Peru is one of the most interesting countries in South America. There are many different monuments of the pre-European period, the most famous of which are Lurce, Chavan, Chimu and, of course, Inca. In addition to a great historical past, Peru is located in a place with amazing nature. The Andes mountain system is located here, which attracts many lovers of outdoor activities and beautiful nature. An extreme vacation can be provided by a walk through the Amazon Valley, which is also called the “green hell”. On the Pacific coast there are many first-class beaches where anyone can relax perfectly.
Geography of Peru
According to Calculatorinc, Peru is located in the western part of South America. The north of the state borders with Ecuador and Colombia, and in the east with Bolivia, Chile and Brazil. The western part is washed by the Pacific Ocean. The western coast of Peru has a desert character, and to the east is the Andes mountain belt, the maximum height here is 6,700 m. The southern part of Peru is known for the fact that there are several dozen volcanoes, some of which have already subsided, and some are still active. The height of the largest volcano is 5,800 m. The surface of the mountains above 3,500 m is covered with steppe vegetation, and evergreen coniferous shrubs and trees grow below.
Capital
Lima
Area
The area of Peru is 1,285,216 km2. sq., the area occupies the 20th place in the world.
Population
40th in the world, 29,496,000 people.
Currency
The national currency is the New Sol (PEN).
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Visa to Peru
You do not need a visa to visit Peru for up to 3 months. If you are planning a longer stay in Peru, you need to apply for a visa at the Peruvian Embassy in Moscow. When crossing the border, you must present a passport, as well as return tickets. In some cases, they may require proof of solvency (cash, checks, credit card, etc.).
Weather in Peru
Due to the relief diversity of the country, the climatic conditions here are also diverse. On the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the temperature all year round remains within – +16 +25 C. The air humidity here is extremely low, precipitation is no more than 200 mm per year, most often precipitation is represented by a specific fine drizzle, which is called “garua”. Mountainous areas at an altitude of up to 3.5 km are characterized by a temperate climate. In winter, the temperature can drop to +4 C, and in summer +16 C. Above, the influence of the mountain climate begins, where the temperature in winter is 0 -7 C, and in summer it rarely rises above +10 C. In the eastern part of the country, the average monthly temperature in summer is +18 +27 C, and in winter +16 +26 C. There is a lot of precipitation here (700-3000 mm per year), the maximum amount of precipitation occurs in November-March.
Transport
The state has a relatively extensive and developed network of airlines, but it is best to travel around the country by train. It is advisable to buy train tickets in first class, as the seats in other classes are not very comfortable. You can also travel around the country by bus, especially since several important roads of South America pass through Peru. The best urban transport is fixed-route taxis and buses. Unfortunately, there is no clear bus timetable here. It will be convenient to use the services of a taxi, but in this case it is necessary to agree on payment in advance, as local taxi drivers may overcharge. The prerequisites for renting a car are an international driver’s license, a credit card and an age of over 23 years.
Currency exchange in Peru
As of August 2011, the rate is 1 USD = 2.73 PEN. Peruvian banks are open on weekdays from 09.00 to 17.00, and on Saturday until 13.00. Banks in small towns may have their own opening hours. In addition to banks, you can exchange money at the “casas de cambio” exchange offices that are common here, hotels (the commission in hotels is quite large), and large stores. It is necessary to keep the exchange receipts before leaving Peru, as it will be used to exchange unspent national currency. Capital ATMs can dispense both local money and US dollars. Credit cards and travelers checks are serviced only in the capital and tourist cities.
Electricity
220V/60Hz (American and European sockets).
Religion
The vast majority of Peruvians consider themselves followers of Roman Catholic Christianity. There are also Protestant denominations and representatives of other faiths, including traditional local beliefs.
Security
The main problem of Peru is a large number of thefts. The state occupies one of the first places in terms of the number of crimes among the countries of South America. Thieves work not only at train stations and public transport, but simply on the street. Do not take large sums of money or important documents with you. Never leave your belongings unattended. It is recommended to refrain from visiting slum areas. It is also impossible to leave valuables in the room, the administration is not responsible for them, it is best to use the safe. Be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM, as there is a large number of robberies near them.
Health
Treatment in Peru is paid, so it is best to have international health insurance with you. Many hotels have their own doctor who can provide first aid and further referral to the clinic. In the capital of the state and its suburbs, there are ambulance services that speak English quite well.
