Lima: Peru

Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru, as well as the capital of the Lima Province. It is the cultural, industrial, financial, and transport hub of the country. The city is located in an area encompassing the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac and Lurin rivers. It lies on a desertic coast adjacent to the bay in the Pacific Ocean where its port was built and named Callao.

Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima is also known as the City of Kings. For more than three centuries, Lima was the most important city and the greatest metropolis in South America. More than four centuries have passed since its founding as a Spanish city, and Lima has become an expression of Peru’s mestizo heritage, with nearly one-third of the nation’s population living in its metropolitan area. The city covers most of the Lima and Callao Metropolitan Area.

History

The city was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, naming it Ciudad de los Reyes as the location was decided at Epiphany, the January 6. Lima, its original name, however persisted. It is uncertain where the name originated, but it is thought that it derives from the Aymara word lima-limaq, (yellow flower) or from Quechuan rimaq (talking). In the oldest Spanish maps of Peru, both Lima and Ciudad de los Reyes can be seen together as the names of the city.

Lima became the most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru, which encompassed nearly all of Spain’s possessions in South America during the colonial era (mid 1500s to early 1800s).

In 1746, many important and monumental buildings were damaged and or destroyed (later repaired) in an earthquake.The City of Kings’ cultural patrimony and incomparable, beautiful architecture remained prevalent. Its architectural and political importance in Latin America were equalled only by Mexico City.

In 1996, the Japanese embassy hostage crisis took place in Lima, an affair which received global media attention. It ended on April 22, 1997 when Peruvian Armed Forces commandos stormed the building by carrying out a frontal daytime attack after tunneling underground into the embassy to rescue the seventy-two hostages. One hostage died of medical complications, two soldiers and all fourteen kidnappers were killed in action.

Demographics

The Lima Metropolis ranks among Latin America’s largest urban concentrations, with a population of 6,954,583 in city and over 8 million in metro (2005 census), which features a very complex mix of racial and ethnic groups. Traditionally, Mestizos, Peruvians of mixed Spanish and Amerindian descent, have been the largest contingent, making up much of the middle class.

However, political and economic instability during the latter half of the twentieth century created unprecedented poverty and violence in the Andean highlands, forcing hundreds of thousands of campesinos of full-blooded Amerindian descent to migrate to Lima, thus greatly augmenting the Lima’s population. Unlike other ethnic groups, many of them speak primarily Quechua or Aymara, rather than Spanish. While a number of Amerindians eventually attain middle class status, others still live in shantytowns, locally known as pueblos jovenes. These areas often lack such basic services as electricity and running water.

Europeans, the economically dominant segment of the population, are mostly of Spanish descent, but there are significant numbers of Italians, German and others. Afro-Peruvians, initially brought to the region as slaves, are yet another important part of the city’s ethnic quilt. Finally, during the 20th century, Lima also gained signicant Asian communities, particularly of Japanese and Chinese ancestry. The former constitute the largest Japanese concentration in South America after Sao Paulo.

Geography

Physical setting

Lima has a land area of 2,672.28 km². It is located on mostly flat terrain in the Peruvian coastal plain, within the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac and Lurin rivers. As in the rest of the region, the extreme dryness of the climate means that away from the river valleys and irrigated areas the local terrain is absolute barren of vegetation.

Climate

Lima’s climate can be said to be quite peculiar, as besides the aforementioned dryness, it surprises for its mildness: despite being located in the Tropics and at a near sea-level elevation, temperatures are far from torrid, with maxima ranging from 26°C in February to 19°C in August, with an all-time record high temperature of 32°C (90°F). Corresponding minima are 15°C (59°F) in August and 20°C (68°F) in February, with 8°C (46°F) being the lowest ever recorded. On the other hand, relative humidity is very high, and the fog associated with it shrouds the city from May to November. Rainfall is all but unknown, usually occurring only in El Nino years, the yearly average of 0.7cm (0.03in) being the lowest of any large metropolitan area in the world. All these climatic phenomena have a common cause, which is the presence of the cold Humboldt Current just offshore.

Lima is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere, and the second largest in the world after Cairo, that is located in a desert.

Districts and neighborhoods

The Lima city proper is comprised of thirty districts in the Lima Province. Each of them is headed by a mayor, although the Metropolitan Lima Municipal Council (Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima), led by the mayor of Lima, also has authority in these districts.

The historical downtown of the city is located in the Lima District, which is locally known as Cercado de Lima. This is where most vestiges of Lima’s colonial heyday remain, as well as the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Lima Municipal Council.

The upscale neighborhoods of Miraflores and San Isidro are among the wealthiest in the city, and most of the better hotels and other tourist destinations are located in them. The latter district is also an important financial center that is noweadays far more important in Lima’s daily business life than the Cercado. The districts of La Molina and Santiago de Surco offer quieter, upscale residential areas with several gated communities.

The traditional middle-class districts such as Jesus Maria, Lince, San Borja and Magdalena del Mar surround the “rich” districts.

Barranco, south of Miraflores, is known as a bohemian neighborhood and has earned recognition for its population of writers and intellectuals.

The most populous districts of Lima lie in the north and south ends of the city. Their population is comprised principally of immigrants from other regions of Peru. Many of them are poor people of indigenous origin who arrived during the mid and late twentieth century after being displaced by terrorism, agrarian crises, and general economic frustration. These peasants invaded the vast desert areas and hillsides in the districts of the Cono Norte and Cono Sur areas, populating new slums known as pueblos jovenes. Economic growth during the late 1990s helped these districts, and today they have a fast-growing middle class and lively economic life, with malls and other commercial services being inaugurated in former marginal districs such as Comas, Los Olivos and Villa El Salvador. (more…)

Visa for Peru

Passports
Valid passport required by all except nationals of Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador entering certain regions of Peru. Citizens of these countries are advised to contact their nearest Peruvian Consulate before traveling.

Visas

Required by all except the following:

(a) 1. nationals of countries shown in the chart above traveling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days with the exception of Malta nationals of which do require a visa;

(b) nationals of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Kiribati, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, The Philippines, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Surinam, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City and Venezuela, provided traveling as tourists, for stays of up to 90 days;

(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 48 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note
(a) Nationals of Bangladesh, Cuba, China (PR), Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan and Sri Lanka require special authorization from the Immigration Office in Lima to obtain a visa. This application could take one month (approximately) to be processed. (b) All visitors must hold return tickets or letter of guarantee from travel agency and sufficient funds for their stay.

Types of visa and cost
Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.

Validity
Up to 90 days.

Note
A Business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the Business visa holder must register at the Direccion General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Direccion General de Migraciones.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see General Info section for details.

Application requirements
(a) Valid passport. (b) Return or through ticket to show the visitor will be leaving Peru. (c) Two passport-size, color photos. (d) Fee. (e) Two completed application forms. (f) Proof of economic solvency, such as latest bank statement. (g) For business visas, a company letter specifying the reason for the trip, the length of stay and confirming your employment status. (h) For student visas, a letter from your center of studies confirming attendance. (more…)

Entertainment in Peru

Food and Drink

The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by aji and ajo (hot pepper and garlic), has become celebrated at home and abroad. Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of vegetables; there are over 2000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone. Table service is the norm in hotels and restaurants and many of them also offer buffet-type lunches.

National specialities:

- Tropical fruits are abundant, as are avocados.
- Ceviche is a local speciality (uncooked fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and hot chili pepper, served with fried corn, sweet potatoes, onions and flavoured with coriander).
- Escabeche is a cooked fish appetiser eaten cold, served with peppers and onions.
- Corvina is sea bass, which can be prepared in a variety of ways, and is always an excellent choice.
- Scallops (conchitas), mussels (choros), octopus (pulpo) and shrimps (camarones) are plentiful and delicious.
- Chupe de camarones is a chowder-type soup made with shrimps, milk, eggs, potatoes and peppers.
- Papa a la huancaina (yellow potato with cheese and chilli sauce).
- Arroz con choclo (rice with corn).
- Cau cau (tripe cooked with potato, peppers and parsley).
- Causa rellena (potato cakes with chicken in the centre, but also cooked with avocado or crabmeat).
- Tamales (boiled corn dumplings filled with meat and wrapped in a banana leaf).
- Sopa criolla (spicy soup with beef and noodles).
- Aji de gallina (shredded chicken in a piquant cream sauce).
- Anticuchos (strips of beef or fish marinated in vinegar and spices, then barbecued on skewers).
- Lomo saltado (pieces of beef sauteed with onions and peppers, served with fried potatoes and rice).
- Rice and potatoes accompany virtually every dish.
- Traditional desserts are arroz con leche (rice pudding).
- Alfajores (wafer-thin spirals of shortbread dusted with icing sugar) and served with manjar blanco (a caramel sauce).
- Picarones (doughnuts served with syrup).
- Mazamorra morada (purple maize and sweet potato starch jelly cooked with lemons, dried fruits, cinnamon and cloves).
National drinks:
- The most famous drink is pisco sour, made from a potent grape brandy.
- Other pisco-based drinks are algarrobina (pisco and carob syrup), chilcano (pisco and ginger ale) and capitan (pisco and vermouth).
- Chicha de jora (fermented red or yellow corn juice) and chicha morada (non-alcoholic purple corn juice) are popular drinks dating from Inca times.
- Peruvian beers and national wines are good.
Tipping: Service charges of 10 per cent are added to all bills. Additional tips of 5 per cent are expected. Taxi drivers do not generally expect tips. Doorkeepers should be tipped about USUSD 1.
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Currency in Peru

New Sol (PEN) = 100 centimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of PEN200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of PEN5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimos.
Currency Exchange

Only a few bureaux de change in Lima will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and shops also readily accept US Dollars (although torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru.
Credit / Debit Card Information

All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers Cheque Advice

Banks will exchange traveller’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars. The ability to use traveller’s cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be excepted in the area your visiting prior to travel.
Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import and export of local currency. The import of foreign currency is unrestricted. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported. Receipts of exchange of foreign currencies into S/. must be presented when exchanging back from S/. into foreign currency.
Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).

Things To See in Peru

Pizarro chose Lima’s palace of local chief Tauri Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6 1535 - and thus began Lima’s colonial history. Such history is reflected in the opulent mansions that grace Lima’s plazas, with their Moorish latticed wooden balconies. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain.

The impressive Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), located at the northern end of the plaza, is another lavish example of colonial opulence. The sumptuous state rooms are adorned with Carrera marble, cedar and mahogany woodcarvings, French glass and Czech crystal. Highlights are the Grand Salon, modelled on the Versaille Palace’s Hall of Mirrors, the dining room adorned with friezes depicting Inca history and the private theatre. Outside, visitors can admire the elaborate military uniforms in the Changing of the Guard.

See one of the few buildings to withstand the 1746 earthquake in Lima - the Church of San Francisco. Recently renovated with the help of UNESCO, this exquisite church has several highlights, including the extraordinary early 17th-century domed cedarwood roof above the broad staircase leading to the cloisters.

The library, in its thin, rectangular two-storey salon with twin delicate wooden spiral staircases, houses a collection of some 20,000 volumes, plus masterpieces by Jordeans, Rubens and Van Dyck. Underneath the church are the catacombs, complete with ghoulish circular displays of the skulls and bones of some 70,000 souls.

Unearth some of Peru’s many archaeological treasures, such as Chan Chan, the largest pre-Inca mud city (20 sq km/7.7 sq miles) declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and the huacas (religious centres) of the Sun and the Moon (the latter has painted mud walls depicting one of the main deities of the Moche culture). The beautifully restored Huaca Arco Iris is covered with pre-Inca hieroglyphics.

Any trip to Peru must entrail venturing into the capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco, founded AD 1100, is today a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Colourful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewellery.

The Church of Santo Domingo was built on the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun, Qoricancha, (Quechua for golden courtyard: its walls were covered in solid gold sheets, much to the delight of the gold-hungry Spanish invaders). Heavy doors leading into the cloisters are now adorned with Moorish star- and diamond-shape patterns.

The cloisters are lined with oil paintings in heavy gilt frames that depict scenes from the life of St Dominic. Remains of the original Inca temple walls are found inside the main courtyard. The Incas built these walls tapering upwards so that they would withstand earthquake tremors. Huge blocks of green and grey diorite stone were placed together in a perfect fit without mortar, perfectly demonstrating the sophisticated Inca engineering and architectural skills. A further example of Inca skill with polygonal masonry is seen in the Stone of Twelve Angles. (more…)

Things To Do in Peru

- On August 30, marvel at the religious processions held to honour Lima’s patron saint, Santa Rosa de Lima. Later, on October 18, a purple haze descends upon the city as the faithful don purple robes to march in processions, praising El Senor de los Milagros.
- Browse for exquisite handicrafts in areas like Ayacucho (specializing in pottery, leatherwork, textiles and jewellery) or Cajamarca. There is also a colourful daily market in Lima’s Chinatown district that should not be missed.
- Fly above the Nazca Lines and gaze at these large and spectacular geoglyphs below. The Nazca Lines are located 420km (265 miles) south of Lima and are geometric shapes and lines drawn with sand and stone, representing animals (birds, felines and reptiles). They are thought to have been made by three different cultures between 200 BC and AD 600. Although best viewed aerially, they can also be seen from an observation tower. For those who do take to the skies, flights cost around USUSD 55 and can be booked from Lima or in the town of Nazca. Ica is a good point of call for trips to the Nazca Lines.
- Go to Cajamarca’s Carnival, famous throughout Peru for its annual celebrations that last for an entire month. One word of warning - try to avoid getting soaked with water, since it is the traditional Cajamarca Carnival greeting!
- Nicknamed the ‘Peruvian Switzerland’ for its glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, Huaraz is the departure point for treks and expeditions to the Callejon de Huaylas. Huaraz hosts the annual Semana del Andinismo, including international ski events on the Pastoruri Glacier. The Huascaran National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, protects the area’s biggest indigenous plants, the Puya Raymondi (giant bromeliads that grow up to 15m high and live for over 40 years) and is the home of the native viscacha, puma, vicuna and the rare spectacled bear.
- Explore Sacsayhuaman on horseback. Just outside of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is the most impressive of four of the city’s nearby Inca ruins (the others are Puca Pucara, Qenko and Tambo Machay). This magnificent ceremonial centre, with its three vast ramparts that run parallel for more than 350m (1148ft), was the site of the famous battle between Manco Inca and Juan Pizarro, Francisco’s younger brother, in 1536. The boulders used to construct the walls are immense, weighing up to 360 tons and measuring up to 10m (33ft) in height and 4m (13ft) in depth. On June 24 each year, thousands of locals arrive to celebrate the Inti Raymi festival with a colourful pageant held at Sacsayhuaman.
- Of course, the most famous mountain trek in Peru is probably the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which offers views of snow-capped mountains, high cloud forests and the opportunity to walk past 12 magnificent ancient Inca ceremonial centres, such as those at Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna. However, practically all of the highlands and some parts of the jungle include trekking circuits, although only a few are being used commercially.

Hikes are possible all year round, but the easiest period is the dry season (June to September). Other fantastic routes include: the Cordillera Blanca trail, which covers the highest tropical mountain range, a 180km- (112.5 mile-) long paradise of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, emerald-green lakes and archaeological sites, containing a wide variety of flora and fauna and practically the entire range lying within the Huascaran National Park; the Olleros-Chavin Llama Trek between the attractive town of Olleros a (more…)

Tourist Attractions in Peru

Perhaps no other country has more to offer the visitor than Peru; panoramic mountain ranges, vast deserts, beautiful beaches and tropical jungle. All this combined with a rich historical and archaeological past and enduring indigenous cultures. To reflect the importance of tourism to the national economy, PromPeru has set up 15 offices around Peru of Tourist Information and Assistance to help visitors solve any problems they may encounter. There is a 24-hour hotline based in Lima.

The South American Explorers Club source of information on the area and has an office in Lima, offering a variety of services to its members such as equipment hire and a safe luggage store. For further information on any of the topics mentioned in this section, please contact the Tourist Information and Assistance 24-hour service.

Lima
Situated halfway along Peru’s desert coastline, Lima is literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Tauri Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6 1535 and thus began Lima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that grace Lima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain.

Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). Located at the northern end of the plaza, the latter is a lavish example of colonial opulence. The sumptuous state rooms are adorned with Carrera marble, cedar and mahogany woodcarvings, French glass and Czech crystal. Highlights are the Grand Salon, modeled on the Versaille Palace’s Hall of Mirrors, the dining room adorned with friezes depicting Inca history and the private theater.

Free guided tours operate daily from the visitor’s entrance in Jiron de la Union. Outside, visitors can admire the elaborate military uniforms in the Changing of the Guard. The Baroque Cathedral has been reconstructed after several earthquakes and its present building is dated around 1758. Visitors should not miss its Museum of Religious Art and Treasures, plus the collection of bones believed to be those of Pizarro himself.

One of the few buildings to withstand the 1746 earthquake is the Church of San Francisco. Recently renovated with the help of UNESCO, this exquisite church has several highlights, including the extraordinary early 17th-century domed cedarwood roof above the broad staircase leading to the cloisters. The library, in its thin, rectangular two-story salon with twin delicate wooden spiral staircases, houses a collection of some 20,000 volumes, plus masterpieces by Jordeans, Rubens and Van Dyck. Underneath the church are the catacombs, complete with ghoulish circular displays of the skulls and bones of some 70,000 souls.

The downtown area of Lima also houses historic colonial mansions, some of which still have connections with the original Spanish families who constructed them. Now occupied by the Foreign Ministry, the Palacio Torre Tagle (1735) with its Moorish-influenced balconies has particularly interesting azulejos (tiles), thought to be the first examples of an artistic fusion between both Native American and European styles. Close by is the striking salmon pink and white stuccoed Post Office built in the 1920s. With wrought iron gates and an arcade roof, the Correo also houses a stamp museum where enthusiasts can buy, trade and sell Peruvian stamps.

Peru’s rich cultural heritage is reflected by the variety of museums in the capital. Unmissable for history buffs are the Museo de Oro del Peru (Gold Museum), the Museo de Cultura Peruana (Museum of Peruvian Culture) and the Museo de la Inquisicion y del Congreso (Museum of the Inquisition) with its sinister dungeons. Art-lovers should see Goya’s etchings at the Museo Taurino and the collection of masters at the National Art Museum.

On August 30 visitors can marvel at the religious processions held to honor the city’s patron saint, Santa Rosa de Lima. Later, on October 18, a purple haze descends upon the city as the faithful don purple robes to march in processions, praising El Senor de los Milagros. Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro have much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Malls and department stores are expanding within the city, and the downtown area, particularly the streets around the Plaza de Armas, were remodeled a few years ago.

Visitors should not miss the colorful daily market in Lima’s Chinatown district. A good place to get a close look at some of Peru’s diverse wildlife (such as jaguars and condors) is the Zoo, Parque Zoologico Huachipa and Parque de las Leyendas, landscaped to reflect Peru’s three main geographical zones: costa (coast); sierra (mountains); and selva (rainforest).

Costa

North of Lima
Piura and Tumbes are the most northerly Peruvian coastal regions and are Peru’s most important beach, surfing, sporting and deep-sea fishing centers. There are small resort-type hotels and small fishing villages and beaches.

Chiclayo
Chiclayo is a northern city with a hot and sunny climate, distinctive cuisine and musical tradition as well as an unparalleled archaeological heritage. Unfortunately, the 26 pyramid complex of Tucume (35km/22 miles north of Chiclayo) and Huaca Rajada (or the ‘Tomb of the Lord of Sipan’), considered to rank among the finest examples of pre-Columbian art, are not yet well restored, thus visitors should hire a local guide.

Many of the fascinating ceramics, metal objects and textiles from the region are on view at the Bruning Museum in the town of Lambayeque, located 11km (6.8 miles) north of Chiclayo. There is a new museum called Royal Tombs of Sipan, a modern three-floor pyramid inspired by the Mochica sanctuaries.

Trujillo
Known as ‘the City of the Eternal Spring’, Trujillo’s brightly colored colonial mansions - such as the Casa Bracamonte or Casa del Almirante del Risco - are well worth visiting. The area’s archaeological treasures include Chan Chan, the largest pre-Inca mud city (20 sq km/7.7 sq miles) declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and the huacas (religious centers) of the Sun and the Moon (the latter has painted mud walls depicting one of the main deities of the Moche culture). (more…)

Food and Dining in Peru

The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by aji and ajo (hot pepper and garlic), has become celebrated at home and abroad. Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of vegetables; there are over 2000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone. Tropical fruits are abundant, as are avocados. Ceviche is a local specialty (uncooked fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and hot chili pepper, served with fried corn, sweet potatoes, onions and flavored with coriander).

Escabeche is a cooked fish appetizer eaten cold, served with peppers and onions. Corvina is sea bass, which can be prepared in a variety of ways, and is always an excellent choice. Typical dishes made with scallops (conchitas), mussels (choros), octopus (pulpo) and shrimps (camarones) are plentiful and delicious. Chupe de camarones is a chowder-type soup made with shrimps, milk, eggs, potatoes and peppers.

Other staple dishes include papa a la huancaina (yellow potato with cheese and chili sauce), arroz con choclo (rice with corn), cau cau (tripe cooked with potato, peppers and parsley), causa rellena (potato cakes with chicken in the center, but also cooked with avocado or crabmeat) and tamales (boiled corn dumplings filled with meat and wrapped in a banana leaf).
(more…)

Climate inPeru

Varies according to area. On the coast winter lasts from June to September. During this period, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It never rains in Lima nor most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

Required clothing
Lightweights during summer with warmer clothes worn in upland areas. Mediumweights are advised during cooler months.

Activities in Peru

Mountain trekking

Practically all of the highlands and some parts of the jungle include trekking circuits, although only a few are being used commercially. Hikes are possible all year round, but the easiest period is the dry season (June to September). Hiking equipment can be bought or hired in Cusco and Huaraz which are the starting points to the most important treks in Peru, listed below.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Probably the most famous trekking route in South America, the trail offers views of snow-capped mountains, high cloud forests and the opportunity to walk past
12 magnificent ancient Inca ceremonial centers, such as those at Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna.

Completion of the 48km (30 mile) trek takes three to five days, and must be undertaken in a group with an official local leader. The trail fee is approximately USUSD 50 per person, which includes a one-day entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. Due to the popularity of the trail and current restrictions in place to protect it, it is advisable to book your hike at least 30 days in advance wherever possible.

Cordillera Blanca: The highest tropical mountain range is a 180km- (112.5 mile-) long paradise of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, emerald-green lakes and archaeological sites. It also contains a wide variety of flora and fauna. Practically the entire range is a protected area within the Huascaran National Park. Routes vary from two to 12 days.

Olleros-Chavin Llama Trek: This is a four-day trek between the attractive town of Olleros and the spectacular archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar. Llama 2000, as it is known, is an initiative launched by a group of campesino farmers to promote ecotourism while protecting their traditional way of life. (more…)