Peru Fact Sheet
October 15, 2008 – 1:42 pmUpdated January 2009
Current time in Peru (Lima):
For the more adventurous holiday-maker who enjoys hiking, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must. Beginning in Cusco you will take a 3 night walking journey through the mountains above the Urubamba river, following the route of an old Inca road leading to the city of Machu Picchu. This journey will take you through some of the most spectacular sceneries of natural beauty, surrounded by mystery and filled with a rich history, all ending in one of the new wonders of the world – Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail routes range between easy 2 day hikes and some more challenging 7 day treks.
Contact us today for a personalised itinerary and quote
When to go
The best time to do the Inca Trail is when the weather is mostly dry and sunny – from May to September. The winter months of June, July and August are particuarly cold at night (dropping to -1°C), so bring that extra-warm sleeping bag with you!
Notable events in Peru for 2009
| January | Festival de la Marinera (annual – Trujillo festival) |
| February | 1-10th: La Virgen de la Candelaria (annual – Candlemas festival) 21-28 Feb: Carnival (annual – Cajamarca) |
| April | 5-12th: Holy Week (Semana Santa – annual) 19-26th: National Horse Competition (annual – Lima) |
| May | 1st: Labor Day (official holiday) 3rd: Festival of the Crosses May/June: Q’oyoriti (Ausangate festival) |
| June | 11th: Corpus Christi (annual festival – Cusco) 24th: Inti Raymi (annual Festival of the Sun – Cusco) 29th: San Pedro Y San Pablo (Feast of St Peter & St Paul – offical holiday) |
| July | 16-29th: La Virgen Del Carmen (festival) 28-29th: Fiestas Patrias (National Independence Days – Lima) |
| August | 30th: Feast of Santa Rosa De Lima (official holiday) |
| September | El Festival Internacional de la Primavera (International Spring Festival in Trujilo) |
| October | 4th – Virgen Del Rosario (annual 10-day festival – Cajabamba) 8th – Battle of Angamos Day (official holiday) 18th – El Senor de los Milagros (Lord of the Miracles festival in Lima) |
| November | Puno Day (annual winter festival) 1st – Todos Santos (All Saints Day – official holiday) 2nd – Dia de los Muertos (All Souls Day – festival) |
| December | 8th – Fiesta de la Purisima Concepcion (Feast of the Immaculate Conception – official holiday) 25th – Christmas Day (official holiday) 27th – Virgen del carmen de Chinca (El Carmen festival) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Peru
Visa – none required for South African passport holders on holiday for up to 90 days. However, visitors must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Peru.
Vaccination – Yellow Fever compulsory; Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended
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