Useful Travel Information

USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION, PERU – TRAVEL:

About:

Weather
Languages
Peruvian Currency
Visas
What to bring with you
Health Care
Traveling in Peru
Transport
Food in Perú
Safety during your trip

Weather:

TThe weather in Peru is different and diverse. Each region have their own typical weather, with a large variety of climates.he weather in Peru is determined by the presence of tha Andes Mountains and the Cold Humboldt Current

In general, the climate on the coast is subtropical with very little rainfall. The Andes mountains observe a cool-to-cold climate with rainy summers and very dry winters. The Jungle area is very hot and humid with rayny on the season that belong.

Specifically in major cities such as: Lima City have coast weather. But Cusco is highland. So the dry season is between May to October, and rain season is from November to March. Temperatures during the day in the dry season can get hot making shorts rather inviting. At night, temperatures can drop quickly and a warm sweater makes walking around the main square.

Languages:

The official languages are Spanish (80% of the population), Quechua (Andean and highland regions), and Aymara (in the Puno high region).

It is possible to communicate in English with tourist services workers such as tourist guides, travel agency employees and 3 to 5-star hotels staff.

Peruvian Currency:

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). But The U.S. Dollar is accepted in many local businesses, restaurants and gas stations at the day’s exchange rate. Specially all the business that work with tourism.

It is also possible to exchange foreign currency (US$ and Euros) at hotels, banks and authorized exchange houses.

Visas:

The visa is not necessary in the majority of countries (ask at the Embassy of Peru in your country) tourist visa allows to stay 90 days in Peru, you can make extensions of 30 days for a maximum of 3 times, arriving to stay 180 days (6 months) in Peru. Each visa extension will cost you around $25.00, you should consider going to Bolivia or Chile, if you need more time in Peru. This will take you approximately two days and you will have guaranteed another 90 days.

What to bring with you:

If you are coming to Peru. About the clothes is depend on what city are you visiting. In Lima you will need from May to December a jacket and a sweater. Light clothes from January to April.

For traveling to Cusco you will need a warm Jacket. Here usually is cold. There are 3350 meters over sea level. It is different to go to the mountain.

Health Care:

Peru generally maintains good health conditions. Hospitals and clinics provide adequate services, specially in Lima and the other main cities.

It is recommended that you take the proper measures to protect yourself, specially from mosquito bites, in order to prevent infection from, among other

diseases, yellow fever (vaccination) and malaria (repellant and medication). Consult your doctor before traveling.

A yellow fever vaccination is required for traveling to jungle cities, and it must be administered at least 10 days before your trip. If not, it will not be effective.

If you go to the mountain. In this Case Cusco City one of the most often problem is the altitude. Many people get altitude sickness.

To avoid altitude sickness or soroche, we suggest you to ascend gradually in order to become acclimatized, rest on the first day of your arrival, eat light foods, drink plenty of water and keep lemon candies at hand. If you have heart problems consult your doctor.

To keep from getting gastrointestinal infections, we recommend you take care when eating raw foods. Drink bottled or boiled water and do not eat food from street vendors.

Food in Peru:

Peruvian cuisine is recognized around the world as one of the best in South America. As a major fishing nation, fish is abundant, and prepared with imagination

Peru has an amazing cuisine, one that has evolved from both local and immigrant traditions. Foods that were prepared by ancient civilizations are still enjoyed today, Peru’s geography yields diverse ingredients: abundant seafood from the coast, tropical fruits from the jungle, and unusual varieties of grains and potatoes from the Andes.

Try it and see what everyone is raving about.

Ceviche
Aji de Gallina
Lomo Saltado
Cuy
Causa
Chupe de Camarones
Anticucho de Pollo
Papa rellena
Rocoto relleno