Peru Information
Marvel at the diversity of our natural, cultural and historical wealth.
Peru Information. Peru is located in the southwest of South America at 13° southern hemisphere limited with the Pacific Ocean, Peru is where was born the widest river of the world (The Amazon river). Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific coast of South America that borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west. Peru has the most spectacular and varied scenery in South America. The Peruvian Andes are the most beautiful on the continent, the mountains are home to millions of highland natives who still speak the ancient language (Quechua) and maintain traditional way of life. The Amazon which occupies half of Peru is one of the world’s top 10 biodiversity «hot spots», a rich area of tropical rainforest that will make your head spin when you start to learn about its ecology. The coastal desert is beautiful with huge rolling dunes, farmland oases and fishing villages.
The citizens from the following areas will be issued a visa (30-90 days, usually 90) on arrival: North and South American, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and India. If in doubt, check in the nearest Peruvian Consulate. Upon entering Peru, travellers must fill- out a double entry form. The original stays with immigration. The duplicate is given to the visitors and must be surrendered upon leaving. Do not lose it. It costs US$5 to replace.
Peru is a representative democratic republic divided into 24 departments, 11 regions; Its geography varies from the arid plains of the pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes Mountains and the tropical forest of the Amazon basin.
The main economic activities includes agriculture, fishing, mining, and tourism.
The population is estimated at 28 million; is multiethnic country, including Americans, Europeans, Africans and Asians.
- Capital: Lima. Population: 8.5 million (2007).
- Area 1,285,220 sq km (496,225 sq miles).
- Population: 28 million. The population of the country is largely Indian and Mestizo.
- Time: GMT-5.
- Government: Republic.
Gained independence from Spain in 1824, having declared it in 1821. - President : Ollanta and Umala since 2011.
- Religion 81% Roman Catholic, 2.7% other denominations, 16.3% unspecified or none.
- Language:
Although the majority of the city and the town dwellers speak Spanish, Quechua is spoken most in mountain areas and Aymara/Spanish on the Lake Titicaca Islands.
Many people in City tourism areas speak English. - Electricity
220 volts AC, 60Hz (110 volts AC is available in most 4- and 5-star hotels.)
Climate
Varies according to area. On the coast, winter lasts from June to September. During this period, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. This is high tourist season and the best time to visit most regions. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It hardly ever rains in Lima or most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which has tropical climates.
