Peru

Brazil in the east, bolivia in the southeast, Chile in the south, and the Pacific Ocean along its west. The country’s vast mineral, agriculture, and marine resources have long served as the economic foundations of the country and by the late 20th century, Peru has become a major tourist destination. It is home to 12 UNESCO heritage sites and 84 of the planet's life zones. 

Spanish is the official language spoken in the country including Quechua and Aymara. While the Inca is the most well-known, Peru is home to a plethora of civilizations dating back earlier than the Inca empire. Spanish is the official language in Peru while communication in English isn’t that difficult in tourist areas such as Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and Desert Oasis of Huacachina. One should familiarize with basic Spanish and phrases like:

It is also helpful to know numerals from 1-10 and to install the Google Translate app for basic understanding. Travel to Peru and explore this unblemished destination with a convenient travel partner, Abound Holidays. We have curated some of the most amazing and affordable travel packages to Peru that include a whole lot of exciting activities and places that you wouldn’t want to miss!

BEST TIME TO VISIT PERU

May- September (Winter season) is the dry season in Peru. But if you are planning to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu then it is the best time to visit Peru. December to March is considered the warm season but it is also the wettest season in Peru.

As stated, climate and weather are vast and they vary. So research what the weather is like the month you are going for each region you are visiting. Having said that, essentials to bring regardless of the location and weather are shorts, all-weather pants, an all-weather jacket, rain-poncho, hat, chapstick, sunglasses, gloves, a wind-resistant mask, nail clippers and comfortable shoes that can double as casual and for trekking. 

CURRENCY

The official currency of Peru is the soul or solas. However, the US dollar is sometimes accepted but there may be a disadvantage of using US dollars as the exchange rate fluctuates. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 solas. While coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 solas as well as 5, 10, 20, and 50 centamos. Tipping isn't wildly common in Peru, however, high-end restaurants do expect tips. Out of all the things to tip, we do recommend tipping your tour guide. Prices for foreigners tend to be inflated at local markets and street vendors. So, make sure to barter as it is a common practice. Tourism in Peru is quite popular so beware the destinations you're heading to may not be pleasant as they most likely will become tourist traps.

TRANSPORTATION

Modes of transportation will depend on where you are at. But the common transportation is taxis, Uber, tuk-tuks, buses, vans, and shuttles also known as collectivos. But you can either rent a car or a motorbike if you want to travel privately. For long-distance travel from Lima to Cusco, you will have to take an hour's flight.

IS IT CHEAP TO VISIT PERU?

Yes and no! Well, many things here are cheap compared to the prices in the States but many things are not. When it comes to travel costs it can be as cheap as you want or as expensive as you want. So budget accordingly! Our team has come up with a budget-friendly package deal just for you that covers some of the most refreshing Peru travel destinations. 

MAJOR PERU ATTRACTIONS

LIMA: the capital by the bay

This capital by the bay is a convergence of culture and trends of its people in geography. Here, visitors can find every corner of Peru represented in some form or another. Located in the country’s area Pacific coast, it is made up of 43 districts and is a bustling city that’s home to more than 10 million people. It was founded by Fransico Pizarro in 1535 but the indigenous population has settled in the area around it for thousands of years. Even with the recent protests in the 21st century, lima has relatively enjoyed a prolonged period of political and economic stability. 

This metropolis is filled with colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers. Numerous museums, galleries, and historical landmarks are scattered throughout the city. Lima is a gateway to Peru and will likely be the first destination before heading anywhere else in the country. 

The streets are electric flowing into metro stations congested with hurried commuters and vendors trying to make a buck off the foot traffic. And still, in the sea of smiling faces, you must stay vigilant. 

Huacachina

Huacachina is a village built around a small oasis surrounded by dunes that can reach heights of 1,600 ft. Located in the southwestern parts of Peru within the province of Ica, it is 10 minutes outside of the city of Ica, 1 and a half hour drive from Paracas, four and a half-hour drive from Lima. This oasis has been a long tourist attraction for locals but has seen a spike in tourists visiting this area in recent years. Though its site sees many tourists daily, it only has a permanent population of 100. The name comes from Quechua, possibly shortened from Huacachina Quechua, a literal translation of hidden lagoon. It is also referred to as the Oasis of America. According to locals, the water and mud are therapeutic with healing properties where both locals and tourists can be seen bathing in an attempt to cure their illnesses. The lake was itself created by natural seepage from underground aquifers. However, an increase in well drilling started to threaten the supply in the early 2000s. To preserve the oasis, local business groups began pumping water into the lake in 2015. A year later, the government announced a Peruvian scientist would lead the project to restore the Huacachina lagoon but since 2020 no further news of the proposal has come to fruition. The village is quite small and one can walk through it in a matter of minutes. 

Like many places in Peru, it’s mellow so take your time as the locals do. If you are coming from a fast-paced society, you will notice how slow the service is compared to your own. Just remember this is the pace for most of the country. You are on a vacation so slow down and appreciate the change in scenery. The village has many restaurants, cafes, and shops to choose from which are all family-owned offering authentic and local food in Peru. 

The city of Cusco

Cusco was once the capital of the Inca empire. It has existed for over 3000 years and is the longest continuously inhabited city in the history of America. Today this city is rich with culture and is a gateway to many outdoor adventurers. The city is located in the southern part of Peru. Situated in the Andes Mountains an altitude of around 11,000 ft above sea level with a subtropical highland climate that brings mild to warm days and cool windy nights. Getting here is about an hour and a half flight from Lima. Visitors can see the many Spanish colonial and Inca architecture scattered throughout the city as well as several ancient galleries, museums, day markets, restaurants, and cafes. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, you will encounter street vendors, artists, performers as well as hagglers. Cusco is a hotspot for tourism and with that comes many people trying to sell merchandise. 

Plaza de Armas, this city square is lively throughout the day and into the night it should be the first place to go as one can work their way around to the many points of interest nearby. Visitors will encounter both locals and tourists sitting down relaxing and enjoying the scenery. This place is a great location for people-watching and street photography. One can also notice local patrol constantly blow their whistle. No one is allowed to walk on the grassy areas if they see anyone walking on the grass, they aren’t shy about it and will let you know by using their whistle. The plaza is engulfed by both Spanish and Inca architecture, a large cathedral where an Inca palace used to stand overlooks the plaza adjacent to the cathedral is the La Campania church which replaced another Inca palace by the Spanish. inside the church are local vendors selling souvenirs and local goods. At the centre of the plaza sites 19th century fountain which was donated by New York City in 1870. There are two fountains with the same design. One is here in Cusco and the other in New York City. The original fountain had a Native American statue on top until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1950. The fountain stood with no statue until 2011 when a gold painting in Inca was put on top. The monuments and archeological remains are a gift to enhance multiple aspects of Peru's tourism.

Visitors will notice rainbow flags flying high around the city. While the symbol has a more recognizable meaning for the LQBTQIA+ community, this flag means Both the official flag of the city of Cusco and the department of Cusco. In 2021, a golden disc was added to the center of the flax to distinguish it from the LGBTQIA+ resemblance. The golden disc has been an official emblem of the department and the city of Cusco. The high altitude will demand you to acclimatize for at least two days before doing any extraneous activities. This includes hiking Machu Picchu, Vinicunca also known as the rainbow mountain, and any other hikes in the Andes. Before doing any strenuous activities, it is important to face yourself for a couple of days so you don’t get altitude sickness. 

Vinicunca

The Mountain of Seven Colors is a stunning natural destination located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The mountain gets its name from the vibrant colors that adorn its slopes ranging from shades of red and pink to green, yellow, and blue. Rainbow Mountain is relatively easy to access making it a popular destination for tourists and hikers. It is about a four-hour drive from Cusco.

Visa Requirements

Foreign nationals wanting to travel to Peru and in need of a visa, depending on their country of origin can easily apply for a Tourist visa only for recreational purposes or similar, but the process for immigration, permanent residence, or paid activities the process is different. To obtain this visa, applicants must meet specific requirements.

First of all,  you will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended arrival date in Peru. You must attend a personal interview scheduled after submitting all the necessary documents at the nearby Peru Embassy. Photocopies of the passport, two completed forms, recent passport-size photographs, and a signed cover letter. Additionally, the applicant should also provide a round-trip flight itinerary, detailed day-by-day activities in Peru, booking details of the hotel, proof of financial stability (such as bank statements or fixed deposits), and a Personal Income Tax Return (ITR). If the trip is sponsored, the sponsor should provide a guarantee letter, identification proof, and financial solvency proof. Citizens from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka should also submit a police clearance certificate. For detailed information, visit the official site for Peru International Travel Information.