Useful Information
Ge ing to Peru Direct flights or with layovers from main world cities to the Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima. More information found at: www.lap.com.pe Cruises with stopovers at Callao (30 minutes from Lima). Other ports: in the North, Salaverry (La Libertad) and Chimbote (Ancash); in the South, San Martin (Ica), Matarani (Arequipa), and Ilo (Moquegua). Clothes you should bring Regardless of the time of year and the place you wish to visit, we recommend that during your stay in Peru you bring warm clothing, comfortably fi ing pants, co on shirts, hiking boots, tennis shoes, quality sun block, and a hat. Visas and customs Visas for entering Peru are not required for most countries in the Americas and Western Europe. Bolivians, Ecuadorians, Brazilians, Colombians and Chileans may even enter specific regions of the country just by presenting their national identification documents. The maximum authorized length of stay is 90 days. To remain longer or for staying in the country for other purposes (residency, study, research, work, etc.), you must request the corresponding visa at the Peruvian consulate in your country of residence prior to traveling. Currency and forms of payment The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), yet the U.S. Dollar is accepted at some local businesses, restaurants, and gas stations at the day’s exchange rate. It is possible to exchange foreign currency (USD and Euros) at hotels, banks, and authorized exchange offices. ATM machines can be found in most major cities in Peru, and these accept a variety of cards. The most widely accepted credit cards are: American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard. When using any of these, you must show some form of identification. There are limitations to using travelers checks, so we recommend asking at the establishment to see whether they are accepted or not before making purchases or ordering.
Health If you are planning to travel to the mountains, the following will help you avoid experiencing mountain sickness: rest on the first day of your arrival, eat light foods, drink plenty of fluids, and keep lime drops on hand. If you suffer from heart conditions, consult your physician. If you are planning to travel to the jungle, take the proper measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites: vaccinations against tropical diseases, insect repellant and medication. Consult your doctor before traveling. Take note that a yellow fever vaccination is required and must be administered at least 10 days before your trip. If not, it will not take effect. Safety During your visit to Peru, it is important that you take the same precautions for personal safety shared by all tourist destinations the world over, such as not leaving your personal items una ended in public areas and avoiding deserted areas at night. Tourist services Lodging Options for lodging are many and varied, from 5-star hotels to hostels, lodges and family-run pensions that are authorized by the National Tourism Department. We recommend you make prior bookings. Most establishments have email addresses and fax numbers to help with the booking process. Restaurants Peruvian cuisine is characterized by its wide variety of traditional dishes from the coast, highlands and jungle. You can find all kinds of restaurants to discover this mixture of flavors: from the highly sophisticated to simple and inexpensive establishments. When it comes to ordering food, some dishes are usually served intensely seasoned, which is why we suggest you to learn about them before ordering. Air Travel From the city of Lima, you can take domestic flights to the main tourist destinations of the country.
Each airport charges a tax for the use of its facilities, called the T.U.U.A. or airport use tax, which is not part of the price of your airline ticket, must be paid in cash before boarding your airplane, and differs, according to the city of departure. Minors are also charged. Inter-provincial buses. Inter-provincial bus service covers all destinations within the country, except for some cities located in the Amazon. Your comfort level on the bus will be determined by the amount of money you pay as well as whether it is a direct service with no stops or there are stops along the route. Car Rental The world’s main car rental companies operate in Peru. A good piece of information to know is that since the country’s terrain is so rough, 4x4 vehicles are the most requested. If you wish to drive throughout Peru, you must have your driver’s license, a copy of your passport, the vehicle’s registration, and if it is a rental, the respective contract. If you use an international driver’s license, these are valid for one year, so make sure to check the expiration date. Tourist service information If you need more tourist service information, such as travel agencies, transportation, lodging, restaurants, tour guide service, etc. then please contact Iperu. If, during your stay in Peru, you have not received the tourist services as advertised by the companies you bought them from, then you have the right to file a formal complaint. To do so, you may contact Iperu for assistance. Links: PromPeru www.peru.travel/en/ Peru Hotels Society www.sociedadhotelesdelperu.org/ing/hoteles.htm