ABOUT PERU
2007

Surface: 1 285 216 km2 Capital: Lima Population: 26 million (8 million in Lima) Political System: (Republican, presidential state) Religion: Catholic (90%) Language: Spanish and Quechua (officials), numerous dialects Currency: Nuevo Sol Formalities: valid passport for six months. No Visa Climate: Lima: hot and humid during the day Arequipa: hot during the day and night Cusco: sunny during the day, cold during the night (height 3400 m) Titicaca Lake: Sunny during the day, cold during the night (height 3850 m) Vaccinate recommended: Difeteria - Tetanus - Polio - Typhoid - Hepatitis A

For the Amazon:

Yellow fever (if going to the jungle), malaria, little risk except for the long tours in the amazon.

Gastronomy:

Perú has a very varied gastronomy and several specialties as the ceviche of corvina or langostinos (fish or shrimps stews in lemon), seco de res, papa a la huancaína (potato covered on spicy sauce with white cheese), without forgetting the Pisco sour, aperitif with lemon and ice stung… a delight.

Height:

It is necessary a good habituation for carried out sports activities in the sierra.

Comfort:

Some of our programs lead us to the rustic thing and the unexpected thing by the local conditions, they do not imply large physical efforts but if they want of good greets and capacity of adaptation. In any case, the comfort is one of our priorities in the election of the hotels or the places in which we will camp.

Security:

Our vocation is of accompany you during the tours. Nevertheless, certain activities such as the rafting or hiking require the respect toward certain rules. You will be accompanied by specialized guides, provided of necessary material and of good quality.

WE ARE FOREVER YOUNG - JUST DO IT

Peru Travel Information

Booking Flights

Information on booking flights in Peru. A brief summary of airlines: Lan Peru, Aviandina, TACA, & TANS. Important information on pre flight preparations, what to expect when you arrive, and precautions prior to departure from Peru.
Weather

Planning your trip to make the most of the Peruvian weather is not as straight forward as it seems. This page gives details of the seasonal variations in the climate for the coast, the sierra (or highlands) and the Amazon Jungle.

Health

Advice on pre-departure preparations such as recommended immunizations, information to help remain healthy while travelling and what to do when you return.
General Travel Information: Advice on local law enforcement, money, local transportation, safety, tipping, shopping, communications, and national holidays.

Our best advice is first buy a good guide book such as Footprints or Lonely Planet and read carefully about the area you plan to explore. Decide how long you've got to travel, where you want to go, and how much it'll cost when you get there. Then plan your total budget. Don't try to see everything and visit as many countries as you can or you'll find you've spent all your time on buses looking for new accommodations and places to eat. Try to build a bit of flexibility into your program as buses and flights can cancel, seriously altering your travel plans. Also leave plenty of days free to relax in places that you enjoy.

Peru Flight Information

It is recommended that you make your domestic flight reservations prior to arriving in Peru especially if you are on a tight schedule, otherwise you might find yourself waiting in the Lima airport for most of your holiday. Call us and we will assist you with your domestic flight details and reservations.
Making flight reservations has become easier in the last year with many of the major airlines having their own web site and reservation system. However make sure you reconfirm your flights 2 days in advance and check-in 2 hours beforehand or you'll find yourself 'bumped' onto a later flight possibly the next day. Also, passing through customs can be very time consuming.

Also note that January to March is the wet season in the highlands. There are frequent delays and cancellations at both Cusco and Puerto Maldonado airport so if you have an international connection in Lima it is best to return to Lima from these airports one day in advance to be on the safe side.

Pre-flight Preparation:

Visas- Currently USA, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens can visit Peru for up to 90 days (ask on arrival for a 90 day entry as 30 days is the standard issued) without a visa. However, the situation does change periodically, so you should always check with your local Peruvian embassy before departure.
Upon Entering Peru:
Present to the Immigration officer the International Embarkation / Disembarkation Card (given to the traveller in the airplane or at the Immigration Stand at the border area you are entering the country). Keep the copy of the card as you will have to surrender it in when you leave the country. If you loose it you will have to pay a fine and may miss your flight.
Customs officers will give you a form for you to declare any goods subject to customs duties you may be bringing into the country. If none, specify that you have “nothing to declare”. The following items are exempted from duties: and clothes for personal use, portable computers and adventure tourism gear.

Duty-Free items:

a) Accessories for personal make-up
b) One electric hair dryer
c) One electric shaver.
d) One professional camera and up to five (5) rolls of film or digital camera.
e) One, non-professional camera, and up to five (5) rolls of film.
f) Records, cassettes, CDs or audio tapes up to 10
g) One, portable electronic calculator.
h) Up to twenty (20) packets of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm of tobacco.
i) Up to three (3) liters of liquor
j) Up to Three Hundred American Dollars (US$300.00) in various articles for the traveller's personal use or as gifts which for their quantity, type and variety can be presumed not to be for trading purposes, as long as the individual unit value does not exceed One Hundred American Dollars (US$ 100.00).
k) One portable mechanical, electric or electronic typewriter.
l) One portable wind or stringed musical instrument.
m) One radio, radio cassette player, cassette player, record player, CD player or a set which has all these items incorporated, as long as it is PORTABLE with its own energy source.
n) A portable personal computer, with its own energy source, as long as it is brought as accompanied luggage.
In cases where travellers are handicapped or suffer some illness, auxiliary means and equipment will be considered luggage (wheelchair, stretcher, crutches, amongst other items)
Children under 18 will not be allowed to bring in the items stated in clauses I and J.
 

Booking Flights:

Lan Peru www.lanperu.com
Lan Chile is the nationally owned airline of the country of Chile. As well as domestic flights they also have some international flights. They are a member of One World Alliance, so it should be possible to purchase these flights through your local travel agent. Their web site also allows online reservations and secure payments.

Domestic flights between the following major cities in Peru:

Lima - Cusco (3 flights per day each way), Lima - Arequipa (3 flights per day each way), Arequipa - Juliaca, Lake Titicaca (2 flights per day each way), Cusco - Puerto Maldonado (1 flight per day each way).

TACA www.taca.com
Taca is based in Costa Rica. This airline operates international flights as well as one daily domestic flight each way between Lima and Cusco.

TANS www.tansperu.com.pe
Tans started off as the government airline operating flights in the jungle. Now they have flights between Lima, Cusco, and Puerto Maldonado.

Internet Website with discount international airfares:
www.travelocity.com
www.priceline.com
www.airlineconsolidator.com
www.hotwire.com
www.expedia.com

Before Leaving Peru:

Protected wildlife and wild flora species
Considered by the World Resources Institute as forming part of the select group of eight "megadiverse" countries, it is estimated that in Peru there are 84 of the 104 life zones existing in the world, nearly 10% of the species of mammals and reptiles of the planet, over 20% of earth's birds and between 40.000 and 50.000 species of vascular plants (the most developed). Unfortunately many of these species are endangered due to their unauthorized exploitation for the manufacture of tourist souvenirs and the cruel traffic of wildlife (transported under conditions which cause most of them to die during the trip).
Each loss reduces earth's life diversity with indescribable consequences. It is for this reason that Peruvian laws prohibit and sanction the extraction, transport, sale and export of all types of wildlife and wild flora, dead or alive, without the authorization of INRENA (1). The prohibition extends to any object made with their parts (crowns or necklaces made of Macaw (guacamayo) feathers, butterfly wings, musical instruments, "tigrillo" skin or "palos de lluvia" (also called oncelote, a small feline resembling a tiger).

(1) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

The National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) is the State's public organization responsible for promoting the rational use of natural resources. Current legal regulations impose severe sanctions to any persons who hunt, extract, transport, sell or export wildlife or wild flora species, as well as their products and by-products, including handicrafts made with such products, without the corresponding authorization.
The authorization for the extraction, sale and/or export of wildlife and wild flora must be requested from

INRENA:

Calle Diecisiete 355, Urb. El Palomar. San Isidro, Lima
Tel.: (01) 224-3298 (anexo 167) / (01) 225-1053.
E-mail: inrenabibli@terra.com.pe

Archaeological and Historical Heritage

Peruvian laws prohibit and sanction the sale and export of original pieces of the national cultural heritage. Abstain from buying them.
However, if you are interested in taking to your country samples of Peruvian pre-Hispanic or Colonial art, you may buy replicas. Replicas are all objects of modern manufacture imitating shapes and decorative figures of pre-Hispanic or Colonial pieces (ceramic pieces, gold and silver works, stonework, woodworks, textiles, paintings and others).
When buying replicas of pre-Hispanic or Colonial works, make sure they have been certified by the INC (2); this certificate can be obtained at any of the offices of this institution, located in all departmental capitals. If you are leaving Peru through the Jorge Chávez Airport, visit the INC booth after you pass through Immigration post. The authorization can be granted automatically.
 

(2) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CULTURE

The National Institute of Culture (INC) is the State's public organization responsible for the protection, preservation, restoration and dissemination of Peru's Cultural Heritage.
Cultural property, whether archaeological or historical, is protected by law; and its export is prohibited. Clandestine export of cultural property is a crime. The law authorizes the confiscation, in favor of the State, of any material, equipment and vehicles used in the commission of crimes against the cultural heritage, as well as of the unduly obtained cultural property.
For further information, visit the INC:
Edificio Museo de la Nación, piso 6
Av. Javier Prado Este 2465.San Borja, Lima
Tel.: (01) 476-9900
E-mail: inc@inictel.gob.pe
http://inc.perucultural.org.pe

Drugs

It is prohibited to carry drugs in or out of the country. If you do so, you will be arrested and put in jail. Do not accept to take drugs in your luggage packages belonging to strangers, under any circumstances.
Peru Weather Information
Choosing the ‘best’ time to visit Peru is not a straight forward business, as it’s complicated by the country’s physical characteristics. Each of Peru’s geographical zones has its own climate.

The Sierra (Cusco, Puno, etc)

Mid April – October. This period is the dry season, with hot, dry days (20-25°C) and cold, dry nights, often below freezing, particularly in June and July. May is perhaps the best month with the countryside exceptionally lush, yet with superb views and fine weather. You’ll find the flowers in full bloom, the grass green and the streams full. Peru’s peak tourist season is from June to September. You’ll find Cusco a pretty cosmopolitan city with gringos from all over the globe converging on Machu Picchu. The famous pageant of Inti Raymi, the Inca festival of the winter solstice (24 June) draws thousands of visitors to Cusco, so it is best to arrive early or make hotel reservations in advance.

November – Mid April.

This is the wet season with most rain in January and February. It’s usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically 18°C with only a small drop at night, 15°C. For trekking the locals say that the weather is best around full moon (and I tend to believe them) so if possible plan you’re backpacking then. The Inca Trail is much less crowded during this period and there’s a more abundant fresh water supply, but of course be well equipped for the rain. You’ll also find some roads may become impassable particularly when trying to visit villages off the beaten track. Many of Peru’s major festivals such as Carnival and Easter Week take place during this period.

Weather in Cusco

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Av. Max Temp 20 21 21 22 21 21 21 21 22 22 23 22
Av. Min Temp 7 7 7 4 2 1 -1 1 4 6 6 7
Wet days / month 18 13 11 8 3 2 2 2 7 8 12 16
Temperatures in °Celsius

The Coast.

December – April. This is summertime on the coast where the weather is hot and dry and ideal for swimming and getting a tan. Temperatures on average range from 25 – 35°C.
May – November. From May to November the temperature drops a bit and you’ll find blankets of sea mist engulfing the coast from the south right up to about 200 km north of Lima. At this time of year only the northern beaches near Tumbes are warm enough to provide pleasant swimming.

The Jungle

April – October. This is the ‘dry’ season with daily temperatures averaging 30–35°C. However cold fronts from the South Atlantic are common when the temperatures can drop to 15°C during the day and 13°C at night. The dry season is the best time to visit the jungle regions … there are fewer mosquitoes and the rivers are low, exposing the beaches. It’s also a good time to see nesting and to view the animals at close range, as they stay close to the rivers and are more easily seen.
November – March. This is the wet season, hot and humid, when you can expect heavy rain at anytime. It only rains for a few hours at a time, so it’s not enough to spoil your trip. Wellington boots are a must though, as some of the jungle trails can become small rivers.

Health Information

Health - Preparations before you travel
If sensible precautions are taken by the visitor to Peru, there is no reason why you shouldn't remain as healthy as at home.
1. Before you travel make sure that you have good medical insurance that will cover your overseas travel. If you plan to undertake 'adventurous activities' such as rafting, horse riding or paragliding, make sure that your policy covers you. You may have to pay a small surcharge for this.
2. For advice on what immunizations that you require we recommend that you try ringing a specialist travel clinic (at least 6 weeks prior to travel).
Although not strictly necessary, you should, however, consider the following immunizations:-
• Yellow Fever (if going to the jungle)
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
Malaria prophylaxis are also recommended for the jungle, although nearly all of the jungle lodges in the Madre de Dios/Tambopata areas and Manu National Park state that there have been no reported cases of malaria, and that taking anti-malaria tablets are optional.

Health - Tips on staying healthy while travelling

The most common problem encountered by the traveller in Peru is diarrhoea (between 30% and 50% of travellers in a 2 week stay experience this) but the majority of these upsets will be relatively minor. Don't become paranoid; trying the local food is part of the experience of travel.
Tap water in Peru is unsafe to drink. Always purify the water first by boiling it or adding purification tablets such as Micropure which can be easily bought in most pharmacies throughout Peru (make sure that you understand the instructions before using them). Bottled mineral water is readily available everywhere.
In most good restaurants, purified water is used to wash fruit, vegetables and salad.
Fruit in Peru is plentiful and delicious, but ensure that you wash it or peel it yourself.
Avoid undercooked and reheated foods.
Shellfish are a particularly high risk and so is Ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime). They are all delicious, however, and should be safe in well-run hygienic establishments.
There are good doctors and reasonable hospitals in the major cities, but little in the way of good facilities away from the major cities.

Altitude Sickness

When climbing to heights above 3000m, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a conditions known as Soroche (or acute mountain sickness) when one experiences headaches, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, insomnia and often nausea. Symptoms usually develop during the first 24 hours at altitude, but may be delayed up to 3 weeks. To prevent Soroche, on arrival don't over exert yourself. On arrival at your hotel have a rest for a while. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. Drinking mate de coca (an infusion of coca leaves - and perfectly legal in Peru) may help. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged it is best to quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. On recovery one can re-ascend slowly or in stages.

Health - When you return home
Report any symptoms to your doctor and say exactly where you've been. If taking anti-malarial tablets, remember to keep taking them for 6 weeks after leaving the malarial areas.
Note. The above information and advice on HEALTH is given in good faith. We cannot accept responsibility for accuracy of information provided. In issues regarding your health it is always best to consult a specialist.

General Travel Information

The Tourist Police:

If you're unlucky enough to have anything stolen, your first port of call should be the tourist police (policia de turismo). Bear in mind that the police in popular tourist spots, such as Cusco, have become much stricter about investigating reported thefts, after a spate of false claims by dishonest tourists. This means that genuine victims may be grilled more severely than expected, and the police may even come and search your hotel room for the "stolen" items. However, provided your claim is genuine, you should be persistent and make sure you get a written report. Peru's headquarters for the tourist police is in Lima at the Museo de La Nacion, Javier Prado Este 2465, 5th floor (tel 01/225-8699, 437-8171 or 435-1342).

If you feel you've been a victim or are un-happy about your treatment by a tour agent, hotel, restaurant, transportation company, customs, immigration or even the police, you can call the 24-hour Tourist Protection Service hotline (Servicio de Protecion al Turista, also known as INDECOPI). The staff are trained to handle complaints in English and Spanish. If an immediate solution is not possible, the service claims to follow up disputes by filing a formal complaint with the relevant authorities.

Money:

*Cash- Always the easiest way to make your purchases. The exchange rate tends to be lower in the rural communities and higher in the major cites. Make sure that the cash that you bring from home is in excellent condition with no rips or tears. Also make sure that the money that you accept as change or exchange is in excellent condition. Many businesses will not accept money that is in poor condition.
*Credit Cards & ATM Machines- Credit cards are widely accepted throughout most of the country. Many businesses charge up to a 10% surcharge so always ask before using your card. ATM machines are the best way to get cash in a hurry. You will be charged $5.00 when you use the machine but this is much cheaper than being charged a surcharge every time you use your credit card. Remember that most banks limit how much you can withdraw on a daily basis.
Banks- Avoid them if at all possible. You will spend a lot of time waiting in line.
Casa de Cambio- These exchange houses are located throughout the country, even in most rural areas. They are usually open until late in the evening and the exchange rate is almost always better than the bank.
Street Changers- for security reasons, it would be best to avoid these. You don’t want to be in a position of showing a lot of cash out in the street.

Local Transportation:

Inter-provincial buses
The inter-provincial bus service covers all destinations in Peru, except for certain cities in the Jungle. Inquire into the comfort available depending on the fare paid; and whether or not the service is non-stop.
Taxis and public transportation
It is recommended that taxis should be from taxi companies (which are requested by phone) or those authorized by the municipalities (in Lima they are painted yellow and some of them have a lighted sign over the roof).
Taxi meters are not used in Peru, therefore the price must be negotiated before going into the taxi. Ask where you are staying about the average fares to your destination. No tips are normally given to taxi drivers.
At airports, it is advisable to hire the services of taxis authorized by the management authority.
Urban buses (the most economical alternative) are the colors and numbers assigned for the specific route. Most of them travel long treks and they may turn out to be uncomfortable. Inquire before taking them; and do not take them too late at night.
Trains
The tourist rail service covers three routes:
Arequipa - Sumbay - Juliaca - Puno.
Puno - Cusco.
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu-Picchu.
 

Information: Peru Rail

Tourism by Road
Always carry with you your driver's license and a copy of your passport. If the vehicle is rented, carry the car rental agreement. If you have an international driver's license, it is valid for one year. If you have your country's driver's license, it is good for 30 days.
Abide by the speed limits posted on the road.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you do so, you may be subject to criminal charges.
If a traffic officer orders you to stop, do so. He or she must be in uniform and wearing an identification badge (the surname is printed on a plate fixed at his chest). Under no circumstance must the traffic officer enter your vehicle.
Keep in mind that your documents and the vehicle's documents cannot be retained and that under no circumstances should you have to pay any money.
In case of an accident or collision, call a traffic officer. If the vehicle is rented, also call the representative of the insurance company where you rented the vehicle. Wait there. Do not move from the place.
Do not stop if unknown persons make signs at you on the road.
Do not park in dark places. Do not leave objects which can be seen by passers by.
 

Safety:

The introduction of tourist police and the closure of many street vendors in areas notorious for thieves and muggings have greatly improved the security situation in
Peru. However like anywhere in the world, you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Care should be taken, especially while walking around the larger cities. Try to keep away from dark quiet areas if on your own, particularly late at night and try to always take a taxi. If you have had a few drinks and are returning to your hotel at night – it is best to always take a taxi directly to the hotel. We suggest that whenever possible you leave all of your important documents in the hotel safe. However you should always carry some form of ID or a photocopy of your passport. It is advisable not to wear expensive looking watches or jewellery and don’t carry a wallet in your back pocket or carry loose hanging bags. Keep your camera concealed when not in use. Remember that most thieves don't use violence but rely mostly on diversionary tactics which can take place at anytime of the day or night. Do not be paranoid, but just be aware that it could happen at anytime. Always be vigilant and the chances are nothing will ever happen to you. The safety of our clients is our number one concern.

Tipping:

In most Peruvian restaurants a 10% service charge is included on the bill. Check the bill to make sure and, unless you get exceptional service, it is not necessary to give a further tip. Please note there is also a 20% government tax added onto all food bills. You should take both these charges into account when reading the menu, as 30% will almost certainly be added onto the bill at the end. You do not need to tip taxi drivers, etc but you should tip people who assist you with your luggage at hotels (don’t over-tip as a sol or two is usually enough). In the end, tipping is a matter of how satisfied with the service you receive.

Shopping:

In general, most shops and markets are open (even on holidays) from 9am to 8pm. It is customary to bargain the price of most goods in services as a general rule. The easiest way to insure that you are getting good value for your money is to ask for the same item at 3 different shops. This will give you a good idea of how much you should be paying. If you purchase more than one item from a single shop, they will almost always give you a discount if you ask.

Communications:

*Telephone: International and long distance national calls can be made from public pay phones. Country and city codes are normally shown in the telephone booths.
To make an international call, dial:
00 + country code + city code + telephone number.
To call from one city to the next, dial:
0 + city code + telephone number.
Public phones take coins as well as cards, which are sold in stands and supermarkets. Make sure you are buying the card corresponding to the telephone company of the phone you want to use. No collect calls can be made from pay phones.
To obtain telephone information, dial 103 (service is in Spanish)
*Internet- Can be found in all but the most rural areas. Most internet café’s offer high-speed service and many now offer international calling service but keep in mind that using the phone card Hola Peru is always less expensive than placing calls over the internet.

National Holidays:

Jan 1st New Year’s Day
March / Apr Holy Week (Easter – variable) Among the nationwide commemorations there is a spectacular procession in Cusco in honour of the patron saint "El Señor de los Temblores". The people of Tarma make carpets of flowers to cover the streets for their evening processions. Holy Week is solemnly commemorated in many other highland towns (half day holiday on Holy Thursday, full day holiday on Good Friday).
May 1st Labour Day
June 29th St Peter’s & St Paul’s Day
July 28th-29th Peru’s Independence
Aug 30th St. Rose of Lima Day
Nov 1st All Saint’s Day
Dec 8th Immaculate Conception
Dec 24th-25th Christmas (half day national holiday on 24th, full day on 25th).