Geographically, Peru is located in a tropical zone of the southern hemisphere, very near the Equator. It has a great variety of climates due to the presence of the Andes mountain range, the Peruvian streams and the anti-cyclone circulation in the South Pacific.

The coast is, in its majority, a desert. Two much defined seasons can be identified: summer (from December to March) when there is less humidity; and winter (from June to September) when fog is usually observed and rarely, light drizzling. The rest of the months the coast is mild.

The north coast, near the Equator, has a warm climate year long and rainy in summer time.

The highlands (sierra) has a dry and mild climate, being May to October spring season (sunny days, cold nights and few rain); and the rainy season is from December to March.

The jungle has a warm and humid tropical weather. From May to October it is spring season with temperatures above 30º Celsius. From November to March there are frequent heavy rainfalls that increase the volume of water in rivers.

Electric power is 220 volts and 60 watts, except for the city of Arequipa that uses 50 watts. The majority of 5 and 4 star hotels also count on 110 volts electric power.

AIR:
The only airport that groups international traffic is the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. There are flights and connections to all the main cities nationwide except for Ica, Huancayo and Huaraz.

LAND:
There are intercity buses that run nationwide routes. Taxis do not count on meters, so one has to fix the price in advance with the driver. It is suggested to ask for radio taxis associated to professional firms which can be contacted by phone. There is also public transport, which is cheaper and runs on fixed long routes. However, it is not suggested because they do not provide a good service.

TRAIN:
Routes being covered are:
Lima – Huancayo: departs from the “Desamparados” train station. The highest train route in the world since it reaches 4,829 m.a.s.l.
Huancayo – Huancavelica: depart on the train “Macho” and the journey lasts about 5 hours.
Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Incas / Aguas Calientes: one can depart from Aguas Calientes from the city of Cusco or from the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the Machu Picchu citadel.
Cusco – Puno: one travels on the Andean Explorer´s.

The domestic flight tax is USD 6.05 per person.

The majority of citizens coming from countries in America and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa. Citizens from Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador can travel to Peru with their ID only to certain regions of the country.

People that travel to Peru as tourists, can stay for a 90 day period.

No vaccines are required to travel to Peru, but if the destination is the jungle, it is important to be vaccinated against yellow fever. To be effective one has to be vaccinated 10 days before the trip.