Peru Overview
Nestled in the western expanse of South America, Peru borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and shares its borders with Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. Spanning approximately 1,285,000 square kilometers, it ranks as the 20th largest country globally and boasts 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it a treasure trove of history and culture.
☀ Best Time to Travel
The Peruvian winter, from June to August, is the prime season for visitors. One of the most significant events during this time is the Sun Festival on June 24th in Cusco, where a grand ceremony honors the sun god, and festivities begin two weeks in advance. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this peak period. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when the weather is pleasant and prices are more stable, offering an ideal travel window.
✈ Ways to Arrive
Lima International Airport (LIM) is the main gateway to Peru, with convenient transit options through the United States/Canada, France, and the Netherlands.
Visa
Travelers holding valid visas or permanent residency for at least six months from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Schengen countries can enter Peru without a visa, with a single stay not exceeding 180 days.
⚠ Precautions for Peru
1. Spanish is the official language of Peru, though English is spoken by some, especially in tourist areas.
2. The local currency is the Sol, but the US dollar is widely accepted. Both Sols and US dollars are used interchangeably, allowing for direct payment in US dollars. (Current exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 3.23 Sols).
3. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry and exit from Peru, and your yellow fever vaccination certificate will be checked. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival to be considered valid; otherwise, you may be denied boarding.
4. Peru’s summer runs from January to March, and winter from July to September. Lima enjoys a year-round dry climate, with a significant temperature difference between day and night. The time difference is 13 hours behind China.
5. Peru generally has good public security, making it a relatively safe destination for travelers.
6. To ensure your mobile phone works in Peru, it should be GSM tri-band (850/1800/1900 MHz) or CDMA dual-band (800/1900 MHz).
7. The power supply in Peru is 220V, and most star-rated hotels provide 110-220V sockets. Hotels do not typically provide toiletries or slippers, so it’s advisable to bring your own.
8. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll need to fill out an immigration form (dual copy and customs declaration). The primary copy is collected by the immigration officer, while the duplicate should be kept in your passport. Safeguard this document, as it must be returned upon departure. Items that require declaration include crops, animals, plants, and specially approved goods.
9. Most taxes are already included in the price, but if you request an invoice, an additional 19% sales tax will be added.
10. For international travelers, the airport tax is USD 28.5 per person, while for domestic flights, it’s USD 6 per person. These fees are essential and must be paid at the airport before you can proceed through the security checkpoint with your boarding pass.
