Peru
Peru folds Amazonian rainforest, high-altitude Andean plateaus, and a narrow Pacific coastal desert into a single country roughly three times the size of California, where ancient stone cities sit above the clouds and market stalls overflow with hundreds of potato varieties.
Overview
Located in western South America, Peru borders Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile, with a long Pacific coastline to the west. Lima, the capital, is home to roughly a third of the national population. Spanish is the official language, though Quechua and Aymara hold co-official status and remain widely spoken in highland regions. The currency is the Peruvian sol. Peruvian identity is shaped by a layered Andean, Amazonian, and colonial heritage, with one of the world's most diverse culinary traditions.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities — including citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, and most of Latin America — may enter Peru without a visa for short stays, typically up to 90 days. Requirements vary by passport; travellers should confirm current conditions through Peru's official immigration authority before departure, as entry rules can change.
Airports in Peru
25 airportsAirlines based in Peru
8 airlines
Famous Attractions in Peru
Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel set on a ridge above the Urubamba River, is Peru's most visited site. The Nazca Lines — enormous geoglyphs etched into the southern desert floor — remain an active subject of archaeological study. Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian border, the world's highest navigable lake, hosts floating reed islands still inhabited by the Uros people. Cusco's historic centre preserves Inca stonework beneath Spanish colonial architecture, while the Amazon Basin city of Iquitos offers access to primary rainforest.
Weather & Climate
Peru's climate varies dramatically by region. The Pacific coast is arid and mild, with Lima averaging around 12–19°C year-round. The Andean highlands experience a distinct wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October, with temperatures in Cusco ranging roughly 3–20°C. The Amazon lowlands are hot and humid throughout the year, typically 25–35°C. For highland and Machu Picchu travel, May through September offers the most reliable dry conditions; light layers and rain gear are practical regardless of season.
Interesting Facts About Peru
- Home to over 3,000 varieties of native potato.
- Machu Picchu was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
- Peru contains roughly 10% of all plant species on Earth.
- The Amazon River's longest source originates in Peru.
- Ceviche holds official cultural heritage status in Peru.
Official Resources
- peru.travel — official tourism portal of PromPerú
- migraciones.gob.pe — Peru's national immigration and visa authority
- senamhi.gob.pe — national meteorological and hydrology service
- mincetur.gob.pe — Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism