indigenous, 37 % mestizo, 15 % European origin: the capital is Lima with 9.6 million inhabitants, the highest mountain of the country, the 6768 m high Nevado Huascaran.
Currency:
Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Language:
Spanish
Entry:
Passport valid for 6 months for tourist stays up to 90 days.
Climate and travel time:
Tropical in the north, desert climate in the south, cold climate in the highlands. Best travel time: Andes May to Sep., coast and Lima all year, Amazon basin May to Sep.
