Whether it's natural wonders and lost civilisations or inventive luxury hotels, Peru is an adventurer’s dream come true. Wander through the epic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu or fly over the mysterious Nazca lines. Surf impossibly high dunes at Huacachina or trek through the rocky peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. And, if all that seems like too much effort, you could simply relax in your boutique hotel with a Pisco sour or a luxury spa treatment.
Capital city
Lima
Currency
Nuevo sol (in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 notes).
Cuisine
Ceviche is a classic Peruvian dish of seafood marinated in lime juice and chilli, served raw with corn, sweet potato and onions. Or there’s pollos al la brasa – pit roasted chicken – another speciality.
Tipping etiquette
It’s not essential, but polite to do so. 10% is the norm.
Saying hello
Most Peruvians speak Spanish, with a small number speaking Quechua or Aymara. “Hola” can be used pretty much everywhere.
The sheer diversity of Peru means there’s always a good time to stay – the weather tends to vary depending on your location. In the highlands, most people visit between June and August when the weather is generally at its driest. But the wetter months of December to March can make a refreshing change. Along the coast, it’s year-round sunshine and during the hotter months the beaches are bustling with city-dwellers seeking a breath of fresh air. As for the rainforest, the name is a giveaway: it rains, but rarely for more than a few hours at a time.
For the freshest ceviche, try to order early in the day from the liveliest, local eatery.