Latin America - Peru - Country Information

Hidden for centuries in the majestic mountains of the Andes, the amazing Inca city of Machu Picchu was not rediscovered until as recently as 1911. Now the most famous archaeological site in the Americas, Machu Picchu is a must for anyone visiting Peru, and staying overnight at this historic sanctuary is a magical experience. But Peru is more than Machu Picchu - you will also wish to wander through the atmospheric cobbled streets of Cusco, the charming Inca capital, sail on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, explore the Amazon rainforests, marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Colca Canyon, home to condors, travel by train ride across the High Andes, or take a flight by light aircraft over the mysterious Nasca Lines.

Visas:

A visa is not required

Health risks:

Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Polio, TB, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever

When to Go:

Peru has three district geographic regions: the dry coastal plain; the mountains and the low-lying jungles to the east. The climate is as varied as the topography. Lima is located on a coastal plain, a narrow strip of semi-desert. It enjoys a mild climate with no sharp contrast between seasons. It can be quite humid, with cloudy skies for much of the year due to its proximity to the sea. Paracas and Nasca have a similar climate to that of Lima, although generally they enjoy clearer blue skies than the capital and correspondingly hotter temperatures during the day. The climate is broadly similar in the Andean destinations of Cusco (3352 metres), Chivay (3599 metres) and Puno (3810 metres). Rain is particularly likely in the winter months. Daytime temperatures are spring-like all year round, but it can be bitterly cold at night with temperatures near freezing point. Evenings and early mornings can be correspondingly cool. Visitors may find the thinness of the air uncomfortable at first. Machu Picchu (2299 metres) 112 Kilometres from Cusco, is situated on a hill overlooking the Urubamba River. Arequipa (2362 metres) lies in a valley in the western Andes at the foot of the volcano El Misti. Although these are highland areas, they are at a lower altitude than Cusco and Puno, so temperatures are correspondingly warmer although nights will still be cold.The other main geographical area is the Amazon jungle, where year-round temperatures are high, with high humidity. The Amazon region experiences more rain than elsewhere in Peru, mainly during our winter months.