Peru🇵🇪
Peru, located in South America, shares its borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. Known for its rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Inca Empire, Peru boasts a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that regularly enchant visitors. Notable attractions include the archaeological site Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon Rainforest, which covers a significant part of the country's region. The nation is renowned for its diverse geography, which includes coastal plains, towering mountains, and verdant rainforests, as well as its gastronomic scene, with dishes such as ceviche and pisco sours earning international recognition. Travellers often partake in activities such as trekking, birdwatching, and witnessing traditional rituals and festivities, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Peruvian way of life.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoiding fattening your belongings in public, as this may attract pickpockets.
- Avoid drinking tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically treated.
- Avoid destinations known as hotspots for drug trafficking, such as the area known as VRAEM.
- Avoid visibly displaying political affiliations as it could stimulate unwanted attention or conflict.
- Avoid close contact with wildlife in the Amazon rainforest, which might carry disease or pose a risk of injury.
- Avoiding travelling alone in less crowded or dimly lit areas, especially at night.
- Avoiding unplanned trekking or venturing into the wilderness without a guide or sufficient preparation.
- Avoiding unregistered taxis or rideshares, as they are often involved in crimes such as express kidnapping.
- Avoid getting into heated discussions regarding corruption or recent political scandals.
- Avoid entering the country illegally, as Peru vigorously patrols its borders against illegal immigration.
Overall
5
Crime 🔫
4
Peru has a moderately high crime rate. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag slashing, and theft are common, especially in cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Street crime increases in areas surrounding bus stations and airports. Organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, is prevalent, and violent crime, although less common, does occur.
Terrorism 💣
7
The risk of terrorism in Peru is relatively low. However, the country has a history of terrorism due to the activities of groups such as the Shining Path. Notably, in the 1980s and 1990s, they launched numerous attacks, especially in rural areas. However, their influence has significantly diminished in recent years.
War ⚔️
9
Peru currently enjoys a state of peacefulness and doesn't engage in any military conflicts. However, in the past, the country had been involved in disputes with neighbouring countries, such as the Ecuadorian-Peruvian war in 1941.
Natural Disasters 🌊
2
Peru’s geographical location makes it susceptible to various types of natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. In 1970, the Ancash earthquake, one of the deadliest in history, resulted in approximately 70,000 deaths.
Medical Care 🏥
6
Medical care in larger cities and towns is acceptable but can be limited in more remote areas. Public hospitals are generally under-resourced and understaffed. Private facilities offer better care but can be expensive.
Tap Water Quality 💧
3
Tap water quality in Peru can vary. While the water is treated in urban areas, it is generally not safe for consumption and can cause stomach issues. In rural areas, access to clean water can be limited. Drinking bottled or purified water is recommended.
Disease Burden 🤒
4
In Peru, diseases such as dengue fever, typhoid, and malaria are present, particularly in jungle areas. The country was also significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting one of the highest death rates per capita globally.
Corruption 💸
4
Corruption remains a significant problem in Peru. High profile cases, like the Odebrecht scandal which led to investigations on four former presidents, shine a light on endemic corruption at multiple levels of government. Public perception indicates corruption as a significant challenge facing the nation.
Safety for Women ♀️
5
While most trips are trouble-free, instances of sexual harassment and physical assaults targeting women travellers have been reported, particularly in tourist areas like Cusco and Machu Picchu. Peru has been working on passing laws to protect women and promote gender equality, but progress has been slow.
Safety for Queer People 👬
5
While attitudes are slowly changing, particularly in larger cities, conservative societal norms often contribute to discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Homosexuality is legal, but Peru does not yet have comprehensive laws protecting against hate crimes or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Censorship 📺
7
Freedom of speech and press are generally respected in Peru. While there have been occasional reports of journalists facing libel lawsuits and threats, there are numerous outlets that report openly on government policies and societal issues.
Public Transportation 🚌
5
Public transportation in Peru is functional but often crowded and lacks modern comforts. While Lima has a relatively reliable bus network and an expanding metro system, most cities rely on informal minibuses. Accidents are somewhat common due to inadequate maintenance and reckless driving.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Peru is relatively safe, but it's advisable for travellers to remain cautious. Petty crime, corruption, and potential exposure to diseases are potential risks. It is advised to avoid remote jungle areas due to the risk of disease transmission and drug-related crimes. Furthermore, travellers are recommended to have comprehensive medical insurance, as medical facilities are limited outside major cities.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several countries maintain embassies in Peru's capital city, Lima, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and Japan, among others. It is recommended that travellers have contact information of their respective embassy.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccines for travel to Peru include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (especially for travel to Amazon region), Rabies (for outdoor and adventure activities), and routine vaccinations like measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-polio, and influenza. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, travellers are advised to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Peru is home to several dangerous animals. In the Amazon rainforest, caimans, piranhas, anacondas, jaguars, and various venomous spiders and insects are found. In the high Andean mountains, one might encounter pumas. In coastal regions, travellers might encounter various types of dangerous jellyfish.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and EU countries, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, requirements may change, so it's always best to check with the nearest Peruvian Embassy before travel.
💲 Currency
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol is the country’s official currency. Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels or exchange bureaus. ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Peru, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. However, it is recommended to carry some cash, as smaller establishments and vendors in remote areas may not accept cards.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel opportunities are relatively common in Peru, especially in areas related to tourism, English teaching, and volunteer projects. However, foreign workers are required to obtain an appropriate work visa.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Peru is relatively affordable. However, costs can vary depending on the type of travel, location, and activities. While street food and public transportation are inexpensive, dining at upscale restaurants and participating in organized tours can increase costs.