Peru Travel Guide
Season • Note
Are December and January good months to visit Peru?
December
Shoulder
season
January
Shoulder
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Peru is 496.2 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 21 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Lima (PE) and Washington D.C. (US) is 3521 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Lima click here
Country Comparison
Compare Peru to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Peru
| Miles | Huascarán National Park | Lima | Cuzco | Trujillo | Arequipa | Tacna | Machu Picchu | Cajamarca |
| Huascarán National Park | - | 191 | 470 | 137 | 630 | 770 | 425 | 167 |
| Lima | 191 | - | 355 | 305 | 474 | 611 | 313 | 354 |
| Cuzco | 470 | 355 | - | 607 | 201 | 331 | 45 | 625 |
| Trujillo | 137 | 305 | 607 | - | 764 | 903 | 562 | 75 |
| Arequipa | 630 | 474 | 201 | 764 | - | 140 | 234 | 794 |
| Tacna | 770 | 611 | 331 | 903 | 140 | - | 368 | 934 |
| Machu Picchu | 425 | 313 | 45 | 562 | 234 | 368 | - | 581 |
| Cajamarca | 167 | 354 | 625 | 75 | 794 | 934 | 581 | - |
A Brief History of Peru
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
1250 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementNative Indian groups build settlements in Peru.
1100 A.D.
Chimú cultureThe Chimú people build a capital at Chan Chan. It is said to have been the largest adobe city in the world.
1438
Inca EmpireThe Inca Empire begins its rise to power. Over the next 100 years, the small tribe builds the largest empire in the Americas.
1533
Spanish invasionSpanish soldiers led by Francisco Pizarro defeat the Incas. Pizarro declares Lima the new capital of Peru in 1535.
1824
Independence from SpainPeru wins its independence from Spain. It's the last colony in Latin America to do so.
1911
Machu PicchuOn July 24, American archaeologist Hiram Bingham finds Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. The city was built around 1430.
1983
Devastating floodsA weather phenomenon called El Niño causes flooding in some parts of the country and drought in others. This causes major problems for Peru's economy.
1998
Peru-Ecuador border conflictPeru signs a treaty with neighbor Ecuador to peacefully settle their 57-year border dispute.
2001
First Native Indian PresidentAlejandro Toledo is elected President. He's Peru's first Native Indian President.
2005
Pacific-Atlantic routeConstruction begins in Peru on a new highway. When finished, the 1,600-mile-long road will stretch from Peru through the Amazon rain forest to Brazil's Atlantic coast.
2009
Trial of Alberto FujimoriFormer President Alberto Fujimori is sentenced to 25 years in prison for ordering abuses by the country's security forces.
Best Ways to Experience Peru
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreNuevo Sol (PEN)
- EUR
- GBP
- PEN
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- PEN
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Peru.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Peru
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Peru for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- Determined on arrival
Electricity
220V (60 Hz)
In Peru the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, C sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type CFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 43 / 231 Ranking | 32 971 854 Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese |
Area | 21 / 230 Ranking | 496.2 thous. mi² It is approximately 13% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 109 / 196 Ranking | 75 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 72.8women 77.2 |
Median age | 64 / 157 Ranking | 29.1 Average age of population expressed in years.men 28.3women 29.9 |
Population growth | 95 / 172 Ranking | 0.88% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 46 / 131 Ranking | 94.5% Ability to read, write and count.men 97%women 92% |
GDP | 110 / 194 Ranking | 11 874 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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