Peru TRAVEL Tourist Information,Travel Tips

PERU TRAVEL TOURIST INFORMATION
 

Peru is located in central western South America. It covers an area of 1'285 .215 square kilometers, equivalent to approximately the size of Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands together. In South America, only Brazil and Argentina are larger. Peru is the nineteenth largest country in the world.
Peru is bounded on the north by Ecuador, southern Chile and Bolivia, on the east by Colombia and Brazil and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
Peru offer you destinations in coast, Andean zone and Amazonian zone.
Browse for ideas and travel providers by activity or destination, and let Go2Peru.com lead you to visit to Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, Colca Valley, the pristine Amazonian rainforest, or take contact with Andean Indians in Pisac, and more.

PERU TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Lima

Arequipa

Ayacucho

Cajamarca

Cerro de Pasco

Chachapoyas

Chiclayo

Cusco

Huancayo - Junin

Huanuco

Huaraz - Ancash

Ica

iquitos

PERU LANGUAGE
The official language of Peru is the Spanish, and in the areas where prevail are also the Quechua, Aymara and other aboriginal languages. English is a language that many people linked to the tourism sector dominate, and the tourist operators dominate other foreign languages, as German, French, Italian, Japanese, etc.

PERU TIME
The hour in Peru is -5 GMT (UT)
In the whole Peruvian territory rules the same hour, without hour change in any time of the year. Lima, capital of Peru, is located in 77° 07' W, 12º 04' S.

WHERE IN PERU

Peru lies on the central-western coast of South America, with an area of 1'285,215 square km and a population of 26 million.
International airlines operate scheduled flights to Peru's Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in Lima - Peru.

From New York - Newark, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles and Toronto exist direct flights to Lima. From Europe exist direct flights to Lima from Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam.
Peru has direct flights from the main cities in Latin America as Buenos Aires, Santiago, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janiero, Caracas, Bogota, Quito, Guayaquil, La Paz, Panama, Mexico, San Jose de Costa Rica.
 

Flights from Asia or Oceania to Peru, connection by USA or Europe.

Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima is the main gate for international flights and it's the main hub to local flights connections.
A rental light planes service also exist, and air companies for non regular flights.
Peru is a big country with long distance between the main tourist attractions. From Lima to Cuzco there are 1,165 Km (724 miles) and need 20 hours for a trip by road, and 01 hour by air.

Before departure - Confirming Reservations
Scheduled departures should be reconfirmed with the airline office at least 72 hours in advance, as reservations may otherwise be cancelled. Please indicate any special services required ( dietary restrictions, etc.) on reconfirmation.

Before departure - Airline Check In
Passengers must check in at Jorge Chávez International Airport at least two hours before departure time. All international departing passengers are required to pay an airport tax (Airport tax US $ 28 and Tourist Promotion US $ 15). For domestic flights are required to pay an airport tax (Airport tax US $ 7).

Transportation from / to the airport in Lima.
Airport - Hotel or City: In the international or national exit you can take a official taxi, it's a secure service. (US $ 15 approximately).

Hotel to airport: It is recommended that you request the taxi service in the hotel.
A service of shuttle buses also exists, charging a fixed rate per passenger the mini-bus will pick up passengers and their baggage from anywhere in Lima, San Isidro or Miraflores.
Some hotels in our system offer the transfer from / to the airport.

Travel into Peru by Bus
Buses are the most popular means of interurban transportation in Peru. Fares are reasonable and service is regular.
Cruz del Sur is the Peruvian leader company in transport of passengers by the roads and highways of Peru, with more than 42 years of experience in the market of travelers. You can reserve and buy bus tickets in our system.

Travel into Peru by Train
PeruRail links the tourist highlights of the Andes. It operates from historic Cusco to the famous ruins at Machu Picchu; to Puno and Lake Titicaca; to Arequipa and the Colca Canyon where the condors fly. Along the way, on all these routes, is scenery of staggering beauty.
Since PeruRail's formation in 1999, services have been upgraded to the highest standards of comfort, safety and convenience.

Specially designed first-class carriages have been added to most trains, with excellent dining services and improved washroom facilities. In addition, there are now observation cars for unhindered viewing of the magnificent landscape.

HISTORY
It has a nearly 10.000 years old, from rock remnants through the Chavin, Tiahuanaco, Mochica-Chimu to reach the Inca. Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire in the sixteenth century, giving way to transculturation, then the viceroyalty established gave expressions in painting, sculpture, architecture and jewelry. After the nineteenth century, Peru started its life Republican. The cultural symbiosis of the successive migrations result in an extraordinary country in cultural events.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Population and Language: Currently nearly 30 million people. Due to the time of immigration from different ethnic groups coexist viceroyalty: whites, blacks and Asian Indians as well as natives. The official languages ​​are Castilian and Quechua. There Aymara who is employed in the Puno area and diversity of dialects in the area of ​​the jungle.

Currency: Nuevo Sol (exchange rate approx. S /. 2.71 x U.S. $ 1)

Religion: Catholic

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
With an area of ​​1'285, 215 km2., Is located in central - western South America. Bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the south by Chile, on the east by Brazil and Bolivia on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Lima, the capital was located in the Central Coast.

It has three very distinct natural regions:
• Costa, desert area irrigated by the western slope of the Andes, where the main cities: Lima, Trujillo, Ica, Tacna. It has a temperate climate.

• Sierra, extends from north to south along the Cordillera de los Andes, Huascaran, the highest peak 6.786 m .-. Major Cities: Cuzco, Cajamarca, Huancayo.

The weather is cold and dry.

• Selva, large area (56% of territory) covered with forests and rivers. Major Cities Iquitos, Yurimaguas, etc.. The weather is hot and humid.

TRAVEL TIPS
• We recommend to bring luggage easy to carry and use. Normally we use hotels where you can leave your luggage in custody until his return.
• The weight limit on airline companies within Peru is 20 kilos (44 pounds).
• In the Inca Trail the maximum limit per person is 8 kilos (20 pounds)
• When you enter Peru you fill out a boarding card. This piece of paper is very important to be saved and given to the immigration authorities when you leave the country. Do not miss it.
• We recommend making several copies of your passport and boarding card in the event that the original is lost.
• If you want to travel within the country using buses will be available to a wide variety of companies that will take you to a service with international standards. On some routes have paved roads to travel to Arequipa, Nazca and Huaraz. The service includes food and refreshments, as well as TV. The cost of these services is more comfortable and less cost than minivan vehicles. One can find buses to private service for 20 - 40.
• For individuals or small groups and long tours we can provide comfortable minivans and station wagons for short times transfers or tours within the city.
• In many airport security tax must be paid. Do not include in our service because it varies. Is approximately U.S. $ 6.00 for the Lima airport.
• In Lima and other international airport tax is approximately U.S. $ 30.00 that is paid at the airport before departure. Payment can be made in dollars or soles.
• Tax payable on services and shops and restaurants is 19% and is included in the price shown. In hotels when traveling on your own you can skip paying taxes by submitting a photocopy of your passport.
• The official language is Castilian Spanish Peru - Spanish. They also speak other languages ​​from natives of the region, such as Quechua and some parts of Peru Aymará.En can communicate in English, especially with people who provide tourist services.
• The U.S. dollar is accepted in most shops, restaurants and gas stations at the current exchange rate. Most establishments accept major credit cards: Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. The use of travelers checks is limited, consult on the establishment if they are accepted.
• It is advisable to be vaccinated against yellow fever when visiting the Amazon Jungle. The only specific and effective measures against the disease the vaccine is ten days before entering a danger zone. In some areas of the forest require the submission of this certificate.

OFFICE OF VACCINATION
• 121-Breña Jr.Independencia (Children's Hospital Side)
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
• Jorge Chavez International Airport (Callao) Floor 1.
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• National Hospital May 2nd "International Vaccination Centre"
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm
• It is not required for citizens of most countries of America and Western Europe. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need a passport or visa to visit certain regions of Peru. In these cases the authorized period of stay is 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities). Check with the Peruvian diplomatic representation in your country for more information.
• There are also a number of small airlines that fly to destinations in light aircraft. There is a 19% tax on domestic flights and U.S. $ 6.05 departure tax on domestic flights. Peru is a big country, some travelers who have limited time take domestic flights. There are large companies in flight. Public buses are the usual mode of transport over long distances. They are cheap, frequent and relatively comfortable, at least on most routes. When traveling between towns, have your passport with you, that need to be shown at police checkpoints. The armed robberies on night buses are not frequent in Peru, so travel by bus during the day (or flights) if you have the opportunity. Trucks and buses are often in remote areas. Local buses are slow, cheap and crowded, if you want to get off just yell out. Taxi fares need to be consulted, there is no meter. Agree on the fare before taking it.
• The best time to go sightseeing in Peru is from June to August is the dry season in the highlands, and this is the best time if you are interested in hiking. Travelers visit the highlands, the wettest months, January to April, make the trip muddy. Many large festivals take place in the wettest months and continue the party despite the rain. There is basically tourism in the highlands along the year.
• On the coast, Peruvians go to the beaches during the sunny months from late December through March. The rest of the year, the coast is clothed in mist. In the eastern forest, naturally rains a lot. The rainiest months are December through April, though travelers visit these areas, it rarely rains for more than an hour and there are still plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
• Because Peru is a very diverse country, what you should bring depends on the travel plans made after the Spanish course. Bring warm clothes for the mountains, light clothes for the jungle and a combination for the coastal deserts are hot during the day and cool at night. Items that are difficult to obtain in the country include: personal medical supplies, money belt, sunscreen, good books in their native language and any electrical equipment for use.
• Some other suggestions include: something small and typical of his country (for your host family). Dictionary, email addresses, guidebook (no good bookshops). If you plan to do the Inca Trail or another camping trip we suggest bringing a warm jumper / sweater, waterproof hiking shoes, sleeping bag "sleeping" (for the Inca Trail, although these can be rented), water purification tablets ( can also be purchased in Cusco), pocket knife, torch / flashlight because there is a shortage of supply of light travel on roads in the country. For travel to the jungle malaria tablets, mosquito nets and a waterproof (all can be purchased in Cusco).
• The national currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol There are 100 cents on the sun. There are numerous ATM machines that accept credit cards and there are numerous "Casas de Cambio" where Travelers Checks may be cashed or dollars can change currency. There are also ATM that excepts Eurocards, which are Banco Latino and Banco del Sur. It is useful to arrive with American dollars. When changing money, be careful and not be distracted by anything that can make you lose track of what you have received, we suggest changes in banks and exchange houses and ask for your proof for any subsequent claim.
• The rainy season in Cusco occurs between December and April. Students may still walk the Inca Trail, however, one must keep in mind that sometimes it can rain. During the dry season, temperatures are high during the day and very cold at night. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and a warm jacket for cold nights and inside buildings, as they do not have heating. During the dry season, it's quite hot under the sun during the day. In May, June and July temperature is actually very low and very cold. However, it is (almost) always sunny during the summer.
• If you lose your passport go to the National Bank and buy a valued species "Go with her to the district police and fill out a complaint or to take you then to the Consulate with his personal papers and photographs of him to arrange a new passport .
• The service is optional tips. Taxis do not expect tips. Many additional restaurants receipt tip for the service by adding 10% of its value which goes to service personnel.
• The official currency is the new sun and is part of a change in U.S. $ equivalent to 2.86 soles.
• Foreign currencies can be changed in so-called "money exchange" is in all districts. Additionally you can change currency at the main avenue some districts. Is not recommended in these places unless absolutely necessary and in compliance with the safety case.
• The dollar is accepted as currency in almost all the places you go: restaurants, shops, hotels.
• Most credit cards are accepted.
• Carry money for their daily transactions. Keep the rest of their money on the security of your hotel.
• It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport.
• Do not wear jewelry when traveling through the city.
• When you are out of the hotel be careful with your valuables such as cameras, video equipment, walkman. And so on.
• It is best that you agreed upon the cost of services to be taken before it is made: taxis, guides, etc..
• It is recommended that you eat or drink liquids or food that is not properly packed.
• The climate in the capital area is benign. Hot in the summer from January to March and cloudy the rest of the year. At this time you can drop a very light drizzle, called drizzle.
• Humidity is high along the coast.
• In the mountains the echo of May to October with occasional showers. From December to March the weather is rainy. The average year round temperature is 8 ° C to 10 ° C.
• In the forest it rains almost all year and the average temperature is high: 20 to 25 ° C.