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Destination Guides - South America / Peru
Travel Advice on Health, Climate, Local Info, Customs and Laws
| Travel Advice/Warnings |
| Although Peru is generally a safe place for travellers, there have been incidents targeted at tourists including; ATM fraud, muggings and robberies. Avoid street protests and demonstrations as they do occur frequently and can turn violent, remain vigilant and take sensible precautions. Do not walk alone at night and secure your valuables and travel documents. |
| Vaccinations & Health Alerts |
| Medical facilities are limited and can be expensive. Ensure your travel insurance offers adequate cover for this. It is recommended that you vaccinate against Hep A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes as Malaria and Dengue Fever are both present. |
| Seasonal Climate |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temp (c) |
21 |
22 |
21 |
19 |
17 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
20 |
| Rainfall (cm) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
| Rainfall is almost non existent on the coast and in Lima but expect heavy rain in the mountains and jungle from December to April. |
BBC - Weather Centre - Forecast for Lima, Peru
| Tuesday |
Max Temp: 20°C (68°F), Min Temp: 14°C (57°F), Wind Direction: SSW, Wind Speed: 9mph, Visibility: moderate, Pressure: 1014mb, Humidity: 61%, Sunrise: 06:07PET, Sunset: 18:04PET |
| Wednesday |
Max Temp: 18°C (64°F), Min Temp: 14°C (57°F), Wind Direction: SSW, Wind Speed: 9mph, Visibility: very poor, Pressure: 1015mb, Humidity: 75%, Sunrise: 06:06PET, Sunset: 18:04PET |
| Thursday |
Max Temp: 18°C (64°F), Min Temp: 14°C (57°F), Wind Direction: SSW, Wind Speed: 8mph, Visibility: very poor, Pressure: 1016mb, Humidity: 78%, Sunrise: 06:05PET, Sunset: 18:04PET |
(by the BBC Weather Centre in association with the Met Office) |
| Local Customs/Laws |
| It is illegal to take coca leaves or coca tea out of the country. Carry ID at all times. Do not photograph military or official buildings. This is a conservative society and homosexuality is frowned upon. If you get into difficulty the local Tourist Protection Service are available and can speak English. They can be contacted on +51 1 424 2053 (24 hours a day). |
| Getting Around |
| Peru has an extensive network of internal flights and the highest railway in the world. Roads are of variable quality but are affected by bad weather, especially during the rainy season. Heavy rainfall is currently causing severe disruptions to travel in many parts of the country. Check the FCO website for a fulll list of areas affected and with your tour operator before travelling. There have been a number of bus crashes and instances of passengers being robbed. Use only reputable taxis and travel agents as scams do exist. |
| Public Holidays/Festivals |
| New Year on 1 January, Easter from 2-5 April 10, Labour Day on 1 May, St Peter & St Paul's Day on 29 June, Independence Day from 28-29 July, St Rosa of Lima Day on 30 August, Angamos Battle on 8 October, All Saints on 1 November, Immaculate Conception on 8 December and Christmas Day on 25 December. Many Inca festivals still exist: the Inti Raymi in Cuzco for the winter and summer solstice is particularly impressive. |
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| Language |
| Spanish and Quechua |
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| Visa Requirements |
| If you are a tourist and are only staying for less than 180 days then you do not need a visa. All other categories of visitor do require a visa which is only obtainable after a visit to the Peruvian Consulate. You must have 6 months validity remaining on your passport and show your immigration paperwork on departure. |
| British Embassy Details |
| Torre Parque Mar, Piso 22, Avenida Jose Larco 1301, Miraflores, Lima. Tel: (51)(1)617 3000 |
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