Useful Information



Weather
- Geographically, Peru is located in a tropical zone of the southern hemisphere, very near the Equator. It has a great variety of climates due to the presence of the Andes mountain range, the Peruvian streams and the anti-cyclone circulation in the South Pacific.
- The highlands (sierra) has a dry and mild climate, being May to October spring season (sunny days, cold nights and few rain); and the rainy season is from December to March.
- The jungle has a warm and humid tropical weather. From May to October it is spring season with temperatures above 30º Celsius. From November to March there are frequent heavy rainfalls that increase the volume of water in rivers.
- The coast is, in its majority, a desert. Two much defined seasons can be identified: summer (from December to March) when there is less humidity; and winter (from June to September) when fog is usually observed and rarely, light drizzling. The rest of the months the coast is mild.
- The north coast, near the Equator, has a warm climate year long and rainy in summer time.
Electric Power
Peru uses a 220 voltage, most of the hotels generally have two different types of outlets, but we suggest to bring a converter for 110-volt devices, it is usually best to just come prepared with an adapter for all situations. The majority of 5 and 4 star hotels also count on 110 volts electric power.
Communications
TELEPHONE
In Lima & other larger cities, you can buy SIM cards for your phone for about US $ 15.00 approx. Credit can be purchased in drugstores and supermarkets. Cell-phone reception may be poor in the mountains or jungle.
To make an international phone call from Peru one must dial: 0 + country code + area code + phone number.
To make a national phone call, one must dial: 0 + area code + phone number.
INTERNET
One can find public Internet booths in every main city. The majority of 5, 4 and 3 star hotels count on Internet halls or wireless connections.
TRANSPORTATION
AIR
The only airport that groups international traffic is the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. There are flights and connections to all the main cities nationwide except for Ica, Huancayo and Huaraz.
LAND
There are intercity buses that run nationwide routes. Taxis do not count on meters, so one has to fix the price in advance with the driver. It is suggested to ask for radio taxis associated to professional firms which can be contacted by phone. There is also public transport, which is cheaper and runs on fixed long routes. However, it is not suggested because they do not provide a good service.
TRAIN
- Routes being covered are
- Lima – Huancayo, departs from the “Desamparados” train station. The highest train route in the world since it reaches 4,829 m.a.s.l.
- Huancayo – Huancavelica, depart on the train “Macho” and the journey lasts about 5 hours.
- Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Incas / Aguas Calientes, one can depart from Aguas Calientes from the city of Cusco or from the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Cusco – Puno, one travels on the Andean Explorer´s.
Tourist Visa
The majority of citizens coming from countries in America and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa. Citizens from Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador can travel to Peru with their ID only to certain regions of the country.
People that travel to Peru as tourists, can stay for a 90 day period.
Contact consular offices:
Tips
Tipping is typical in Peru, most restaurants have an automatic 10% gratuity on the bill, look for the word “propina”. If they do not it is customary to add 10%
Water
Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink, we suggest drinking bottled water and to cooperated with the planet you could bring your own reusable bottle.
Language
Spanish (80%) is the official language of Peru; Quechua 16%, Others languages (3% aymara y dialectos) however, 47 indigenous languages are also spoken in the country
Vaccines
No vaccines are required to travel to Peru, but if the destination is the jungle, it is important to be vaccinated against yellow fever. To be effective one has to be vaccinated 10 days before the trip.