Peru is located in South America, being one of the 13 countries that make up this continent. It borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and shares borders with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. With more than one million square kilometers in size, the country is characterized by its geographic diversity, which traditionally includes the coastal, Andean, and jungle regions.

The capital of Peru is Lima, also known as the City of Kings. Founded on January 18, 1535, by Francisco Pizarro, this metropolis is the economic, political, and cultural center of the country. With a population exceeding 9 million inhabitants, Lima is a vibrant city with a rich history and a fascinating blend of colonial and modern architecture.

This city has a rich history dating back to ancient pre-Hispanic cultures that inhabited the region since ancestral times. Later, it witnessed the process of Peruvian independence and currently plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.

According to the United States Embassy, Peru is classified with 2 out of 4 points regarding safety for travelers. Although the country has some areas that may present risks, popular tourist destinations such as Lima, Machu Picchu, Puno, Ica, Iquitos, Manu National Park, among others, offer a safe environment for visitors. It is important to be informed about necessary precautions and to avoid certain remote and sparsely populated areas.

The official language of Peru is Spanish, spoken by the vast majority of the population. However, Peru is a multilingual and multicultural country, where various indigenous languages are also spoken.

According to data from the Ministry of Culture of Peru, the indigenous languages with the highest number of speakers are:

Quechua: With approximately 3.6 million speakers, it is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Peru. It has different regional variants such as Ancash Quechua, Ayacucho Quechua, Cuzco Quechua, among others.
Aymara: Around 443 thousand speakers, mainly in the southern region of the country such as Puno and Tacna.
Amazonian languages: In the Peruvian Amazon, more than 50 indigenous languages are spoken, among the most representative are Asháninka (88 thousand speakers), Awajún (55 thousand speakers), Shipibo-Konibo (27 thousand speakers), and Matsigenka (12 thousand speakers).

It is important to highlight that Peru officially recognizes 47 indigenous languages, in addition to Spanish and other migrant languages such as Cantonese Chinese, Arabic, among others.

In urban areas, the use of Spanish predominates, while in rural Andean and Amazonian areas, it is more common to find speakers of indigenous languages, often as a mother tongue.

Peru is in a single time zone, the official time of Peru or UTC-5. There are no time changes for daylight saving time or other seasonal adjustments. This means that the same time applies throughout the Peruvian territory throughout the year, facilitating the coordination of internal trips without having to worry about time differences between regions.

However, when traveling from Peru to neighboring countries, it is important to consider the time differences:

Chile: -1 hour difference (UTC-4 or -3 with daylight saving time)
Ecuador: No time difference (UTC-5)
Colombia: +1 hour difference (UTC-4)
Brazil: +2 hours difference (UTC-3)
Bolivia: No time difference (UTC-5)

This stability of the single time zone in Peru throughout the year simplifies the planning of itineraries and trips within the country. But it is important to adjust the clocks when crossing borders with neighboring nations.

Peru is globally recognized for its astonishing natural megadiversity, ancient cultural richness, and invaluable historical legacy.

In addition to Machu Picchu, Peru captivates with incomparable and globally recognized cuisine, masterfully blending indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences in iconic dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, and many more.
In the southern region, the natural beauty of the Huacachina dunes and the mysterious and enigmatic Nazca Lines awaken the imagination. While in Puno, the mythical Lake Titicaca and its indigenous floating islands enchant visitors.
The Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the world’s lung, offers the opportunity to explore unique biodiversity in national reserves such as Tambopata, Pacaya-Samiria, and Manu, paradises of flora and fauna. In contrast, the imposing Andes dazzle with snow-capped mountains, the iconic Rainbow Mountain in Vinicunca, and the impressive natural and archaeological landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, full of color and Andean tradition.
Peru also seduces with epic trekking routes such as the legendary Inca Trail, vibrant and cheerful colonial cities like Arequipa “The White City”, imposing fortresses like Kuélap in Amazonas, incredibly beautiful natural reserves like Paracas, and much more.

In Peru, you can immerse yourself in a variety of unforgettable experiences that go beyond conventional tourism. From exploring the archaeological wonders of the ancient Inca civilization in places like the imposing citadel of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, to venturing into the lush Amazon rainforest to observe its impressive biodiversity of flora and fauna, including exciting fishing tours and birdwatching.

Another unique experience is flying over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, fascinating ancient geoglyphs that can only be fully appreciated from the air. In contrast, you can delve into the rich history and living culture of colonial cities like Lima and Cusco, delighting in their exquisite Peruvian cuisine, recognized worldwide.

If you seek more extreme thrills, you can opt for activities such as whitewater rafting or trekking through stunning Andean landscapes. Or, relax by sailing on the peaceful Grau Sea and enjoying the spectacle of nature on the islands and coves of the Peruvian coast.

In Peru, you can immerse yourself in a variety of unforgettable experiences, but it’s crucial to prepare adequately according to the climate and conditions of each region.

If you’re traveling to the Andean highlands like Cusco, Puno, or Arequipa, it’s recommended to bring warm clothing such as wool caps, gloves, and a good waterproof jacket, especially during the rainy season between November and March. For coastal cities like Lima, where the climate is mostly warm and arid but humid due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, pack lightweight clothing, a hat, and stay well hydrated.

In the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, in cities like Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, or Pucallpa, prepare for a humid and rainy tropical climate. Bring rubber boots, sandals, flashlights, a waterproof jacket, and a hat to protect you from the sun and sudden rain.

In addition to appropriate clothing, the most important thing is to plan ahead, especially if you’re going to visit tourist icons like Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, which require reservations several months in advance. This way, you can experience Peru’s unique offerings comfortably and safely.

In Peru, the official currency is the Nuevo Sol. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles, while coins are available in values of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 soles.

If you haven’t exchanged your soles before arriving in the country, it’s recommended to do so at exchange houses near hotels or plazas. Additionally, you can withdraw money directly from ATMs, which are common in the historic center of major cities.

It’s important to note that some commercial establishments only accept payments in soles, so it’s suggested to carry at least 150 soles in cash to cover expenses such as services, meals, or tips. This will ensure a smoother experience during your stay in Peru.

Inkayni Peru Tours DOES NOT arrange the purchase of tickets for international flights, but we understand that buying international air tickets can be a complex process. Although we cannot directly assist you with this arrangement, we are here to offer reliable alternatives and advice for purchasing your domestic or internal flight tickets.

If you’re looking for options for your international flights, we recommend considering reputable and reliable online flight booking platforms such as Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner. These platforms usually offer a wide range of flight options and competitive prices.

Regarding domestic or internal flights within Peru, we are ready to assist you in purchasing your tickets and provide you with advice on the best available options. We work with reputable local airlines and can ensure competitive rates and quality service.