Peru
Thousands of years ago, the Inca civilization thrived in Peru until the invasion of the Spanish conquistadors. Today, Peru contains a blend of both cultures. Peru’s main attractions for tourists are the stunningly beautiful mountain trails through the Peruvian Andes, the colorful indigenous culture, and the ruins of the once-powerful Inca empire, which extended its influence up and down the Pacific coast of South America in the 15th and 16th centuries. The most spectacular of the Incan ruins, located near the ancient and still populated Incan capital of Cuzco, is the beautiful mountain site of Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Incas.”
Peru is an equatorial country with a great variety of climates, thanks to the influence of the Andes Mountains and ocean currents. Arid and dry-tropical plains on the coast contrast with the Amazon Rainforest of the interior and the towering peaks of the Andes in the south.
Although a developing country, nearly a third of the population of twenty-eight million live in metropolitan Lima, the nation’s capital and center of economic activity. The historic center of Lima was designated a UNESCO world heritage site for its colonial architecture and churches. Most of the universities in Peru are located in Lima. Overall, this is a wonderful destination to become immersed in the past and appreciate the traditional way of life.
Climate
The climate on the coast is relatively cool with light precipitation. The Andes mountains are also cooler, and precipitation increases with elevation. The extensive Amazon Rain Forest Basin in the eastern part of the country is very wet with high temperatures and humidity.
Health and Safety
Malaria is a risk in less developed regions outside Lima that are below 6500 feet (2000 meters) altitude.
Visit the CDC’s Peru page for updated information on health conditions in Peru.
Religion and Festivals
Roman Catholicism, sometimes mixed among the indigenous peoples with traditional beliefs, is the predominant religion. About 10% of the populations declare Protestant faiths.
Transportation
Lima’s international airport sees considerable international traffic and fares are priced accordingly. Transportation within the country happens mainly through buses, minibuses, and taxis. There are two train routes running between Machu Picchu and Cuzco, and Lima and Huancayo, which are noted for the incredible scenic views they offer, which may be inaccessible otherwise.
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