PERU DESTINATION GUIDE
Peru
Peru: Perú, officially the Republic of Peru is a country in western South America. It is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia in the north, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Peruvian territory was home to the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world, and to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty, which included most of its South American colonies. After achieving independence in 1821, Peru has undergone periods of political unrest and fiscal crisis as well as periods of stability and economic upswing. Peru is a representative democratic republic divided into 25 regions. Its geography varies from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andean mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Jungle. It is a country with a high Human Development Index score and a poverty level around 36%. Its main economic activities include agriculture, fishing, mining, and manufacturing of products such as textiles. The Peruvian population, estimated at 29 million, is multiethnic, including Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and Asians. The main spoken language is Spanish, although a significant number of Peruvians speak Quechua or other native languages. This mixture of cultural traditions has resulted in a wide diversity of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music.
Climate
The climate of Peru is very diverse, with a large variety of climates and microclimates, including 28 of the 32 world climates. This diversity is basically conditioned by the presence of the Andean Mountains range and the Humboldt Current.
Lima, relative humidity is always very high particularly in the mornings, and produces brief morning fog from June to December and persistent low clouds from May to November. Sunny, less humid, and warm summers last from December to April, , the daily maximum temperature averages around 29 °C (84 °F) with a daily minimum temperature around 19 °C (66 °F).
Cloudy, humid, and mild winters lasting from June to October The average daily temperatures in winter range from 12 °C (54 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F).
Cusco: Its climate is generally dry and temperate, slightly cold with night frost. It has two defined seasons: the dry season lasts from April to October and sunshine is abundant with an average temperature of 13°Celsius (55.4°Fahrenheit). The rainy season lasts from November to March with an average temperature of 12°Celsius (53.6°Fahrenheit). Although frost and hail are common, snow is virtually unheard of.
Puno: Located at is 3,822m (12,565 feet), which means it is cold, especially at night. If you arrive from a lower elevation, you might want to spend a day or two taking it easy in order to acclimatize.
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Currency
New Sol (PEN; symbol S/.) = 100 céntimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of S/.200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of S/.5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 céntimos.
Note: US Dollars are also in use and accepted for payment, particularly in tourist areas. While effectively interchangeable, it is always good for tourists to have some local currency in small denominations, to pay for buses, taxis and goods in some small establishments.
Currency exchange
Only a few bureau of change in Lima and Cusco will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and many shops also readily accept US Dollars (although very old, torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors.
Credit cards
ATMs are found in almost every city and town in Peru, as well as at major airports and bus terminals. Most ATMs take international Plus (Visa), Cirrus (Maestro/MasterCard) systems, American Express and other networks; Visa is the most widely accepted in Peru. Be aware that they will accept your bank or credit card as long as you have a 4-digit PIN. Before you leave your country, notify your bank that you'll be using your ATM card abroad.
Credit cards can be used in main cities and towns. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. . A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.Airport tax
Upon departing to any airport in Peru, one has to pay a departure tax. This usually has to be done in person and cannot be prearranged with a tour company or airline. The taxes for international flights leaving Peru is USD 30.25,- or equivalent in local currency, to be paid only in cash, for domestic flights leaving any local airport is USD 6.15.- or equivalent in local currency.
Tipping
Some tourist restaurants automatically add a 10% tip (service charge), so tipping is not obligatory. The normal tip rate is about 5-10% of the amount consumed. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip local guides or drivers we use. We recommend for tipping porters and local guides between 2-10 USD, for drivers 3-4 soles per day according of the length and service. Taxi drivers usually don't expect a tip; ask your river Explorers assistant guide for specific recommendations.
Travel health
River Explorers recommend consulting your doctor to update your medical travel information before departure. Be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical attention, and for legal reasons our guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit with antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizers and any personal medical requirements. When you choose your trip please read carefully the itinerary and evaluate your ability to fit with the style of travel.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory health requirements for enter Peru unless you are will visit the Amazon Rain forest. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travel to the jungle and is mandatory to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate in Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado airport. Taking malaria medication is a personal decision. However we suggest that you use insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis especially for the Iquitos area. No cases of malaria among guides, staff, researchers or clients have ever been recorded at River Explorers. Leishmaniasis is a skin lesion caused by a certain kind of small biting fly. There is no vaccination against it, but it is curable in every case. This applies only for tourist who has a Tambopata, Iquitos, Ucayali or Manu tours.
Visiting Lima, Cuzco, Arequipa, Puno or Machu Picchu or any other Andean areas, does not require any special caution.
Altitude sickness
High altitude is altitudes over 2,500 to 3,500m. Altitude sickness isn't related to physical fitness and every person reacts differently. Cusco, Puno and Arequipa are an altitude over 2500 meters.
We recommend to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least four to six liters per day); eat a high-carbohydrate diet such as pasta. Take it easy and don't overexert yourself when you first get up to altitude. But, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquillizers, sleeping pills and opiates such as dihydrocodeine. These further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of symptoms. However, for details on how to be prepare and what
Safety information
Safety in Peru is improving. We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your air tickets, cash, travelers’ cheques, passport and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home, you won't use it while travelling. Be cautious in crowded areas, on public transport, airports, bus and train stations, and in the centre of Lima at night. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations as these have the potential for violence. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. For transfers to airports, train and bus stations take taxis that have been pre-booked by a hotel, River Explorers or any other official tour operator.
Emergency contact
IIn case of a serious situation is best to call first River Explorers local office, if for any reason you do not have an answer, leave a message or call the emergencies number described below, so we can assist you as soon as possible.
River Explorers Contact Information
Cusco Office:
Phone numbers
Local: 51 84 260926
Cellular phone: 51 84 984 909249
Emergencies 24 hours: 51 84 984 909249
Email: contact@riverexplorers.com
What to bring
Weather can be different in Peru because the Andean mountains, we recommend to bring some warm clothes especially if you travel during May to September the early mornings and nights in Cusco and Puno can be very cold. Sleeping bag minus 10 degrees for the Inca trail.
Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets (with photocopies)
Any vaccination certificates required
Money: traveler’s cheques/cash/credit or debit card, money belt
Binoculars, photo or video camera, cover for backpacks, fleece top, windproof/waterproof jacket, small towel and swim wear, 4 shirts/t-shirts, fleece top, sun hat, 1 pair of shorts, 2 pairs of long trousers, 1 pair hiking pants/track pants, hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes, sport sandals, sun block, sunglasses, watch or alarm clock, flashlight.
Refillable water bottle and water purification tablets - No plastic water bottles (from bottled water you can purchase at a supermarket) are allowed in the Inca Trail. Hard plastic bottles sold on camping stores are OK.
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, aspirin, band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Day pack to carry your personal items during the day and the hiking tour
For The Inca Trail or other trekking tour
Sleeping bag (menus 10 degrees) you can rent this for 12 USD at the office, mosquito repellent, hiking shoes or trainers, hat, socks, worm clothes, gloves, woolen hat to cover the ears, rain coat, sun block, flashlight, refillable water bottle and water purification tablets.
For The rafting trips
Sleeping bag (5 degrees) you can rent this for 12 USD at the office, mosquito repellent, Sandals and trainers, hat, socks, sun block, flashlight, refillable water bottle and water purification tablets, bathing suits. To put inside the wet-suit you need any kind of fleece or t-shirt that is not cotton; cotton usually does not keep the body hit when is wet. Small towel, shorts (obligatory in order to wear over wetsuit)
Some rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any of River Explorers trips. Using or possessing drugs not only contradict the rules and laws of the Peru but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travelers. River Explorers has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession.
Laundry
Some of the hotels do the laundry for clients for a charge.