Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages.

Roman Catholic 81%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, other Christian 0.7%, other 0.6%, unspecified or none 16.3%.

Peru's economy reflects its varied geography - an arid coastal region, the Andes further inland, and tropical lands bordering Colombia and Brazil. Peru's economy reflects its varied geography - an arid coastal region, the Andes further inland, and tropical lands bordering Colombia and Brazil. Upon taking office, President GARCIA announced Sierra Exportadora, a program aimed at promoting economic growth in Peru's southern and central highlands.

Peruvian Army (Ejercito Peruano), Peruvian Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru, MGP (includes naval air, naval infantry, and coast guard)), Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea del Peru, FAP).

A valid passport is required to enter and depart Peru.  Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel.  U.S. citizens may enter Peru for short-term tourist- or business-related visits of up to 90 days; however, the actual period authorized is determined by the Peruvian immigration officer at the time of entry into Peru.  Visit the Embassy of Peru Website for the most current visa information.  Peru does not require any immunizations for entry, although it recommends vaccination against Yellow Fever.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

NOTE: As of June 1, 2004, it is illegal for any person within the United States, as well as U.S. citizens, nationals, and resident aliens elsewhere, to fly on or do business with Aero Continente and its successor, Nuevo Continente, an airline that is currently not in operation. Persons who violate this provision are subject to criminal and civil penalties under U.S. law. Further information on this matter is available on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/. FAA safety restrictions placed on Aero Continente are not related to this action.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Peru.

Airports:  237, Airports w/paved runways:  54

Callao – Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM/SPIM)
Lima Airport, Peru, Avenida Elmer Faucett, s/n Callao, Apartdo 680, Lima-Callao, 100, PERU
Tel: +51 (0)1 575-0912, +51 (0)1 575 1434
Fax: +51 (0)1 575 1662
Website:  www.corpac.gob.pe
Customs, hours: 24 hours
Tel: +51 (0)1 465 5885, +51 (0)1 469 0058
Fax: +51 (0)1 465 5384

NOTE: As of June 1, 2004, it is illegal for any person within the US, as well as US citizens, nationals, and resident aliens elsewhere, to fly on or do business with Aero Continente and its successor, Nuevo Continente, an airline that is currently not in operation. Persons who violate this provision are subject to criminal and civil penalties under US law. Further information on this matter is available on the US Dept of the Treasury’s web site at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/.

Thieves often smash car windows at traffic lights to grab jewelry, purses, backpacks, or other visible items from a car. This type of assault is very common on main roads leading to Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, specifically along De la Marina and Faucett Avenues and Via de Evitamiento, but it can occur anywhere in congested traffic, particularly in downtown Lima.

Peru is an earthquake-prone country.The Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) terrorist group is still active, and sporadic incidents of Shining Path violence have occurred in the recent past in rural provinces of Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Junin, and San Martin.

Mining prospectors, adventure travelers and others considering travel to remote areas of Peru are strongly advised to contact the US Embassy in Lima for current security information.

US citizens who plan to visit the mountainous areas in Ancash province should contact the Peruvian National Police's High Mountain Rescue Unit ("USAM") at tel 51-1-575-4696, 51-1-575-4698, 51-1-575-1555; fax 51-1-575-3036, or e-mail: divsam@yahoo.com. Some USAM officers read and/or speak English.

Infant MR total: 29.96 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 70.14 yrs (male 68.33/ female 72.04).

Required: None
Recommended: Yellow Fever, Malaria, Hep A & B, Typhoid, Rabies
Boosters: MMR, DPT, poliovirus.

Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is very common in Peru, and is potentially serious. If suffering from persistent symptoms, seek medical attention.
Malaria risk area in Peru: Risk in all departments below 2000m (6,561ft) except no risk in Arequipa, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna. Risk in Puerto Maldonado. Travelers who will visit only in Lima and its vicinity, coastal areas south of Lima, or the highland tourist areas (Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca) are not at risk and need no prophylaxis.
Bartonellosis, or Oroya fever (a sand fly-borne disease), occurs in arid river valleys on the western slopes of the Andes up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). Louse-borne typhus, a rickettsial infection is often found in mountain areas of Colombia and Peru.
 

Medical care is generally good in Lima and usually adequate in other major cities, but it is less so elsewhere in Peru. Urban private health care facilities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural ones. Public hospital facilities in Cusco, the prime tourist destination, are generally inadequate to handle serious medical conditions. Although some private hospital facilities in Cusco may be able to treat acute medical problems, in general the seriously ill traveler should return to Lima for further care as soon as is medically feasible. Travel to high altitudes could pose a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly if the traveler has a medical condition that affects blood circulation or breathing. Several US citizens have died in Peru from medical conditions exacerbated by altitude. Tourists or business visitors, particularly those who suffer from cardiac-related problems or high blood pressure, who wish to travel to high-altitude areas in Peru, should undergo a medical examination before traveling.
Over the last few years, at least five American citizen visitors have died during liposuction operations in Peru. While some of these deaths occurred in ill-equipped, makeshift clinics, travelers are urged to carefully assess the risks of having this type of surgery performed overseas, even when opting for a treatment at one of the better-known clinics.

Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is very common in Peru, and is potentially serious. If suffering from persistent symptoms, seek medical attention.

Malaria risk area in Peru: Risk in all departments below 2000m (6,561ft) except no risk in Arequipa, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna. Risk in Puerto Maldonado. Travelers who will visit only in Lima and its vicinity, coastal areas south of Lima, or the highland tourist areas (Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca) are not at risk and need no prophylaxis.

Bartonellosis, or Oroya fever (a sand fly-borne disease), occurs in arid river valleys on the western slopes of the Andes up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). Louse-borne typhus, a rickettsial infection is often found in mountain areas of Colombia and Peru.

Country Code: +51 
Internet Code: .pe