Peru / República del Perú – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Peru?
Peru is a mega diverse country in South America about four times the size of Italy. It consists of dry plains on the Pacific coast, the Andes mountains down the middle of the country and tropical Amazon rainforest in the east. It has a population of just over 34 million people (2023), around ⅓ of whom live in the capital city Lima.
Mount Huascarán is the highest mountain in Peru, at 22,205 ft (6,768 metres). Peru also contains 4% of earth’s freshwater!
Parts of Peru are considered one of the cradles of civilisation, notably the Caral-Supe civilization, dating back to 3500BC (the time of the great pyramids in Egypt). The Nazca and Inca civilisations also originated in Peru.
A bit about the history of Peru
Indigenous culture
Peru has a rich history that spans ancient civilizations, colonialism, and modern times. It was home to advanced pre-Columbian cultures, most notably the Inca Empire, which was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Incas, led by Emperor Pachacuti, established their capital at Cusco and developed a vast network of roads, agricultural terraces, and architectural marvels, including Machu Picchu.
Spanish colonisation
In 1532, Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro arrived in Peru, capturing the Inca emperor Atahualpa and effectively ending the Inca Empire. Peru became part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru, a major colonial hub for Spain in South America.
Struggle for independence
After a long period of colonial rule, Peru declared its independence from Spain on July 28, 1821, led by figures such as José de la Riva-Agüero and José de San Martín. The War of Independence continued until 1824, when Spanish forces were defeated at the Battle of Ayacucho, solidifying Peru’s independence.
War and civil unrest
The 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by political instability, economic challenges, and territorial conflicts, including wars with Chile, Ecuador and Colombia. In the mid-20th century, Peru experienced social unrest and military coups, with shifts between civilian and military governments.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Peru faced violent insurgencies, notably from the Maoist group Shining Path, which caused significant instability. However, under President Alberto Fujimori (1990–2000), the government successfully fought insurgents and stabilized the economy.
Democracy and economic growth
Since the early 2000s, Peru has experienced strong economic growth, though challenges such as poverty, inequality, and political corruption remain significant. The country has been working on strengthening its democracy and addressing social issues.
Peru road trip
Our Peruvian road trip is part of a much larger South American road trip.
Map of our road trip in Peru
Our current planned road trip takes us from Ecuador along the coast towards the capital, Lima, before moving on to Chile.
No doubt we’ll explore the country much more than this continent-spanning short route shows, in particular checking out inland Peru.
Hopefully our journey will improve our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful country, and enable us to meet some interesting people. We’ll be updating this page at that time – don’t forget to check back
What’s it like to drive in Peru?
They drive on the right hand side of the road in Peru. Road conditions are poor in Peru, as are driving standards.
Do you require an international driving permit in Peru?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Peru?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Peru?
A Carnet de Passages is required to overland in Peru. We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What currency do they use in Peru?
In Peru they use the Nuevo sol. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are accepted in tourist areas. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Peru?
They speak Spanish in Peru. English is spoken widely in tourist areas.
What time zone is Peru in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Peru?
Yes, wild camping is fine in Peru, although make sure the land is not private.
What plug / socket type do they use in Peru?
In Peru they use plug / socket types A and C.
Health issues in Peru
Is it safe to drink water in Peru?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Peru. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.
What vaccinations are required for Peru?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Peru.
Phones in Peru
What is the country calling code for Peru?
The country calling code for Peru is +51
What are the emergency phone numbers in Peru?
- The emergency number for police in Peru is: 911 / 105
- In Peru, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911 / 106
- The emergency number for fire in Peru is: 911 / 116
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!