Geographically, peru is divided in three regions:
The coast: this is the area next to the pacific ocean, featuring deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys.
The highlands: area dominated by the andes mountain range, with altitudes as high as 6.768 masl (22.204 feet) at the summit of the huascarán snow-capped peak.
The jungle: this is an area with lush tropical vegetation forming part of the peruvian amazon region, home to peru's largest natural reserved areas.

There are two well-defined seasons: the summer season (december to march) with temperatures reaching 27°c (80°f); and the winter season (may to october) which is very humid and cold, with temperatures dropping to 12°c (53°f). Although it hardly rains on the peruvian coast, fog and fine rain or drizzle are common in the winter. In the north coast the sun shines all year round, and temperatures rise to 35°c (95°f) in the summer.

This region has a dry and moderate climate, with two well-defined seasons: the summer season (may to october) with sunny days, very cold nights and hardly any rain -ideal time to visit- and the rainy season (december to march).
In the highlands one can witness sharp temperature changes --between 20°c (68°f) and 2°c (35°f)-- in a single day.

With a humid and tropical climate, the jungle has two clearly distinguished seasons: the summer or flowing season (may to october) with sunny days and temperatures in excess of 30°c (86°f) and the rainy season (november to march) with frequent rains and increased river volumes.

You may find information on peruvian weather by visiting the following internet sites:

• www.Senamhi.Gob.Pe
• www.Weather.Com

Spanish and quechua are the official languages in peru; although spanish is more widespread. Another language recognized by the peruvian government is aymara, as well as 48 other native languages. It is possible to communicate in english with the persons who provide tourist services, such as the tourist guides, travel agencies staff and persons working in three, four and five-star hotels.

Lima 12 Noon

New York 1 P.M.
Buenos Aires 2 P.M.
London 6 P.M.
Berlin 7 P.M.
Paris 7 P.M.
Tokyo 2 A.M. (*)
Sidney 3 A.M. (*)

(*) Next Day
As to whether or not they are accepted.

When paying with a credit card, make sure you are only paying the amount of the service or goods purchased.

220 volts. Most four and five-star hotels provide 110-volt electric current.

If you plan on traveling to the jungle, the administration of a yellow fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.

Places In Lima Where The Vaccine Can Be Administered:

• Jorge Chávez International Airport - 2nd Floor
  Tel: (01) 575-1745
  Service Hours: Monday Through Sunday, 24 Hours Per Day
• International Vaccination Center
  Calle Cápac Yupanqui 1400, Lima 1
  Tel: (01) 471-9920, Extension 1215
  Service Hours: Monday To Friday 8 A.M. To 6 P.M.

This is not required for citizens of most countries in the americas and western europe. Citizens of bolivia, ecuador and chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in peru. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by immigration authorities).
Inquire with the peruvian consular representation in your country if you need further information. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the web site of the peruvian ministry of foreign affairs :

• www.rree.gob.pe