In an effort to highlight places of interest in countries across the world, their varied culture, economy and history, The Statesman brings to you a Weekly Focus on countries with which India shares diplomatic ties and friendship. This week’s focus is on Peru. Know all about the country.

Capital: Lima, Currency: Sol, Ethnic groups: Amerindian 45%, Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and others 3% Languages: Spanish (official) 84.1%, Quechua (official) 13%, Aymara (official) 1.7%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages) 0.7%, other (includes foreign languages and sign language) 0.2% (2007 est.) Religion:  Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3%, none 2.9% (2007 est.)

Weather and climate: The weather in Peru varies according to area. The changes in altitude are so extreme that the climate goes from freezing snow in the mountains to boiling sun on the coast. On the coast winter lasts from June to September. The weather tends to be overcast and slightly damp at this time, but rarely very cold. During June to September, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It is rainy and hot for most of the year, but between March and September there are occasional cold surges which might require a jumper.

Secular celebrations: The major secular Peruvian celebrations are National Independence Day (celebrated on three consecutive days, 28, 29, and 30 July); the Battle of Arica and Carnival (a movable holiday celebrated on the three days just before Catholic Lent).

Food and Drink
The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by ajo and ají (garlic and hot pepper), has become celebrated at home and abroad. Helped by the country’s broad range of tropical and Andean landscapes, Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. There are over 2,000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone. Some of the specialities include Ceviche, Cuy, Causa relleña, Tamales, Mazamorra morada, Salchipapas and Pollo a la brasa. Some of the regional drinks are Pisco, Pisco sour (Peru’s most popular cocktail), Chicha de jora, Chicha morada and Inca Kola.

Indian presence

The Indian community in Peru is quite small, numbering around 500, mainly engaged in business and trade. More Indian professionals are coming to Peru with the entry of more Indian companies.

Economic relations
Trade between India and Peru is growing, with trade crossing the US $1 billion mark for last four years. During 2014-15, the total trade was US $ 1.41 billion. India’s main exports to Peru are towers of iron and steel, pipes for oil and gas industry, automobiles, motorcycles and three-wheelers, iron and steel products, polyester and cotton yarns and pharmaceuticals. Main Indian imports from Peru are copper, gold, phosphates of calcium, zinc and lead minerals, fish, flour, synthetic cables, fresh grapes and cocoa beans.

Five Indian companies have currently invested in the mining sector in Peru. It is estimated that their present investment is to the tune of US $ 30 million. In addition, IFFCO has a major stake in a large phosphate mining operation in northern Peru. Similarly, Zuari Agro, partnering with Mitsubishi, has a 30% stake in a large rock phosphate reserve in the same area. TCS has a sizeable operation in Lima and is increasing its presence in Peru. Tech Mahindra also has a significant presence in Peru after the acquisition of the Israeli company LeadCom. Reliance has acquired an oil block.

A major Peruvian company, Resemen SAC, which specialises in mining machinery, has opened a subsidiary in New Delhi by the name of Reliant Drilling Ltd, following a major contract it has won from Hindustan Zinc Ltd. Several other mining services companies of Peru have set up operations in India such as Opermin and AAC Mining Executors Ltd.

Visa: Effective 1 April, 2017, Indians with a visa of minimum 6 months’ validity or residence permit of the US, Canada, Schengen countries, the UK or Australia will not need a visa to enter Peru. Otherwise for Peru tourist visa, documents required are valid passport for at least one year, two DGC-005 forms (duly typed/handwritten in block letters with black ink), three recent photographs coloured passport size (4.3 X 3.5, photographs with white background, face size 70-80%), covering letter duly signed by the applicant, NOC from the applicant’s company indicating the purpose and the time of stay in Peru, return ticket for Peru, day-by-day detailed tour itinerary and hotel reservation in Peru.

The duration of stay for tourist/business travellers will be up to 180 days maximum, whether continuous stay or various visits during the period of one year. (The stay will be determined in the port of entry by the Immigration Officers).

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Machu Picchu: This is one of the most beautiful and impressive ancient sites in the world. The “Lost City of the Incas” is invisible from the Urubamba Valley below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces and watered by natural springs. Although known locally, Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the outside world before being rediscovered in 1911 by historian Hiram.

The Inca Trail: The famous Inca Trail is a four-day hike, which terminates at Machu Picchu, and is regarded by many as the highlight of their trip to Peru. There are a couple of different starting points for the Inca Trail, but the traditional four-day hike begins at km 82 of the Cusco-Aguas Calientes rail line. From this point, the trail passes more than 30 Inca ruins and traverses through some spectacular scenery.

Cusco’s Architectural Treasures: Walking through the streets of Cusco is like wandering through a museum, with history built upon history in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main square, Plaza de Armas, in the city centre is home to the Cathedral and La Compania, two equally impressive structures. And while there are countless buildings and museums worth visiting, the church of Santo Domingo, resting on the ruins of the Inca site of Coricancha, is one of Cusco’s must-see attractions.

The Sacred Valley: Less than an hour’s drive north of Cusco is the beautiful Sacred Valley and the towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Some of the main highlights in the valley are the Pisac Ruins, the Sunday Market in Pisac, and the ruins and fortress at the beautiful little town of Ollantaytambo.

Other main attractions are Lake Titicaca (main tourist attractions is the Uros Floating Islands); Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, it is the second deepest after nearby Cotahuasi Canyon); Nazca Lines Arequipa’s Historical City Centre (often regarded as Peru’s most beautiful city); Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon (the Reserva Nacional Tambopata and the Parque Nacional Bahuaja Sonene are the two main attractions); Lima’s Plaza de Armas (one of the most pleasant places in Lima), Ica and the Sand Dunes at Huacachina, Pisco and the Ballestas Islands, Sillustani and Barranco.

Compiled by Kunal Jain (kunaljain@thestatesman.com)