What Should You Know Before Traveling to Peru?

If you are looking for an extraordinary vacation, here is a different geography for you: Peru! The country's surface area is 1,285,000 km². With this feature, Peru is among the largest countries in South America. Neighboring countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile, Peru has almost 30 of the world's 32 climate types. While deserts can be found in one part of the country, it is possible to enjoy the cool ocean waters in another part. In this way, it can be said that the number of places to visit in Peru is quite high. If you want to go off the beaten path and open the door to different cultures, you can plan a comprehensive Peru vacation after reading this article. There are some things to know before traveling to Peru. It is possible to list them as; currency, language spoken, direction of traffic flow, climatic conditions, people's approach. In addition, experts recommend getting vaccinated against A, B, tetanus, rabies, yellow fever, typhoid, meningitis and diphtheria before traveling to Peru. Another detail you should know about Peru is that the people of the country are extremely friendly. Helpful and friendly, this nation shows its hospitality to tourists to the fullest. When the religious structure of the country is analyzed, it is seen that most of the population is Catholic and Protestant. Of course, it can be said that there are also individuals belonging to other religions in the geography in question.

What is Peru's Currency?

Peru's currency is the nuevo sol. The Peruvian nuevo sol is denoted by the S/. sign. The international code of this currency is PEN. Since you need money for many expenses while staying in the country, knowing these details will make it easier for you during your trip. 1 nuevo sol is divided into 100 céntimos. Locals and tourists shop with these units. Of course, it is also possible to obtain currencies such as dollars and euros in the country and use them at some points.

What are Peru's Public Holidays?

In Peru, which has national and religious sensitivities, important periods of time related to Christianity and the statehood process have been declared holidays. March 24, 25, 26 and 27 are celebrated as Easter in the country. Just like in Turkey, May 1st is considered as Labor Day in Peru. Since Peru was under the Spanish protectorate for a long time, it can be easily said that great importance is attached to national holidays in the country. In Peru, June 7 is Flag Day, July 28-29 is National Independence Day and September 24 is Navy Day. On the other hand, October 8 is celebrated as the Anniversary of the Angamos War in Peru. December 24 is Christmas Eve in Peru, where the majority of the population is Christian. December 25-26 has been declared an official holiday due to Christmas. Again, December 1 is Saints' Day and December 2 is All Souls Day, which has an important place in Peruvian culture. Various carnivals are organized every Sunday in February and March in Peru. These carnivals, which are extremely entertaining, can be considered among the most important events that attract tourists.

What Are the Must-See Places in Peru?

The country is one of the most special places in the world with its rich history and natural structure. For this reason, the number of places to visit in Peru is also quite high. This region offers its guests very rich options, especially in terms of historical and natural beauty. The first point that comes to mind when it comes to places to visit in Peru is the Machu Picchu region. This region, which bears the traces of the Inca civilization, has the feature of being an ancient city. In addition, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Another point on the list of places to visit in Peru is Sacsayhuaman. It is possible to come across the ruins of the Inca Castle in the region. Likewise, the Nazca Lines stand out as a beauty that millions of tourists want to see every year in Peru. Located in the Nazca Desert, these mysterious lines are said to symbolize some creatures or geometric structures. This unique Latin American country has hundreds of points worth visiting. We have included the other places to visit in Peru below to be handy when planning your vacation.

Miraflores
Chan Chan
Circuito Magico Del Agua
Cumbemayo
Catedral de Tacna
Sillustani
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Belen

In addition to all these points, Lima, the capital of the country, has a special importance for travelers. Lima ranks high on the list of places to visit in Peru. It would not be an exaggeration to claim that this Latin American city, famous for its magnificent beaches, is also mind-blowing with its historical depth. With numerous museums and natural beauties, this city is considered to be the 5th largest city in the continent. The Plaza de Amos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the city's must-visit attractions. In addition, the great cathedral and palace in the city square are among the places you may regret if you skip. When the places to visit in Lima, the capital of the country, are examined thematically, it is possible to come across artifacts built after the country remained under Spanish rule for 300 years. The city resembles a treasure with its churches, cathedrals and monasteries. Of course, we should underline that you should also see carnivals such as Cajamarca and Fiesta de la Vendimia while you are in Peru.

What is the nightlife like in Peru?

While giving travel tips for Peru, we should also mention the rich nightlife and culture of the region. In Peru, a fun and energetic country, street performers and entertaining performances are common in crowded squares. In Peru, which fascinates everyone from 7 to 70, it will not be difficult for you to find entertainment to your taste. If you want a quiet entertainment in the region, you can choose cafes and restaurants where you can watch the view of the Pacific Ocean. Watching live performances with Inca melodies in these venues makes for an unforgettable night. There are also many bars and nightclubs in the country where you can find different styles of music. You can reach the peak of entertainment in these places where there are no distinctions such as weekdays or weekends. Lima, the capital city, is the ideal city to have fun to the fullest in Peru. Those who want to spend a lively night can easily find almost all the elements of art and music in this city. In addition to the scenic venues in the city, the bars on the beach appeal to everyone who loves dancing and music. In addition, since the country is among the most economical regions of South America, these activities will not strain your budget too much. On the other hand, Peruvian carnivals are among the events we recommend you to visit with their colorful entertainment that lasts from the first hours of the morning until the late hours of the night. 

When is the best time to travel to Peru?

Peru is home to many climate types seen around the world. For this reason, for an ideal trip to Peru, you should first decide which part of the country to visit. Lima, the capital city where historical buildings and entertainment are intense, is rainy most days of the summer. In addition, the humidity in this oceanside city can reach up to 85% at times. Therefore, choosing cooler times such as early April or late October to go to the capital Lima can be an ideal choice for a comfortable vacation. Another region most frequently visited by tourists in Peru is the Sierra. This region has a drier climate than Lima. But the air temperature here varies constantly. It is even possible to see different temperature values even on the same day. In general, the most rainfall in Peru is seen in April. Considering that the summer season is hot and humid, fall can be pointed out as an ideal time to come to this country. Paying special attention to these details while making a list of places to visit in Peru will help you not to regret later.

How to get to Peru

Transportation to Peru can be done by various means. For those who want to travel to the region from Turkey, there are many connecting flights to Peru. We can already say that at least one connecting flight awaits those whose route is Lima. Travel time between Turkey and Peru varies between 15 and 30 hours. Another way to reach the places to visit in Peru is to travel to the country by using the Amazon River from Colombia and Brazil. To reach the country from Brazil, you need to complete a journey of about 10 hours. Traveling by using the Amazon River can be an opportunity to collect many memories. Passport holders do not need to obtain a visa for their travels to Peru, provided that they do not exceed a certain period of time. Passport holders can travel to Peru without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days within 180 days. This is also valid for individuals holding a special, service diplomatic passport. Therefore, it can be said that traveling to Peru is extremely easy in terms of bureaucratic procedures. 

What are the Must-Do Activities in Peru?

We have stated that one of the must-do activities for those who are going to Peru is to participate in carnivals. Carnivals, which last especially during February and March, bring millions of local and foreign tourists to the country during this period. These events host weeks of water fights, colorful displays, costume parties, parades and of course dance performances. All these organizations are very attractive for those who want to plan an extraordinary holiday. One of the activities to do in Peru is desert snowboarding. In this activity, you can even reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour by sliding over the sand dunes in the desert. The areas near Duna Grande, considered the largest sand dune in the world, are ideal for this sport. Keep in mind that desert snowboarding is especially popular on tours organized in the Ica Desert. Lima, which has an important place in terms of places to visit in Peru, is also famous for its cliffs. Tourists who come to the city enjoy cycling in these areas. It is possible to enjoy the ocean and the magnificent winds in these areas, especially in the afternoon when the temperatures drop. Paragliding from the cliffs is another activity that awaits you. In Peru, you are likely to encounter people surfing on different beaches. Those who want to experience this sport can find ideal waves and other conditions for surfing throughout the year in Peru. Moreover, if you wish, you can enjoy the sun, sea and magnificent sands after surfing.

What are the must-taste dishes in Peru?

Peruvian cuisine has traces from many parts of the world. Especially the influences of cultures such as Asia, Europe, Africa and various ethnic groups are reflected in Peruvian food. It is possible to say that the food in the region is also influenced by Native American and Spanish traditions. All these details show that Peru has a wide range of cuisine. In the light of these, it can be said that the famous restaurants and gastronomic areas of the region should definitely be added to the list of places to visit in Peru. Here are the unique flavors you can taste in Peru:

Ceviche
Lomo Saltado
Ají de Gallina
Papas a la Huancaína
Causa

Dishes such as arroz con pato and rocoto relleno are among the famous flavors of Peruvian cuisine. You can easily find these dishes in the kitchens of many luxury hotels operating within the scope of sustainable tourism.