PERU
ALTITUDE
The majority of great sites and cities in Peru are in altitude except the coast and the Amazonia. Some examples of the high altitude are: Arequina at 2,200 m, Cuzco at 3,400 m and Puno/Titicaca Lake at 3,800/4,000 m.
EMBASSIES
CRAFTS
Craft is rich and different according to the regions. Alpaca wool clothing from Arequipa, gold and silver jewels from Cuzco and copies of pre-Colombian pieces in sale in the Museums stores make beautiful gifts.
BEVERAGES
The “Pisco Sour”, a very sophisticated and delicious cocktail, has become the national after hour drink. Avoid the “pisco sour” sold in bottle in supermarkets. Peruvian beers chose Cristal and Pilsen. Some wines such as Tacama start to be known for their quality. And of course the mate made of coca leaves served generally in the Andean area. Mate helps to fight altitude syndrome.
CREDITS CARDS
To withdraw cash, ATMs for Visa or MasterCard are available but not as many as in Europe. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and bars.
WEATHER
In the Andes, mountain climate. It is cold between June and September with below zero temperatures at night. The rainy season goes from December to March. Humid tropical climate on the Amazonian part and dry and hot on the coast where rains are more scarce.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2023
- 1 January: New Year’s Day
- 6, 7 and 9 April: Easter
- 1 May: Labour Day
- 29 June: San Pedro and San Pablo Day
- 28 July: Independence Day
- 29 July: National Day
- 30 August: Santa Rosa de Lima Day
- 8 October: Battle of Angamos
- 1 November: All Saints’ Day
- 8 December: Immaculate Conception
- 25 December: Christmas
CUSTOMS
French citizens must be in possession of a passport still valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Peruvian territory.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts outlets, most plugs are flat blade plugs. It is recommended to bring a plug adapter.
CURRENT TIME
– 6h on French winter time and -7h on summer time. When it is 12h noon in Paris, it is 6h00 am in Lima in winter and 5h00 am in summer.
GASTRONOMY
You should not travel to Peru without tasting the very popular delicious cuisine, currently made with fresh and dietary products and well as the ancestral skills of the Indian, Afro-Peruvian and Spanish communities.
There are any restaurants where top chefs offer traditional and evolving cuisine. Some tables have to be booked long time in advance. You can view our tips in each chapter of this site.
CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
Euro is widely accepted and has to be exchanged into local currency, the Sol. Bureau of Change are numerous.
HEALTH
Water is not drinkable. Take with you all medication you need if you are following a specific treatment. Repellent and a malaria treatment are recommended if travelling through Amazonia. It is also recommended to seek for medical advice for altitude sickness.
SAFETY
In cities and visiting markets it is recommended to be vigilant with your personal belongings. Off-site night walks in busy areas must be avoided.
TAXIS
Make price agreement before departure.
TELECOMS
PERU/EUROPE: 00+33+ caller’s number without 0.
EUROPE/PERU: 00+51+ city code+caller’s number.
The vast majority of hotels are WIFI equipped. Call centers can be found everywhere, with very low costs for calls.
HOW TO DRESS?
Bring very warm clothing if you visit between June and September. Comfortable shoes with sole “in relief” and with traction. Important: Heating is not as common as in Europe, therefore include night clothing accordingly.
