Welcome to Peru

Intricate, incredible and inspiring – from the peaks of the Andes to the depths of Colca Canyon – Peru is a dreamy destination. Of course, you’ll want to include the lost city of Machu Picchu in your visit, perhaps touring this pre-Columbian fortress and the Sacred Valley with a Peruvian archaeologist.

Take the four-day trek to the cloud city or take a day trip by rail from Ollantaytambo. Move on to explore colonial Lima and its historic cathedrals or step into its great museums, full of enlightening exhibits on past civilizations.

Those who thirst for adventure will find it on the white water of the Urubamba River or within Tambopata National Reserve, home to 500 species of bird, caimans, capybaras and jaguars. Walk the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for a bird’s-eye view.

Fill up on slow-cooked stews, Amazonian chocolate and grilled beef skewers at street stalls and on novoandina (Peruvian nouvelle cuisine) at upscale eateries. From the ancient to the adventurous, Peru never stops delighting world travelers.

Unique Facts

• Peru has the highest sand dune in the world – it’s the Cerro Blanco and it’s in the Sechura Desert in southern Peru. It’s 3,860 feet from base to summit. Drive around on it in a dune buggy or go sandboarding all the way to Huacachina, the desert oasis town below the dune.
• Love potatoes? You’ll love Peru. There are more than 3,000 different potato varieties grown here.
• The largest flying bird on Earth – the Giant Andean Condor – is found in Peru and was considered sacred by the Incas. It generally lives in Colca Canyon and stands up to 4 feet high with a wingspan of 14 feet.
• The highest lake in the world – Lake Titicaca – sits in Peru at an elevation of 11,436 feet, straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru. Jacques Cousteau found ruins of an ancient city below the surface.
• If you take a flightseeing tour in Peru, you may see the mysterious Nazca Lines. These 70-plus human and animal geoglyphs were first noticed in 1927, lining the high desert plateau between Nazca and Palpa.

Language

Peru’s official language is Spanish.

When To Go

The best time to go to Peru varies depending on what your travel activities will be. Along the coast, you’ll experience subtropical weather with very little rainfall. In the eastern rain forest, expect hot temperatures and rain year-round. In the Andes, expect a rainy summer, from December to April, and a dry summer with cold temperatures at night. May to October is the main tourist season.

Airports

Jorge Chávez International Airport, Callao

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Tourist visa issued at time of entry.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Peru: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and C. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Nuevo Sol

Getting Around

Be aware that driving conditions in Peru are very different from those found in the United States. Roads are often poorly maintained and may lack crash barriers, guard rails, signs and streetlights. Avoid driving at night.

Public transportation options include buses, micros, taxis and mototaxis. Micros are the most common way to get around in Lima and other major cities.

When in need of a taxi, use an app-based taxi service, order a taxi by phone or ask your hotel to hail one for you.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Lima
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Peru
Telephone: +(51)(1) 618-2000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(51)(1) 618-2000
Fax: +(51)(1) 618-2724
Emaill: LimaACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
Av Jose Larco 799
Miraflores 15074, Peru
Tel: 51 1 5952385

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 117
Police: 105
Fire: 116

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Peru. Pickpocketing, robbery and hotel room theft are the most common crimes. Armed robberies have occurred throughout the city, including popular tourist destinations. Incapacitating drugs have been used to facilitate robberies and sexual assaults. Sexual assaults and rapes can occur, even in tourist areas.

Use hotel safes, if available. Avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or clothing. Stay alert in crowds and on public transportation. Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark.