Peru

" The trip was great. You work with a FRIENDLY AND RESPONSIBLE group of people in South America and we enjoyed the trip. The guides were way above average. (Ernesto Quino Illanes in Bolivia was REALLY SUPERIOR - although all were wonderful.) We hope that we tipped all the guides and drivers well, because they certainly deserved it.) In all it was a fantastic trip! We have traveled with A&K many times and other top tour companies and this was better in many ways." - Nanette

Peru is a large country on the Pacific coast of South America, encompassing a desert coastline, tropical rainforest and soaring mountains, each with distinct environments. These offer an exceptional opportunity for travellers to experience a variety of landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, a rich history and archaeological heritage, and the vivacious character of durable native cultures, all within one nation.

Fishing villages, fine beaches, agricultural lands, and Peru's major towns and cities, including the capital of Lima, are interspersed along the narrow belt of desert coastline that stretches the length of the country. The lush Amazon Basin takes up half of Peru and is an ecologically rich area of tropical rainforest that encompasses some of the world's most remote and least explored areas, sparsely populated and for the most part, inaccessible. Separating the coastal desert from the jungle is the splendid Andes mountain range, an endless chain of soaring peaks over 22,000ft (7,000m), and home to millions of indigenous highland people, speaking the ancient Inca language of Quechua, and living in traditional villages with steeply terraced agricultural fields, with their wandering herds of llamas and alpacas.

An interesting history of ancient civilisations, tales of lost cities, undiscovered treasures, and unsolved mysteries make Peru one of the most exciting countries to visit. Travellers can marvel at the sophistication of pre-Colombian cultures and explore the many legacies left by the imperial Inca Empire, particularly the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. Hiking along the legendary ancient royal Inca highway brings visitors to the awesome, majestic 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu. Boats transport tourists to the unique floating islands and the traditional world of the island people on Lake Titicaca. Travellers can wander around splendid colonial cities that have preserved their Spanish architecture, look into the depths of the world's deepest canyon, and contemplate the intriguing mystery of the Nazca Lines.

Peru, 'Land of the Incas', offers a stimulating and rewarding travel experience and is one of the most diverse and exhilarating of the South American destinations.

Time: Local time is GMT -5.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz (Arequipa 50Hz). Two-pin, flat blade and round plugs are standard.
Language: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist centres and hotels.
Health: Those entering the country from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do occur. Although no other vaccinations are officially required, visitors are advised to take precautions especially if planning to travel to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and cholera are sensible precautions, and it is also recommended that inoculations for polio, tetanus and diphtheria are up to date. Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, and dengue fever has been reported around Lima. There have been a number of recent incidents of rabies transmitted by bites from vampire bats in Amazonas province near the border with Ecuador; visitors to the area are advised to have a course of rabies injections prior to travel. The most common ailments for travellers are diarrhoea and altitude sickness. Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good in the major cities, but health insurance is essential.
Climate: The coast is generally sunny and hardly ever receives any rain, but from April to November there is a heavy sea mist. The highlands have a wet season (October to April) and a dry season (May to September), when the days are clear and sunny but very cold at night especially at altitude.
Money: The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments, and outside Lima facilities may be even more limited. Travellers cheques may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Visa and Passport
Entry Requirements for Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: British nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. Business travellers do require a visa. A valid passport is needed.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for a touristic stay of up to 90 days; a 30-day extension is possible. A valid passport is needed.
Passport/Visa Note: A return or onward ticket and proof of funds is required by all travellers. All foreign visitors require a passport that is valid at least 6 months after arrival.
Tipping: 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. In hotels porters expect about US$0.50 per bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set before departure). Tour guides are customarily tipped.
Safety: Thieves are the biggest problem in Peru, with one of the worst reputations in South America. Be especially cautious in crowded areas, on public transport, bus and train stations, and in the centre of Lima at night. Special care is required in the cities of Lima and Cuzco against street and violent crime; three foreign tourists were raped in June 2005. An organised tour group was attacked and robbed on the Inca Trail on 15 November 2005 by a group of armed men, and there have been recent attacks on foreigners trekking in the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and trekkers should be cautious in the area and seek advice before setting out. Thieves and muggers also operate in Huaraz and Arequipa. Women should take particular care to only take taxis that have been pre-booked by a hotel or official company. There has also been an increase in the number of crimes associated with taxis in the main cities. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations as these have the potential for violence.
Business: Business in Peru centres on the capital, Lima. Business is usually conducted in a formal and somewhat conservative manner, and it is worth noting that a business visa is needed from a local Peruvian Consulate. Dress should be formal, with suits and ties the norm and visitors should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as this will be seen as insulting, regardless of intention. Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and handshakes are standard for men and women. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is useful to have them printed in Spanish on one side. Although English is fairly common, it will be an advantage to have business materials translated into Spanish; an effort to speak Spanish will be well received. Women may encounter some sexism. Punctuality is important, although meetings are not likely to begin on time. Business hours can vary but are usually from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Some businesses can close for siesta from 1pm to 3pm.
Communications: The country code for Peru is +51, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City /area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1) for Lima. A mobile phone operator provides a GSM 1900 network with coverage limited to major towns and cities. Peru is well connected to the Internet with a proliferation of inexpensive Internet kiosks, called cabinas pública, available on street corners in most towns and cities.
Duty Free: Travellers to Peru over 15 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5 litres; and gifts to the value of US$300. Items such as sausages, salami, ham and cheese may only be brought in if accompanied by an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham from Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural or artistic items from the country is not permitted