Peru
The Facts
Population: 27.148 million (July 2004 estimate)
Capital: Lima
Currency: The Peruvian currency is the nuevo sol (S/.) It is a decimal system like almost everywhere else (100 centimos = 1 nuevo sol). Coins = 10, 20 & 50 centimos, 1, 2 and 5 nuevos soles; bank note denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles.
The United States dollar exchange rate is variable. We suggest checking with Lima Tours personnel, your hotel reception or a bank. Try to keep small denomination notes to make transactions easier.
Most hotels, restaurants and businesses accept dollars but if you want to change your money into local currency we recommend you to do so at a bank or to ask at your hotel reception. For your security, do not have anything to do with street money changers.
Banks are usually open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
There are automatic teller machines in strategic places where cash can be obtained using the principal international credit cards, either in Peruvian currency or in dollars. Take the usual security precautions when withdrawing cash from such machines.
The best-known international credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA) are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops.
Contact the local offices of these credit cards on the following numbers:
1. American Express tel: 441-4744 or 441-4762
2. Diners Club tel: 221-2050
3. MasterCard (please contact the MasterCard office in your country of origin).
4. Visa: make a collect (reversed charges) call to the USA on (410) 581-9754.
Language(s): Spanish is the official language. Quechua is spoken by millions of highland campesinos (peasants) throughout the country, and has begun to be taught in schools. Aymara is spoken around Lake Titicaca, and there are numerous indigenous tongues in the Amazonian regions.
Time Difference: Peruvian time is GMT -5 hours. Also don't forget that we are in the tropics, where people have a rather relaxed attitude to time.
We, of course, take particular care to avoid any delays.
International dialling code: +51
Clothing: In Lima and on the coast in general, December to April are the hottest and sunniest months. June to August is more humid and a light drizzle may occur from June to October, though it never rains in Lima. You can wear lightweight clothing from October to May.
In contrast, the driest months in the highlands are June to October, though the weather in this area can vary considerably in a single day: very cold at night and in the early morning and hot at midday. It is advisable, here to use clothes that you can change easily. Sweaters / jumpers, jackets and long trousers are necessary. Daytime temperatures can vary between 60ºF/15ºC - 70ºF/20ºC and between 40ºF/4ºC - 50ºF/10ºC at night. If you are visiting the city of Cusco, for example, (3,400 mts. / 11,200 ft.) and go on an excursion to Machu Picchu (2,400 mts. / 8,000 ft.) you will leave in the early morning when it is very cold but the temperature when you arrive may be quite high, not only because of the time of day but because of the altitude. It rains from December to March so waterproof clothing is essential.
In the jungle, at Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado the temperature is 80ºF / 27ºC. Rainfall is heaviest from June to November. The same type of clothes are suitable all year: tropical kit but always with long trousers and lightweight cotton shirts with long sleeves, which are not too hot but protect against jungle insects. Don't forget waterproof boots or trainers for walking, absorbent socks, a hat, waterproof, swimming costume, sunglasses, sun block, repellent, binoculars, torch and a water bottle or canteen.
Health: If your trip to Peru includes a visit to the Andean highlands such as Cusco, located at 3,400 mts. / 11,200 ft. above sea level, don't forget to take precautions to avoid the discomfort some people suffer at high altitude. On arrival take a hot cup of coca leaf tea and rest for a few hours.
You will become acclimatised more easily of you spend a night or two in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is at an altitude of 2,800 mts. / 9,200 ft., before going to Cusco. For your information, Machu Picchu is at an altitude of 2,400 mts. / 8,000 ft.
Tourists with heart problems or high blood pressure who are visiting Cusco or other highland cities should consult their doctor first.
If you are going to the jungle, a Yellow Fever inoculation is obligatory and you should have it at least 10 days before visiting the area. This vaccination lasts for 10 years.
As always, we recommend you check with your GP who will advise you of the up to date requirements.
Water & Food: Tap water can be drunk in most parts of Peru but the chemical content is different in each place. To avoid problems we recommend that you drink only bottled water.
Peruvian cuisine is spicy and very varied. Some typical dishes are: "Cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (chicken strips cooked in a sauce of milk, bread and chili peppers), "anticuchos" brochettes of beef heart and meat) among many others. You should also try a "Pisco Sour", a typical aperitif made from pisco (grape brandy), lemon juice, egg white and syrup.
Although we recommend you to try the local and international cuisine available in Peru, which is known throughout the world as some of the best, we would also say that the main fast food chains also have branches in Lima.
Safety: As in all the world's large cities, there is a high incidence of handbag snatching. We therefore recommend that you carry money and credit cards in a money belt and don't take a handbag unless it is absolutely essential.
The main hotels have safe deposit boxes and we suggest you leave your valuables, passport and air tickets there. Be very careful with handbags, cameras and video recorders, especially in places where lots of people congregate, such as markets, railway stations and public squares, etc.
Electricity: 220 volts AC / 60 Hz throughout Peru.
Most hotels have 110 volt shaver sockets in the bathrooms, but they are not suitable for travel irons and hair dryers.
Transport: Lima and Cusco have a large number of taxis whose fares are very modest. Before taking a taxi we recommend finding out the approximate fares for your route from the hotel reception.
Taxis have no meters, so before starting your journey agree the fare with the driver. In Lima, if you are going to stop a taxi in the street, use the yellow ones that have the driver's identification visible inside.
Remember to carry coins to pay the fare.
Airport Taxes: For domestic flights - US$ 6.05; For international flights - US$ 30.25
