Peru
Capital: Lima
Type of government: Constitutional republic
Time zone: 8 hours behind Kiev time
Public Holiday: Independence Day from Spain July 28
Currency: Nuevo Sol
Geography
Climate
Language
Religion
Government
Currency
Import and Export
Useful information
Tipping
Transport
Communication
Сuisine
Geography
Republic of Peru is a country in western South America. Peru is the largest country in Latin America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on
the east by Brazil and Bolivia, on the southeast by, on the south by Chile.
The considerable part of Peru country is the Andes mountain range (the highest peak is Huascaran that rises 6,768 meters above the sea level) stretched from south to north and Amazon rainforest zone.
The narrow coastal plain (Costa) in the west, is washed by Pacific Ocean.
The Amazon is the greatest river in the world by volume.The source of the Amazon is the lake, Lauricocha, in the Peruvian Andes.
Thanks to influence of many cultures Peru is a very attractive country. Peru is known worldwide for its fascinating Inca ruins, impressive colonial architecture. You can visit historic capital of Inca empire- Cusco, Machu Picchu- which often called "the forgotten city", and to think about the enigmatic Nasca Lines.
Climate
The average coastal temperature is from 15 to 25 C, in Andes and plateau from 5 to 16 C, and in plains from 24 to 27C. The average annual rainfall is from 700 to 3000 millimeters. June-August is a dry season in plateau and is the best time to visit it. In rainy seasons from January to April it is not recommended to visit it. During sunny months from December to March is a swim season. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April.
Language
Spanish is the main language. In the highlands, most Indians are bilingual, speaking Quechua or Aymara.
Religion
Roman Catholicism is the main religion, though the Indians often blend Catholicism with traditional beliefs.
Government
Peru is a republic. The
President is the head of state is elected for five year.
The President designates the Prime Minister and, with his advice, the rest of the Council of Ministers.
The Legislative branch of government of Peru is a unicameral body and it comprises the Congress is consist of 120 members elected for a five-year term
The Executive branch of the Peru government has the president as the chief of state and head of government.
The judicial branch of government is headed by Supreme Court and Superior Courts.
Currency
Peru’s currency is the Nuevo Sol (SN). The currency comes in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents; 1, 2, and 5 Nuevos Soles and 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles bills. U.S. currency and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere.
Import and Export
Travelers may import up to 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 50 grams of tobacco, three bottles of alcoholic beverages below 2 liters, and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use. It is prohibited to export goods of pre-Columba epoch.
Useful information
Money can be exchanged in banks, hotels and many shops.Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in Lima and in upscale hotels elsewhere around the country. Master Card, Visa, Diners and American Express cards are the most accepted; however, credit card fraud is a concern in Peru and travelers should exercise caution when using them. The acceptance of traveler's checks is limited. Bear in mind that traveler's checks are usually not accepted in the interior of the country. ATM machines for a wide variety of bank cards are extensively available in larger cities. Travelers should be cautious about changing money with street exchangers called "cambistas." Foreigners have been conned into changing money with street exchangers who frequently slip counterfeit currency into the transaction.
Tipping
Most restaurant and bar bills include a 10% gratuity. It's customary to add an extra 10% if the service has been satisfactory. Most Peruvians only tip one or two Soles at small
"mom and pop" restaurants that do not add a tip to the bill. Taxis do not expect tips. Fares are negotiated prior to initiating the trip. Hotel porters and bell boys expect a tip of $ 1 per bag.
The Lima’s airport is situated 10 miles northwest of city. There are airport shuttle buses running every 20 min from airport to the hotels and another city places.
Transport
Taxis seem to be everywhere. Always ask the fare in advance, as there are no meters. It’s acceptable to haggle over a fare; try to find out what the going rate is before taking a cab, especially for long trips. The standard fare from airport to city center is around US$4-6. Tipping is not the norm.At the airport you can rent a car. International firms Avis, Budget, Hertz and "National" are working 24 H a day. Foreign driving permits are valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. An International Driving Permit is required for longer stays. Permits in Peru can be obtained through the Touring y Automóvil Club del Peru at the address: Сеsar Vallejo 699, Linсе, tel.: 403-270, fax: 419-652. All foreign vehicles must have documentation from their own national automobile association or obtain it on the Peruvian border before entering the country. Always carry your driver's license, a copy of your passport and, if the vehicle is hired, a copy of the rental contract. The privatized rail system, Peru Rail has daily services between Arequipa, Puno, and Cuzco. It is the cheapest type of transport so usually trains are overcrowded. Rail station phone: 276-620/289-440. The world’s highest railway, running from Lima to Huancayo is almost 5000 m above sea level.
Communication
It is better to purchase phone cards. You can buy it in any Teléfonica Del Peru office. Card costs around 13 USD and acting 4 minutes. In Lima, the central Teléfonica Del Peru office is often crowded, so a better option is to phone from your hotel or from the street telephone kiosks.
Peruvian cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the most diverse in the world.
It is worth to taste cebiche- raw fish, marinate in lemon with onion and vegetables. Typical chicken dish is Aji de Gallina- shredded chicken in a spiced milk sauce. Papas a la Huancaina cooking with cheese sauce and spicery. You can taste Cui- Fried Guinea pig. One of the most popular recipes in Peru is Lomo Saltado-dish of sautéed steak, vegetables, hot peppers, fried potatoes and soy sauce, usually served over white rice.
Pachamanca: This is a typical dish in Andes. It consists of lamb, pork, meat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tamale. First, one has to heat rocks on the floor using firewood. When they are hot enough, the food is placed inside a sac and buried in the hot rocks. The food has to be repeatedly checked to see when it is done because the temperature is unstable. Papa la Huancaina: Potatoes served with a special spicy sauce, olives, lettuce and egg.
Drinks: A pisco sour is a mixture of lemon juice, icing sugar, egg white and pisco. chicha morada (non-alcoholic purple corn juice)
Yerba Mate is a Paraguay tea. It is used as herbal tea.
Deserts: The cherimoya is often considered one of the best-tasting fruits in the world. It is large green juicy fruit. Lucuma-The round or ovoid fruits are green, with a bright yellow flesh that is often fibrous, but bears an aftertaste that some find odd and unappealing. Mazamorra morada, which translates into "purple pudding," is a traditional Peruvian dish made from purple corn. It's actually pudding-like fruit compote loaded with a variety of fresh, dried fruits.
[Tags: Tours to Peru]
Туры в Перу (Russian version)
Type of government: Constitutional republic
Time zone: 8 hours behind Kiev time
Public Holiday: Independence Day from Spain July 28
Currency: Nuevo Sol
Geography
Climate
Language
Religion
Government
Currency
Import and Export
Useful information
Tipping
Transport
Communication
Сuisine
Geography
Republic of Peru is a country in western South America. Peru is the largest country in Latin America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on
the east by Brazil and Bolivia, on the southeast by, on the south by Chile.The considerable part of Peru country is the Andes mountain range (the highest peak is Huascaran that rises 6,768 meters above the sea level) stretched from south to north and Amazon rainforest zone.
The narrow coastal plain (Costa) in the west, is washed by Pacific Ocean.
The Amazon is the greatest river in the world by volume.The source of the Amazon is the lake, Lauricocha, in the Peruvian Andes.
Thanks to influence of many cultures Peru is a very attractive country. Peru is known worldwide for its fascinating Inca ruins, impressive colonial architecture. You can visit historic capital of Inca empire- Cusco, Machu Picchu- which often called "the forgotten city", and to think about the enigmatic Nasca Lines.
Climate
The average coastal temperature is from 15 to 25 C, in Andes and plateau from 5 to 16 C, and in plains from 24 to 27C. The average annual rainfall is from 700 to 3000 millimeters. June-August is a dry season in plateau and is the best time to visit it. In rainy seasons from January to April it is not recommended to visit it. During sunny months from December to March is a swim season. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April.
Language
Spanish is the main language. In the highlands, most Indians are bilingual, speaking Quechua or Aymara.
Religion
Roman Catholicism is the main religion, though the Indians often blend Catholicism with traditional beliefs.
Government
Peru is a republic. The
President is the head of state is elected for five year. The President designates the Prime Minister and, with his advice, the rest of the Council of Ministers.
The Legislative branch of government of Peru is a unicameral body and it comprises the Congress is consist of 120 members elected for a five-year term
The Executive branch of the Peru government has the president as the chief of state and head of government.
The judicial branch of government is headed by Supreme Court and Superior Courts.
Currency
Peru’s currency is the Nuevo Sol (SN). The currency comes in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents; 1, 2, and 5 Nuevos Soles and 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles bills. U.S. currency and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere.
Import and Export
Travelers may import up to 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 50 grams of tobacco, three bottles of alcoholic beverages below 2 liters, and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use. It is prohibited to export goods of pre-Columba epoch.
Useful information
Money can be exchanged in banks, hotels and many shops.Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in Lima and in upscale hotels elsewhere around the country. Master Card, Visa, Diners and American Express cards are the most accepted; however, credit card fraud is a concern in Peru and travelers should exercise caution when using them. The acceptance of traveler's checks is limited. Bear in mind that traveler's checks are usually not accepted in the interior of the country. ATM machines for a wide variety of bank cards are extensively available in larger cities. Travelers should be cautious about changing money with street exchangers called "cambistas." Foreigners have been conned into changing money with street exchangers who frequently slip counterfeit currency into the transaction.
Tipping
Most restaurant and bar bills include a 10% gratuity. It's customary to add an extra 10% if the service has been satisfactory. Most Peruvians only tip one or two Soles at small
"mom and pop" restaurants that do not add a tip to the bill. Taxis do not expect tips. Fares are negotiated prior to initiating the trip. Hotel porters and bell boys expect a tip of $ 1 per bag.The Lima’s airport is situated 10 miles northwest of city. There are airport shuttle buses running every 20 min from airport to the hotels and another city places.
Transport
Taxis seem to be everywhere. Always ask the fare in advance, as there are no meters. It’s acceptable to haggle over a fare; try to find out what the going rate is before taking a cab, especially for long trips. The standard fare from airport to city center is around US$4-6. Tipping is not the norm.At the airport you can rent a car. International firms Avis, Budget, Hertz and "National" are working 24 H a day. Foreign driving permits are valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. An International Driving Permit is required for longer stays. Permits in Peru can be obtained through the Touring y Automóvil Club del Peru at the address: Сеsar Vallejo 699, Linсе, tel.: 403-270, fax: 419-652. All foreign vehicles must have documentation from their own national automobile association or obtain it on the Peruvian border before entering the country. Always carry your driver's license, a copy of your passport and, if the vehicle is hired, a copy of the rental contract. The privatized rail system, Peru Rail has daily services between Arequipa, Puno, and Cuzco. It is the cheapest type of transport so usually trains are overcrowded. Rail station phone: 276-620/289-440. The world’s highest railway, running from Lima to Huancayo is almost 5000 m above sea level.
Communication
It is better to purchase phone cards. You can buy it in any Teléfonica Del Peru office. Card costs around 13 USD and acting 4 minutes. In Lima, the central Teléfonica Del Peru office is often crowded, so a better option is to phone from your hotel or from the street telephone kiosks.
Peruvian cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the most diverse in the world.
It is worth to taste cebiche- raw fish, marinate in lemon with onion and vegetables. Typical chicken dish is Aji de Gallina- shredded chicken in a spiced milk sauce. Papas a la Huancaina cooking with cheese sauce and spicery. You can taste Cui- Fried Guinea pig. One of the most popular recipes in Peru is Lomo Saltado-dish of sautéed steak, vegetables, hot peppers, fried potatoes and soy sauce, usually served over white rice.
Pachamanca: This is a typical dish in Andes. It consists of lamb, pork, meat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tamale. First, one has to heat rocks on the floor using firewood. When they are hot enough, the food is placed inside a sac and buried in the hot rocks. The food has to be repeatedly checked to see when it is done because the temperature is unstable. Papa la Huancaina: Potatoes served with a special spicy sauce, olives, lettuce and egg.
Drinks: A pisco sour is a mixture of lemon juice, icing sugar, egg white and pisco. chicha morada (non-alcoholic purple corn juice)
Yerba Mate is a Paraguay tea. It is used as herbal tea.
Deserts: The cherimoya is often considered one of the best-tasting fruits in the world. It is large green juicy fruit. Lucuma-The round or ovoid fruits are green, with a bright yellow flesh that is often fibrous, but bears an aftertaste that some find odd and unappealing. Mazamorra morada, which translates into "purple pudding," is a traditional Peruvian dish made from purple corn. It's actually pudding-like fruit compote loaded with a variety of fresh, dried fruits.
[Tags: Tours to Peru]
Туры в Перу (Russian version)
