Climate
The climate in Peru is diverse, with micro-seasons due to its geographical location.
The Peruvian coast has an arid and humid climate due to the cold currents of the Pacific Ocean.
In the highlands, the climate is dry and cold, sometimes reaching glacial temperatures due to the altitude and topography.
The Peruvian Amazon has a tropical climate, characterized by heat and heavy rainfall during the first four months of the year. During the rainy season, river levels rise, making access to certain areas more difficult.
Language in Peru
Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Peru, but it is not the only official language in this Andean country. Peru has a rich linguistic diversity, with several indigenous languages spoken throughout its territory, reflecting its cultural plurality.
Besides Spanish, which dominates daily life, languages such as Quechua and Aymara also hold official status, particularly in the Andean regions.
Currency of Peru
The official currency of Peru is the "Sol" (S/).
The sol is available in various bills and coins:
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles.
Coins: From 10 céntimos to 5 soles.
Many establishments in Peru accept U.S. dollars for payments without any issues.
Where to Exchange Money in Peru?
There are many currency exchange offices, mainly located near tourist attractions and in the city centers.
For safety reasons, avoid exchanging money on the streets.
ATMs are also available and allow cash withdrawals in either U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles.
Public Transportation and Ride-Hailing Taxis
Getting around using public transportation can be somewhat stressful due to traffic congestion and the high number of buses, cars, and combis on the city's roads, especially in Lima.
Public Transportation in Lima
Lima has several public transportation options:
Lima Metro: Consists of two routes connecting various districts of Lima.
Metropolitano: Includes regular routes, express services with faster and more direct trips (as buses do not stop at all stations), feeder routes, and the night service ("lechucero") that operates from Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
To use these transportation systems, passengers must purchase and recharge a transportation card, available at designated stations and authorized stores.
Ride-Hailing Taxi Apps
For a more convenient mode of transport, ride-hailing services such as Uber, Cabify, and Taxi Satelital are available. Some of these services require users to download the app beforehand to book a ride within the city.
Contacts for Ride-Hailing and Corporate Taxi Services
Taxi Satelital
Phone: 3555555 / Call Center
Address: Av. Elmer Faucett 2880, Urb. Industrial Grimanesa, Callao (In front of Lima Cargo City)
CMV Executive Service S.A. – Remisse
Phone: (+51) 981 057 229
Address: Centro Empresarial El Bosque, Av. Paz Soldán, San Isidro 15073
Email: atencionalcliente@cmv.pe
Taxi 365
Phone: (+511) 219-0266
Address: Av. Paz Soldán 170, Office 701, San Isidro
Email: reservas@cmv.pe
What kind of clothing should I bring to visit Cuzco?
It is recommended to bring warm yet lightweight clothing for exploring Cuzco. It’s an ideal destination for walking and visiting tourist attractions.
In Cuzco, June is part of the dry season. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it a great time to travel. However, occasional rain may still occur, although much less frequently than during the wet season.
Recommended items include:
• Warm and waterproof jacket
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hat and sunglasses
• Long pants
• Cotton t-shirts
• Comfortable and durable sneakers
• Small backpack for carrying essentials during hikes
• Personal medicine kit and toiletries
What kind of clothing should I bring to visit Arequipa?
Arequipa, known as the “White City,” is a fascinating destination with must-see spots like the Colca Canyon, the Yanahuara viewpoint, and many more.
June is considered the summer season, an ideal time to visit the city and its surroundings, as rainfall is scarce and days are typically sunny, though nights can be chilly. Based on this, the following is recommended:
• Light and comfortable clothing
• Light t-shirts
• Sweaters and a jacket
• Raincoat
• Long pants
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Suitable walking shoes
• A light jacket for the evenings, as it can get cool
• Personal medicine and toiletries
What kind of clothing should I bring to visit Chachapoyas?
Chachapoyas is a destination with varied weather, beautiful landscapes, and a great diversity of untapped tourist attractions. It offers experiences like connecting with nature at the Gocta Waterfall and visiting historical sites such as the Kuelap Fortress, belonging to the ancient Chachapoya culture.
In June, the weather is cool and dry, with comfortable temperatures and drier conditions compared to other months of the year.
The following items are recommended:
• Comfortable and non-slip sneakers or trekking shoes
• Raincoats for potential showers
• Warm clothing for the evenings (jackets, coats, scarves, hats)
• Long pants
• Long-sleeve t-shirts
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Small backpack for excursions
• Medications you might need
