USELFUL INFORMATION

GETTING 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

From Ecuador: crossing the border to Aguas Verdes (Tumbes) on the PanAmerican Highway and on the road connecting the border towns of Loja, Ecuador and La Tina, Peru (Piura).

From Bolivia: the towns of Yunguyo and Copacabana, Bolivia, to the towns of Desaguadero and Kasani, Peru respectively.

From Chile: crossing the border to Santa Rosa, Peru (Tacna) on the PanAmerican Highway.

On the Amazon River to the city of Iquitos, Peru, from the cities of Leticia (Colombia) and Tabatinga (Brazil).

On Lake Titicaca, from the city of Guaqui, Bolivia to Puno, Peru. There is also road access to Desaguadero, Peru, from Guaqui, Bolivia.

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 fitting pants, cotton shirts, hiking boots, tennis shoes, quality sun block, and a hat.

VISAS AND COSTUMES

Visas for entering Peru are not required from 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.

A list of duty free goods can be found at these two websites: www.aduanet.gob.pe or www.peru.info

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 business, restaurants, and gas stations at the days 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, Dinners Club and Master Card. When using any of these, you must show some form of identification. There are limitations using travelers checks, so we recommend asking at the establishment to see whether they are accepted or not before making purchases.

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: vaccination is required and must be administrated at least 10 days before your trip. If not, it will not make effect.

SAFETY

During your visit to Peru, it is important to take the same precautions or personal safety shared by all tourist destinations the world over, such as not leaving your personal items unattended 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. We recommend you make prior bookings. Most establishments have e-mail 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 the mixture of flavors: from 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.

CAR RENTAL

The world main car rental companies operate in Peru. A good piece of information to know is that since the countrys terrain is so rough, 4 x 4 vehicles are the most requested.

If you wish to drive throughout Peru, you must have your drivers license , a copy of your passport, the vehicles registration , and if it is a rental the respective contract. If you use an international drivers license, these are valid for one year, so make sure to check the expiration date.