PERU INFORMATION

Geographic Situation

Peru covers 1,285,216 Km˛. It embraces three regions: coast, highland and jungle.
Although this simple division is a fair portrait of Peru's geography, the reality is much richer and far more complex: in Peru, nature appears to have taken on particular characteristics which have turned its mountains, plains, jungles and valleys into unique habitats.
An extraordinary variety of eco-systems shelters a wide diversity of animals and plants.
Coast - The coast is 2,500 Km in length with a maximum width of 200 Km to the north and 40 Km to the south: The greatest concentration of the population is centered in the south.
Highland - The Andes, the mountainous range, which is the most extensive in the world, cuts through Peru from north to south.
Jungle - This enormous region, lush and green as no other, it is the region that is at least populated of Peru.

Geography: Natural Regions

Three main natural regions are distinguishable: the coastal zone (Costa); the highlands (Andes or Sierra); and the eastern hills and lowlands (Selva).

The Coastal Zone
The Costa is an arid, mistly hilly region between the Pacific shore, much of which is bordered by high cliffs, and the Andes farther east. In the north, it is characterized by a low, extremly faulted plateau, a substantial part of which is an almost flat, arable land where water for irrigation is available. Because of the nature of the terrain and its aridity, settlement is almost enterely confined to river valleys and small sections of the coast, mostly near the mouths of rivers.

A narrow coastal mountain range rises steeply just behind the Pacific shore in the southern part of the Peruavian coastal zone. It is composed mainly of a very rugged surface, much of which is covered by bare hard rocks with deeply incised narrow gorges. Troughlike basins running parallel to this range separate it from the Andes. These flat-bottomed basins are covered with a thick mantle of sediment in which rivers have cut deep valleys. Agricultural settlements that irrigate and cultivate small areas of these valleys are actually oases in this desertlike environment. Unlike other parts of the coastal belt, most of the population in the south resides along its eastern margins, away from the coast and close to the foot of the Andes.

The Highlands: the Andes
The highlands in Peru are generally considered to consist of two parallel ranges, the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Oriental, extending in a northwest to southeast direction. Valleys and basins, which follow the same direction and in the south broaden into the Altiplano (with lake Titicaca and a few smaller lakes), are generally cited as the structural features that separate the western range from the eastern one. Both the western range and eastern ranges, with peaks rising over 20,000 feet are not continous, which are in most cases arranged in echelon. The high peaks and slopes are permanently snow-covered, with some remnants of glaciers. Volcanoes, active and dormant, are confined mainly to the southern part of the highlands.

The basins and valleys wedged high between the Peruvian Andes are intermont high level surface over which, historically, the majority of Peru's population has been concentrated. Most of them, which lie at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, are broad and covered with a mantle of sediment washed down from the neighboring mountains. They are crossed by rivers whose sources are in the Cordillera Occidental or in the basins themselves and which are, in fact, the tributary headwaters of the Amazon river.

The Altiplano of the southern Peruvian Andes (which extends into Bolivia) is made up of some basins and valleys of the high level surface, including Peru's share in Lake Titicaca, with its densely inhabited environs. Only the lower basins and valleys of the high level surface are climatically within the zone suitable for agriculture. The altitude of most of this surface is outside the limit of cultivation or is marginal for some crops, such as potatoes, barley and corn. Much of the high level surface is used mainly as pasture for sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas.

The Eastern lowlands
The eastern lowlands are generally divided in the selva alta,, the higher hilly areas at the foot of the Andes, and the selva baja, the lower areas farther east (espacially in the northeast) that slope toward the bounderies of Colombia and Brazil. The selva alta is dominated by low, gently sloping eastern spurs of the Andes (1,200-3,000 feet) with broad valleys that have potentially arable land. There is a gradual transition to the selva baja, a much lower undulating plain where the relief is dominated by a dense network of rivers and river terraces. It slopes gently northeastward from aproximately 1,200 feet to 300-400 feet. The eastern lowlands are covered with dense tropical rain forest. Over large areas the forest is so dense that access is possible only via the rivers. The eastern lowlands of Peru are, in fact, part of the western margin of the huge Amazon plain.

Vaccinations
Yellow Fever - a vaccine certificate is needed for some jungle regions, such as Puerto Maldonado. Some zones of the jungle they demand the presentation of the mentioned certificate.


Population
According to Census 2005, 27.219.264 inhabitants resided in the national territory in the 2005; which makes a population density of 21.2 inhabitants by km2 with a rate of annual growth of 1.4%. The 52.1% of Peruvian population live in the coast; the highland range lodges 36.9 % and the jungle 11%.

Peru is a nation of mixed ethnic origins. Throughout its history, Peru has been the meeting ground for different nations and cultures. The indigenous population was joined 500 years ago by the Spaniards.

As a result of this encounter, and later enriched by the migration of African blacks, Asians and Europeans, Peruvian man emerged as the representative of a nation whose rich ethnic mix is one of its leading characteristics.

People
Most Peruvians are "mestizo," a term that usually refers to a mixture of Amerindians and Peruvians of European descent. Peruvians of European descent make up about 15% of the population; there also are smaller numbers of persons of African, Japanese, and Chinese descent. In the past decade, Peruvians of Asian heritage have made significant advancements in business and political fields; a past president, several past cabinet members, and several members of the Peruvian congress are of Japanese or Chinese descent. Socioeconomic and cultural indicators are increasingly important as identifiers. For example, Peruvians of Amerindian descent who have adopted aspects of Hispanic culture also are considered "mestizo." With economic development, access to education, intermarriage, and largescale migration from rural to urban areas, a more homogeneous national culture is developing, mainly along the relatively more prosperous coast.

Peru has two official languages--Spanish and the foremost indigenous language, Quechua. Spanish is used by the government and the media and in education and commerce. Amerindians who live in the Andean highlands speak Quechua and Aymara and are ethnically distinct from the diverse indigenous groups who live on the eastern side of the Andes and in the tropical lowlands adjacent to the Amazon basin.

Peru's distinct geographical regions are mirrored in a socioeconomic divide between the coast's mestizo-Hispanic culture and the more diverse, traditional Andean cultures of the mountains and highlands. The indigenous populations east of the Andes speak various languages and dialects. Some of these groups still adhere to traditional customs, while others have been almost completely assimilated into the mestizo-Hispanic culture.

Health
The 'Soroche' or the effect of the altitude is another point to keep in mind when you travel to a country of such high altitude such as Peru. In General, altitudes higher than 3,000 metres, with people who are not accustomed to such heights, can produce a sensation of queasiness and general weakness, accompanied by headaches, as a consequence of a lower concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere.

Language
Peru features many different languages. Although Spanish is commonly spoken across the country, Quechua is a major legacy of the Inca Empire, and is still spoken with regional dialects in many parts of Peru.
In addition, other languages are spoken such as Aymara (in Puno) and a startling variety of dialects in the Amazon jungle, which are divided up into 15 linguistic families and 43 different languages.

- Spanish: 80,3%
- Quechua: 16,2%
- Other languages: 3,0%
- Foreign languages: 0,2%

Religion
Since the arrival of the Spanish in Peru, the country has become mainly Catholic. Today, 90% of the population follows this religion.

Best Season to Visit Peru
None of the seasons of the year is bad to visit Peru. Bearing in mind the climate, the best time to go is from between May and September, coinciding with the dry season on the highland and in the Jungle. The rains in the middle of November to March can make activities such as walks and jungle trips difficult. Some of these activities may eventually be suspended.

Luggage
As there is a great variety of climates in Peru, luggage should be varied according to the regions that you have planned to travel through.
Independently of the season of the year, if the journey includes visits to the coast, highland or jungle, you will need clothing that is comfortable: large shirts and trousers, to avoid mosquito bites, blouses, trousers, comfortable walking shoes and tennis shoes.
During the rainy season, it is necessary to carry an umbrella and in the jungle it is best to wear a raincoat. It is also advisable to take a solar protector and a hat.

Visa
People who arrive from European countries or US do not need a visa.

Electrical Current
The electrical current is 220 volts.

Tips
Generally, you should pay 10% for service at the hotel and restaurants, which are usually included with (IGV), 19%, on the price list of the menu.
These prices are fixed. Although, restaurants and hotels of higher quality, the staff does expect to receive an additional tip.

Climate
It is curious that the difference of relief can modify the climate of a region.
The climate of the coastal region (Lima, Trujillo) - From April to September is the coldest period. It is hot in the summer mornings and between the end of December and March the sky is clear. During the night, it can become somewhat cool, thereby making it necessary to wear a jacket.

The climate of the Andes (Mountains) - There are two distinct seasons, marked by the presence or lack of rain. The rainy season is between November and March, with frequent and heavy rainfall which can last some hours, especially during the afternoon. The dry season is characterized by a blue sky during the day. The temperatures remain comfortable while there is sunshine, but it is generally cool at sunrise and sunset.

Jungle Climate (Amazon Rain Forest) - As in the Hight Andes (mountains), there are also two seasons: one from November to May, during which it rains practically every day, for various hours, and another from June to October, known as the dry season, when heavy but short periods of rain can fall. The climate of the jungle is essentially characterized by humidity that varies from between 80% to 100%, depending on the seasons, and the temperature, which varies little.

Airport Taxes
Each passage in airplane in domestic flight must pay a rate that it must simultaneously be paid in each previous airport or to the boarding.

Economy
From 1994 through 1997, the economy recorded robust growth driven by foreign direct investment, almost 40% of which was related to the privatization program. In 1998, real GDP fell 0.4%, largely as a result of the "El Nińo" weather phenomenon, which led to sharp declines in fishmeal exports, disrupted agriculture, and damaged infrastructure. A stalled privatization program, increased government intervention in markets, and worsening terms of trade also contributed to the poor economic performance. Financial turmoil in Asia, Russia, and Brazil added to the problem, leading to a sharp decline in privatization-related foreign direct investment and dramatic outflows of short-term capital. The economy recovered somewhat in 1999 and 2000, registering growth rates of 1.4% and 3.5%, respectively. But political turmoil dampened growth and investment, and the economy is expected to grow less than 2% in 2001. The Lima Stock Exchange general index fell 34.5% in 2000, but had recovered somewhat by the end of the first quarter of 2001. Inflation remained at record lows, registering about 3.7% in 1999 and 2000. The government's overall budget deficit rose sharply in 1999 and 2000 to about 3.0% of GDP, the result of hikes in government salaries, expenditures related to the 2000 election campaign, higher foreign debt service payments, and lower tax revenues. Peru's macroeconomic stability brought about a substantial reduction in underemployment, from and average of 74% from the late 1980s through 1994 to 43% in the 1995-2000 period. The poverty rate has fallen slightly over the years but remained at 54% in 2000.

General Information about Restaurants
In the most important cities, there are establishments for all tastes and wallets. Good Peruvian food is found all over and the best places almost always offer a menu which includes international dishes. In the villages, the numbers of restaurants is much more limited and generally offer only local food.

Drugs
Both the traffic in and the consumption of drugs are equally penalized. Coca leaves can be acquired easily in the markets. It is probable that, after a certain time in Peru, you will develop the habit of drinking coca tea and will probably want to take some home. It is best not to fall into this temptation and, even though it is less colorful, it is preferable to buy it in tea bags (such as with apple tea), with the health registration seal. In this way, you will avoid any problems with the police in the case of customs inspection, both in your country of origin or with the Peruvian police when you leave the country.

Local Time
It will have in counts the hour difference with the origin country since the hour in Peru does not change throughout year.

Currency and Exchange
The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol.
The most acceptable foreign currency is the American dollar, preferably cash as travelers cheques are more difficult to exchange. The present exchange rate is One American dollar = 3.22 Nuevo Sol

Customs
The habitual steps of entry are identical to all countries that do not belong to the CEE, that is to say declaration of objects, motives of the trip, etc. In some cases proceed to the record and inspection of the luggage.
Some useful advices for the exit of the Country: This totally prohibited extracting ó to export objects of pre-Columbian art (suits, huacos, etc.) and mate of coca though these have been easily acquired in specializing shops.


TOURIST INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

Peru has a Tourist Information and Assistance Service known as "i Peru", where you can obtain objective and impartial tourist information, as well as assistance, in the event that the services rendered were not provided in the manner they were offered when they were contracted.

SECURITY

Take normal precautions against pickpockets.
Carry a copy of identification documents. Keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the responsibility assumed by the establishment.
- Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage.
- Do not carry suitcases, bags or sac packs on your back.
- Do not exchange money out in the street.
- Do not walk around late at night through areas with poor lighting or without a companion.

Culture
The relationship between Hispanic and Indian cultures has shaped the face of Peru. During pre-Columbian times, Peru was one of the major centers of artistic expression in America, where pre-Inca cultures, such as Chavin, Paracas, Wari, Nazca, Chimu, and Tiahuanaco developed high-quality pottery, textiles, jewelry, and sculpture. Drawing upon earlier cultures, the Incas continued to maintain these crafts but made even more impressive achievements in architecture. The mountain town of Machu Picchu and the buildings at Cuzco are excellent examples of Inca architectural design.

Peru has passed through various intellectual stages--from colonial Hispanic culture to European Romanticism after independence. The early 20th century brought "indigenismo," expressed in a new awareness of Indian culture. Since World War II, Peruvian writers, artists, and intellectuals have participated in worldwide intellectual and artistic movements, drawing especially on U.S. and European trends.

During the colonial period, Spanish baroque fused with the rich Inca tradition to produce mestizo or creole art. The Cusco school of largely anonymous Indian artists followed the Spanish baroque tradition with influence from the Italian, Flemish, and French schools. Painter Francisco Fierro made a distinctive contribution to this school with his portrayals of typical events, manners, and customs of mid-19th-century Peru. Francisco Lazo, forerunner of the indigenous school of painters, also achieved fame for his portraits. Peru's 20th-century art is known for its extraordinary variety of styles and stunning originality.

In the decade after 1932, the "indigenous school" of painting headed by Jose Sabogal dominated the cultural scene in Peru. A subsequent reaction among Peruvian artists led to the beginning of modern Peruvian painting. Sabogal's resignation as director of the National School of Arts in 1943 coincided with the return of several Peruvian painters from Europe who revitalized "universal" and international styles of painting in Peru. During the 1960s, Fernando de Szyszlo, an internationally recognized Peruvian artist, became the main advocate for abstract painting and pushed Peruvian art toward modernism. Peru remains an art-producing center with painters such as Gerardo Chavez, Alberto Quintanilla, and Jose Carlos Ramos, along with sculptor Victor Delfin, gaining international stature. Promising young artists continue to develop now that Peru's economy allows more promotion of the arts.

Gastronomy
Over 40,000 restaurants across the country reflect the diversity of a nation that has mixed its native traditions with the cuisines of Europe, Arabia, China, Africa and Japan. The result: unique flavours that make Peruvian cuisine one of the best and most varied in the world.

Peru boasts one of the finest cuisines in Latin America. Recipes such as cebiche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), pachamanca (meat and vegetables cooked underground), chupe de camarones (shrimp soup), ají de gallina (spicy chicken) and juane (cornmash pastries) are just a few of the mouth-watering dishes served up in Peru. The quality and variety of dishes in Peru are due to several reasons.

First, Peru's ecological and climactic diversity (Peru is home to 84 of the 104 eco-systems existing on Earth) has given rise to a major supply of fresh produce, which any chef would be ecstatic about. The rich Peruvian fishing grounds abound in fish and shellfish species, the heart of the succulent coastal gastronomy; rice, fowl and goat, meanwhile, are the key ingredients of Peru's north coastal cooking. In the Andes, meanwhile, delicious ingredients such as the potato and sweetcorn in all its varieties, plus cuy (guinea pig) and ají chili pepper are the basis of highland cooking and are to be found across the country. The jungle adds its own touch, wild game with a side serving of fried banana and manioc root. Local fruit varieties such as chirimoya (custard apple) and lucuma produce incomparable deserts.

The second reason is the rich mix of Western and Eastern cultural traditions. Over the course of centuries, Peru has felt the influence of Spain in stews and soups, Arab sweets and desserts, African contributions to Creole cooking, Italian pastas, Japanese preparations of fish and shellfish and Chinese culinary methods which have given birth to one of the most popular gastronomic traditions in Peru: chifa. But the originality of Peru's cuisine does not stem just from its traditional cooking -rather, it continues to incorporate new influences, preparing exquisite and impeccable dishes that have been dubbed the New Peruvian Cuisine. It is a veritable privilege to experience Peru's cooking. Bon appetit.