Location

Peru is located in the central and western parts of South America. Its neighbors include Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.

Capital and Political Division

Peru is divided into 24 departments and one constitutional province (Callao). The country’s capital is Lima.

Geographic and Demographic Division

Peru’s natural regions are divided into three: the coast, the Highlands or Andean Region, and the Jungles. In addition, the country has a 200-mile maritime area.

Currently, Peru has a population of approximately 33 million inhabitants.

Visa and entry procedures

Most countries in America and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa to enter Peru. You only need to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry to the country.

Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay can enter with their national identification documents.

Time Zone

Peru’s time zone is -5h, GMT.

Currency

The official currency of Peru is the Sol (S/). There are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles. There are coins of 1, 2, and 5 soles and 10, 20, and 50 cents.

US dollars are widely accepted in most commercial establishments, restaurants, and hotels. It is advised to exchange foreign currencies in banks and exchange institutions like (Western Union and Moneygram). Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays until noon.

Security

It is recommended to carry copies of identification documents and keep the originals, along with other valuables, in the hotel’s safety deposit box or safe.

Health: Vaccinations, Altitude Sickness, and Travel Insurance

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into the country. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you wish to visit the Amazon region and should be administered at least 10 days before travelling.

Altitude sickness (soroche) can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and stomach problems. This can occur at about 2500 m above sea level. A progressive ascent, hydration, and light meals are recommended at the beginning.

It is recommended to take out travel insurance to cover all expenses related to medical consultations, medicine, surgery or even repatriation