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Peru

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Overview
Perhaps no other country has more to offer the visitor than Peru: panoramic mountain ranges, vast deserts, beautiful beaches and tropical jungle. All this combined with a rich historical and archaeological past and enduring indigenous cultures.

Peru is divided into the three main geographical zones of costa (coast), sierra (mountains) and selva (rainforest). Such diverse landscape generates diverse pleasures; Peru successfully offers history, archaeology, sports, beaches, mountains, medicinal springs, nature, fantastic landscapes, friendly people and mesmeric music. Ancient archaeological remains and Nazca Lines augment Peru's sense of mystery.

The indigenous Inca civilisation of what is now Peru was conquered by Spain in the early 16th century. Spain ruled the country until independence in 1821. The War of the Pacific broke out between Peru and Chile in 1879, with a complete victory for Chile and the loss to Peru of some southern territories.

The first of Peru's many military coups was in 1914. The junta lasted five years, before giving way to the civilian government of Augusto Leguia. His tenure ended with another military take-over. While the military has always been a powerful force in Peruvian politics, its principal opponent and the country's largest political party for much of the 20th century was the Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana.

Politics has also persistently been dogged by alleged (and sometimes proven) corruption. The 'war on drugs' has long dominated relations between Peru and the USA. Border disputes have also arisen; the most serious of these was with Ecuador over access to the Amazonian river system and control of the potentially mineral-rich Condor mountain range. In early 1995, full-scale fighting broke out after talks broke down, continuing intermittently until a settlement was reached in 1999.
Area - 1,285,216 sq km (496,225 sq miles).
Population - 28.3 million (2006 estimate).
Population Density - 22 per sq km.
Capital - Lima.
Population: 8.27 million (2004).
Government - Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1824, having declared it in 1821.
Language - Spanish and Quechua are the official languages. Aymará is spoken in some areas of the region of Puno. Many other dialects exist in the jungle regions. English is spoken in major tourist areas.
Religion - 89% Roman Catholic, 7% Evangelical and 4% other denominations.
Time - GMT - 5.

Social Conventions - Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Visitors should follow normal social courtesies and the atmosphere is generally informal. A small gift from a company or home country is sufficient. Dress is usually informal, although for some business meetings and social occasions men wear a jacket and tie.

Electricity - 220 volts AC, 60Hz. (110 volts AC is available in most 4- and 5-star hotels).

Head of State - President Alan Garcia since 2006.

Culture

Food and Drink
The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by ají and ajo (hot pepper and garlic), has become celebrated at home and abroad. Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of vegetables; there are over 2,000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone. Table service is the norm in hotels and restaurants and many of them also offer buffet-type lunches.

National specialities:
o Ceviche (uncooked fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and hot chili pepper, served with fried corn, sweet potatoes, onions and flavoured with coriander).
o Chupe de camarones is a chowder-type soup made with shrimps, milk, eggs, potatoes and peppers.
o Causa relleña (potato cakes with chicken in the centre, but also cooked with avocado or crabmeat).
o Tamales (boiled corn dumplings filled with meat and wrapped in a banana leaf).
o Mazamorra morada (purple maize and sweet potato starch jelly cooked with lemons, dried fruits, cinnamon and cloves).

National drinks:
o The most famous drink is pisco sour, made from a potent grape brandy.
o Other pisco-based drinks are algarrobina (pisco and carob syrup), chilcano (pisco and ginger ale) and capitán (pisco and vermouth).
o Chicha de jora (fermented red or yellow corn juice) and chicha morada (non-alcoholic purple corn juice) are popular drinks dating from Inca times.
o Peruvian beers and national wines are good.

Tipping: Service charges of 10% are added to all bills. Additional tips of 5% are expected.

Nightlife
There are many good bars, pubs, discos and casinos in the major towns and tourist resorts. Peñas always serve snacks and some serve full meals. Here one can enjoy criolla or folk music, especially at weekends. Nightlife in Lima and Cusco has a wide array of choices. Most discos, peñas, pubs and karaokes are open until 0300 or 0400 in the morning.

Shopping
There are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, weaving and jewellery. Galleries and handicraft shops abound in the Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and downtown districts of Lima. Handicrafts markets are located in Miraflores (Petit Thouars Ave, blocks 52 to 53) and Pueblo Libre (La Marina Ave, blocks 8 to 10). Bargaining is an expected practice with beach vendors and at markets and known as 'regateo'.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1600-2000 (although many shops are open daily 0900-2000).

Environment

Climate - Varies according to area. On the coast winter lasts from June to September. During this period, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It never rains in Lima nor most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

Required Clothing - Lightweights during summer with warmer clothes worn in upland areas. Mediumweights are advised during cooler months.
Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific coast of South America. It has borders with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west. There are three natural zones, running roughly north to south. The Costa region, which contains Lima (the capital), is a narrow coastal plain consisting of large tracts of desert broken by fertile valleys. The cotton, sugar and rice plantations and most of the so-far exploited oil fields lie in this area. The Sierra contains the Andes, with peaks over 6,000m (20,000ft), most of the country's mineral resources (silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold) and the greater part of its livestock. The Selva, an area of fertile, subtropical uplands, lies between the Andes and the border with Brazil. The Amazonian jungle has vast natural resources. The absence of land communications, however, left the area largely uncharted until full-scale oil exploration began in 1973. The population is largely Indian and Mestizo with a noticeable influence from African, Chinese and European (mainly Spanish) settlers.

Money

Currency
New Sol (PEN) = 100 céntimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of PEN200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of PEN5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 céntimos.

Currency Exchange
Only a few bureaux de change in Lima will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and shops also readily accept US Dollars (although torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru.

Traveller's Cheques
Banks will exchange traveller's cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars. The ability to use traveller's cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be accepted in the area you are visiting prior to travel.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).
Duty Free - The following items may be imported by visitors over 18 years of age into Peru without incurring customs duty:
o 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
o Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5l.
o A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
o Gifts or new articles for personal use up to a value of US$300.
o 2kg of processed food.
Note: If importing sausages, salami, ham or cheese, a sanitary certificate from the manufacturer is required.
Prohibited Imports
The import of raw ham from Italy and Portugal is prohibited.

Prohibited Exports
The export of artistic or cultural articles is prohibited.

Traveller's Guide

Passports
Valid passport required.

Visas
Not required by tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except:
nationals of Malta who do require a visa.

Visa Note
All visitors must hold return tickets or letter of guarantee from travel agency and sufficient funds for their stay.
A business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the business visa holder must register at the Dirección General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Dirección General de Migraciones.
All nationals are advised to check with the Peruvian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any documentation which might be required. Postal visa applications are not accepted unless submitted through a travel agency.

Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.
Validity
Up to 90 days.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses for details.

Working Days Required
At least 24 hours; longer if authorisation from the immigration office in Lima is required.

Contact Addresses

PromPerú (Commission for the Promotion of Peru)
Calle 1 Oeste 050, Piso 13, Edificio, Mincetur, Peru
Tel: (1) 224 3131.
Website: www.peru.org.pe
Embassy of the Republic of Peru in the UK
52 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SP, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 1917 or 2545.
Website: www.peruembassy-uk.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Consular section: Tel: (020) 7838 9223.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 (general enquiries); 1500-1630 (collection point only).

Embassy of the Republic of Peru in the USA
1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 833 9860.
Website: www.peruvianembassy.us

Health Care
International travellers are strongly advised to take out full health insurance and should be prepared to pay up front for medical services.
Note * Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting jungle areas below 2,300m (7,546ft). Travellers who are only visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu do not require a vaccination.