Peru

Peru is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina. It is made up of a variety of landscapes, from mountains and beaches to deserts and rain forests. Most people live along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, where the capital, Lima, is located.

Peru is one of the world's most varied countries. It is a multicultural nation, filled with traditions, a unique gastronomy, and vast natural reserves. It is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 84 of the planet's 117 life zones. Peru is situated in the western part of South America and shares borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. Its enormous territory, covering more than 1.2 million square kilometers, is composed of three regions: Coast, Highlands, and Jungle. Its current population exceeds 31.5 million inhabitants.

The Peruvian coast is renowned for its marine resources and export-based agribusiness sector, which includes major products such as asparagus, blueberries, table grapes, avocados, organic bananas and paprika. For its part, the Amazon basin possesses large reserves of oil and natural gas, as well as abundant forestry resources.

Spanish is the official language of Peru; however, 47 indigenous languages are also spoken in the country, including Quechua and Aymara.

Climate

The winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel, especially if you’re planning to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu.

The summer (December – March) is warmer of course, but is also the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.

In the shoulder months, April and October, the weather can be unpredictable with varying conditions much like the UK.

Peru’s star products

Alpaca

The Peruvian Andes are the natural habitat of an exceptional range of flora and fauna, with many species gaining increasing importance across a number of major industries within the country. One of these is the Peruvian alpaca, an animal with fine wool that has become one of the most prized fibres within the global fashion industry.

Cotton

Peru's geography and climate have made it the perfect place for the production of a type of cotton much in demand across the global textile industry. Peruvian cotton's long and soft fibres allow for the production of highly durable and extremely uniform textiles, ideal for premium quality garments and admired throughout the world.

Coffee

In Peru coffee is one of the two most important agricultural export products –together with asparagus- and it accounts for half of all the nation's farming exports. On the international market, Peruvian coffee has gained an excellent reputation.

Peruvian Paso Horses

The Peruvian Paso Horse is one of the world's most exquisite equine breeds, renowned for its smooth ambling gait and harmonious proportions. What makes this breed different from other horses is its extraordinarily fine and elegant four-beat lateral trot, which it achieves by raising its front and rear hoofs in a diagonal pattern. Thanks to its horizontal equilibrium, riding a Peruvian Paso Horse is a delightful experience, and witnessing the horse's gait is a true spectacle.

Gastronomy and Pisco

The geographical range and the different climate zones produced by Peru's vertical topography have led to the creation and development of an enormously rich gastronomic tradition which can be traced back thousands of years. This tradition has been enriched by successive waves of migrants from four continents. Today, Peruvian cooking is a melting pot of traditions and fusions, employing the finest techniques of global haute cuisine.

And, as if that were not enough, Peruvian gastronomy also has the good fortune to be blessed with an exceptional beverage: traditional pisco. Considered Peru's national drink, pisco is a white grape brandy and the essential accompaniment to Peruvian food.

Super Foods Peru

Since February 2018, the brand Super Foods Peru has been making its mark at the world's most representative food events and fairs. Super Foods Peru showcases the qualities of functionality and wellbeing offered by Peru's natural resources and the multiple health benefits of the nation's food products.

What to do in Peru

*Visit Lima, Peru’s Historical Capital which will immerse you in the culture of the city. See the incredible views from the top of a bell tower, admire stunning colonial architecture, and prepare to be fascinated by this city's history.

*Cruise down the Incredible Amazon River and explore the rainforest searching for wildlife, including Jaguars, Sloths, pink dolphins, and anacondas.

*See the magical views of the Rainbow Mountain. Also known as the mountain of seven colours. As the snow melted away it revealed the natural beauty of the rock beneath.

*Take the path every traveller must take at least once in their lifetime and explore the most famous panorama and archaeological site on the planet, breath-taking Machu Picchu.

*Witness one of South America’s stunning natural wonders and the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca.

*Fly over the Nazca lines. Experience flying over the historic lines whilst your pilot explains each one. There are over seventy lines to see, which include the lizard, the condor, the monkey, the spider and many more.

Planning your trip to Peru

*Bring some cash and credit and/or debit cards. Here, you can easily find ATMs in almost every city. Some ATMs offer a choice between the types of currency that you can withdraw. US dollars are widely accepted in most places you visit, such as hotels, clothing stores, or others. Also, many restaurants and travel agencies can pay with Visa or MasterCard. And currency exchange bureaus are easy to find too.

*To have a complete trip and without any inconvenience, it is better to have a plan and an itinerary at hand. This will ensure you against any difficulties you may experience on your trip.

*No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to 183 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must: Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page. Hold proof of onward/return flights.

*When planning a trip to Peru, you must get Travel insurance. It will cover your back and tours in Peru. For example, in case of cancellations or if you’re forced to leave before your excursion is completed. Reasons: an illness, injury, natural disasters, even a theft or denial of your visa. So, be forewarned and take care of your safety and peace of mind.

* Regarding any vaccinations, it is best to see a doctor who specializes in travel medicine. if you are planning a trip to Peru and want to visit the jungle region, you will be asked to get vaccinated. Consider getting vaccinated against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and diphtheria (if you haven’t already received them). Don’t leave it to the last minute. Try to start this process early, at least 4-6 weeks before the initial day of your trip.

* Peru’s public water is totally clean, but it is not good to drink. Take precautions, making sure the ice in your drink is made from purified water. It is also a good idea to wash the fruits that you would like to eat.

*The voltage in Peru is 220v. You will only find two-flatted or two-rounded plugs. Bring a converter or adapter with you, it will help you a lot. Check the chargers of your laptop and mobile phone because many have converters built into them. However, hairdryers and straighteners usually require a converter

*Peru is a country that is due to its tourism and security measures are taken all the time regarding its visitors. But as in every country in the world, it has its share of crime. It is simply a matter of being aware of your things and having them in sight at all times. Try to dress casually and not draw too much attention. There are many things to do in Peru, so it is vitally important to take general care of your belongings.

Here’s your Fun Facts of Peru

* Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

* There are over 3,000 different varieties of Potato grown in Peru.

* The Largest Flying Bird on Earth can be found in Peru, The Giant Andean Condor.

*Peru Has One of The World's Deepest Canyons. Cotahuasi Canyon has a depth of approximately 3,354 metres (11,004 ft), it is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

* Peru has a Hanging Cliffside Hotel. A transparent pod attached to a sheer rock faceoffers the experience of a lifetime to travellers searching for something extra special – but a good head for heights is essential.

*There are three official languages of Peru: Spanish, Quechua, and Amaya.

* The money used in Peru is called Sol