Are you planning to go on an international trip? Peru is one fantastic destination you should not miss! It’s a tourism-rich spot that has many fascinating things ready to be discovered. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know before you begin the experience of your lifetime!
What do I need to enter Peru?
Visas? Stay cool because you do not need any. You need only your passport and eagerness to travel to Peru! Citizens from both the Americas and Europe do not need to apply for a tourist visa to enter the country. When you reach Peru, you will automatically receive it, allowing you to travel freely for up to 90 days. However, it is often advised that the tourists purchase their return ticket and use it to prevent any issues for your trip back. You can learn more using a Peru travel guide or by asking your tourist guide!
What about the Passports then?
You may reach Peru without your passport from certain countries in Europe, but you must display an official photo ID or document. Otherwise, you must have your passport with you! Also, it is vital to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months.
Payment methods
The currency is referred to in Peru as “sol.”
Do you have credit or debit cards? Some Peruvian institutions also accept foreign credit and debit cards (Visa, American Express, and MasterCard, among others). However, remember that these cards can only be used in major institutions. If you choose to purchase crafts on the streets, take a taxi, or eat in a small, traditional restaurant, make sure to carry cash!
What is the weather like in Peru?
The summer in Peru is humid, muggy, arid, and gloomy, and the winters are long, cool, dry, windy, and often clear. Usually, the temperature ranges from 59°F to 81°F over the year and seldom reaches 57°F or 85°F. The best time of year for warm-weather activities in Lima is from the beginning of April to the middle of October, based on the tourism score.
How expensive is that place?
Peru is not a costly country itself, but its popularity as a tourist destination means that traveling here will cost you much more than you imagined, so try to plan your budget accordingly and save some money on the trip.
What can I do there?
Here are some of the many things you can do there:
Go for a Trek in the Cordillera Blanca.
Visit the Historic Arequipa.
Go on a Hike at the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Visit Rainbow Mountain for its magic to show.
Swim in the beautiful waters in Mancora.
Hire a Dune Buggy in Huacachina.
Places to visit
Machu Picchu
The city hall has been intelligently organized; it is composed of temples, agricultural terraces, a complex system of water piping, tunnels, and towers. It demonstrates the architectural achievement that the Incans had and their urban planning talent that once made their empire strong.
The cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu gives it an even more magical flare and fantasy for walks in. The most popular and most sacred of the hikes is Inca Trail, which follows the Incas main passageway, the original transport network. This archaeological miracle never fails to delight tourists, attracting thousands of them every day. Its beauty is magnificent and perfect.
Kuelap
Machu Picchu is Peru’s best-known ruins. However, many don’t realize that Peru has archaeological treasure literally, only waiting to be acknowledged.
The magnificent, old fortress of Kuelap is one of those jewels. This stone monument dating from the sixth century A.D. stands 3,000 meters above sea level in the north of Peru.
This majestic, fortified fortress in the sky forests was built by Chochapoyas people, known as “the Warriors of the Sky,” as a shield against the unsound tribes. Sitting in the uneven slopes of the Andes Mountains, Kuelap is considered the biggest stone ruin in the New World, with its remains overlooking the surrounding mountains.
Hacienda San José in Chincha
This giant mansion dates from the 17th century and has secret stories that take you to the beginning of Afro-Peruvian history. First founded in the late sixteenth century by Jesuit priests, they ran the mansion as a monastery and used sugar cane plantations.
Heavy slave taxation was levied when the Spanish settlement of Peru brought in new Spanish landowners. The slave owner had to construct a vast network of subway tunnels from the port where the ships were docked to the villa to secretly move the stronger slaves.
The paintings that decorate the walls in this lovely hacienda, as well as the underground chambers used to torture slaves, may reflect the harsh conditions the slaves endured.
Desert Oasis Huacachina
Designed around the only natural desert oasis in South America, Huacachina is a small desert village.
This natural oasis offers an escape from the nearby town of Ica for local families. It also results in an annual rise in visitors from all over the world.
An oasis is surrounded by a little village, which is both hidden in the middle of the desert between high slopes carved with winds. You can ride the buggy on sandboards and ride around. Huacachina is the perfect playground for both young and old explorers.
Laguna 69 Huaraz
Laguna 69, a deep turquoise lagoon, lies nestled amid majestic snow-capped mountains. It is one of the most hypnotic sights the Huascaran National Park provides.
The park, covering a vast area of 340,000 hectares, is home to amazing waterfalls, high plateaux, and many glacial lakes, which include the world’s highest tropical mountain range, the Cordillera Blanca.
The path to the lake itself is a great attraction for the visitors. The continuously changing scenery through these areas is as unpredictable and wild as it is stunning. The surrounding scenery was considered by many excursionists among the most gorgeous scenic walks in the world.
Foods to try
Ceviche
Ceviche is among Peru’s most popular as well as it is the national dish of Peru. Traditionally, cold-cooked fish includes sea bass, brined for a few minutes with onions, pulpit juice, salt, and aji pepper. Other countries have their very own variations on the dish.
Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a combination of Chinese stir-fry and classic Peruvian cuisine, which has only become a popular ceviche. Tender beef strips are marinated with soy and then added to the tomatoes, onions, aji chilies, and several other seasonings. They are also used for alpaca beef.
Before the beef is cooked, the spices are broken, and the onions and tomatoes are gravy-like.
Causa
This Quechan native dish can be found in various variations in Peru. The most common variant is Causa Limeña (from Lima). It’s all about mash, regardless of how it is made- yellow Peruvian potatoes combined with the Amarillo sauce oil, lime, and spicy aji.
Arroz con Pato
This seems to be a basic Criollo Spanish recipe at the surface. Besides that, there are several differences in these signature dishes in Peru. The rice, combined with cilantro paste, spices, and dark beer, usually has a heart-felt, earthier flavor. This dish is eaten on a lot of household dinner tables all over Peru.
Aji de Gallina (Creamy Chicken)
The shredded chicken dish is made of milk, ground walnuts, cheese, and Amarillo aji in a thick sauce. The sauce is mild but pungent; the aji’s fruity, medium-hot bite softens up to a comfortable warmth with its nutty, creamy sauce. Peruvian sauces prepared with cream, chilies, cheese, or even wheat bread, often prepared with veggies or proteins.
COVID-19 and requirements
Due to the pandemic, the Peruvian Government has taken up some actions to make sure COVID-19 is under moderation. First, tourists should get tested and have a negative test result within 72 hours before the departure of their flight. Once they reach there, they should quarantine themselves for around 6 days and take another test to see if they have the virus or not. If things are good, they can go ahead with their trip. Wearing masks is mandatory.
Here you have it! We have discussed everything you need to know before you get on the plane to reach this gorgeous land. Make sure to travel safely and follow the guidelines. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime!
