Peru

General Information

Peru, one of the 8 most diverse countries in the world, offers unique experiences and the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. Heirs of an ancient culture, with hundreds of archaeological sites, Peru was home to Hispanic cultures, whose remains are still alive through the customs and traditions of Andean villages until today. From the coast to the mountains and lowland, You can enjoy a unique blend of culture, history, adventure and nature, and an unimaginable variety of foods, All this complemented by the hospitality and warmth of its people.

There is always a great reason to visit Peru
You may want to travel to Peru because the country is Machu Picchu and the Inca culture center; or its people and culture, for their wonderful food or the mystery of his Amazonian forest, which houses the largest biodiversity in the world… if you are evaluating these reasons, okay, my friend, you are thinking in the right trip.

Coming to Peru
Today travel in Peru day means that you can find modern airports and airlines internationally recognized, which are supervised by the aviation authority to meet the requirements of safety and comfort. There are frequent flights, weekly and daily, from Europe and the US. to Peru, as well as a wide range of regional connections to Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador, inter alia.

Visa / Immigration Card
Citizens from most countries in Western Europe America and do not require a visa to travel to Peru. Upon entry into Peru, will be asked to fill out an immigration card. This document is very important, as shall be requested by the immigration authorities when leaving the country. It is also very important that you take this document, your passport, throughout their stay in Peru as hotels the demand to exempt from taxation. We recommend that you make a copy of both documents, card and passport, to avoid mishaps.

Weather
Although Peru is in the tropics, its climate varies due to its geographical diversity (coast, sierra, Jungle) and the current influence of Humboldt (cold water), running along most of the coast.
* In Costa
The central and southern Peruvian coast is generally sunny in the summer (November to May) and cloudy for the rest of the year. The temperatures vary between 20 ° C and 30 ° C in summer and 10 ° C and 20 ° C during the winter. The northern coastal region has sun almost all year, but can also occur cloudy with some rain between November and March, depending on seasonal presence stream “El Niño” (warm water).
* In the Sierra
The Andes are, generally, Winter Without rains from April to October, where daytime temperatures are very warm, and a rainy season that lasts from November to March, being more intense in January-February. In the highlands, temperature variations are accentuated between day and night, the temperature drops suddenly after sunset (sometimes up to 15 ° C) in the winter months (May to August).
* In the Jungle
In the rainforest it can rain all year with high temperatures. From November to May the presence of rain is more marked, its flow rivers rise, but from May to September temperatures are usually milder, but never cold, except sometimes in the Madre de Dios Region (on), where cold air masses coming from Bolivia and Argentina during the winter months and may need to wear a light jacket or sweater.

Luggage
Upon arrival in Peru, either Lima or Cusco (from La Paz, Bolivia) will label all luggage for easy identification throughout Peru. Para viajes culturales y de turismo tradicional recomendamos traer equipaje que sea fácil de tomar y transportar.Muchas líneas aéreas tienen especificaciones de peso que permiten hasta 30 kilos (66 pounds) of checked baggage and 5 kilos (11 pounds) for hand luggage. In all the hotels we work, generally, permiten dejar el equipaje hasta el viaje de regreso.Para los viajes de aventura, hiking or rafting, Canvas bags are waterproof or may be lined with plastic bags to protect your clothing water and the weight should not exceed recommended 20 kilos per person. This weight also includes the sleeping bag. Sometimes couples choose to share a canvas bag. These bags are easy to put on pack animals and can be carried by porters. It is important to note that the Inca Trail porters only used as pack animals are not allowed.
**In the Inca Trail, weight is an important factor, so we ask you to pack light. The weight limit per person is 8 kilos (17,64 pounds). In the Fixed Departures Inca Trail Canvas can supply during the briefing on the evening before the start of the walk.
**On the train trip to Machu Picchu, no restrictions on baggage weight and size. Ask for detailed information.

Shopping
The shops, Lima galleries and markets offer a wide sample of typical Peruvian handicrafts. Markets are generally less expensive but, Unlike stores, there is no guarantee of quality. Shopping hours are approximately 10:00 a.m. a 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Most shops are closed on Sundays. Out of Lima, sellers can be found every day of the week in designated areas of major cities, usually around the main squares.

Health Matters
* Insurance
We advise all travelers to have coverage for your insurance personal health. We recommend, also, purchase travel insurance that covers theft protection, lost documents and medical problems that could arise during the duration of your trip. It is advisable to carry a first aid kit staff.
* Altitude sickness (soroche)
The best measure, to prevent altitude sickness or altitude sickness, is acclimated for a minimum of two days doing little activity, eating light meals, bebiendo abundante agua y abstenerse de consumir alcohol.El mal de altura afecta a las personas que ascienden rápidamente a altitudes superiores a 2,500 meters / 8,100 feet. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, sickness, vomiting, loss of appetite and insomnia. Increased risk of altitude sickness altitude more, faster promotions and more physical effort. Severe cases include fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or inflammation of the brain (high altitude cerebral edema) and can only be treated immediately descending. Being physically fit does not mean, necessarily, que usted está libre de riesgo de mal de altura.Los viajeros con enfermedades del corazón, or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor before traveling to high altitudes.
* Vaccines
If you plan to travel to the rainforest, is highly recommended administration of a vaccine against yellow fever, at least, 10 days prior to the date of travel.
* Water
We recommend drinking only bottled or boiled water. If you travel outside major cities, We suggest you bring bottled water with you. To prevent dehydration, especially in the mountains, It is recommended to drink three liters of fluid a day – water or tea.

Money Matters
* Currency and Exchange
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). The average exchange rate of US $ 1.00 = S / .2.75 (although this can vary). It is common for cash (US dollars and euros) on the street, but it is recommended to use the Money Exchange Offices known as “Exchange” or banks for security reasons. The US dollar is accepted in most commercial stores official exchange rate of the day.
* ATM and credit cards
You will find ATM in big cities. Most of them are located at airports, cerca de los bancos o en los principales centros comerciales.Las principales tarjetas de crédito son aceptadas en los establecimientos comerciales en el Perú, although markets, small shops and “wineries” very unlikely to accept credit cards.

Taxes
* Airport tax
A security fee, applicable to internal flights, must be paid in most airports in Peru. We can not include it in our cost of services, as it varies frequently. El valor es aproximadamente US$6.00 en el aeropuerto de Lima US$5.00 en los aeropuertos regionales.En Lima, and other airports, The international departure tax is approximately US $ 30.25, which must be paid at the airport before departure and before meeting the processed immigration, in US dollars or soles. Some airlines include this cost in airfare.
* Sales Tax The sales tax (IGV), applicable to goods and services from shops and restaurants is the 19%, and is usually included in the prices shown. In hotels, if you are traveling on your own or extending your stay, you can skip the payment of sales tax by submitting a photocopy of your passport, so it is advisable to always have copies on hand.

Electric voltage
AC power is 220 Volt, 60 cycles. Hotels in five four stars, usually, also provide electrical voltage 110 Volt.

Tipping
Our prices only include tips for baggage handlers at airports, train or bus station, where the porters or "porters" duly certified by the competent authorities. Tipping in hotels, usually, not included since you will have personal contact with the buttons upon delivery of luggage in the rooms and, you also, when leaving the hotel. Los pasajeros son libres de entregar propina una vez dentro del hotel.La propina no está incluida para los conductores, guides and / or camp staff, trekking guides and / or river guides during travel. The tip amount awarded depends on the number of days, the number of people who attended him during his journey and the size of the group of which you are a part. The camp staff tends to be with you at least 4 days. Tipping is a voluntary contribution and whether to deliver, it is recommended to follow these guidelines (amounts specified are applicable for group travel time, per day not):
– Driver: US$ 15-20
– Staff in charge of shipments: US$15-20
– Chef: US$ 40
– Personal camp, everyone: US$20
– Porters / carriers, everyone: US$15
– Adventure Guide or city guide: US$ 60-100
– Driver, long haul: US$ 25-50