Planning an adventure to one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries? From natural wonders like Lake Titicaca to ancient sites like the Sacred Valley, Peru will blow your mind and steal your heart. Here’s everything you need to know to organise your trip to the Land of the Incas:
  • Peru is the third-largest country in South America, following Brazil and Argentina. It shares borders with 5 countries – Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia.
  • The sol (literally translated from Spanish as ‘sun’) is the local money used (currency code: PEN). It is subdivided into 100 céntimos (cents). Many hotels and larger shops and restaurants also accept USD. Try to withdraw smaller banknotes (billetes pequeños) whenever possible as getting change in Peru can be tricky.
  • Many travel here to visit the famous ancient city of Machu Picchu. The country also boasts the highest sand dune in the world, Cerro Blanco, and the deepest canyon in the world, the Cotahuasi Canyon. At 3,354 metres (11,004 ft), it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
  • Peru has a diverse climate with a variety of landscapes for travellers to explore, including beaches, deserts, mountains and rainforests. Nearly 50% of the country is covered by the world’s largest rainforest – the Amazon. 
  • Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the main airport in Peru, serving Lima, the capital city. The second busiest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), also known as Cusco Airport.
  • Around 84% of the population speaks Spanish. However, this is a multilingual nation, home to many indigenous languages. The name Peru is derived from a Quechua Indian word meaning land of abundance. It is worth learning some Spanish phrases as if you go off the tourist track, people are unlikely to speak English.
Check out the articles below to learn more about how to arrange your visa to visit one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations!