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Select PEROU
 

A rich combination of natural wonders and cultural treasures makes Peru an exceptionally alluring destination for travellers with a sense of adventure. Its vast geographical diversity, from coastal desert up to the snow-capped Andes and on into tropical rainforest, creates an extraordinary range of landscapes home to a dazzling array of flora and fauna.

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Area

1,3 million square meters

Population

25 million people, about 70% of whom are Indians (mostly Quechuas and Aymarás), 25% mestizo and 5% Caucasian, of European origin.

Capital

Lima

Climate

Climate on the coast
There are 3 marked seasons : summer (December to March) with temperatures reaching 27°C, and winter (May to October) which is very humid and cold, temperatures falling to 12°C. It hardly rains on the Peruvian coast in the winter, Though it rarely rains on the Peruvian coast in winter, fog and light rain are frequent on the garúas are common. The extreme north coast has sun all year and during the summer temperatures can reach 35°C.

Climate in the mountains (Sierra)
Dry, temperate climate , with well defined seasons, summer is from May to October with sunshine during the day, cold nights and little rain- ideal for trips – and the other season is rainy season from December to March. In the Sierra, large variations in temperature are common -between 20°C and 2°C- during the course of one day.

Climate in the forests (Selva)
The climate is humid and tropical , with two seasons with notably different weather, summer from may to October with sunshine during the day and temperatures higher than 30°C and rainy season , November to march with sudden downpours and increase in river water levels.

Languages

Spanish, Quechua and Aymara.

Currency

The official money of Peru is the Nuevo Sol .
The US dollar is accepted in most commercial centres , restaurants, service stations and bureaux de exchange. It is equally possible to change Euros in the bureaux de change (Cambios). Most establishments accept the more well-known credit cards : Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. Use of travellers cheques is limited. Check that you are paying the exact amount for the service or product you are purchasing when you are making a payment with a credit card.

Official hour

Lima : -5 hours from Greenwich

Electricity

220 volts.

Ingreso al país

Visas are necessary for most nationals of USA and Western Europe. Bolivian, Equatorial and Chilean Nationals do not need a visa or passport for certain regions of Peru. A 90 day time allowance is given (but the immigration authorities have the prerogative). Enquire at the Peruvian consulate or Embassy in your country t obtain all the necessary information. Addresses and telephone numbers are listed on the website of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations.