Trip2Peru

1. GEOGRAPHY AND WEATHER

Peru is divided in three regions:

The Coast:

This is the area next to the Pacific Ocean, featuring deserts, beautlful beaches and fertile valleys. There are two well-defined seasons: the summer season (December to March) with temperatures reaching 27ºC (80ºF); and the winter season (May to October) which is very humid and cold, with temperatures dropping to 12ºC (53ºF). Although it hardly rains on the Peruvian coast, fog and fine rain or drizzle are common in the winter. In the north coast the sun shines all year round, and temperatures rise to 35ºC (95°F) in the summer.

The Highlands:

Area dominated by the Andes Mountain Range, with altitudes as high as 6,768 masl (22,204 feet) at the summit of the Huascaran snowcapped peak. This region has a dry and moderate climate, with two well-defined seasons: the summer season (May to October) with sunny days, very cold nights and hardly any rain -ideal time to visit- and the rainy season (December to March).

In the Highlands one can witness sharp temperature changes -between 20ºC (68°F) and 2ºC (3ºF)- in a single day.

The Jungle:

This is an area with lush tropical vegetation forming part of the Peruvian Amazon Region, home to Peru's largest natural reserved areas. With a humid and tropical climate, the Jungle has two clearly distinguished seasons:

the summer or flowing season (May to October) with sunny days and temperatures of more than 30ºC (86°F) and the rainy season (November to March) with frequent rains and increased river volumes.

To find our the last information about weather all over Peru visit: www.wunderground.com

2. LANGUAGE

Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru; although Spanish is more widespread. Another language recognized by the Peruvian government is Aymara, as well as 48 other native languages. It is possible to communicate in English with the persons who provide tourist services such as the tourist guides, travel agencies staff and persons working in three, four and five-star hotels.

3. TIME ZONE (-5 h. GMT)

• Lima 12 noon
• NEW YORK 1 p.m.
• BUENOS AIRES 2 p.m.
• LONDON 6 p.m.
• BERLIN 7 p.m.
• PARIS 7 p,m.
• TOKYO 2 a.m. (*)
• SIDNEY 3 a.m.(*)
• (*) Next day

4. CURRENCY AND DENOMINATIONS

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.) which is divided into 100 cents.

Coins in circulation include the amounts of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles.

Paper bills come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.

US Dollars are accepted in most commercial establishments, restaurants and service stations, at the current exchange rate.

Most of the establishments accept the most popular credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express Travelers' Checks are used with some limitations. Inquire at the establishment as to whether or not they are accepted.

5. ELECTRIC POWER

220 volts. Most four and five-star hotels provide 110-volt electric current.

6. VACCINATION

If you plan on traveling to the Jungle, the yellow fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.

Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:

• Jorge Chavez International Airport - 2nd floor

Tel: (01) 575-1745

Opening hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day

• International Vaccination Center

Calle Capac Yupanqui 1400, Lima 1

Tel: (01) 471-9920, Extension 1215

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

7. TOURIST VISAS

This is not required for citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Peru. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities), showing their identification card only. Ask the Peruvian consular representation in your country if you need further information. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found on the web site of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs : www.rree.gob.pe

8. UPON ENTERING PERU

Present the Immigration officer the International Embarkation/Disembarkation Card (given to the traveler in the airplane or at the Immigration Stand of the arrival area you are coming through). Keep the card, since you will have to return it when you leave the country. If you lose it you will have to pay a fee equivalent to US$ 5 or S/. 15.00 nuevos soles.

Customs officers will give you a form to declare any goods subject to customs duties you may be carrying with you. If none, specify that you have nothing to declare. The following are exempt from any duty: items and clothes for personal use, portable computers and adventure tourism gear.

For more detailed information, inquire at the Peruvian diplomatic representation in your country.

On the same form, you must declare whether you are introducing to the country any vegetable or animal species. If so, you will need to have a permit from the competent sanitary authorities from your country. If you do not have the necessary sanitation documents, Peruvian sanitation authorities may order to incinerate your vegetable species or to sacrifice your animal.

9. TRANSPORT

By air

There are flights and connections from Lima to all the main cities of Peru except for Huancayo, Huaraz and Ica, where you can go by road using inter-provincial buses. Always make reservations in advance.

Airport tax (T.U.U.A.): U5$ 6.82

International flights: U5$ 31,00.

Payment is to be made in cash before boarding the flight.

By land

Inter-provincial buses

The inter-provincial bus service covers all destinations in Peru, except for certain cities in the Jungle. Ask about the different comfort facilities available depending on the fare paid; and whether or not the service is non-stop.

Taxis and public transportation

It is recommended to take taxis 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 of the colors and numbers assigned for the specific route. Most of them travel long treks and they may turn out to be uncomfortable. Ask before taking them; and do not take them too late at night.

By rail

The tourist rail service covers two routes:

• Puno - Cusco
• Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

10. 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 be paying 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.

11. SHOPPING

In general, shops, shopping centers and handicraft markets are open everyday (even on holidays) between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

In markets and in places such as those where there are beach vendors and street vendors, it is acceptable to bargain.

12. LOST ITEMS, THEFTS AND ROBBERIES

• Call the Tourism Police:

Jr. Moore 268, Magdalena del Mar -Lima

Tel: (01) 460-1060 / 460-0965

Jr.Tambo de Belen 104, Lima Tel.

(01) 424-2053