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COUNTRY INFORMATION - PERU

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Location Of Peru
Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific coast of South America. It has borders with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean lies to the west. The Costa region, which contains Lima (the capital) is a narrow coastal plain consisting of large tracts of desert broken by fertile valleys. The cotton, sugar and rice plantations and most of the so-far exploited oil fields lie in this area. The Sierra contains the Andes, with peaks over 20,000ft. The Amazonian jungle has vast natural resources. The absence of land communications, however, left the area largely uncharted until full-scale oil exploration began in 1973.

Airports:
Lima International airport is 10 miles north-west of the city centre and the travel time is around 25 minutes. Taxis to the city centre are available.

Cusco international, located in the south, receives flights from La Paz airport.

Language:
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages. Aymará is spoken in some areas of the department of Puno. Many other dialects exist in the jungle regions. English is spoken in major tourist areas.

Places To Go:
Situated halfway along Peru’s desert coastline, Lima is literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on 6 January 1535 and thus began Lima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that grace Lima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). Located at the northern end of the plaza, the latter is a lavish example of colonial opulence. The sumptuous staterooms are adorned with Carrera marble, cedar and mahogany woodcarvings, French glass and Czech crystal. Highlights are the Grand Salon, modelled on the Versaille Palace’s Hall of Mirrors, and the dining room adorned with friezes depicting Inca history and the private theatre. Free guided tours operate daily from the visitor’s entrance in Jirón de la Unión. Outside, visitors can admire the elaborate military uniforms in the Changing of the Guard.

Chiclayo is a northern city with a hot and sunny climate, distinctive cuisine and musical tradition as well as an unparalleled archaeological heritage. Unfortunately, the 26 pyramid complex of Tucume, 22 miles north of Chiclayo and Huaca Rajada, considered to rank among the finest examples of pre-Columbian art are not yet well restored, thus visitors should hire a local guide. Many of the fascinating ceramics, metal objects and textiles from the region are on view at the Bruning Museum in the town of Lambayeque, located 6.8 miles north of Chiclayo. There is a new museum called Royal Tombs of Sipan, a modern three-floor pyramid inspired by the Mochica sanctuaries.

Embassy of the Republic of Peru
52 Sloane Street,
London
SW1X 9SP,
UK
Tel: (020) 7235 1917 or 2545 or 3802.
Fax: (020) 7235 4463.
E-mail: postmaster@peruembassy-uk.com
Website: www.peruembassy-uk.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700.
Consular section: Tel: (020) 7838 9223. Fax: (020) 7235 4463.
E-mail: consulate@peruembassy-uk.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09:30-13:00 (general enquiries); 14:30-16:30 (collection point only).

British Embassy
Torre Parque Mar,
Piso 22,
Avenida Jose Larco 1301,
Miraflores,
Lima,
Peru
Tel: (1) 617 3000.
Fax: (1) 617 3100.
E-mail: britconsulate@terra.com.pe (consular section) orbelima@fco.gov.uk (general section).
Website: www.britemb.org.pe
Honorary Consulates in: Arequipa, Cusco, Iquitos and Trujillo.

CIA World Factbook - Peru

YOUR LINK HERE