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Travel Tips

LIMA

Lima tends to be rather humid and warm all year round. For travelers staying in Lima, they should pack loose, cotton clothing if travelling during January through to March. Between March and April, travelers may need something warmer to wear at night. During December and April is the best time to visit Lima, as the weather is mild and the sun is out. It hardly ever rains in Lima, so travelers wanting to visit do not need to worry about wet weather gear.

CUSCO

This includes weather information about areas of Cusco as well as the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The rainy season is between November to March, thus the dry season is between April until October. However, do not be put off from coming to Cusco in the rainy season as it does not rain all day, usually for about an average of 3-4 hours per day, and you will often get to see some sun. The average temperature fluctuates between 11°C and 13°C and during sunny days the temperature can reach up to 20°C. During the nights in May, June and July, the temperatures can drop down to 7°C.

PUNO

During the dry season between April to October, most of the days are sunny and warm, but the nights will get cold. During the rainy season, the days can be warm and have periods of rain but also periods of sunshine.

AREQUIPA

The weather in Arequipa is generally nice all year round. It is sunny during the day and is warm during the night. Even during the wet season from November to March, it hardly ever rains, thus it is an ideal tourist destination all year round.

THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

All year round, the Peruvian Amazon has temperatures between 15°C to 30°C, but it may rain heavily during the wet season from November to March, and especially in December and January. During the wet season, the Amazon features some heavy periods of rain but then may be dry for a few days before continuing the cycle. If you are going to the Peruvian Amazon during this time, make sure you take waterproof clothes with you.

NAZCA, ICA AND PARACAS

In this area of Peru, the weather is nice all year around and it hardly ever rains. Most of the days are warm and sunny and it stays warm during the nights. During the winter, the nights can get a little chillier, so you may want to bring some warm clothing.

NORTH PERU

In this region of Peru, it is warm all year round (between 18°C to 28°C) and it hardly ever rains. During the summer, it can reach temperatures of between 25°C to 35°C. We advise you to dress lightly for this region and make sure you take sunscreen with you.

The official languages in Peru are Spanish (80% of the population), Quechua (Andean and highland regions), and Aymara (in the Puno high plateau). In addition, there are around 50 native languages. Most people who work in tourism or provide tourist services speak English.

Peru generally maintains good healthcare facilities. There are enough hospitals and clinics that provide adequate services, especially in the main cities, such as Lima, Cusco and Arequipa.

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). The U.S. Dollar is accepted at most stores, restaurants and hotels.

There are many currency exchange houses in the cities where you can exchange foreign money (US Dollars and Euros). Always try and carry small bills / notes or coins with you as larger bills / notes may be difficult to break in some places. ATM´s are easy to find in cities, so you do not need to worry about drawing out a large sum of money prior to your trip. In order to avoid any unnecessary stress, please inform your bank of the dates and to where you will be travelling. Please also verify with your bank any fees or charges incurred by using foreign ATMs and swipe machines before travelling. The most widely accepted credit cards are: American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard. There are some limitations to using traveler´s checks in Peru, so please check that they are accepted by establishments prior to purchasing them. For more information:

  • Visa (01) 242-2975 | 108 - (001) 410 5819754 (from a land line)
  • Master Card (01) 311-6000 | 108 - (001) 636 7227111 (from a land line)
  • American Express (01) 221-8204 / 221-8207 | (001) 312 9353585 (reverse charges)
  • Diners Club (01) 615-1111

To avoid altitude sickness or soroche, we suggest following the steps:

  • Do not exercise too much on the first day in high altitude areas.
  • Eat lightly during the first two days.
  • Drink plenty of water and high energy drinks.
  • If you have any heart, respiratory or pulmonary problems, please consult your doctor.
  • We highly recommend drinking lots of coca tea. The consumption of coca tea, as well as chewing the leaves, increases the absorption of oxygen in the blood.

A yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended for traveling to jungle cities. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before your trip in order for it to be effective. No other vaccinations are required.

In general, most outlets in Peru use 220 volts. Most 4 and 5-star hotels have outlets equipped for 110 volts. Most outlets use two types of plugs, which are shown below:

Due to the diversity of weather conditions and activities in Peru, we recommend that our passengers bring light clothes such as shirts, short pants, sandals and swim suits as well as warm clothes, such as a warm jacket, raincoat (in the rainy season Nov to Mar) and comfortable shoes for hiking. Please see our weather information for more details.

Other important things to bring are: Original and photocopies of Passport, travel insurance and airline tickets. US dollars, travelers checks, credit or debit card, Get To Peru Itinerary and ´Pre-Travel´ information, any required entry visas or vaccination certificates, camera and battery charger, reading/writing materials, sun protection cream, insect repellent, sun hat, sport sandals, sunglasses, watch or alarm clock. Optional items may include binoculars, purification tablets or water filter and ear plugs. It is also recommended that you pack a basic first-aid kit containing lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids and blister pads, allergy tablets, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder (Gatorade), and any extra prescription drugs that you may be taking.

Information about the Inca trail, the Salkantay trek, or any other trekking excursions If you are doing the Inca trail, the Salkantay trek or any other trekking excursion; it is important to bring:

EQUIPMENT

  • Sleeping bag (can be rented with Cultural Immersion for approx. $30 USD).
  • Cover for backpack.
  • Inner sheet for sleeping bag.
  • Basic first aid kit.
  • Refillable water bottle.
  • Hiking stick.
  • Small towel.
  • Wet wipes and pocket tissues.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Lip balm.
  • Flash light.
  • Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry.
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen).
  • Camera with spare batteries.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Plasters.
  • Small towels and basic toiletries.
  • Anti septic hand gel.

CLOTHES

  • Fleece top.
  • Windproof / waterproof jacket.
  • Shirts / t-shirts.
  • Sun hat.
  • Pair of shorts.
  • Hiking / track pants.
  • Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes.
  • Light sandals/ Flipflops (not for hiking).
  • Wool hat/ Beanie (can be easily purchased in Cusco).
  • Mitts or gloves (can be easily purchased in Cusco).
  • Warm comfortable Socks.
  • Underwear (including thermal top and leggings).
  • Rain poncho (can be easily purchased in Cusco).
  • Swim suite (optional, to visit hot thermal springs).

All other camping equipment for the trekking excursions are provided and included in the cost of the package. Porters carry the gear, so you will only be responsible for carrying your daypack. But please be aware there are weight limits on what the porters can carry, thus every passenger is limited to 7 kg (15.5 lbs), including sleeping bags that weigh approximately 1.5kg (3.3 Ibs). All other items may be stored in your hotel in Cusco. Train to Machu Pîcchu All passengers travelling on the train to Machu Picchu only have a limit of 7kgs (15.5 lbs), so please leave any unnecessary items in your hotel.

All domestic flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. All internal flight tickets are electronic so you will not receive any physical tickets. We will be able to provide you with your booking reference number and electronic ticket number. You will only need to present your passport at the airline counter in order to check in. Additionally, the boarding passes will be overhanded by your tour guide or driver, as we do the pre-check-in for you. Please be aware that there are different luggage restrictions, given by the different airlines, especially regarding your carry-on luggage.

Baggage information about the airlines we use:

  • LAN Airlines: 23kg checked baggage + 8kg hand luggage (55cm x 35cm x 25cm) + 1 personal item (purse, laptop or diaper bag).
  • Star Peru: 25kg checked baggage (75cm x 45cm x 35cm) + 1 piece of hand luggage (4kg, 40cm x 35 cm x 20cm).
  • Peruvian Airlines: 25kg checked baggage + 8kg hand luggage (40cm x 32cm x20cm) (Exception: On the route Lima / Cusco, you are only allowed to take 5kg of hand luggage).
  • For any special restrictions, please have a look at the websites of the airlines!.

To keep away from getting gastrointestinal infections, we recommend you to not eat any raw meats or unpeeled fruits, drink only bottled or boiled water and do not eat food from street vendors.

Please be aware, that there are luggage restrictions for jour journey to Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Amazon. All passengers travelling on the train to Machu Picchu only have a limit of 7kgs (15.5 lbs), so please do not take any unnecessary items. Of course, it is possible to store your luggage in your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. In case you will not come back to the same hotel, we will make sure to transfer your luggage safely to your next hotel. When travelling to the Peruvian Amazon, you will have to leave part of your luggage at the loges´ office in Puerto Maldonado, as it is not allowed to bring more than 10kg to the lodges.

In order to dial from overseas, please dial 00 then 51(the Peru code) and then the city code: Lima 1, Cusco 84, Puno 51, Arequipa 54, and finally the phone number.

Dialing in Peru:

  • National calls (from city to city): Add zero before the city code.
  • Local calls (within the same city): Dial the number only.

Emergency numbers:

  • Police: 105.
  • Ambulance: 106
  • Fire Brigade: 116

When taking a taxi in Peru, make sure you negotiate a price before starting the service, as the taxis here do not have meters. If you are unsure with how much you should pay, you can ask a local or hotel employee how much a fair price is. Taking an official taxi is more secure than taking an unregistered taxi from the street. When you are in Lima, ensure that you take a secure taxi, especially at night by either asking your hotel or restaurant to call you one. (Some registered and reputable taxi companies in Lima are Taxi Amigo - Tel. 01/349-0177, Taxi Móvil - Tel. 01/422-6890, Taxi Line - Tel. 01/330-2795) Taxi costs in Lima vary from 5 to 50 soles depending on the distance. A taxi from Miraflores to the City Centre should cost approximately 15 soles. For the other cities, please take taxis with phone numbers on top of the vehicles. In Arequipa, it is a good idea to phone a taxi rather than flag one, simply as it is the safest option. The price of a taxi in Cusco, Arequipa and Puno ranges from 5 to 8 soles.

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers. The amount depends entirely on personal preference; however, here is an average guideline: waiters (10%), local tour guides (2 to 7 USD per day per person), drivers (2 to 5 USD p/d p/p), porters (2 to 5 USD p/d p/p). A number of the superior hotels include a 10% gratuity in the cost of your room.

  • We strongly recommend the use of a money belt while travelling.
  • Always leave your passport and other important documentation at the safety deposit box in your hotel.
  • Always pay attention when walking and where you place your belongings. Petty theft is common in Peru.
  • Always make sure your personal belongings stay close to you and are insight.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend you purchase adequate travel insurance prior to your trip. We are partners with SQUAREMOUTH Travel Insurance, who offer good cover at competitive prices. To obtain a quotation, please visit: http://www.squaremouth.com/travel-insurance/index.pl?pid=20447

RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

We are a sustainable travel operator that cares about the environment and the local people. We are involved in a number of social projects within local communities and we give a percentage of our profit to our social projects. We actively hire local people for services and we limit the size of our tour groups. We are environmentally conscious and endeavor to ensure that our culture is respected and preserved.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW IN ORDER TO HELP US PRACTICE RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

  • Learn a few words of the local language (Spanish and Quechua).
  • Try to leave as much excess packaging at home (film boxes and unnecessary plastic bags).
  • Throw your garbage into bins and not onto the streets.
  • Please bring rechargeable batteries rather than disposable batteries. Batteries are incredibly toxic and may not be disposed of properly. If it is not possible to bring rechargeable batteries, we recommend that you take any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.
  • Try to be conservative with resources such as water, food, and energy, as you may be depriving local people of these very valuable resources or making a negative impact on their environment.
  • Please do not throw any toilet paper down the toilet as it doesn´t breakdown. There is usually a basket/ bin located next to the toilet, where you can dispose of your toilet paper.
  • Please buy locally made crafts and other products, so that your money goes directly to the community.
  • Do not be tempted to buy souvenirs made from wild animal products.
  • Please ask before taking pictures, especially of people. People will usually ask you for some money. We recommend that you give something else instead of money such as a souvenir from your country (nice pencil, calculator, a toy, tooth brush etc.) By doing this, you will be putting in practice the Inka trade system - ´giving something and getting something.
  • Please do not give candies to children, as the dental hygiene in the Andes is not very good. Instead of candies bring tooth brushes, which is a perfect gift for Andean children.
  • When you return home please send us feedback to let us know how you think we can continue to reduce environmental impact and increase benefits to our local communities.

FEEDBACK

We would love to hear from you about your travel experience which is really important in helping us to improve our services. At the end of your trip we will send you a post travel feedback form. We would really appreciate it if you would spare some of your time to complete and return it back to us with a photo of your trip.

Every year we celebrate Christmas in a different Andean village. We go into the highlands where the people are very poor and have limited resources. Christmas is very special to us and should be special for the communities as well. On Christmas day we travel to an Andean village and give gifts and our time to families and children. There is usually only one school in these communities and the children who attend only have the opportunity to attend once or twice a week and even when they do so, they must walk long distances, which for some is for over 2 hours. As the communities are in very high altitudes, the families find it hard to grow crops and thus make a living. This is the reason we choose to celebrate Christmas with them.

We welcome anyone who would like to help us brighten up the faces of this community. Please bring with you any second hand clothing, toys, school material (pencils, erasers, rulers, books etc.), or any other items that you would like to give to the children of the Peruvian Andean villages this Christmas.

If you need to contact us for any reason please call our local office in Cusco.

Get To Peru

Office Hours:

  • Mon to Fri: 8am to 1pm and 3pm to 8pm local time (GMT -5).
  • Saturdays: 8am to 2pm.

PERU: + 51 997744813

Cusco Emergency 24 Hours Phones: Yamil, (+51) 997744813