Useful Information

Everything you need to know to enjoy and make the most of your vacation or business trip.

Climate in Peru - Seasons:

• Summer:December 22nd. to March 21st.
• Fall: March 22nd. to June 21st.
• Winter: June 22nd. to September 22nd.
• Spring: September 23rd. to December 21st.

The Coast

There are two different seasons: summer (December to March) with temperatures reaching 27ºC (80ºF); and winter (May to October) a very humid and cold season with temperatures that reach 12ºC (53ºF). Mist and garúa (light rains) are very common during winter. The northern coast has sunny days throughout the year and during summer temperatures reach 35ºC (95ºF).

The HighLands

Dry and warm weather. It has two well defined seasons: summer (May to October) with sunny days, very cold nights and scarce rainfalls, the ideal time for visiting. The rainy season (December to April), with abundant rainfalls. In these area temperature variations are very common, between 20ºC (68ºF) and 2ºC (35ºF).

The Jungle

Humid and tropical weather. It has two clearly different seasons: summer (May to October) with sunny days and temperatures over 30ºC (86ºF); and the rainy season (November to April) with frequent storms causing the rivers to swell. For more information about the climate in Peru visit: www.senamhi.gob.pe

When to visit

The high season for travelers is to a large extent determined by the climate. Peru experiences two very distinct seasons: wet and dry, terms that are much more relevant than "summer" and "winter." Peru’s high season for travel coincides with the driest months: May through September, with by far the greatest number of visitors in July and August. May and September are particularly fine months to visit much of the country.

Time (-5 H. GMT)

• Lima 12:00 h
• New York 13:00 h
• Buenos Aires 14:00 h
• London 18:00 h
• Berlin 19:00 h
• Tokyo 02:00 h (of the following day)

Currency

The official currency 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. Bills come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles. US Dollars are accepted all over the country. We recommend visitors to carry small denomination bills: $ 10, $ 20, and $50. The bills have to be in good condition in order to be accepted. It is advisable to change money in hotels, banks and authorized money exchange offices (office hours: 9:30 – 18:00 h approx.). On Saturdays, most banks work just until noon. The current exchange rate for the American dollar is variable; ask before exchanging your money. For all other currencies, consult in money exchange offices.

Credit Cards

Most of the establishments accept the most popular credit cards such as: Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. American Express Travelers' Checks are used with some limitations; consult with the establishment weather they are accepted or not. When a payment is done with a credit card, be sure to pay the amount of the service or items acquired. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card in Peru. The telephone numbers to receive information about these credit cards in Peru are: American Express 01-424-9066; MasterCard 01-444-33-24; Diners Club 01-221-2050 and Visa 01-242-2975.

Air flights

There are flights and connections from Lima to all the main cities of Peru, except for Huancayo, Huaraz and Ica. If your flight is domestic you must re-confirm your plain tickets 48 hours before and if it is international, 72 hours before.

Airport Tax

At all airports, all international departing passengers are required to pay an airport tax of $31.00. For domestic flights passengers are required to pay an airport tax of $5.84. The payment has to be done in cash before boarding the plane. For international arrivals, an additional quantity of 15 dollars must be paid.

Taxis

In Lima and in the main cities, there is a large quantity of taxis with very reasonable prices. Taximeters are not used in Peru; therefore the price must be negotiated before taking the taxi. Ask where you are staying about the average fares to your destination. No tips are usually given to taxi drivers. Tips vary depending on the customer’s satisfaction with the quality of the service provided. It is very common to give the natives a small tip after taking a picture with them.

Communications

International and long distance national can be made from public pay phones. Country and city codes usually appear in the telephone booths.

• To make an international call dial : 00 + country code + city code + telephone number.
• To call from one city to another dial: 0 + city code + telephone number.
• Pay phones take coins and cards, which are sold in newsstands and supermarkets.
• Verify that you are buying the card corresponding to the telephone company of the Telephone you want to use.
• To obtain information about telephone numbers dial: 103.
• To obtain information about domestic or international flights dial: (01) 575-1712 / 574-5529.

Internet Access

Public Internet booths, locally known as cabinas, are available in the main cities of the country, but few have the same category of a cybercafé. Most of them are simple cubicles with terminals. The average hour cost is less than $1.00. Most cabinas now have softwares that allow making very inexpensive international telephone calls through Internet.

Some Recommendations

We Recommend:

• Eat light and in recommended places.
• It is extremely important to inform if you have health problems, allergies or if you are under any medication, etc.
• It is advisable to bring your own first aid kit.
• If you are planning to visit Cusco (3.330 m.a.s.l.) or the Lake Titicaca (3500 m.a.s.l.).

At this altitude, visitors might have difficuting breathing because of the lack of oxygen, feel palpitations, both symptoms are normal. Some people can have headaches, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and nauseas. Most of these symptoms are caused by the altitude, and can appear the first day, although sometimes, visitors are not likely to have these kinds of reactions. The best advice is to rest the day of arrival, drink enough liquids and try the local remedy: we recommend visitors to drink “Mate de Coca “(it is perfectly legal).

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol. You can avoid the altitude sickness by taking 500 mg. of acetazolamide (Diamox) per day, 24 hours before leaving and continuing 48 hours later after arriving to the cities. Allergic people that use sulfa do not have to take acetazolam.
• Visitors must drink bottled water only, which is very easy to obtain. Do not drink tap water, not even in the best hotels.
• Avoid ingesting foods that are sold on the streets.

Health

Due to high altitude, passengers might have health problems like Andean altitude sickness (soroche), tiredness, low blood pressure, upset stomach, headache, etc.

Security

• Do not walk around late at night, is better to have some company.
• Carry only the necessary things; leave your valuables at the hotel.
• Always carry an identification document.
• In order to be safe, take taxis of authorized companies or taxis with identification (label).
• Be cautious and verify the voltage with the electric current in the country, before using your devices: hair dryer, razors, video cameras recordings, etc.
• When going for a walk or shopping, leave your passport and most of your money in the safety deposit box of the hotel. Take only the amount that you plan to spend. Carry in your wallet or purse, only one copy of your passport where your photo appears. This can be useful if you want to use traveler’s checks or in case you lose your passport.
• Do not exchange money out in the street.

Electricity

Peru's electrical current is 220 volts. However, most 4 or 5 star hotels provide 110 volt electric current.

Businesses and Shops

• Monday - Friday: Businesses (9:00-17:00) / Shops/stores (10:00-19:00)
• Saturdays: Shops/Stores (10:00-19:00).

Gold and Silver Handmade Jewels have good prices; visitors can find a great variety of articles relating to clothing (Sweaters) made up of Alpaca and llama wool, as well as coverings and carpets. The crafts and pottery are excellent.

Travelers Assistance

Peru has organized a Travelers Assistance Program to help the tourist. This telephone service is available 24 hour a day. If you are in Lima, dial 01-421-1227 or 574-8000.  

Visa Requirements

Most countries in the Americas and Western Europe do not required a VISA. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Peru if they don’t exceed the limit time authorized of 60 days, which can be extendable by Immigration authorities. Ask the Peruvian consular representation in your country if you need further information. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found on the web site of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.rree.gob.pe

Nightlife

You can go out at night and enjoy pleasant moments in the main cities. Information about places to visit can be provided at the hotels. Some establishments such as restaurants or bars, better known as peñas, offer live musical shows, on weekends starting from Thursdays. In Lima, most discotheques, pubs and night clubs are located in the districts of Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco. In other cities, these are usually found in the city center (main square and surroundings).

Public Holidays

• January 1st, New Year's Day
• Good Friday
• May 1st, Labor Day
• June 29th, St. Peter and St. Paul . July 28th and 29th, Independence’s day
• August 30th, Santa Rosa de Lima
• October 8th, Naval Battle of Angamos
• November 1st, All Saints’ Day
• December 8th, Immaculate Conception
• Dec 24th -25th, Christmas