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Information for travellers

 
         
1 The regions of Peru   14 Accommodation
2 Climate   15 Travel Agencies
3 Visas   16 Health
4 Upon arriving in Peru   17 Night life
5 Time Zone   18 Food and drink
6 Vaccines   19 Transportation
7 Language   20 Shopping
8 Electricity   21 Money changing
9 Currency   22 Prohibitions
10 Travelers assistance   23 Protected natural species
11 For your safety   24 Reproductions of Pre-Hispanic pottery
12 Communications   25 Drugs
13 Internet      
 
Before arriving in Peru
 
The regions of Peru
Peru has three geographical regions:

The coastal plain is bathed by the Pacific and contains deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys.

The highlands or Sierra is a mountain area dominated by the Andes Mountain Range where the Huascaran peak reaches 6768 meters above sea level (22,334ft.).

The Amazon jungle is covered with tropical forest and embraces extensive nature reserves.
 
Climate
The Coast
It hardly ever rains on the Coast although there are two clearly marked seasons. In summer, from December to March, temperatures reach 27ºC (80ºF). In winter, from May to October, temperatures may fall to a mild 12ºC (53ºF) amidst high humidity. Winter is typically a season of mists and light rains or drizzle. In the northern tip of the coastal strip, the sun shines 300 days a year and temperatures climb to 35ºC (96ºF).
The Highlands
Dry and mild, the weather in the Highlands shows two clearly distinct seasons. In winter, from May to October, days are sunny, nights cold and rain scarce, creating the perfect weather for a visit. Rainfall is abundant from December to March. Within the same day, temperatures in the Highlands may fluctuate from 2ºC (35ºF) to 20ºC (68ºF).
The Amazon forest
In the jungle it is always humid and tropical, with two clearly different seasons. In the dry season from May to October, sunny days heat up to 30ºC (86ºF). In the rainy season, rain showers are frequent and rivers swell.
 
Visas
Most citizens from the Americas and Western Europe do not need a visa to enter Peru. Citizens from Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Argentina are exempted from visa requirement to visit Peru. For more information, ask the Peruvian representative closest to you. To find the address or telephone number you may visit the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website: www.rree.gob.pe

If you come to Peru as a tourist, you may stay a maximum of 90 days. You can ask inmigration authorities to extend your stay. Please note, however, that nationals from certain countries need authorization from the Ministry of Interior Government to obtain a Peruvian Visa.

These are: CUBA , IRAN, IRAK , INDIA , PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH, CHINA, SRI LANKA, VIETNAM

Please take note that this procedure takes about 1 month. Once you obtain this authorization you may apply to a Peruvian Visa at any Peruvian representation.
 
Upon arriving in Peru
 
Present at the immigration desk the landing card (international Embarkation / Disembarkation Card) you received on the plane or at the border migration post. This card must always be returned when leaving the country. Keep it carefully to avoid a fine.

Customs officials will ask you to fill a form declaring any taxable items. If you do not carry any, declare so. Tax exempt articles include personal clothes and belongings, portable computers and adventure sports gear. For more detailed information, ask Peruvian diplomatic representative in your country.

You must also declare any plant or animal species you may carry. You must have the necessary sanitary permits from your country. If you do not have them, the Peruvian sanitary authority may decide to burn the plants or kill the animals.
 
Time Zone
Lima 12:00m
New York 12:00m
Buenos Aires 14:00
London 17:00
Berlin 18:00
Paris 18:00
Tokyo 3:00*
Sidney 3:00*
 
Vaccines
A yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you are planning to visit the Jungle. You may get a vaccine at the following places:

121 Independencia Street (next to the Hospital del Niño) in Lima. Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 12:30.

Jorge Chavez International Airport, 2nd floor. Open 24h.

International Vaccination Center- Dos de Mayo National Hospital, Grau Avenue 13th block, Lima. Open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 to 13:30.
 
Language
Spanish and Quechua. Tourist guides, travel agents and lodging personnel at three, four and five star facilities usually speak English.
 
Electricity
220volts. Most four and five star hotels also have 110 volt power available.
 
Currency
Peru's official is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), divided in 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents coins, and S/. 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 banknotes. To find the aproximate current rate of exchange, visit: www.oanda.com/converter/classic. US dollars are welcome at most shops, restaurants and service stations at the current exchange rate.
Most establishments accept the main credit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express.
When using a credit card, make sure you are charged the right amount for your purchase.

The use of traveler's checks may be restricted. Ask if they are accepted.
 
During your stay in Peru
 
Travelers assistance
Peru has organized a traveler assistance service to help tourists.
This service is open round the clock everyday:
In Lima (1) 224 7888
In other cities, call toll free: 0-800-4-2579
 
For your safety
Take normal precautions against pickpockets.
Carry a copy of your identification documents.
Keep the originals and your valuables safe. Do not carry large amounts of money.
Keep an eye on your handbags, especially in restaurants, and your baggage.
Do not carry suitcases, handbags or backpacks on your back.
Do not change money with street changers.
 
Communications
You can make international and domestic long distance calls from pay phones. Most booths display the country and city codes.

To make international calls, dial: 00 + country + code + telephone number. Pay phones accept coins and cards usually sold at kiosks and supermarkets. Make sure you buy the right card for the telephone company you want to call through. For information, dial 103.
 
Internet
Public Internet booths are available in major cities throughout Peru at reasonable cost.
 
Accommodation
Accommodation of many prices and categories is available.

During the peak season from June to September, accommodation may be also found at family homes registered with the National Tourist Board.

Verify check out time. If you leave any valuables under the lodging's custody, make sure to detail the items left and the responsibility accepted by the establishment.
 
Travel Agencies
A travel agent can make your trip within Peru easier. Compare services and make sure they are all clearly explained the documents for clients. These are known as vouchers or service coupons. Demand a receipt. The company is obligated to give you both documents. Do not hire services from people in the streets around airports and main squares. They are usually unlicensed operators and their services may fail to meet your expectations.
 
Health

Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Be careful when eating raw vegetables and fruit.
Avoid eating from street vendors.


To avoid mountain sickness (soroche), rest on your first day in the highlands and eat frugally. A coca leaf tea also helps, however it is a stimulant and can keep you awake at night. Avoid alcohol.
If you have trouble sleeping, or wake up frequently, try sleeping sitting up.

If you are traveling to the jungle, make sure you take insect repellent, sunscreen and a raincoat.

For traveler's insurance, contact:
World Wide: 422 7272/ 422 7140
Assist Card: 446 0710/ 466 8778/ 446 4258
Royal & Sunalliance: 241 2430
 
Night life
You can spend an enjoyable night out in most major cities.

Information about places to visit is usually available at hotels.

Folk supper clubs known locally as "peñas" offer typical music shows.

In Lima, most popular discos, pubs and nightclubs are located in the Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco quarters. In other cities, they are usually located downtown, near and around the main square.
 
Food and drink
Peruvian cuisine offers travelers a wide range of typical dishes from the Coast, Highlands, and Jungle regions. Always ask about their preparation, as some may be strongly spiced or spicy hot.

Recommended dishes from the Coast are cebiche (marinated fish in lemon juice), carapulcra (dry-potato goulash) and corn tamales.

In the Highlands, try olluquito con charqui, roasted cuy (guinea pig); and meat and tubers pachamanca baked in a hole in the ground.

Palm heart salad and rice tamales known as juanes are typical dishes from the Jungle.

You can't miss trying Peru's world renowned pisco sour cocktail made with pisco (grape brandy). Chicha morada is a non alcoholic beverage prepared with blue corn. Chicha de jora is a fermented drink made from yellow corn, and masato is a typical Amazon region beer made from manioc.

Tips vary and depend on the client's satisfaction with the quality of the service rendered.
 
Transportation
By Air

All major cities can be reached by air, either directly or through a connecting flights. Huancayo, Ica and Huaraz are the only exceptions. These cities are reached by coach. Make your reservations in advance.

Ticket reconfirmation:
If you are flying locally, reconfirm 48 hours in advance. For international flights, reconfirm 72 hours before cash traveling.

Airport tax:
Domestic flights: US$ 6.05
International flights: US$ 30.25
Tax must be paid cash before boarding
 
By Land
Intercity coach
Many routes and types of land transportation services are available. Ask about the conveniences included in your fare class, and if you are buying a direct service or with stops along the way.
 
Taxis and public transport
You are advised to call a taxi company by phone, or ride a licensed taxi. In Lima, licensed taxis are painted in yellow and carry a lit sign on the roof. There are no taximeters. You must arrange the rate with the driver before boarding. Ask for average rates to your destination. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.

At the airports, you are advised to use cabs licensed by CORPAC, the airport authority.

City buses (the cheapest means of transportation) are painted and numbered depending on their routes. Most travel long distances and may not be comfortable. Get informed before riding a bus and avoid them late at night.
 
By train
There are three routes:

Lima - Huancayo
Arequipa - Puno - Cuzco
Cuzco - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

For information contact the Tourist information service: (01) 5748000
 
Tourism by Road
Always carry your driver's license, a copy of your passport and the car rental contract. International driver's licenses are good for a year. A license from your country is good for 30 days in Peru.

Respect speed limits.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. Offenders may be criminally prosecuted.

Stop when asked by traffic police officer. Police officers must wear a uniform and carry an identification badge. They cannot get in your car.

Neither your personal identification nor the car documents can be withheld. Do not offer money under any circumstance.

In case of accident of collision, call a police officer and the insurance agent from the car rental company. Wait. Do not leave the scene of the accident.

Do not pick up strangers.

Do not stop or park in dark places. Do not leave visible objects inside the car.

Close windows and lock doors.
 
Shopping
Most shops, malls and handicrafts markets are open every day (including holidays) from about 10:00 or 11:00 until 20:00. Bargaining for prices is acceptable at some establishments.
 
Money changing
Change your money at hotels, banks and licensed moneychangers. They are usually open from 9:30 through 18:00 Banks open Saturdays until noon.

The exchange rate to the US dollar varies. Ask for the going rate before changing money. To change other currencies, ask at a moneychanger's. Keep some small change and low denomination banknotes for easier transactions, especially for taxi fares or when shopping at convenience stores.
 
Prohibitions
Photographing airports, military bases, the surroundings of high-tension electric towers, and police stations is forbidden. In some churches, cathedrals, and museums it is forbidden to take photographs or make video recordings. Ask beforehand.
 
Before leaving
 
Protected natural species
All exports of protected plant and animal species, whether alive or dead, are strictly forbidden.

Do not buy them. This ban also applies to any object manufactured with these species, such as headpieces or necklaces made with macaw feathers, and "rain sticks", unless duly authorized by the Natural Resources Institute (INRENA), the government agency charged with promoting the responsible use and conservation of natural resources. Current regulations establish severe sanctions against persons who hunt, extract, transport, sell or export wild plants and animals, as well as their products, including handicrafts, without the corresponding authorizations.

Permits to extract, market an/or export wild plants and animals must be obtained from INRENA, at 355 Calle Diecisiete, Urb. El Palomar, in San Isidro, Lima. Telephones are (511) 224 3298 and 225 1053, extension 167.
 
Reproductions of Pre-Hispanic pottery
If you want to buy a reproduction of a piece of pre-Hispanic ceramic, make sure the word "REPLICA" is inscribed underneath, followed by the name of the corresponding civilization. If you are buying a reproduction of a Cusco oil canvas, ask the seller to provide you with the corresponding authorization.

If none of these is feasible and you are leaving Peru by air, go to the National Institute of Culture (INC) kiosk at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport before boarding your return flight.

Otherwise, go to the closest INC office. Authorizations are granted immediately. The INC is the government agency that protects, preserves, restores and creates awareness of the nation's cultural heritage. Archeological and historical goods are protected by law cannot be exported. Illegal exports are a criminal offense. Materials, equipment and vehicles used to commit crimes against the nation's cultural heritage, as well as all cultural goods, obtained illegally, will be confiscated and turned over to the government of Peru. For more information, reach the INC at the 6th floor of the National Museum Building, at 2465 Javier Prado Este Avenue, in San Borja, Lima. Telephone: (511) 476 9900.
 
Drugs
It is strictly forbidden to transport drugs. Offenders will be arrested and jailed. Under no circumstance should you accept to carry in your luggage packages belonging to strangers.
 
Information taken from "Practical Information for travelers" (PROMPERU)