WELCOME KIT
Welcome to Lima, Peru Wishing you a safe and successful mission, please consider the following information before traveling and during your stay in Peru.
Car rentals
Airport
All international departing passengers are required to pay an airport tax (which will be included in ticket prices as of January 2011). At Jorge Chavez international airport (in Lima), the tax is US$ 30.25 for international and US$6.05 for domestic flights.
Advantage Car Rentals T. 242-3939 Alkila Rent a Car T. 9813-4388; 9032-7552 Budget Car Rental: T. 442-8703; 442-8706 Hertz T.445-5716; 447-212
When leaving the international or national terminals do not take unlicensed taxis. The use of safe airport taxi companies is highly recommended for security reasons. An estimated fare from the airport to Miraflores is around USD $20.00 or S/. 55.00. Also be aware of your personal belongings when entering and leaving the airport as well as on the trip from/to the airport (and even when traveling within Lima and Peru). It is important to not have hand luggage, purses, or laptops visible or on your lap – put them out of sight on the floor or in a locked trunk as windows are easily broken and items removed. Additionally, cell phones and jewelry are targeted items when entering/exiting vehicles, keep them out of sight.
Churches
Banking & changing Currency
The unit of currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). The rate of exchange at the time of writing is approximately S/. 2.77 = US $1.00. The US dollar is widely used and legally changed for local currency. You can use your Interac card to withdraw funds from your Canadian account, but should check with your bank for the cost associated with each transaction. There are also numerous ATM automatic banking machines and most common credit cards are valid in Peru.
Peru is a predominantly Catholic country (90% of the population). There are, however, places of worship for other religious faiths, including the Anglican (Church of the Good Shepherd), American Protestant (Union Church), American Southern Baptist, Jewish, Mormon, Seventh - day Adventist, and Jehovah's Witness communities.
Embassy
Av. Bolognesi 228, Miraflores, Lima 18 – Peru. Telephone: (51-1) 319-3200. Hours of operation are 08:00 - 17:00 hours From Monday to Thursday, and 08:00 - 13:00hours on Friday. During the months of January and February the Embassy assumes summer hours and as such closes on Wednesday at 13:00 as well. If you are unable to reach the office in an emergency or after hours, call 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted) or dial the country’s toll-free number (provided below) to reach the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa.
Changing currency (USD or Euro) can also be done using the authorized exchange houses or the many licensed "money changers" who can be found on the streets near financial institutions and shopping areas although, for safety reasons, banks or hotels are recommended. Working hours for most banks and exchange houses are from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Friday and Saturdays to 12:00 P.M.
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Internet
Wireless internet service is provided in most 4 and 5-star hotels and in shopping centers. Some Internet references for cultural activities to consider are: www.livinginperu.com (in English) www.perucultural.org.pe (in Spanish)
Health resources and Health issues Food, supermarket & water
Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the best in the world and is characterized by a wide variety of traditional dishes from the coast, highlands, and jungle. Some are usually spicy or intensely seasoned, which is why visitors should learn about them before ordering. Wong, Vivanda, Plaza Vea and Metro supermarkets offer a large variety of all food products. Vivanda supermarket is located on the corner of Bolognesi and Jose Pardo, 1 block away from the Embassy. Organically-grown fruit, vegetables, and dairy products are available at a Saturday morning outdoor market (Bioferia) in Miraflores, located next to the Parque Reducto. Water is recommended to avoid tap water. Bottled water can be purchased in local supermarkets and at your hotel.
Geography & Sightseeing
Lima was founded in 1535 and is named “the City of the kings”. Today, it shelters more than eight million inhabitants (out of 28 millions Peru’s population) and immigrants from all corners of the globe, which has transformed it into a mixed city par excellence, highly contrasted. Miraflores and San Isidro are the two main business districts; and, according to the majority of people, contain the nicest and safest neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the influx of people from outlying areas has increased the emergence of slums or shanty towns in the city's sprawling overcrowded outskirts. As the seat of a highly centralized system of government, Lima is also the centre of social, economic and political life in Peru. It is the chief commercial centre, and the vast majority of the country's exports and imports flow through its port of Callao.
The majority of hotels offer some facilities in case of emergencies. For secure reasons, private hospitals are highly recommended to attend emergencies and offer international care standards in Lima: Clínica Anglo-Americana (Alfredo Salazar, San Isidro T. 712-3000) Clínica San-Felipe (650 Av. Gregorio Escobedo, Jesús Maria, T. 219-0022) Clínica San Pablo (789 Av.El Polo, Urb. El Derby, Monterrico- Surco T. 610-3333)
Health care
For avoiding mountain sickness out of Lima, it is recommended that you ascend gradually to become acclimated, rest on the first day of your arrival, eat light foods, drink plenty of fluids, and keep lemon drops at hand. If you have heart problems, consult your doctor. To keep from getting gastrointestinal infections, take care when eating raw foods and do not eat food from street vendors.
Immunization & prophylaxis
Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria and Typhoid are part of the regular immunization recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada for travelling in Peru. Malaria prophylaxis & Yellow Fever immunization should be considered prior to travelling into tropical forest areas. Immunization can be obtained at ROE laboratories without appointment T. 513-6666. Information on vaccination schedule and sites are available in: Infosalud Tel: 0800-10828 / Sanidad Aerea Internacional Tel: (51 1) 575-1745
Sightseeing
The Center of Lima embeds the Presidential palace with its daily changing of the guard ceremony at noon, the Cathedral and numerous other churches with exceptionally elaborate interiors. The wealthy district of Miraflores is a unique place from which to appreciate the city’s location on the Pacific Coast; a 6 km long area known as the “Malecon” provides seaside views, parks, walking and cycling lanes. The cultural district of Barranco offers numerous cafes, bars and art galleries, settled around its delightful XIX and early XXth century Plaza de Armas and “Puente de los suspiros”, all at walking distance from fine views of the bay. A major archaeological attraction can be found less than twentyfive kilometers South from Lima; the pre-Columbian and pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac.
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Hotels
A variety of lodging exists for all range of budgets Options are from 5-star hotels to hostels and family-run pensions authorized by the National Tourism Department. Most of the modern and bilingual services (English- Spanish) are normally found in quality hotels close to us like: Miraflores Park Hotel: (511) 610-8300 Executive room: US$210.00
Newspapers
El Comercio, Perú21 and La República are must-read papers in order to keep up with current affairs in the country. Most of the other papers are tabloid-style papers. Radio RPP Radio (89.7 FM) is one of the most popular stations for news and public affairs-style programs. There are seven major Television broadcasting in Peru including ATV, America TV, Panamericana and Frecuencia Latina.
Country Club Hotel: (511) 611-9000 Master Suite: US$209.00
Bookstores
Crisol - foreign languages & CD (Ovalo Gutierrez, Miraflores)
Las Americas Apart Hotel Pardo Phone: (511) 616-9900 Junior Suite: US $155.00
El Virrey - largest hispanic collection (Miguel Dasso 147, San Isidro) Zeta - foreign languages and magazines (Comandante Espinar 219, Miraflores).
Doubletree Pardo by Hilton Phone: (511) 617-1000 Sweet Dreams room: US$150.00 Marriott Hotel: (511) 217-7000 Deluxe Single: US$190.00 Swissotel Lima: (511) 611-4400 Premier Room US$180.00 QP Hotel: (511) 319-2929 Deluxe Room: US$89.00 El Doral Apart Hotel: (511) 242-7799 Single room: US$60.00
Leisure in Miraflores (Sport & Culture)
Swimming pools and gym are available in most of the five stars hotels. Also, there are some private places where the guest can pay per day/hour or week: Energym Av. Pardo 399, 3rd. Floor, Miraflores T. 2426501 Sportlife Av. Bellavista 216 (Residencial Las Américas), Miraflores T. 445-4272 Fitness Gym Av. Victor Maúrtua 150, San Isidro T.: 440-8781 Squash: Millenium Gym, Double Tree Pardo
Movie Theatre & Cultural Centres
Multicines Larcomar (Larcomar) • Cineplanet Alcazar, (Ovalo Gutierrez) • Centro Británico-Peruano (Jr. Bellavista, 531) • PUCP — Centro cultural de la Universidad Pontifical Católica (Av. Camino Real 1075, San Isidro) • Centro Peruano-Japones (Gregorio Escobedo, Jesús Maria) • Alliance-Française (Av. Arequipa, 4595) • ICPNA (Angamos W. 160, Miraflores).
Museums & Art Galleries
The Museo de Arte (9 de Diciembre 125, Lima centre); the Museo de la Nación (Javier Prado Este, 2465); the San Borja Museo Nacional de Antropología, Arqueología e Historia (Plaza Bolivar, Pueblo Libre), are only a few of the numerous museums in Lima displaying the uncomparably rich pre-Colombian Civilizations of Peru. The Galería Lucia de la Puente (Paseo Saenz Pena 206, Barranco), displays eclectic exhibitions of Peruvian contemporary visual artists. Cultural centres such as PUCP, ICPNA & Alliance Française always present a variety of events.
Peruvian famous artists
The great dark romantic poet Cesar Vallejo is now translated into English: "There are blows in life, so hard... I don't know" • Novelist and anthropologist Jose Maria Arguedas leaded the indigenist literary movement of last Century, his important novel Yawar Fiesta is translated in English • The frustrated presidency candidate and internationally renowned novelist Mario Vargas Llosa • Socialist essayist Jose Mariategui remains a considerable intellectual figure of Latin America • Contemporaneous poet Jose Watanabe • Painter Alberto Quintanilla illustrates the fantastic and spiritual worlds of the Andes • Afro Peruvian singers Lucha Reyes, Eva Ayllon and Susana Baca are the soul of Peruvian “musica criolla” • Novalima mixes and plays unique afroperuvian lounge rhythms •
Phone – Time – Electrical Appliances
To Canada, dial 001 before the area code Embassy of Canada: 319-3200 Police: 105 Firefighters/Ambulance: 116
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Canadian Consular Emergency Call toll-free from Peru: 001-800-387-3124 to reach the Emergency Operations Centre. This number may not work from all local telephone service providers, mobile phones, or pay phones. Also, a phone card, coins, tokens, or an international long-distance fee may be required to complete the call. TTY: (613) 944-1310 E-mail: sos@international.gc.ca
Peru time is identical to Canadian Eastern Standard Time (EST) from late October through early April and does not change when Canada switches to Daylight Savings Time. Electricity is generally supplied at 220 volts, 60 cycles AC. Major Hotels have special 110 volt outlets.
Varied International & Fast Foods & Cafes: Larcomar & Ovalo Gutierrez & Parque Kennedy. La Tiendecita Blanca Av. Larco 111, Miraflores - T: 445-1412 Starbucks (ovalo Gutiérrez) Café Café Martir Olaya 250, Miraflores - T: 445-1165
Tipping
Registration of Canadians abroad The Consular section maintains a registry of Canadian citizens who are living in Peru. The registry is only used to contact Canadians in the event of an emergency. Register online at www.voyage.gc.ca
Some restaurants add service charge of between 5% and 10%, which will be indicated by the words 'propina' or 'servicio' near the bottom of the bill. Even if service charge has been added the waiter can be offered an additional 10% for exceptional service; this is also the going rate for tipping where service charge has not been added. No tips are given for taxi rides.
Security
La Tranquera Av. José Pardo 285, Miraflores – T: 447-5111
Personal safety is an ongoing concern in Peru. Poverty, unemployment, and congestion have led to increased theft, vandalism and assaults. Violent crimes, such as car jacking, and armed robbery are frequent. Purse snatching, pick pocketing, theft and break-ins occur, even during daylight hours. There have been cases of "quickie kidnapping" where victims are forced to withdraw money from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Resisting a robbery can lead to violence. Avoid carrying valuables items or documents such as credit cards, passports (use a photocopy), etc. When travelling in a vehicle, purses should be stowed under the seat and doors locked as criminals have been known to shatter windows or attempt entry at the sight of merchandise or handbags/briefcases.
La Mar Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores – T: 421-3365
Shopping – Souvenirs
Restaurants
La Rosa Náutica Circuito de Playas, Miraflores – T: 447-0057 La Huaca Gral. Borgoño block 8 – T: 445-4042 Scena Francisco de Paula Camino 280, Miraflores T: 241-8184
Segundo Muelle Malecón Cisneros 156 –T: 241-5040 Chala
Bajada de Baños 345, Barranco – T: 252-8515 Las Brujas de Cachiche Bolognesi 460, Miraflores – T: 447-1883 La Bodega de la Trattoria General Borgoño 784, Miraflores – T: 372-7572 Edo Sushibar (japanese) Berlin 601, Miraflores - T:225-0881 O-Mei (Chinese,Thai & Vietnamite) Javier Prado Este 5902, La Molina –T: 437-0188
The main hand made craft stores are found in the markets on Av. La Marina, in Pueblo Libre and Av. Petit Thouars in Miraflores. It is also possible to purchase crafts in the city’s main shopping centers. All they gather hundreds of art craft boutiques from all regions of the country. Well stocked department stores are located on opposite ends of Kennedy Park. Larcomar touristic centre and Jockey Plaza shopping mall in Lima offers also luxury and fashionable items. Most stores, shopping centers, and hand made craft markets are open seven days a week (including holidays) from 9:00 – 20:00 hours.
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Taxes
IGV Peruvian Tax There is a 19% tax levied on all goods and services in Peru. Most goods purchased at retail outlets and supermarkets will have the 19% tax already included. Restaurants should advise you of the tax (already included in the price or not) on the menu.
Statutory Holidays January 1 New Year March 20 Easter March 21 Easter May 1 Labor day June 29 Saint Peter & Paul July 28 - 29 Independence day August 30 St. Rose of Lima October 8 Battle of Angamos November 1 All saints day December 8 Immaculate Conception day December 25 Christmas day Note: Local businesses are closed during these days and these holidays may differ than those used by the USACC, CIDA and the Embassy.
Transportation
Reliable Taxi Company
It is advisable that you use the services of a taxi company (requested by phone) Taxi Mitsui: 261-7788 Taxi REAL: 470-6263 Taxi Seguro: 241-9292 Taxi Estrella: 362-6258 Taxi Lima Remisse (Highly recommend but a bit expensive, 24hrs, transport to airport, good cars and drivers in suit) Phone 1: 425-7686 Phone 2: 425-7710 Phone 3: 999-656639
Travel Agencies
Travel Group: (511) 625-4444 Contact person: Sylvia Salas ssalas@travelgroup.com.pe Nuevo Mundo: (511) 610-8080 Contact Person: Carol Arohuanca carohuanca@gruponuevomundo.com.pe A. C. Tours : (511) 415-2040 Contact Person: Talia Rizo Patron actours@actours.com.pe
The most common form of city travel in Lima is by bus or micro buses called “combis�, all quite old, in a poor state of repair, usually jammed at rush hours and therefore not recommended to visitors. Major radio-taxi companies are generally dependable. It is not advisable to hail taxis on the street, the cars are not always in good condition and seat belts are often not available. Meters are not used and prices are not based on the number of passengers. Taxi fares are negotiable and tipping the cabdriver is not a common practice. Official Taxi companies are generally yellow painted vehicles with light on top and showing the license plate number on both sides of the vehicle.
AQP Viajes in Cusco: (51) 084-243229 Contact Person: Cinthya Ramirez aqpcusco@saaqp.com.pe Explorandes Cusco: (51) 084-238380 / 084-245700 Contact Person: Liliana Hironaka postmaster@explorandes.com Condor Travel: (51) 084-232-270 Contact Person:Grethel Padovani operaciones-cusco@condortravel.com AQP Viajes in Arequipa: (51) 054-281-800 Contact Person: Lucy Montanchez aqparequipa@saaqp.com.pe Colca Trek : (51) 054-958-704731 Contact Person: Mercedes Valdivia colcatrekandtravels@gmail.com Condor Travel : (51) 054-237-821 Contact Person: Giovanna Sosa Condor_aqp@infonegocio.net.pe
Weather The weather in Lima is not glamorous for any traveler and is determined by the cold Von Humboldt Current, running along the Coast. Though it does not rain in this arid region, Lima is covered by a thick, gray fog called the garua that hangs constantly over the city from June through December. Lima is very humid all year long (reaching 98% humidity highs), with cool winter temperatures (13-17 c) from April to December. During the summer months of January through March, Lima experiences warmer temperatures (up to 28 c), and sun views, but the high humidity can make the heat feel very uncomfortable. Many Lima residents seek the sun in nearby retreats (a 45 minute drive inland).
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