Peru & Costa Rica

PERU
Peru is one of the world’s greatest centres of ancient civilization. Prior to the invasion by the Spanish conquistadors, the country’s diverse cultures and civilizations, that culminated in the well-known Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyo), were some of the most advanced in the world, and they left behind one of the richest collections of architecture, metallurgy, ceramics, and textiles known to man.

Peru is located in the west central part of South America, and is the 19th largest country in the world. It shares borders to the north with Ecuador, to the south with Chile and Bolivia, and to the east with Columbia and Brazil. Peru’s geography, climates, and cultures are diverse due to the natural variation of
its regions, which include the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon jungle.

Population:   27,483,000

Geography:   1,285,215 Km₂ (494,208 square miles);

Peru is approximately three times the size of California. The highest point is Huascaran at 6,768 meters (4.2 miles) above sea level.

Capital:          Lima

Founded January 18, 1535

Currency:      New Sol (S/.)

U.S. dollars are accepted in all places of business and are available at most ATMs. Other currencies can be easily exchanged.

Get the latest exchange rates here.

President:      Alan Garcia

Languages:    Spanish, Quechua and Aymara

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COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is located in Central America and borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. A chain of volcanoes and mountains—part of the Andean-Sierra Madre chain—runs the length of the country and separates the Caribbean Sea on the east coast from the Pacific Ocean on the west coast.

Of all of the places on earth, Costa Rica is by far one of the most exotic. The country offers unparalleled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests, and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism. In addition, Costa Rica has over 1,000 miles of gorgeous white-and-black sand beaches, copious amounts of sunshine, world-class sport fishing, snorkeling and surfing!

Population:   4,160,000

Geography:   51,100 Km₂ (19,730 square miles)

Costa Rica is approximately the size of West Virginia. The highest point is Cerro Chirripo 3,810 meters/12,460 feet a.s.l.

Capital:          San Jose

Founded September 15, 1821

Currency:      Colon (₡)

U.S. dollars are accepted in all places of business and are available at most ATMs. Other currencies can be easily exchanged.

Get the latest exchange rates here.

President:      Oscar Arias Sanchez

Languages:    Spanish