BEFORE COMING TO PERU 

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) at the summit of the Huascarán 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 March) 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 rain or drizzle 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

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.

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

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.

To find out the exchange rate, please visit:

·         www.editoraperu.com.

·         www.expedia.msn.com

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 Chávez International Airport – 1st floor
Tel: (01) 575-1745

Service hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day

·         International Vaccination Center
Calle Cápac 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 US$ 4,00.

·         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.

DURING YOUR STAY IN PERU

 TRAVELERS’ SERVICE

Peru has a Tourist Information and Assistance Service known as , where you can obtain objective and impartial tourist information, as well as assistance, in the event that the services rendered  were not provided in the manner they were offered when they  were contracted.

Get in touch with the 24-hour per day tourist service at the national level:

Tel: (01) 574-8000
E-mail: iperu@promperu.gob.pe

SECURITY

·     Take the normal precautions to guard against purse snatchers.

·     Carry a copy of identification 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 large 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 in 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 main cities in the country do have public Internet booths.
The average cost per hour is US$ 1,3.

LODGING
There are lodging establishments of various types and cost. In the high tourist season (June to September) 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 company (commonly known as "voucher" or "service coupon"). Demand a receipt of payment; the agency is obliged to issue both documents. Do not hire services offered by individuals appearing in the vicinity of airports and main squares, as this method of selling is prohibited.

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 "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 a.m. 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 variable. Inquire before changing your money. For exchanging other currencies inquiry at money exchange offices.

NIGHT LIFE

Most of the  cities of Peru have a wide variety of night life 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 dishes typical of 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 varies 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.

Travel re-confirmation
Re-confirm your trip ahead of time: For domestic flights: 48 hours in advance; for international flights: 72 hours in advance.

Airport tax (T.U.U.A.):
Domestic flights: S/. 12,00.
International flights: US$ 28.24,00.
Payment 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. Inquire into the comfort available depending on 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).

Taximeters 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. Inquire before taking them; and do not take them too late at night.

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
www.samexplo.org
E-mail: limaclub@terra.com.pe
Service hours: Monday to Friday, 9 :30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

LOST ITEMS, THEFTS AND ROBBERIES

 Call the Tourism Police. 

Arequipa
Calle Jerusalén 315, Cercado
Tel: (054) 20-1258

Ayacucho
Jr. Arequipa cuadra 1
Tel: (066) 81-2055 / 81-8372

Cajamarca
Av. 13 de Julio s/n
Tel: (076) 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: (043) 72-1341

Ica
Av. Elías cuadra 4
Tel: (056) 22-7673

Iquitos
Calle Sargento Leres 834
Tel: (065) 23-1852

Lima
Jr. 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, s/n
Tel: (056) 52-2442 / 52-2450

Puno
Jr. Deustua 538
Tel: (051) 36-4806

Tacna
Jr. Callao 121
Tel: (052) 71-4141 anexo 245

Trujillo
Jr. Independencia 630
Tel: (044) 22-4025 

For additional assistance, contact:

Tel: (01) 574-8000
Service hours: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours per day
E-mail: iperu@promperu.gob.pe

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.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Flight information
Domestic and International: (01) 575-1712 / 574-5529
www.lap.com.pe

Cancellation of travelers´ checks
American Express:  001-800-8602908

BEFORE LEAVING

PROTECTED WILDLIFE AND WILD FLORA SPECIES

Considered by the World Resources Institute as forming part of the select group of eight “megadiverse” 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 or "palos de lluvia" (also called oncelote,  a small feline resembling a tiger).  

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. If you are leaving Peru through the Jorge Chávez 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. If 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.

(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 persons 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.

The authorization for the extraction, sale and/or export of wildlife and wild flora must be requested from INRENA:

Calle Diecisiete 355, Urb. El Palomar. San Isidro, Lima
Tel: (01) 224-3298 (anexo 167) / (01) 225-1053
E-mail: inrenabibli@terra.com.pe

(2) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CULTURE

The National Institute of Culture (INC) is the State’s public organization responsible for the protection, preservation, restoration and dissemination of Peru’s Cultural Heritage.

Cultural property, whether archaeological or historical,  is protected by law; and its export is prohibited. Clandestine export of cultural property is a crime. The law authorizes the confiscation, in favor of the State, of any material, equipment and vehicles used in the commission of crimes against the cultural heritage, as well as of the unduly obtained cultural property. For further information, visit the INC:

Edificio Museo de la Nación, 6º piso
Av. Javier Prado Este 2465.San Borja, Lima
Tel.: (01) 476-9900
http://inc.perucultural.org.pe
E-mail: inc@inictel.gob.pe

AFTER VISITING PERU

We would appreciate your comments, observations and suggestions which should be forwarded to:

Edificio MITINCI, piso 13
Calle Uno Oeste Nº 50. Urb. Córpac, San Isidro
Lima 27 – Perú

Tel.: (51-1) 574-8000
Fax: (51-1) 224-9355
E-mail: iperu@promperu.gob.pe

 
PROMPERU

PromPerú (Commission for the Promotion of Peru) was created in 1993. It is the public institution responsible for the projection of the image and reality of Peru through the promotion of investments and tourism. As a promotional entity, PromPerú designs strategies related to overall promotion and the opening of information channels, jointly working with the private sector and several institutions of the community.

© PromPerú - Commission for the Promotion of Peru
Practical Information for Travelers

PromPerú –Commission for the Promotion of Peru
Edificio MITINCI, pisos 13 y 14
Calle Uno Oeste Nº 50. Urb. Córpac, San Isidro
Lima 27 – Perú

Tel.:     (51-1) 224-3271 / 224-3118 / 224-3125
Fax:     (51-1) 224-3323
http://www.peru.org.pe
E-mail: postmaster@promperu.gob.pe

 Courtesy of Promperu