COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Peru
Lima has an approximate population of around 7,605,742 people and you can typically expect to pay around £1.40p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Lima, the capital of Peru sits on the Inca Trail's arid Pacific coastline. Though its historic center is intact, it is a bustling, fast-paced metropolis and one of South America's largest cities. It has the world-class Museum of Old Spanish Art and the Museo de la Nación - both located in the Plaza del Armas. The 16th century cathedral and museum are the essence of old Lima. The Plaza de Armas, home to Peru's Congress Palace and other government buildings, and a number of museums, is the heartbeat of Lima.
Lima is also a desirable place for expats and tourists because it is a gateway to the Inca Trail and other jungle destinations. From Lima, travelers can take a train ride to Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. Other exciting places to see include the Arequipa Canyon and Puka Pukara, a volcano that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And there's more: with Lima being at the mouth of the Amazon River, there are plenty of exciting activities and tours happening right in the city itself.
Like many cities throughout Latin America and Peru, Lima boasts excellent public transportation. There are buses, taxis, and a Metro bus service. But if you're interested in saving time, you can rent a bicycle or try your hand at golf (it's free! ), a game that's been popular here in Peru since the 1920s. And don't miss out on the shopping: not only does Lima have lots of boutiques and department stores, but it also has a thriving street market known as La Casona de Lima.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Peru are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Peru read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Peru.
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and October.
Festivities in Peru are often based on religious celebrations. Many festivals in Peru are devoted to the Virgin Mary. However, there are also secular celebrations. For instance, the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen takes place four hours outside Cusco on November 3. While this festival is nominally religious, it is actually the country's largest party. The crowds here often come from all over Peru. Some people even stay overnight under the stars to enjoy the festivities.
There are also many Catholic and Andean festivals in Peru. The most popular of these is the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, which is celebrated in the town of Paucartambo, about four hours from Cusco. The Fiesta de la Virgen dela Carmen is one of the biggest parties in Peru. Thousands of people attend this festival each year, and the folk dances, costumes, and music are amazing.
Another popular festival in Peru is Qoyllur Rit'i. It is an important event for many Peruvians. A procession carries the cross through the streets of the capital. The procession usually lasts from sunset to dawn. During the ceremony, people perform folk dances, drink and eat in honor of the savior. The festival lasts for three days and is a great way to celebrate.
The Senor de los Milagros is the most famous feast in Peru. Devotees of the goddess wear a purple habit for the entire month of October. During the festival, they eat a traditional meal called Turron de Dona Pepa. During this event, many people attend procession events in Lima. The traditional route starts from the Church of the Nazarenas.
The Inti Raymi festival is a colorful event that celebrates the sun god. The Incas worship Inti as their ancestor and sun god. His gold face is considered a symbol of life and prosperity. The Inti Raymi festival is held in the capital city, Lima. With a population of over 10 million, Lima is the most populous city in Peru. It is the main center for trade and has a large population.
In addition to the traditional festivals, the Peruvian people also hold festivals that honor their dead. The Fiesta de la Candelaria, the largest festival in South America, is a colorful celebration with over 40 000 dressed-up participants. The Fiesta de la Candelarian is a colorful event held in Puno, where the Virgin of Candelaria is honored as a patron saint. During the festival, it is a good idea to dress up in festive attire and attend the mass to see the local culture.
The Carnival in Peru is similar to Mardi Gras in North America. It involves male and female participants, colorful banners, and native dances. The men and women take part in the parades dressed as eagles. In the Plaza Major, there are several religious observances. This celebration of the sun is similar to the Carnival in many ways. In addition to religious traditions, it is a time to experience local culture.
Located north of Lima, the Historical Sites in Peru are a must-see. The city of Caral, built over four thousand years ago, is one of the world's oldest cities. Known as the largest mud-brick city, it is an important site because of its ancient relics, including six pyramids, altars, ceremonial rooms, and geoglyphs. This historic city is located in the dry and desert climate, and is well preserved thanks to the dry, hot climate.
The Norte Chico Civilization was the first civilization to develop in the Americas. Its ruins date back to the late Archaic period. There are a number of other sites worth visiting in Peru. The Scared City of Caral is the largest prehistoric archaeological site in the country. It contains 19 settlements, some of which have been reconstructed. The Scared City is the center of the Norte Chico Civilization.
This 5000-year-old sacred city is a great place to explore. Developed in the same region as Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was close to the ocean and was fertile. The buildings in the complex were made of mud bricks and included six pyramids. Archaeological digs have also unearthed bone flutes and quipus, a method of recording information. Whether you're interested in art or history, Peru offers many Historical Sites to explore.
You don't need a visa to travel if the purpose of the visit is tourism. If you're travelling for any other purpose, check entry clearance requirements with the Peruvian Consulate-General in London.For more information, please contact the Peruvian Immigration Office or the Peruvian Consulate-General in London.
See which forms you may need for entry into Peru.
The official currency of Peru is the Sol (PEN). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Peru you can grab amazing Sol deals via Wise.com (GBP to PEN).
Andean Cock-of-the-rock. Andean Condor. Jaguar. Humboldt Penguin. Amazon River Dolphin. Llamas and alpacas. Spectacled Bear. Peruvian Hairless Dog.
Spanish food? Ceviche. It's Peru's national dish, the best versions of this marinated fish dish are in Lima and it's the freshest, zestiest and healthiest dish you will ever have.
Spanish is the official language of Peru and, in areas where they are common, Quechua, Aymara, and some other indigenous languages are also the official language. You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to Peru and really impress the locals!
The currency in Peru is the Sol (For a guided tour, you should tip your guide about 10-30 soles (about $4-$10) per person for a half day tour and 20-60 soles ($7-$20) for a full day tour.).