Known for its rich culture and the legacy of the Incas, Peru is a country of tremendous geographical and natural diversity. From sprawling Lima, the capital city and home to more than half of the country's citizens, to Machu Picchu, the spectacular high-Andes Inca ceremonial site, Peru's variety draws the traveler.
The climate is tropical in the dense eastern jungle, dry and cool in the desert on the Pacific coast, and temperate to frigid in the Andes, where the temperature can vary 22 C (40 F) from day to night. Rains are heaviest December-April, with the winter dry season May-October.
Peru's people are 45 percent Indian, 37 percent mestizo (mixed Indian and European blood), 15 percent of African descent, with a few Japanese and Chinese. The official language is Spanish.
The best way to reach Peru is by air through Lima. Within the country, air service is usually the best option due to the long distances and difficult terrain. Roads are poor, with landslides common in the rainy season, making driving difficult and inadvisable. Vehicles are driven on the right. Although buses are inexpensive, they too must travel the poor roads. Trains offer comfortable first class service on two lines, both running east to west.
The communications infrastructure is modern and reliable in the cities, with international direct dialing available, but not completely reliable in rural areas. Internet access is available in Lima and other major cities.
Peru's recent history has been dramatic, but the constitutional republic has survived. There is a strong president and a Supreme Court appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary.
The Peruvian economy is market-oriented and strong, though it has suffered recently from political turmoil and lingering damage to the agricultural sector caused by the El Nino weather pattern. Prices in Peru are moderate.
Although overall traveler security has recently improved in Peru, petty theft and scams are still fairly common, and the threat of violent crime has increased in tourist destinations.
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