Climate
Bear in mind that seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere; summer is from December to February, and winter from June to August.
Peru has a diverse climate. The Pacific coast is arid, hot during the day and chilly from evening to morning.
In the Andes, the temperature depends on the amount of sunlight. As the days are shorter from June to September, it tends to be chillier, with temperatures ranging from the upper fifties to the upper seventies during the day. In the evening and at night, the mercury can dip below zero with considerable winds.
In Lima, the capital of Peru, it is hot during the day due to the Garua, a humid fog typical of the region (except from June through September).
In the Amazon in the east, the climate is humid and tropical. The typical rainfall in the region is less frequent from June through October.
Time difference between the USA and Peru
Eastern Standard Time: Peru is one hour behind EST
Central Standard Time: There is no time difference between Peru and CST
Mountain Standard Time: Peru is one hour ahead of MST
Pacific Standard Time: Peru is two hours ahead of PST
However, Peru does not observe the Daylight Savings Time change.
Language
Spanish has been the official language of Chile since the 16th century and Spanish colonization, as in most South American countries. Quechua, the original indigenous language, is the country’s second official language.
Currency
The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the official currency of Peru. 1 dollar is worth just over 3 sol (April 2018).
We recommend that you verify the exchange rate before leaving for your trip.
When to travel to Peru
Travel to tropical areas is most enjoyable from April to December.
The Pacific coast is best visited from December to March, as it is less humid.
Trips to the Andes are ideal from May through November, as the temperatures are milder than during other periods of the year.
Exploring the Amazon is most enjoyable from April to November, months that allow you to avoid the high humidity of the region.
Health and Vaccinations
Peru’s most famous sites are marked by their high altitude (Machu Picchu is roughly 8000 feet above sea level), and it is advisable to consult with your physician prior to departure to discuss the prevention and symptoms of altitude sickness. He or she may prescribe you medication to help with altitude sickness, such as acetazolamide.
Tap water in Peru is not potable; drink only bottled water or use chlorine-based water purification tablets (widely available).
There are no obligatory vaccinations for travel to Peru. Please note however that travelers arriving in Bolivia from Peru (or vice versa) must be vaccinated against yellow fever (remember to bring your Yellow Card, the international certificate of vaccination, as proof). It is also advisable to verify the validity of all routine vaccinations. The CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations prior to departure for most travelers, as well as hepatitis B, yellow fever, malaria and rabies vaccinations for certain destinations.
Due to the currently limited availability of the yellow fever vaccine, please schedule your appointment well in advance.
For more information, visit the CDC’s Health Information for Travelers page :
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/
Security
Peru is one of the safest countries to visit in South America. Nonetheless, it is advisable to pay attention to your surroundings and belongings while in the capital, Lima, particularly when on small, less frequented streets and alleys.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
US citizens do not need a visa for stays of fewer than 90 days in Peru. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Peru, and you will need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Be sure that immigration officials stamp your passport with the date and place of entry into Peru, as this will be required upon leaving the country.
American Embassy in Peru
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33, Peru
(51-1)-618-2000
Peruvian Embassy in the USA
1700 Massachusetts Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20036
202-833-9860
