REGIONS
OF PERU
Geographically Peru is divided in three regions:
• The Coast: This is the area next to the Pacific Ocean,
featuring deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys.
• The Highlands: Area dominated by the Andes Mountain
Range, with altitudes as high as 6.768 masl (22.204 feet)
reached at the summit of the Huascaran snow-capped peak.
• 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.
THE SEASONS
The Coast
There are two well-defined seasons: the summer season (December
to April) with temperatures reaching 27°C (80°F);
and the winter season (May to October) which is very humid
and cold, with temperatures dropping to 12°C (53°F).
Although it hardly rains on the Peruvian coast, fog and fine
ram or drizzle (garuas) are common in the winter. In the north
coast the sun shines all year round, and temperatures rise
to 35°C (95°F) in the summer
The Highlands
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 20°C (68°F) and -2°C (35°F) - in
a single day.
The Jungle
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 in excess of 30°C
(86°F) and the rainy season (November to March) with frequent
rains and increased river volumes.
You may find information on Peruvian weather by visiting the
following Internet sites:
•
www.senamhi.gob.pe
• www.weather.com
TOURIST INFORMATION
You can find tourist information in the Internet:
• www.promperu.gob.pe
LANGUAGE
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru; although
Spanish a 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
operators who provide tourist services, such as the tourist
guides, travel agencies staff and persons working in three,
four and five-star hotels.
TIME ZONE: (-5 H. GMT)
Lima 12 NOON:
• Buenos Aires 2 pm.
• Berlin 7 p.m.
• Tokyo 2 a.m. + 1
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.
When paying with a credit card, make sure you are only paying
the amount of the service or goods purchased.
ELECTRIC POWER
220 volts. Most four and five-star hotels provide 110 volt
electric current.
VACCINATION
If you plan on traveling to the Jungle, the administration
of a yellow
Fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.
Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:
Jorge Chavez International Airport — 2nd floor
Tel: (01) 575-1745
Service hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours
• International Vaccination Center
Capac Yupanqui 1400, Lima 1
Tel: (01) 471-9920, Extension 1215
Service hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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).
Inquire with the Peruvian consular representation in your
country if you need further information. Their addresses and
telephone numbers can be found in the web site of the Peruvian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
•
www.rree.gob.pe
UPON ENTERING PERU
• Present to the immigration Officer the International
Embarkation/Disembarkation Card (given to the traveler in
the airplane or at the immigration stand in the border area
you are coming through). Keep the card, since you will have
to turn it in when you leave the country. If you lose it you
will have to pay a fine equivalent to 4 US$.
• Customs officers will give you a form for you to declare
any goods subject to customs duties you may be bringing in.
If none, specify that you have nothing to declare. The following
are exempt from 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
bringing in any vegetable or animal species. If so, you will
need to have a permit from the competent sanitary authorities
in your country. If you do not have the necessary sanitation
documents, Peruvian sanitation authorities may order your
vegetable species to be incinerated and that the animal be
sacrificed,
SECURITY
• Take the normal precautions to guard against purse
snatchers.
• Carry a copy of identity documents. Keep originals
and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel
and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the
responsibility assumed by the establishment.
• Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry largo amounts
of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage.
Do not carry suitcases, bags or sac packs on your back.
Do not exchange money out in the street
• Do not walk around late at night through areas with
poor lighting or without a companion.
COMMUNICATIONS
• International and long distance national calls can
be made from public pay phones. Country and city codes are
normally shown o 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
The major cities in the country do have public Internet booths.
The average cost per hour is 1 US$.
LODGING
There are lodging establishments of various types and cost,
to the high tourist season (June to October) it is recommended
to make advanced reservations. It is also possible to stay
over at family homes authorized by the National Tourism Board.
Make sure you always know the check out time.
TRAVEL AGENCIES
Travel agencies can facilitate your travel throughout Peru.
Compare services and make sure they are clearly specified
in the document issued by the travel agency. Demand a receipt
of payment; the agency is obliged to issue both documents.
HEALTH MATTERS
• Only drink bottled or previously boiled water
• Be careful with raw vegetables and fruits.
• Avoid eating from street vendors.
• Rest on the first day of your arrival to the Highlands,
and consume light meals to prevent altitude illness (soroche).
Drinking Mate de coca (coca tea) is recommended.
• If you travel to the Highlands or to the jungle, make
sure to carry insect repellent and a raincoat.
• To obtain medical services, contact the staff of your
hotel or travel agent.
• If you wish to take travelers insurance, contact your
favorite travel agency.
BANKS
Banking hours in Peru are normally from Monday to Friday,
from 9 am. to 6 p.m. In addition, most banks open for the
public half day on Saturdays. In the streets of the main cities
there are teller machines installed by the different banks.
MONEY EXCHANGE
It is recommended that money should be exchanged in hotels,
banks and authorized money exchange offices (Service hours:
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. approximately).
The exchange rate against the US Dollar is slightly variable.
Inquire before changing your money. To exchange other currencies
inquiry at money exchange offices.
NIGHT LIFE
Most of the cities in Peru have a wide variety of night entertainment.
Information about places of interest can be obtained where
you are staying. If you wish to enjoy typical Peruvian music,
you can visit the so-called “peñas”.
In Lima, the most popular discotheques, pubs and night clubs
are in the Districts of Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco.
In other cities they are normally found in city centers (main
square and vicinity).
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Peruvian cuisine offers a great variety of typical dishes
from the Coast, the Highlands and the Jungle. Always first
ask about their ingredients, since some dishes can contain
hot pepper or be highly spiced. You will also find establishments
where international food is prepared.
As far as drinks are concerned, try the very Peruvian Pisco
(grape brandy) in any of its various recipes, as well as chicha
morada (purple corn juice) chicha de jora (fermented red or
yellow corn juice) and agüaje juice, made from a tropical
Jungle fruit.
TIPPING
The amount of the tip in Peru vanes with the degree of satisfaction
you have with the service provided.
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.
Re-confirm your trip ahead of time: For domestic flights:
48 hours in advance; for international flights: 72 hours in
advance.
Airport tax:
Domestic flights: US$ 5
International fights: US$ 28
Only cash allowed.
BY LAND
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 en 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. 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.
Inquire before taking them: and do not take them too late
at night
BY RAIL
The tourist rail service covers three routes:
• Arequipa - Sumbay - Juliaca - Puno
• Puno - Cusco
• Cusco – Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu
Information
Peru Rail
Lima
Armendariz Ave. 397, Miraflores
Tel: (01) 444-5020 / 444-5025
Service hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am. to 6 pm.
Reservations and Ticket Sates
Arequipa
Av. Tacna y Anca 200
Tel: (054) 20-5640
Service hours: Monday to Friday, 7 am. to 5 p.m.
Cusco
Estacion Wanchac
Tel: (084) 23-8722 / 22-1992
Service hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 pm. and 2 p.m.
to 4 pm.
Juliaca
Plaza Bolognesi s/n
Tel: (054)32-1112
Service hours: Monday to Friday, 6 am, to lO am. and 2 pm.
to 6 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 6 am. to 10 am.
Puno
Av. La Torre 224
Tel: (054) 35-1041 /36-9179
Service hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 7 a.m. to 12 noon.
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.
WALKS
The South American Explorer Travelers’ Club has a good
assortment of maps of routes where one can walk.
Av. República de Portugal 146. Breña, Lima Tel:
(01) 425-0142
Service hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am. To 5 pm.
SHOPPING
In general, shops, shopping centers and handicraft markets
are open everyday (even on holidays) between 9 am. 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 ("regateo").
LOST ITEMS, THEFTS AND ROBBERIES
Call the Tourism Police:
AREQUIPA
Calle Jerusalén 315, Cercado
Tel: (054) 20-1258
AYACUCHO
Arequipa cuadra 1
Tel: (064) 81-2055 /81-8372
CAJAMARCA
Av. 13 de Julio s/n
Tel: (044) 82-3042
CHICLAYO
Av. Sáenz Peña 830
Tel: (074) 23-6700
CUSCO
Calle Saphi s/n
Tel: (084) 24-9654
HUANCAYO
Av. Ferrocarril 556, Cercado
Tel: (064) 21-9851
HUARAZ
Av. Laredo y Laredo 716
Tel: (044) 72-1341
ICA
Elías Ave. Block 4
Tel: (034) 22-7673
IQUITOS
Calle Sargento Lores 834
Tel: (094) 23-1852
LIMA
Moore 268, Magdalena del Mar
Tel: (01) 460-1060 / 460-0965 /460-0921 / 460-4525 / 460-0890
/ 460-0844
NAZCA
Av. Los Incas cuadra 1
Tel: (034) 52-2442 / 52-2450
PUNO
Deustua 538 Tel: (054) 36-4806
TACNA
Callao 121
Tel: (054) 71-4141 anexo 245
TRUJILLO
Independencia 630
Tel: (044) 22-4025
IMPORTANT
TELEPHONE NUMBERS FLIGHT INFORMATION
Domestic and International: (01) 575-1712 / 574-5529
CANCELLATION OF TRAVELERS
CHECKS
American Express: 001-800-8602908
CANCELLATION OF CREDIT CAROS
Visa: 001-800-428
Master Card: (01) 311-6000
American Express: (525) 326-2660 (collect call, operator assisted
108)
Diners Club: (01) 221-2050
BEFORE
LEAVING
PROTECTED WILDLIFE AND WILD FLORA SPECIES
Considered by the World Resources Institute as forming part
of the select group of eight “mega diverse” 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 (also called ocelote, a small feline resembling
a tiger) or “palos de lluvia” (an instrument that
reassembles the sound of raindrops).
PROHIBITIONS
It is absolutely prohibited to take photographs of airports,
military bases, places near high tension towers and police
stations. In some churches and museums it is prohibited to
take photographs or film. Ask first.
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. Lf you are leaving Peru
through the Jorge Chavez Airport, visit the INC booth after
you pass through immigration post. The authorization can be
granted automatically.
DRUGS
It is absolutely prohibited to carry drugs. It you do so;
you will be arrested and put in jail. Do not accept to take
in your Luggage packages belonging to strangers, under any
circumstances.
AFTER
VISITING PERU
We would appreciate your comments, observations and suggestions
which should be forwarded to:
Tarapacá 226 Miraflores
Lima - Peru
E – Mail: info@tourperu.net
Notes:
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 person 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.
