 Peru : Profile
With its Inca ruins, old Spanish colonial cities and the magnificent Andes dominating the centre of the country, Peru has always been one of the most fascinating countries to visit in South America. In the last few years the activity of guerrilla groups, whose attacks in various parts of the country have affected foreign tourists as well as Peruvians, has made Peru much less of an attractive destination. Even before this, Peru was a difficult cruising destination, as there are few ports along its arid coast on the Pacific Ocean. The few yachts that call normally make their base at Callao, whose welcoming yacht club used to be a good place to leave the boat while touring the interior of this intriguing country. A high number of robberies have been reported. The use or purchase of drugs is severely punished and can lead to 15 years' imprisonment. There have been reports of the planting of drugs on foreigners by police followed by demands for high sums of money for the charges to be dropped. Guerilla activities still continue, and police and army searches are common. Be very wary of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas, they can be very slick, particularly with their distraction techniques. United States citizens can obtain more information from the Country Officer for Peru, Office of Andean Affairs, Department of State, Washington DC.
The climate of coastal Peru is greatly influenced by the cold Humboldt current, which keeps temperatures cool throughout the year and often produces coastal fog. There is very little rain along the coast which is arid and desert-like. The prevailing winds are south or southeasterly and usually light.
Ancon
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, Callao (Lima)
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, Chimbote
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, General San Martin
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, La Punta
, Matarani
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, Paita
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*Indicates a port of entry.
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