Peru is divided in three different regions and weather varies due to geographical diversity:

• The coast (Pacific Ocean): a narrow desert strip with 180km at its widest point with fertile valleys and beautiful beaches. December to April are the hottest months but bringing something warmer is always advisable since temperature can drop somewhat at night. High humidity. June to September are the coolest months. However, you could wear lighter clothing under a jacket. The northern region is sunny almost all year.
• The Highlands (sierra): The Andes territory presents a diverse geography. The climate is dry and weather can vary considerably in a single day: very cold at night and in the early morning and hot at midday. Rainy season from December to March, being the heaviest in January-February.
• The jungle (Amazonia): As a tropical region, it can rain almost all year. Temperatures in the low to mid 80’s and humidity over 75%. Rainfall is the heaviest from November to May and occasional chilly periods can occur between May and August (temperatures can drop to 46F (8ºc).

With few exceptions, visas are not required for travelling to Peru and vaccination is not mandatory neither. However, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelling to any rainforest area around the world, and it should be administered at least 15 days prior to arrival. It is advisable to consult with your health care provider for the most up-date requirements before traveling.

Peru´s electrical current is 220 volts AC / 60 Hz. Visitors will need a converter for 110 volt devices as well as an adapter: Most plugs are the two-pronged flat type (as in the US), but a three-pronged and also a two-pronged circular are found. Even if most 4 and 5 star hotels are equipped to handle 110 volts, it is advisable to travel prepared for all situations.

The sol (S/) is the official currency in Peru and coins and bills are in circulation. Most hotels, restaurants and businesses accept US dollars and the exchange rate is variable. Better rates can be found at Casa de Cambios (exchange shops) and ripped or defaced dollars are not accepted.

Peru has a modern bank network and there are many ATMs throughout the country, available at the banks’ offices. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are generally accepted. For small purchases as snacks, drinks and small items is better to use cash (local currency).

We strongly recommend coming to Peru with your personal travel insurance. In addition to medical expenses or cancellation of the trip , it should cover expenses due to flight cancellations, lost luggage, theft, or any other circumstance beyond your control.

Medical services vary throughout the country. Higher-end clinics and hospitals can be found in the main cities, the best ones being in Lima. For medical assistance in rural areas, the best option is going to the closest city. Several chain pharmacies and regular ones may provide you with anything you need, but bring your personal medication: some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

A personal medical kit is always recommended, specially if you have an adventure program. Travelers with heart conditions or high blood pressure should check with their doctors before traveling to places with high altitude.

Considering Peru´s different regions and climates, dressing in layers is very effective. We recommend that you bring mainly casual clothing suited for each city’s normal temperature range:

• Warm clothing for nights
• Comfortable shoes, tennis or hiking boots depending to the area to be visited
• Short and long-sleeved t-shirts
• Casual trousers or jeans
• Rain gear
• Windbreaker, fleece jacket
• Camera, extra batteries, film, memory card
• Sunblock, insect repellent, lip balm, sunglasses
• Small carrying case

Additional considerations:

As weather is unpredictable in the highlands, wearing layers of clothing is recommended in order to adjust appropriately to the change in temperature and winds.

For jungle programs, cotton cloths are essential. Recommended: lightweight pants, long-sleeved T-shirts and sweater, swim suit, binoculars, a small flashlight, an extra set of batteries, insect repellent, raincoat, shoes resistant to humidity, hat or cap, water bottle.

For trekking or adventure, consider a sleeping bag, walking sticks, sandals or jogging shoes for comfort while at the camp, strong footwear, swimsuit, hat or cap, binoculars, light flash, water bottle.

Even if tipping in restaurants is entirely discretionary, a tip of up to 10% is customary depending on service. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. Recommended tip guidelines for tour guides and drivers is $5-10 per day.

Peruvians love their passion-made food. It seems the table is always served and Peruvians love sharing. Their cuisine is among the most varied and best in the world, comprising 500 years of influences from different immigrant cultures and presently combining pre-Inca staples with a unique Spanish, African, Asian, French, and Italian fusion.

Food and its preparation are an important part of the Peruvian culture. Each region has its own local cuisine with culinary treasures and ingredients according to its geography and climate and there seems to be no end to the variety of Peruvian food with an extensive list of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Traditional cuisine is well seasoned, and ceviche is maybe the most popular dish of its great seafood. Trying “chifa” (Chinese-Peruvian food), “pollo a la brasa” (rotisserie chicken with a very special seasoning) or creole popular dishes such as Aji de Gallina or Lomo Saltado in the coast, exotic fruits in the jungle or stews made with quinoa in the Andes, are just a sample of the experiences that Peru has to offer.

Pisco Sour is the typical aperitif made from Pisco (Peruvian grape brandy, the national drink) and the “chicha morada” made of purple corn is a refreshing sweet traditional non-alcoholic beverage. A mix of spices, recipes and ever new ideas makes Peruvian food an experience not to be forgotten by anyone. Lima, the Gastronomic Capital of South America, offers excellent restaurants as well as special places known only by locals called “huariques” where food is simply excellent.

A top shopping destination in Latin America, Peru is one of the largest alpaca wool producers in the world and fine alpaca wool clothing can be found almost everywhere in the country. Visitors can buy not only baby alpaca products, but very rare fine vicuna wool as well as several goods made out of pima cotton; a great variety of gold and silver works, and handicraft recognized worldwide. Peru’s ancient indigenous civilizations were some of the world’s greatest potters, and reproductions of different cultures as well as other ceramics are available. Original antiques such as ceramics, colonial paintings, textiles, etc. cannot be taken out of the country since they are regarded as part of the cultural heritage.

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• Movable: Holy Thursday and Good Friday
• May 1: Labor Day
• June 24: Inti Raymi (only in Cusco)
• June 29: Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
• July 28 and 29: Independence Feast
• August 30: Feast of Saint Rose of Lima
• October 8: Battle of Angamos
• November 1: All Saints Day
• December 8: Inmaculate Conception
• December 25: Christmas Day

• Drink bottled water: Peruvian tap water may be treated differently from your country.
• Taxis do not use meters and fares are negotiated prior to initiating the trip. It is advisable to use a reputable taxi company. A mobile app will show you the fare before confirming the service. You can also ask the hotel or the restaurant staff for a trustworthy taxi.
• To help prevent altitude sickness the best is to acclimatize initially with limited activities, eat light meals and drink lots of water.
• Delicious Peruvian food may be very spicy, keep this in mind when ordering.
• Take the usual precautions against pickpockets by taking care of your bag and your camera. Leave your passport and other valuables in your hotel safe.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in most of the cafes, restaurants and hotels.
• Most foreign mobile phones work in Peru, having less coverage in mountainous or remote areas.  Internet is less widespread in remote and rural areas.
• When registering at hotels you must show your passport. Tourists staying in the country less than 60 consecutive days are exempted from the General Sales Tax.