Peruvian Cuisine and Peruvian Food Diversity

Gastronomic Experiences in Peru

Peruvian cuisine is among the most varied and best in the world. It's a reflection of its three main geographical zones, the coast, the Andean highlands and the jungle, and an incorporation of influences from different times and immigrant cultures. While the Peruvian cuisine only is recognized internationally in the last few years, food and its preparation is one important part of the Peruvian culture and a very personal way to express the Peruvian identity.

Today the Peruvian cuisine combines Pre-Inca and Inca staples and food with the Spanish, Basque, African, Asian and French, Italian and British cuisine which immigrants brought with them; a unique fusion of the culture, traditions and flavors of four continents in which all parts coexist or melt in harmony and even enrich another. Next to foreign influences and ethnic diversity the Peruvian cuisine is also characterized by Peru's unique climates and landscapes. Each region, each town has its own local cuisine and culinary treasures, depending on geography and climate that provide different ingredients native to each area.

Typical Peruvian Cuisine of the Costal Region

The cuisine of the coast is characterized on the one hand by above mentioned immigrants and migrants from rural Peruvian areas that came to the coastal cities in the 20th century and on the other hand by the available natural resources, especially a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood provided by the Pacific Ocean. But as each coastal region is distinct in its flora and fauna, each local cuisine adapts to the natural resources available.

Typical Peruvian Cuisine of the Andean Highlands

As it has been for hundreds of years the cuisine of the Andean highlands is heartier and mainly based on meat, potatoes, corn and other vegetables. Since their introduction by immigrants rice, noodles and bread became essential staples in the mountainous diet as well.

Typical Peruvian Cuisine of the Peruvian Jungle

The cuisine of the Peruvian jungle is also characterized by the natural resources readily available; fruits, plants and hunted animals. Bananas, plantains, palm hearts, yuccas and plenty of rice often accompany fish and meat dishes.

As it is impossible for most visitors to enjoy all culinary treasures in the special region, Lima, the gastronomic capital of Latin America is a great place to discover the large variety and facets of the Peruvian cuisine in the numerous restaurants.

Typical Peruvian Snacks

In general Peruvians love to snack! You can buy small plastic bags filled with all sorts of goodies from streets vendors around every corner, a habit many Peruvians can't break with when wandering around the city, waiting for or traveling in the bus or also to keep their children quiet. You find a great variety of snacks...

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Starters & Appetizer

A starter is a good way to introduce you to a great Peruvian meal. Unheard of in Peru until the 17th century most Peruvian starters today often replace a full meal or are also eaten as a small lunch or snack. In our listing you find some appetizers characteristic for the art of cooking in Lima and on the central coast of Peru...

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Main Courses

Peruvian main courses are enormously varied in flavors and colors reflecting the native heritage, the three main geographical areas and of course the merging of traditional with foreign cooking styles from immigrants. Each region in Peru is distinct in its flora and fauna, each local cuisine also adapts...

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Typical Peruvian Sauces

Salsas, sauces or dips are an essential part of the Peruvian cuisine and a must on every table. A Peruvian menu without at least three or four different salsas is incomplete. Peruvians love their salsas and use it literally on any food. Peruvian sauces intensify or vary the unique flavors of local dishes...

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Typical Desserts

Peruvians love their "dulces". Relatively unknown in pre-Hispanic times Peruvian desserts are heavily influenced by its Spanish and other foreign equivalents. In Colonial times quite often expensive and unavailable ingredients used in the Spanish cuisine were replaced by typical Peruvian ones; later foreign cooking techniques were used...

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Drinks & Beverages

When talking about Peruvian drinks, the first that comes to mind is the Pisco, Peru's National Drink; Pisco Sour is a typical cocktail to welcome guests or start a Peruvian meal. But there are many other options. Peru produces some very good mostly red wines, delicious beers and also a great variety of non-alcoholic beverages...

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Typical Peruvian Fruits

Thanks to Peru's three main climate zones, coast, highlands and jungle, a great variety of fruits can be found in the country. Some are native to Peru, exotic or rarely known abroad others can be seen in every (super) market around the world. While you can buy bananas, apples, pears, grapes, passion fruits, papayas and many more...

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Vegetables - Veggies

Peru is known around the world for its potato and corn varieties. But did you know that for example the avocado and tomato have their origin in Peru as well? And the country is home to numerous other internationally nearly unknown vegetables. Most of them have been cultivated and consumed since ancient times...

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Peruvian Potatoes

While everybody agrees that the birth place of the potato is in South America, the exact place of origin is unknown and reason for the one or other open dispute between Chile and Peru. In any case there is scientific evidence that potatoes were domesticated as early as 10,000 years ago in the High Andes of Peru and northwestern Bolivia...

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Peruvian Ají - Peppers

Aji, also known as pimiento chile, originated in the Americas and are cultivated for around 7000 years. Chili Peppers might have been the first spice with which ancient Peruvians seasoned their dishes and were found in many archeological excavations. Today there are around 300 varieties of chili peppers in Peru being...

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Grain, Coffee, Crop, Bean

While very special "pseudograins", nuts and beans are part of the Peruvian culture and nutrition since ancient times, they were just rediscovered and gained popularity worldwide in the last few years. The international demand for Peruvian "supergrains" like Kiwicha and Quinua increases steadily, as more people become aware of them...

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Common Herbs in Peru

Next to Aji (hot peppers) aromatic herbs play a fundamental part in the Peruvian cuisine. While the Peruvian cooking and ingredients vary regionally always lots of herbs are incorporated into the dishes. Probably the most used aromatic herbs are Cilantro, Huacatay, Oregano and Basil, but there are many more that are essential...

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Changing money in Lima

US Dollars and Euros in Lima

US Dollars and Euros can be changed in Lima without restrictions in hotels, banks, exchange offices or on the street. Some places don't accept US$ 100 bills. The safest way to change money is in banks and your hotel, but this will result in much lower rates compared to exchange offices and the money-changers on the street. If possible try to avoid changing money at the airport exchange office. The rate is one of the lowest we have discovered in Lima and we think that you shouldn't support this rip-off. When there is absolutely no other chance, just swap the absolute minimum. Taxis from the airport can be paid in US Dollars (again make sure to have enough small change for this purpose).

 Exchange rates can be slightly lower on the weekends!

Good exchange rates can be achieved with money-changers on the street. But as with all "street deals" in Peru don't forget to bargain. Inform yourself about the current rate, otherwise you might be ripped-off. The exchange rates will not only vary depending on the amount you are willing to change, but as well on your appearance. If the money-changer thinks you haven´t got a clue, he will of course try to give you a much lower rate and make a good deal for himself. When changing money on the street, remember to keep a watchful eye on your surroundings.

Money Changers or Exchange Offices?

The money-changers (called Cambistas) can be found literally everywhere (where tourists are). Those ones officially registered with the municipality wear color coded vests (each district has a different color) with a "$" sign / EURO written on the back and have proper identification documents. Don’t let anybody disturb your transaction. Don’t get distracted by a little chat with the Cambistas. Always check for counterfeit money. Tourists are popular victims to circulate phony notes. Have a good look at the notes you receive, but check the coins as well. Count the money carefully. Some Cambistas might accidentally (?) give you a S/. 2 instead of a S/. 5 coin. Quickly the good exchange rate can turn to the opposite.

We recommend the exchange of currency in one of the many exchange offices (called Casa de cambio). You'll get a fair rate, but again compare to find the best deal. Some places give better rates for Dollars than Euros and vice versa. In every good exchange office you can make the transaction at ease and comfort. You have the time and a place to carefully count and examine the money without anybody looking over your shoulder. We think this is worth more than gaining a few centimos more.

 Read more (Security Features of Peruvian Money / Fake Bills)

Exchange Rates for the Peruvian Currency (Nuevo Sol)

Exchange Rates Peruvian Nuevo Sol, US$ and Euro

 S/. 1.00 =  0.37  US$  US$  1 =  S/. 2.67  S/. 1.00 =  0.31 Euro  Euro 1 =  S/. 3.21

(Exchange rate last updated: 24-Jan-2012)

Exchange Offices in Lima, Peru

As you will find exchange offices in the tourist areas of Lima nearly on every corner, below only a small summary of the bigger ones.

City Center - Exchange Offices

• Mac Dólar, Jr. Ocoña 170
• Inca Cambios, Jr. Azángaro 113
• Mack Lenan Casa de Cambios, Jr. Carabaya 500

Miraflores - Exchange Offices

• All Money Exchange, Ocharán 260 & Larco 1118
• Casa de Cambio, Av. Larco 657
• Global Exchange, Av. Larco 655, Of. 1
• Inca Cambios, Av. Benavides 212
• Lac Dollar, Av. La Paz 211
• Universal Money Exchange, Av. Javier Prado 620, Of. 16

San Borja - Exchange Offices

• Universal Money, Av. Aviación 2855

San Isidro - Exchange Offices

• Cambio al Dia, Jr. Chinchón 944, Of. 114 – 116
• Cambios Real, C.C. Camino Real Nivel B Tda. 68-A
• Casa de Cambios el Olivar, Av. Conquistadores 461 & La Pinta 190-192
• Casa de Cambio Finserva S.A.C., Av. Canaval y Moreyra 225

Surco - Exchange Offices

• Inversiones Janampa, Av. Benavides 3703 Tda. A

Peruvian Money Security, Features ,Counterfeits

Verify the money you get!

Every time we get a banknote we observe it with greater or lesser attention. It mostly depends on the value (higher value, longer observation), the situation or from whom we might be getting it. The modern Peruvian Banknotes have all similar security features and therefore verifying the authenticity of a 200 Nuevo Soles bill shouldn't take longer then for a 10 Nuevo Soles one. As you might not be that familiar with the Peruvian money the biggest question will be on what details you should concentrate to make sure that you're not carrying counterfeits in the wallet! With the introduction of the Euro there has been also globally the implementation of a very simple concept: Feel, Look & Tilt. This concept is lately also promoted by the Central Reserve Bank of Peru. To make sure you don't have any surprises we'll explain this concept together with many pictures to visualize the security features like: Intaglio printing, watermarks, security thread, micro lettering and the use of optical variable ink.

Feel, Look & Tilt Method

The three simple steps of feel, look and tilt can easily be applied to the Peruvian Nuevo Sol banknotes:

Feel

What should you feel? First of all it is important to mention that the Peruvian money is printed on "paper" made from 100 percent cotton, which gives the banknote a unique texture and much more resistance then ordinary paper. Another thing you can feel are the details on the bill printed with the intaglio technic - relief printing (by passing your fingers over certain areas such as the printed name of the Central Reserve Bank, the National Emblem and others). Be aware that age and wear can negate some of these properties.

Look

Hold the banknote up to a light source and the area free of prints will be displaying the image of the personality of that particular bill as a watermark. This is a basic security feature that most currencies world wide possess. The watermark has multitone and three dimensional features that are not that easy to counterfeit. Also, the watermark is formed by different thicknesses in the paper so it appears sharp. On fake banknotes the watermark is printed on, looks blurry and lacks the appearance of the multi-dimensional image.

Tilt

There are security features that require the slight tilting of the banknote, as there are some details printed with an ink that changes its color when turned slightly (optical variable ink, also known as OVI by its acronym). The value printed on the right side of the bills changes from fuchsia to gold-green on the 10, 20, 50 and 100 Nuevo Soles and from green to blue on the 200 Nuevo Soles. As it is very difficult to describe these features we have included below various pictures to help you identify counterfeit banknotes a little bit easier.

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Security Features of Peruvian Banknotes

The modern Peruvian currency (Nuevo Sol) has been in circulation from 1991 and since then undergone a couple of improvements of the security features. Today all banknotes have similar security features and this makes the verifying process much easier. Please click on the thumbnails/pictures below...

10 Nuevo Soles - Security Features

Please click on the Thumbnails for details...

• The watermark displays the image of the personality (José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles) with multitone and three dimensional features.
• The security thread is a plastic strip that is inserted into the paper. Hold the banknote up to a light source and the text PERU 10 will appear crisp without any irregularities.
• On the front there is a circle, actually an Inca design depicting the head of a Puma. On the back there is a ring and the center part is white. Holding the banknote up to a light source both images should line-up perfectly.
• By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The value of 10 should appear.
• By using a magnifying glass the micro lettering PERU should appear repeatedly in the number 10 (bill value).
• Around the personality on the banknote is a shadow created by using micro lettering of the word PERU.
• Under the writing "Banco Central de Reserva del Perú" (top left corner) is a line created with micro lettering (repeatedly the text: BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU).
• Below the National Emblem (right side) is the value of the banknote printed with optical variable ink. By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The 10 changes from fuchsia to gold-green.

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20 Nuevo Soles - Security Features

Please click on the Thumbnails for details...

• The watermark displays the image of the personality (Mr. Raúl Porras Barrenechea) with multitone and three dimensional features.
• The security thread is a plastic strip that is inserted into the paper. Hold the banknote up to a light source and the text PERU 20 will appear crisp without any irregularities.
• On the front there is a circle, actually an Inca design depicting the head of a Puma. On the back there is a ring and the center part is white. Holding the banknote up to a light source both images should line-up perfectly.
• By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The value of 20 should appear.
• By using a magnifying glass the micro lettering PERU should appear repeatedly in the number 20 (bill value).
• Around the personality on the banknote is a shadow created by using micro lettering of the word PERU.
• When tilting the banknote up/down a reflective stripe becomes visible partially covering the face of the personality. Within the strip appear repeatedly the 20 (value) and BCRP (Banco Central Reserva Peru).
• Below the National Emblem (right side) is the value of the banknote printed with optical variable ink. By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The 20 changes from fuchsia to gold-green.

Without a picture - Looks the same as on the 10 Nuevos Soles bill:

Under the writing "Banco Central de Reserva del Perú" (top left corner) is a line created with micro lettering (repeatedly the text: BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU).

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50 Nuevo Soles - Security Features

Please click on the Thumbnails for details...

• The watermark displays the image of the personality (Mr. Abraham Valdelomar Pinto) with multitone and three dimensional features.
• The security thread is a plastic strip that is inserted into the paper. Hold the banknote up to a light source and the text PERU 50 will appear crisp without any irregularities. Additionally, if you look closely at the part of the security thread that is on the surface of the banknote a hologram appears with the profile of some fighting cocks and by slightly turning it the profile of a larger cock shows up.
• On the front there is a circle, actually an Inca design depicting the head of a Puma. On the back there is a ring and the center part is white. Holding the banknote up to a light source both images should line-up perfectly.
• By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The value of 50 should appear.
• By using a magnifying glass the micro lettering PERU should appear repeatedly in the number 50 (bill value).
• Around the personality on the banknote is a shadow created by using micro lettering of the word PERU.
• Under the writing "Banco Central de Reserva del Perú" (top left corner) is a line created with micro lettering (repeatedly the text: BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU).
• Below the National Emblem (right side) is the value of the banknote printed with optical variable ink. By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The 50 changes from fuchsia to gold-green.

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100 Nuevo Soles - Security Features

Please click on the Thumbnails for details...

• The watermark displays the image of the personality (Mr. Jorge Basadre Grohmann) with multitone and three dimensional features.
• The security thread is a plastic strip that is inserted into the paper. Hold the banknote up to a light source and the text PERU 100 will appear crisp without any irregularities. Additionally, if you look closely at the part of the security thread that is on the surface of the banknote a hologram appears with a map of Peru and by slightly turning it will change its color.
• On the front there is a circle, actually an Inca design depicting the head of a Puma. On the back there is a ring and the center part is white. Holding the banknote up to a light source both images should line-up perfectly.
• By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The value of 100 should appear.
• By using a magnifying glass the micro lettering PERU should appear repeatedly in the number 100 (bill value).
• Around the personality on the banknote is a shadow created by using micro lettering of the word PERU.
• When tilting the banknote up/down a reflective stripe becomes visible partially covering the face of the personality. Within the strip appear repeatedly the 100 (value) and BCRP (Banco Central Reserva Peru).
• Below the National Emblem (right side) is the value of the banknote printed with optical variable ink. By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The 100 changes from fuchsia to gold-green.

Without a picture - Looks the same as on the 10 & 50 Nuevos Soles bill:

Under the writing "Banco Central de Reserva del Perú" (top left corner) is a line created with micro lettering (repeatedly the text: BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU).

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200 Nuevo Soles - Security Features

Please click on the Thumbnails for details...

• The watermark displays the image of the personality (Saint Rose of Lima - Santa Rosa de Lima) with multitone and three dimensional features.
• The security thread is a plastic strip that is inserted into the paper. Hold the banknote up to a light source and the text PERU 200 will appear crisp without any irregularities.
• On the front and back of the 200 Nuevo Sol bill are to circles. The one on the front contains colors the one on the back only outlines. Holding the banknote up to a light source both images should line-up perfectly and when the banknote is viewed from the back the colors and outlines should form a symbolized rose.
• By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The value of 200 should appear.
• By using a magnifying glass the micro lettering PERU should appear repeatedly in the number 200 (bill value).
• Around the personality on the banknote is a shadow created by using micro lettering of the word PERU.
• Under the writing "Banco Central de Reserva del Perú" (top left corner) is a line created with micro lettering (repeatedly the text: BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU).
• Below the National Emblem (right side) is the value of the banknote printed with optical variable ink. By placing the banknote horizontally in front of the eye, start tilting it up/down. The 200 changes from green to blue.

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Counterfeit Banknotes - Fake Bills (Comparison)

Watermarks on genuine and counterfeit Peruvian banknotes

Below are some examples of genuine and counterfeit Peruvian banknotes using the watermark for the comparison. Hold the banknote up to a light source and the area free of prints will be displaying the image of the personality of that particular bill as a watermark. The genuine watermark has multitone and three dimensional features. On fake bills the watermark is printed on, looks blurry and lacks the appearance of the multi-dimensional image.

Please click on the Thumbnails for details...

Color changing feature on genuine and counterfeit Peruvian banknotes

Below are some examples of genuine and counterfeit Peruvian banknotes using the color changing feature for the comparison. When slightly tilting the genuine banknotes the value printed on the right side changes from fuchsia to gold-green on the 10, 20, 50 and 100 Nuevo Soles and from green to blue on the 200 Nuevo Soles. On genuine banknotes these value numbers have been printed with optical variable ink (also known as OVI by its acronym). This security feature is very easy to identify and very difficult to counterfeit!

Please click on the Thumbnails for details...

Hidden value feature on genuine and counterfeit Peruvian banknotes

Below are some examples of genuine and counterfeit Peruvian banknotes using the hidden value feature for the comparison. When slightly tilting the genuine banknotes the value emerges in the little square box located on the bottom (left side, front) of the bill. Depending on the value a 10, 20, 50, 100 or 200 should be visible. This security feature is also very easy to identify and should help you to identify counterfeits!

Earthquakes in Lima ,Peru Why and What to do

Earthquakes!

Earthquakes are among the most powerful and terrifying events on earth. Unfortunately for thousands of years they have been a common occurrence in Peru and the area of Lima. We never know when and where to expect the next earthquake, so be prepared and aware on what to do.

Why Earthquakes occur in Peru?

Scientists have developed a theory, called plate tectonics, that explains why most earthquakes occur. According to this theory, Earth's outer shell consists of about 10 large, rigid plates and about 20 smaller ones. Each plate has a section of Earth's crust and a portion of thick layer of hot rock below the crust. The plates move slowly and continuously. They collide, move apart or slide past one another. These movements finally can cause earthquakes.

Peru is situated along the boundary of two tectonic plates: the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. The interface between these two plates is located near the Peruvian coast. At a rate of about 60 mm per year the South American Plate is moving towards the Pacific Ocean over the Nazca Plate. That may not sound a lot but it is enough to put huge strain on the Earth's crust. The pressures are periodically released through earthquakes.

Please click on the Pictures for bigger view...

The subduction of the Nazca Plate caused millions of years ago the rise of the Andes Mountains, the creation of the Peru-Chile Trench and the volcanism in the Peruvian highlands. Until today this process continues and causes a number of geodynamic processes. The consequent results of a heavy earthquake striking the area are destruction, panic, fear, innocent casualties, poverty, hunger and diseases.

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What happens during an Earthquake?

No earthquake is like another. An earthquake can be shallow, intermediate or deep; according to its and your location. Anyhow most earthquakes in Peru are prefaced by a strange and unfamiliar noise that gets under your skin. Before you realize what’s going on you feel the ground shaking. Depending on different factors the shocks can be felt like a swinging movement or more like fierce and rapid strokes. The ground shaking can last a few seconds up to various minutes. Out of personal experience any second during such an event passes by like in slow motion and you thinks it's never going to end.

When you are inside a building you will feel the swaying from one side to another, the up and down bouncing, the wild vibration and the violent moving. All objects not fixed proper will do the same and follow every movement. During earthquakes many people are injured by getting hit from loose household items. In a really heavy earthquake buildings may contract or expand, be shaken apart, collapse or even slide of their foundation when they are too weak or rigid to resist the strong forces. If you realize this type of structural distress it will be wise to leave for a safer place outside before you experience the house coming down on you.

Well now comes the bad one: In a city like Lima being outside during an earthquake can be quite dangerous, too. Take care of all kind of falling objects, like bricks, glass, whole walls, street and traffic lights, signs, telephone posts, and so on. Beware of ruptured power lines, gas leaks and spilled fuels. A lot of households in Lima cook with gas (either natural gas lines connected to the house or domestic gas cylinders). The risks of erupting fires and explosions way after an earthquake are high. Better look out where to smoke your relaxing cigarette...

If you are enjoying a day at the beach when an earthquake strikes, better rush to higher grounds. An earthquake on the ocean floor can create a tremendous push to surrounding seawater and create destructive waves called tsunamis (also known as seismic sea waves). Tsunamis may build up to heights of more than 30 meters when they reach shallow water near the shore line. They can travel great distances in no time while diminishing little in size and can flood coastal areas in seconds without warning. In 1746 shortly after a heavy earthquake hit Lima, a devastating tsunami rolled over the port of Callao and completely destroyed what was left from the city. Thousands died. Even after the strong earthquake in 2007 south of Lima, parts of the Costa Verde were badly flooded.

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What to do during an Earthquake?

An earthquake can never be predicted. There are no fixed pattern and no logic in where it hits and when. Because Peru lies in a seismic zone, you should at least know what to do when an earthquake strikes. Unfortunately there isn't any perfect guideline telling us, do this and that, and everything will be fine.

Today we have two quite different approaches on how to behave during an earthquake when being inside a building. The American Red Cross and the Peruvian National Institute of Seismology recommend "Drop, Cover and Hold on" while one of the most experienced rescue teams and disaster management organizations, the American Rescue Team International, recommends "The Triangle of Life". Either have their pros and cons.

 Our recommendation: Read the following chapters and learn more about both methods. Use this knowledge accordingly to the situation and then decide for yourself what is right and logical.

Earthquake: General recommendations:

• Stay calm, don't panic! You need a clear mind to react proper.
• Don't scream or shout hysterically, everybody else will do that for you!
• Don't run! Walk!
• Don't use elevators!
• Avoid using the stairs! They might move different as the rest of the building and cause you to fall.
• If you are in a crowded place far from an exit, look for a safe place away from the crowd! Being in the middle of a bunch of panicking people trying to get out of one door might harm you more than staying at a safe corner.

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What to do during an earthquake if you are indoors (Drop, Cover and Hold on - Method)

These are the recommendations of the American Red Cross and the Peruvian Institute of Seismology on how to behave during an earthquake if you are inside a building.

• Drop to the ground; take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it's safe to exit.
• Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall on you.
• In high-rise buildings, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
• If you are in bed, stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow.
• Don't use the elevators.

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What to do during an Earthquake if you are indoors (The Triangle of Life - Method)

Contrary to the above mentioned standard practices, Doug Copp, director and rescue chief of American Rescue Team International, recommends a controversial, but in our opinion fairly logic method of keeping safe during an earthquake while being inside a building. Doug Copp has worked in earthquake rescue operations around the world. He saw over and over again that survivors of heavy earthquakes were always found in some sort of hollow space next to large or bulky objects like cars, furniture, fridges, etc. Therefore his mission is to protect us from the standard recommendation "duck and cover". He says: "It is not the earthquake which kills you. Getting under a squashed desk or table kills you. You can survive by fleeing the building if you can get out the ground floor or getting into a survivable void, next to a large, bulky object". These even internationally more and more accepted recommendations are worth a closer look and may save your life!

Even the American Red Cross backed off a little from their standard recommendation: We contend that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" indeed saved lives, not killed people. Because the research continues to demonstrate that, in the U.S., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" works, the American Red Cross remains behind that recommendation. It is the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children. What we are saying is that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" is not wrong - in the United States. The American Red Cross, being a U.S. based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great.

Well and that is the point, we're not in the U.S. and the standards here in Peru are quite different...

So please read following methods of the Triangle of Life and the make up your mind:

• Flee the building if you can get out quickly and safely.
• If the above is not possible, drop to the ground, get in a fetal position and lie next to (not underneath) some sort of bulky object like a desk, sofa, fridge or even an elevator shaft (elevator shafts are considered to be one of the strongest structures in a high rise building).
• If you are in a parking garage, get out of the car and lie next to it in a fetal position.
• If you are in bed, roll onto the floor and lie next to the bed in a fetal position.

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What to do during an earthquake if you are outside:

• Stay outside! Don't run back into buildings!
• Move away from buildings, street lights, signs, walls!
• Take care of all kind of falling objects!
• Get away from ruptured power lines!
• Walk calmly to the next safety area! You will find nearly everywhere either a sign with a big "S" or a yellow circle on the street with the capital letter "S". These areas are supposed to be safe.
• In case you are directly at the beach, seek for higher grounds. A tsunami can flood coastal areas in seconds without warning.

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What to do during an earthquake if you are in a moving vehicle:

• Stop as quickly as possible and stay in the car.
• Don't stop near or under buildings, big trees, wires, on or under bridges, in tunnels...
• Once the earthquake has stopped, proceed cautiously. Watch out for debris, damaged roads and bridges.

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What to do after an Earthquake?

• First of all calm down!
• Then check yourself for injuries.
• If you are unhurt, look around and help others.
• Be prepared that telecommunication services won't work.
• Ambulances and the fire brigade might not reach you due to damaged infrastructure or missing resources.
• Expect aftershocks!
• Enter buildings only after checking they are safe and with extreme caution!
• Stay away from ruptured power lines, look out for water and gas leaks!
• After destructive earthquake expect looting's.
• Listen to a radio to be informed about the general situation

In case the worst case scenario comes true and you are trapped, stay calm, as hard as it might be, don't lighten a match or lighter, try to draw attention to you, but don't waste your energy by uncontrolled screaming; better use any object to regularly make noise and only shout when you hear voices.

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Listing of notable Historical Earthquakes in Lima between 1533 and today:

We only have proven records of earthquakes in Peru since the arrival of the Spaniards in the region. Even so we know that already the first Peruvian cultures had to cope with the seismic activities. Earthquake after earthquake, century after century it seems these ancient cultures learned how to keep their constructions and belongings safe. Many archaeologists for example believe that the special trapezoid character of the Inca architecture was one of the precautions against such natural destruction...