Visiting Peru for the first time? Here we have some information that could help you.
The South of Peru has a lot to offer to visitors, explore the desert of Peru and overfly the
enigmatic Nazca Lines in Nazca city, visit Arequipa city and the Colca Canyon the deepest
canyons in the world, go to Lake Titicaca the highest Navigate Lake on the world in Puno city,
explore the Amazon (Manu Park) or walk the famous Inca trail and the beautiful Rainbow mountain
during your expedition to Machu Picchu in Cusco.
Cities to Visit: Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno
and Cusco
The country covers three major geographic and climatic zones. Coast (Desert), Sierra (Andes) and
Jungle (Amazon). It is split north to south by the Andes Mountains and is covered by the Amazon
Jungle in the east.
The country generally experiences two seasons: Wet season from November through March (Summer)
and a Dry season from April through October (Winter).
•Best Time to Visit Peru?
Coast: the best time from December to March - Summer
Andes: the best time is from April to October - Winter
Jungle: best time from April - October
However since Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere it is also our Winter so the nights can be cold
in the Cusco region, often falling to freezing in July and August but beautiful sunny
days!
•Clothing for Peru?:
Coast : some synthetic tops that wash and dry quickly and these will work in the Andes, also.
Fleece is the best outer covering because it is so darn light. A couple pair of jeans, two pair
of dress slacks, one pair of cropped pants
Andes : Dress with clothing in layers ( t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweater, jacket) so you can
"peel" them off as the day gets warm and put them back on when it gets colder. Bring a small
backpack to carry your clothing and tourist apparel. Casual clothing is all what you need when
visiting and going to restaurants
Amazon : long pants, the best thing is very thin cotton (or linen) drawstring pants, like pajama
pants or thin surgical scrub pants. Rain poncho (rain coat), sunscreen (factor 50), Mosquit repellent, Avoid wearing dark clothes in
the jungle--dark colors attract bugs
Mosquito repellent: the DEET concentratoin tells you how long the DEET lasts. For example, 100%
DEET will last about 10 hours; 10% DEET about 90 minutes, 25% DEET 2.5 hours, etc. Also, the
majority of the DEET product, when sprayed onto the skin, either evaporates or is absorbed into
the body,which is why such high concentrations are required
•Weather in Cusco?
Cusco experiences two seasons: a wet season from November through March and a dry season from
April through October.
The best time and most popular time to visit Cusco is between June and August. It's recommended
to come in April or October, just after and/or before the rainy season and the tourist
crowds.
The good thing during the rainy season is the warm weather at day time and not feeling cold at
night. Even if it rains it will normally be a heavy shower and then the sun will come out again.
In addition, the mountains will be lush green with potatoes and corn plantations. Full of
flowers and many colors. The Dry season , It normally does not rain, but it will be chilly in
the afternoons and quite cold during the night.
•Best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Machu picchu has a special weather, the area has 2 seasons, the rainy season from Nov to March
and the dry season from Abril to october.
Most of the year it is foggy (early in the morning) but later that 9am it clears up! it will be
sunny and blue sky, the nights are cool.
If you want to an opportunity to see Machupicchu the way it looks in classic pictures, your best
chance is during the dry season.
Temperature will be the 35ºC max during the day and 10ºC max during the nights.
July and August are the busiest months because this period coincides with summer holidays in
Europe and North America, Canada etc.
Peru generally maintains good health conditions. Hospitals and clinics provide adequate services,
especially in Lima and the other main cities.
Consult with your doctor about preventive measures for traveling in the jungle or at high
altitudes.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent blood clots. Insurance
covers you for medical expenses abroad?
Is safe to drink tap water?
It’s not advised to drink tap water owing to the bacteria and chemicals in it. Make sure that the water is boiled first.
How much water should you drink while you are in Peru ?
you should drink a 1.5lt of water every day while visiting Peru
There are plenty of different options for bottled water in Peru, and all are relatively cheap. The downside of this is the amount of plastic waste that it produces.
Can I clean my teeth and wash vegetables with tap water in Peru?
Yes. While the water in Peru is not safe for drinking, it is safe for things like showering, cleaning your teeth, and washing salad. If you are more cautious or particularly sensitive then you can use pe-boiled water for these activities, but it is not necessary.
Diarrhea?
Travelers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of prevention is food and water precautions. All travelers should bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal drug
Most cases of travelers' diarrhea are mild and do not require either antibiotics or antidiarrheal drugs. Adequate fluid intake is essential.
What medication use if you have diarrhea in Peru?
(Require Prescription)
• A quinolone antibiotic is usually prescribed: either ciprofloxacin (Cipro) 500 mg twice daily or levofloxacin (Levaquin) 500 mg once daily for a total of three days.
Quinolones are generally well-tolerated, but occasionally cause sun sensitivity and should not be given to children, pregnant women, or anyone with a history of quinolone allergy.
• Xifaxan 200 mg three times daily or azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg once daily. Rifaximin should not be used by those with fever or bloody stools and is not approved for pregnant women or those under age 12.
• Azithromycin: should be avoided in those allergic to erythromycin or related antibiotics. An antidiarrheal drug such as loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate (Lomotil) should be taken as needed to slow the frequency of stools, but not enough to stop the bowel movements completely. Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium) should not be given to children under age two.
• Tinidazole : is used to treat trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease that can affect men and women), giardiasis (an infection of the intestine that can cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps), and amebiasis (an infection of the intestine that can cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps and can spread to other
ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
May occur in travelers who ascend rapidly to altitudes greater than 2500 meters, including Cusco (3000 meters) and Lake Titicaca (4000 meters).
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
Prevention of altitude illnesses falls into two categories, proper acclimatization and preventive medications. Start below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and walk up.
Medication for Altitude Sickness(Require Prescription)
* Diamox (Acetazolamide) allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. The usual dosage is 125 or 250 mg twice daily starting 24 hours before ascent and continuing for 48 hours after arrival at altitude.
Possible side-effects include increased urinary volume, numbness, tingling, nausea, drowsiness, myopia and temporary impotence. Acetazolamide should not be given to pregnant women or those with a history of sulfa allergy. For those who cannot tolerate acetazolamide, the preferred alternative is dexamethasone 4 mg taken four times daily. Unlike acetazolamide, dexamethasone must be tapered gradually upon arrival at altitude, since there is a risk that altitude sickness will occur as the dosage is reduced
* Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a drug that decreases brain and other swelling, helping to reverse the effects
VACCINATIONS PERU?
Yellow fever shots are needed if traveling to the Amazon rain-forest in Peru, You do not need other shots to visit the rest of Peru.
You could be requested to show a vaccination certificate upon arrival to Puerto Maldonado or Manu, areas less than 2300 m in elevation. You should receive the yellow fever shot 10 days prior your arrival to Peru
Malaria in Peru: prophylaxis is recommended for all areas below 2000 m (6561 ft), including the cities of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado
Medication for Malaria in Peru? (Require Prescription)
Mefloquine is taken once weekly in a dosage of 250 mg, starting one-to-two weeks before arrival and continuing through the trip and for four weeks after departure.
Mefloquine may cause mild neuropsychiatric symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia,
Mefloquine should not be given to anyone with a history of seizures, psychiatric illness, cardiac conduction disorders, or allergy to quinine or quinidine
INSECT PROTECTION?
Wear long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes (rather than sandals). Apply insect repellents containing 25-50% DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) or 20% picaridin (Bayrepel) to exposed skin
DEET may also be applied to clothing. Products with a lower concentration of either repellent need to be repplied more frequently. Products with a higher concentration of DEET carry an increased risk of neurologic toxicity, especially in children, without any additional benefit.
Do not use either DEET or picaridin on children less than two years of age.
Note: the DEET concentratoin tells you how long the DEET lasts. For example, 100% DEET will last about 10 hours; 10% DEET about 90 minutes, 25% DEET 2.5 hours, etc. Also, the majority of the DEET product, when sprayed onto the skin, either evaporates or is absorbed into the body,which is why such high concentrations are required.
TRAVEL INSURANCE ADVICE
Make sure your health insurance covers you for medical expenses abroad. If not, supplemental
insurance for overseas coverage, including possible evacuation, should be seriously considered.
If illness occurs while abroad, medical expenses including evacuation may run to tens of
thousands of dollars.
Peru recognizes that tourism plays an important part in its developing economy and has taken great steps in the last few years to change its poor security record. You'll find a lot more police, especially plain clothed officers, in the towns and cities most frequently visited by tourists. Thankfully the instances of assaults on tourists are very rare. so we can say Peru is safe
If, at the end of the day, you are unfortunate enough to be robbed … just accept it as a travel experience. Make sure that you have good insurance and that you've read the small print before arriving in Peru so you know what is required to make a successful claim
Excluding precious photos, most things can be replaced in Peru. Finally don't let it spoil your holiday and don't suddenly believe that every Peruvian is a thief. The overwhelming majority are kind, honest, hardworking people who detest the thieves probably more than you do – when they get robbed they usually don't have insurance!
Few simple precautions to be safe in Peru:
During the visit to Peru, we recommend taking the following precautions
Consider getting a copy of the passport, airplane tickets, and credit cards; likewise, think about the option of leaving personal documents in the safekeeping of the hotel and taking the copies with you.
Discover where the unsafe areas of the city are and avoid visiting them, especially at night. Also consult the appropriate hours for visiting tourist attractions.
If you must exchange money, do so in banks, exchange houses, or in your hotel. Avoid doing this in plain sight.
If you drive a car, try using a parking garage or similar service. Do not leave it in dark spots or leave valuables in plain sight.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN PERU
The emergency phone number in the whole of Peru is : 105 (not 911)
The police in Lima : 225-0220
Police in Cusco:105
Firefighters : 116
Red Cross : 275-3566
Airport (International and National Flights) : 511-6055
EMBASSIES NUMBERS
Australia 222-8281
Great Britain 617-3050
Argentina 433-3381
Austria 442-0503
New Zealand 422-7491
Brazil 421-5650
Canada 444-4015
Chile 611-2200
Spain 513-7930
France 215-8400
Germany 212-5016
USA 434-3000
Mexico 221-1100
Switzerland 264-0305
The Nuevo Sol (S/.) is the currency of Peru (PEN = International code for the Peruvian currency.
You can exchange USA $ or Euros at almost any place, banks, money changing offices, hotels,
restaurants and with street money changers. Beware of false notes.
Many ATMs are available for all systems (Visa,Master Card,Cirrus, American Express and Diner's
Club,etc)
You can withdraw money in Peruvian Soles or USA Dollars at most ATMs across the
country.
Most ATM machines in Peru do not add any charge for withdrawing money from your home bank
account, but your own bank might.
Credit cards can also be used to pay shop, hotel and restaurant bills but users should note that
they will be charged between 5% and 10% commission, so ask first
if you go to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). ATMs and banks are a rare find in those areas, plan
to take cash with you
Many ATM’s are limited to how much you can withdraw per transaction, often 800USD or
2000Soles.
STREET CHANGERS
Changing money on the street is perfectly legal in Peru. Unlike other South American countries,
Peru does not have a Black Market exchange rate. In fact the rate on the street differs very
little from the Casas de Cambio 'exchange houses'
CASH - NO RIPS
For smaller villages and towns, travellers' cheques may be hard to cash or the rate of exchange
is ridiculously poor. For these places bring along cash US dollars. Make sure that the notes
that you bring from home or accept are in excellent condition.
Even the slightest rip will make exchange almost impossible. Try to get the new style dollars
with watermarks and the metallic strip embedded in the note as you're less likely to end up with
a counterfeit note.
Anyone who has been to Peru can vouch for its wonderful cuisine. Sophisticated restaurants,
awarded several forks, reflect the diversity of a nation that has blended its native traditions
with the cuisine of Europe, the Middle East, China , Africa and Japan. The result: unique
flavors that make Peruvian cuisine one of the finest and most varied in the world.
All the new restaurants now offer a variation and fusion of these dishes with more nouveau or novoandina cuisine. Be sure you try at least a few of this exquisite dishes
Main Dishes:
•Ceviche Diced marinated fish in limes served with sliced red onions and aji limo or rocoto
(chili), accompanied with sweet potato, corn and seaweed.
This dish is made in many ways and the recipe is not unique. It is done with all kinds of fish,
seafood and even vegetables or chicken. A new variation on this dish is called
Tiradito.
The fish is cut like carpaccio instead of being diced, and it is not served with onions but with
a variation of different sauces.
•Anticuchos (Quechua for Kebab) are a popular, inexpensive dish consisting of small pieces
of grilled skewered meat. Anticuchos are readily found on streetcars and street food stalls, as
well as in many restaurants.The meat is marinated in vinegar and spices and while anticuchos can
be made of any type of meat, the most popular type are made of cow heart (anticuchos de corazon)
and served with a boiled potato or corn and a chili sauce.
•Lomo Saltado (jumping beef) its a very typical Peruvian dish originated by the influence
of the Cantonese-Chinese around the middle of the 19th century, it contains the seasoning and
the mixture of the Peruvian creole cooking and the oriental one.It is beef sauteed with onion,
tomato, soy sauce, vinegar, chili (aji) and served or mixed with French fried potatoes and
accompanied with rice.You will find this dish at almost every restaurant in Peru.
•Papa Rellena (stuffed potato) - mashed yellow potatoes (papa amarilla) stuffed with
minced meat, eggs, olives and various spices and then deep fried.
•Causa It is a mashed yellow potato dumpling mixed with lemon, onion, chili and oil ,
stuffed with avocado, tomato and boiled eggs. Varieties include stuffing with chicken, tuna,
shellfish or many others added to the mixture. Served cold with black olives.
•Pachamanca - Cooked all over the Andean region of Peru, is made from a variety of meats
(fish, chicken, lamb, pork and beef), herbs and a variety of vegetables, mainly many types of
potatoes, that are slowly cooked underground on a bed of heated stones. Normally done at
specialized restaurants on the outskirts of Lima or at big gatherings.
•Cuy Chactado (Guinea pig)A highland delicacy. If you have a chance try it. In Lima you
can try it at sophisticated restaurants like Astrid & Gaston. It will have a much appetizing
presentation than in many other restaurants.
•Aji de Gallina (chili chicken) Thin strips of chicken stewed with a creamy and spicy
sauce, made with aji amarillo,cheese, milk, bread, and walnuts, served over slices of boiled
potatoes and accompanied with white rice.Traditionally made from farm black hens, but today from
chickens.
•Chicharrones - Deep-fried (in its own fat) and heavily salted pork served with fried
sweet potatoes (camote) Its also eaten as a sandwich.
•Papa a la Huancaina (Huancayo-style potatoes), a dish consisting of sliced boiled
potatoes, served on a bed of lettuce with a sauce made out of Aji amarillo ,milk and farmers
cheese ,served with olives and a slice of boiled egg. It is actually from chosica, in Lima, made
by a "Huancaina" (a person from Huancayo)
•Arroz con Pollo or rice with chicken, is enjoyed for its rich-flavored rice made with
cilantro,green peas,bell peppers and cooked with beer, combined with chicken pieces.
•Cau cau - Consisting of tripe and diced potatoes and turmeric stew served with rice. The
seasoning of this dish is now also used with other meats or seafood rather than
tripe.
•Butifarras-a sandwich in a hamburger-type bread roll (french bread) and consisting of
Peruvian ham with an onion spicy sauce.(salsa criolla)
•Carapulcra- A stew of dried potatoes, combined with pork or chicken, red chilies, peanuts
and cumin.
•Empanadas Peruanas (Peruvian pastries) They can be filled either with chicken, beef,
cheese or be strictly vegetarian. They have a unique taste due to the addition of olives and
hard boiled eggs and raisins.These are not fried but baked.
•Chupe de Camarones (shrimp cioppino) A very popular dish of the Peruvian coastal cuisine.
It is made from a thick freshwater shrimp (crayfish) stock soup, potatoes, milk, egg and chili
pepper.
•Tamales: Boiled corn with pork or chicken meat and wrapped in a banana leaf. Similar are
the Humitas, are corn mixed with spices, sugar, onions, filled with pork and olives and finally
wrapped in the leaves of corn husks. Tamales are a common breakfast food, often served with a
spicy onion sauce (Salsa Criolla)
•Seco de Cabrito - (goat stew) A pot stew after marinating with chicha de jora or beer and
other spices including lots of fresh cilantro and garlic.This has become a very popular type of
stew and now you an find "Seco" made with beef or chicken.
•Olluquito .-Olluco is a yellowish tuber. A stew of finely diced ollucos with charqui
pieces (traditionally alpaca, or less frequently llama meat or ground beef or cheese) served
with white rice.
•Rocoto relleno-(stuffed Rocotos) Rocotos are one of the very hot (spicy) chillies of
Peru. In this dish they are stuffed with spiced beef , onions, olives, egg white and then cooked
in the oven with potatoes covered with cheese and milk.
•Tacu Tacu: Beans mixed with rice and refried. Served with pan-fried steak, fried egg and
fried bananas. A classic very filling dish.Variations are now served in many restaurants, try
Tacu Tacu de Mariscos (seafood)
•Chifa: A Peruvian version of Cantonese-Chinese food. Many chifas are located all over
Peru.
•Sancochado (parboil) A beefs,sausage and varied vegetable parboiled.Its offered at
restaurants during winter time. You are served a clear soup and separately the different meats
and vegetables.
SWEET DISHES
Picarones - A sweet, ring-shaped fritter with a pumpkin base,served with a molasses
syrup.
•Alfajores - Basic recipe makes use of a base mix of flour, lemon rind, margarine, and
powdered sugar which is then oven-baked. Alfajores consist of two or more layers of this baked
pastry, and is usually filled with either manjar blanco (a caramel-colored, sweet, creamy
filling made with milk and sugar) or molasses.
•Suspiro Limeño - A very popular and typical sweet dessert made of milk, egg whites, port
and cinnamon.
•Turrones - Turron de Dona Pepa, an anise and honey nougat that is traditionally prepared
during October.
•Lucuma -Its a Peruvian fruit from the Inca times. Its used for desserts, never eaten raw.
Lucuma juice, ice cream, and corresponding lucuma shakes are very popular throughout Peru.
Chirimoya is another Peruvian fruit used in many deserts.
•Mazamorra Morada - a jelly-like dessert made with-purple maize.(same as Chicha
morada)
•Tejas - Candy filled with manjar blanco and coated with a fondant-like shell. Also made
with a chocolate shell (chocoteja).
PERUVIAN DRINKS:
•Chicha Morada - Made out of purple maize. Very sweet and popular,
non-alcoholic
•Chicha de Jora - Made out of a yellow maize and fermented. Has alcohol
•Inca Kola - A very popular yellow color Soda pop.
•Pisco Sour - An alcoholic cocktail made with Peruvian Pisco , limes and sugar. Excellent
but beware, its not a lemonade.
Peru has a wide range of hotels: (from basic hostels to 5 stars Hotel), varying in room capacity and quality, to satisfy the needs of all visitors. Thanks to the privatization of the chain of State-run hotels, and new foreign and national investment, accommodation for tourists continues to be greatly improved.
•Immigration card - article
I just booked a room at Cuscotheir email confirmation states "Please do not forget to bring your
immigration card that is inside your passport so that you are not required to pay IGV (General
Sales tax) on top of your room fees." I don't have my passport on me because it's off being
renewed but if I just bring my passport along, I should have this so called "immigration card"
right? Or is this something separate? TIA!
ANSWER: When you enter Peru, you will fill in an 'immigration card' (ours was a white
piece of paper). Yes, present it at any accommodation so as to avoid paying the tax and keep it
with your passport for safety; so you know where it is!
•Hotels in Machu Picchu
You can find hotels from 5 stars to basic hostels
Stay at the super expensive US$750 a night Machu picchu, Sanctuary lodge ,which is the only
hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu ruins, or you can spend the night in one of the many hotels in
Aguas calientes town
There are various types of public transport in Peru, ranging from modern air fleets to antiquated
trucks. In most towns and cities, it’s easy to walk everywhere or take a taxi.
Local buses and Combies (small vans), are very inexpensive but If you want to travel long
distances inter-cities it’s best to bus or fly
Main Airport Peru:
Most visitors begin by flying into Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM).
Lima Airport is about 8 hours from New York, 7 hours from Atlanta and Houston, and 6 hours from
Miami. U.S. carriers include American, Continental, Delta, and United.
From Europe carriers include LAN, Iberia and KLM and non-stop flights take about 12-13
hours.
From Lima, it is a one-hour flight to Aeropuerto Velasco Astete Cusco
Airlines in Peru:
LATAM Peru : www.latamairlines.com
Star Peru : www.starperu.com/es
Avianca: https://www.avianca.com/pe/es/
Low Cost Airlines:
SKY Airline Peru : www.skyairline.com/peru
JET Smart: www.jetsmart.com/pe/es/
BUSES INTER CITIES:
They are a common mode of transportation for both short and long-distance travel within the country
Buses in most of the cities depart from bus terminals called Terminal Terrestre.
However it is highly recommended to pay a bit extra and going with a more professional company such as Cruz del Sur or PeruHope
THE SEMI-CAMA SEATS:
recline 170 degrees but it is still difficult to sleep on them.
Also, you can get vegetarian meals if you request them when purchasing your bus ticket. The companies has government policemen checking identification documents when you board the bus.
MAIN BUS COMPANIES PERU:
Cruz del Sur www.cruzdelsur.com.pe
Good quality buses with a good safety record. Website in English with the facility to reserve and pay online. Lima to Cusco between 22 hours depending on service.
Peru Hope : https://www.peruhop.com
CIVA BUS: https://www.civa.com.pe/
OLTURSA BUS : https://www.oltursa.pe/
OTHER BUS COMPANIES PERU:
Bus Cusco – Puno: http://www.inkaexpress.com
Bus Cusco - Puerto Maldonado: www.grupopalomino.com.pe
TAXIES IN PERU:
They seem to be everywhere. Private cars that have a small taxi sticker in the windshield aren’t necessarily regulated.
Safer, regulated taxis usually have a lit company number on the roof and are reached by phone. These are more expensive than taxis flagged down on the street, but they are more reliable.
TAXIES FARES IN PERU:
Always ask the fare in advance, as there are no meters. It’s acceptable to haggle; especially for long trips. The standard fare for short runs in most cities is around S/.7 soles
PRICE FROM AIRPORT IN LIMA TO HOTEL
A taxi which you can book inside the airport. It should not cost you more than $12 to 15 if you go to Lima downtown or Miraflores.
How much should I expect to pay for a taxi from the airport in Cusco to downtown of Cusco?
Take a taxi which you can book inside the airport, $5
Tipping is not the norm, unless you have hired a driver for a long period or he has
helped you with luggage or other lifting.
TRAIN IN PERU
Peru Rail is the company in charge of the railway system. There are two routes in the country; the most touristy and widely used is the Southern one, linking Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. The last route departs from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
When traveling by train, you may choose from several categories depending on your necessities and budget. The best ones are Pullman or buffet; then, first class, business/tourism and the always-overcrowded second class.
For the route from Cusco – Machu Picchu there is an auto coach, a kind of faster but costlier electric train
TRAIN CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU
There are only 2 train companies
Peru Rail: https://www.perurail.com/es/
Inca Rail: https://incarail.com/es/
The train ride will take you: From Cusco to Aguas Calientes : 3:30 hours approx, and from Ollantaytambo town to Aguas Calientes town : 2 hours.
WHICH ONE IS BETTER?
Peru Rail offers more daily departures to Machu Picchu compared to Inca Rail. However, both include high quality tourist services, both companies offer luxury trains such as the Hiram Bingham (Peru Rail) and the ‘The Private’ (Inca Rail).
The ‘Expedition’ and the ‘The Voyager’ services are the cheapest services of both companies.
Find information and advices about Peru: Best time to visit Peru, weather, safety, transportation, healthy, money and thigs to do in Peru.
