PERU.
Capital city: Lima
People: Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3% Population: 26,624,582 .

Language: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara plus indigenous languages.
Religion: Roman CatholicGovernment: Republic Terrain: western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) Currency: Sol Capital city: Lima People: Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%,

This rich variety of ecosystems has also produced a variety of cultures and civilizations, which have flourished in different regions of the country over time. The cultures that comprise Perú influenced each other over time, cross-fertilizing their ability to evolve and to manage natural resources and the environment.Immense ticket and a passport valid for at least 6 months after their entry date into Perú.

Cusco. But there are many other important sites and cultures to explore in the cities of Puno, Ayacucho, mountain range, and the advancing cloud forest along its eastern slopes, enabled a variety of flora and fauna to be domesticated and cultivated by the Incas and their predecessors.Huancayo, Huaraz and Cajamarca. Arequipa, the land of volcanoes and deep canyons is another intriguing destination. The rugged Andes are a tremendous lure for the more adventurous hiking, trekking and river- running opportunities abound, and enjoyment of natural wonders can be combined with visits to striking archaeological sites. Amazon Flood Plains The drainage of glaciers, and run-off from rain and the cloud forest on the eastern Andes create a huge river system that culminates in the longest and largest river in the world - the Amazon in north

central Perú. Covering 60% of the country, the rainforest offers opportunities to visitors to experience canoe trips, walks through interesting habitats, and stays in rustic lodges. The Amazon also contains two of the largest neo-tropical National Parks - Manu and Pacaya Samiria. The vast diversity of Perú abounds in this area but a

visit to the rain forest requires time and patience to see wildlife and visit the rainforest. What do you need before getting there? Visitors must have a return Banking hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm or from 10 am to 6 pm with some variations during the summer months (January to March). International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, hotels and important stores. Weather and altitude There are no intermediate seasons in Perú, and one can encounter summer and winter conditions at the same time of the year, according to the area visited. The highlands have dry and sunny weather the whole year round. The nights are cold, but temperature varies according to the altitude. Cuzco is at 3,400 meters and the air is

US$ 35. However, there are cheaper and more expensive: to over US$ 200. The Hoteles de Turistas all over Perú belong to private enterprises and have different rates. The standard in provincial cities varies considerably, but they frequently offer good accommodations. Hotels are classified by the star system: the highest 5 stars. By law, all places that offer accommodations have a plaque outside bearing the letters H (Hotel), HR (Residential Hotel), HS (Residential Hostel) or P (Pension). There are no formal arrangements for camping or caravaning. A variety of youth touristhostels are available. Electricity The voltage is 220, 60 cycles, except Arequipa (50 cycles) A few major hotels in Lima also have 110 volt outlets. Transport National Airlines, Aerocontinente, Lanperú, Tans and Taca have scheduled, domestic service. To avoid problems, reconfirm your booking with the airline, especially if you bought your ticket in another country. The train system has two major routes; the Central: Lima-La Oroya-Huancayo, which is the highest in the world and the South: Arequipa-Juliaca-Cuzco. There is also train service from Cuzco (San Pedro Station) to Machu Picchu: the picturesque Tren Inka leaves at 6:00 am and returns at 3:00 pm, while the autovagon leaves at 6:30 am and returns at 3:30 pm; the ride takes about 3 hours. Helicopters fly daily from Cuzco to Machu Picchu in about 25 minutes. Buses are the cheapest way to travel. The main companies are Ormeño, Expreso Sudamericano, Cruz del Sur, Las Dunas, Tepsa and Expreso Molina.

The Andes The valleys and rolling hills of the Andes were the backbone of Inca and pre-Inca settlements and cultures. An array of microclimates along the North-South spine of the Hundreds of ruins and vestiges of Inca temples, housing, fortresses and warehouses abound. This area includes the towering Machu Picchu, the satellite citadel of in what used to be the main capital,

fresh; Arequipa is at 2,378 meters and has a mild, perpetually warm climate; Puno is the coldest at a higher altitude of 3,870 meters. The rainy season is from December to March, which are also the warmest months(19 to 25 degrees

c). The coast has a very mild weather and it hardly ever rains, apart from the area near Ecuador. The summer is from January to March with temperatures from 25 to 29 degrees C. Winter is from June to August with temperatures between 13 to 19 degrees C. The rainforest and Amazon flood plains are hot, from 30 to 35 degrees C from December to April. It rains in brief showers the whole year round. Two of the largest, new tropical parks, Manú and Pacaya Samiria, offer great opportunities to visitors who prefer to stay in rustic lodges and observe wildlife. Time Lima time is the same as Eastern Standard Time. When it is noon in Western Europe, in Perú it is 6 am. When it is noon in Lima, it is 3 am in Japan. Clothing Remember that when it is winter in the USA and Europe, it is summer in Perú. In the highlands, when it is sunny during the day, you should dress lightly but carry something to cover up, because it is cool in the shade. At night you will need a jacket because it becomes cool or cold according to the altitude. In Lima, during winter time (June to August), you need a sweater or a jacket. Nobody wears an overcoat. Weights and measures The metric system of weights and measures is compulsory. Health On arrival in Andean cities, you should allow your system to adapt naturally to the thinner air with less oxygen. Although you may not be affected at all by the altitude, eat and drink as little as possible to avoid soroche, or mountain sickness, and by your second day in the Andes, you should be fully acclimated. Watch out for sunburn, use HPF sunscreen. Drink only bottled water, avoid ice cubes and tap water, raw vegetables and salads. Hotels There are numerous hotels with a wide range of rates. The price of an average hotel in Lima starts at