Peru Information

Peru Travel Information

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance can be very helpful when traveling abroad and can cover for such things as medical expenses, emergency evacuations, personal liability, theft, lost baggage, and of course - cancellation of the trip. Class Adventure Travel does not offer travel insurance within the price of our packages – but we do recommend www.travelguard.com. Travel Guard International is quite possibly the leading provider of travel insurance plans in the world. Travel guard covers over 6 million travelers a year and has great records.    

Vaccinations

While a vaccination certificate is not required for entering Lima although it is recommended that you are vaccinated against Yellow Fever, Cholera, Typhoid, DTP and Hepatitis. Doctors from different places often disagree over what exactly is necessary and what is not - it is advised that you contact your local physician well in advance of your departure to ask their advice on what vaccinations are recommendable when traveling to South America.

If traveling to the Amazon it is mandatory to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate in order to enter. Some western countries require this certificate on your return from Peru in order to reenter the country. Yellow fever is a tropical disease spread by mosquitoes and while most infections are mild – some can be quite serious. With a yellow fever vaccination one is protected against the virus, although it is always a good idea to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes anyway. Malaria exists in the rural areas below 1.500-m (4.992 ft), mainly in the northern part of Peru, and while some travelers take prophylactics against the disease, malaria in Peru exists almost exclusively in the benign vivax form.

Health

It is important to stay healthy while traveling in order to get the most out of your vacation. Drinking bottled water is strongly recommended. Peruvian water, even in such populated areas as Lima, can contain amoebae and parasites. Drinking tap water can lead to a bad infection – more likely a couple of days spend in a bathroom though. It’s much easier to drink only bottled or treated (boiled) water. Ice should like wise be avoided as well.

Eat well-cooked meat, chicken and fish. Pork, raw salads and homemade mayonnaise may be risky. Ceviche – a famous Peruvian fish dish - should only be eaten for lunch and not for dinner as the fish does not keep. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Avoid eating food from street vendors.

In the Andes altitude sickness (or Soroche as it is known in Peru) can be a common problem. It is advisable to get your blood pressure checkout out before the trip and if you feel you may have a problem with the altitude your physician may prescribe a drug such as Diamox that helps considerably. Acclimatizing oneself to the altitude is advised – approach higher altitudes in smaller steps, acclimatizing oneself at lower altitudes before traveling up higher. Remember to take it easy on the first day you arrive in a high altitude area; meals should be light, and avoid all strenuous exercise. Another way to combat altitude sickness is by drinking mate de coca, a Peruvian tea made from the coca plant. In the Andes – mate de coca is available everywhere.

Visa

Nationals of many countries do not require a visa to enter Peru. It is very advisable however that you make sure of this before your departure.

Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Peru:

Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Granada, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Salomon Islands, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, St Christopher & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Vanuatu and Venezuela.

Upon entry to Peru – citizens of the above countries can visit Peru for 90 days without a visa.

Please note that Nationals of Bangladesh, Cuba, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Sri Lanka require authorization from the immigration office in Lima in order to obtain a tourist visa. Nationals of all other countries simply require a tourist visa which can be obtained from the closest Peruvian Consulate or embassy.

You may want to check with the Peruvian consulate in your country for visa requirements as things can change. Remember that all Passports must have at least six months left of validity in order to enter the country.

Currency

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol. The exchange rate is approximately = S.3.25 to US$1.00. This exchange rate fluctuates from time to time so be prepared. If changing money be sure to do so from a registered exchange office as fraudsters often try to pedal off forged bank notes on tourists. Bureau de Changes or casas de cambio are quite common in Lima and the other major centers although most will only change Dollars and Euros into Soles.

Credit cards and traveler's cheques

As far as how much money one should bring to Peru is concerned this is obviously up to the individual. Class Adventure Travel’s packages are fully inclusive and all meals in indicated in the itinerary are included within the price of the package. Clients do need some cash to pay for the occasional meal, for all drinks, tips, and for crafts and souvenirs purchased during their vacation.

It is advised that you bring and cash in US$ Dollars and European Euros. Remember that all bills must be fresh – many establishments and exchange bureaus refuse to accept notes with even the slightest tear. Many tourists prefer bringing Travelers Checks which is a much safer option. Keep in mind that it is often harder to find an exchange house that accepts Travelers Checks. American Express Travelers Checks are the most widely accepted. It’s not recommended to use any other kind. One may bring a cash card to withdraw money from Automatic Teller Machines.

Acces/Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa are all used in Peru with Visa being the most widely accepted. Note that credit card use becomes more limited outside the main cities.

Tipping

Most upscale restaurants automatically add a 10% tip (service charge), so tipping is not obligatory. However many restaurants do not include the tip. The normal tip rate is about 5-10% of the amount consumed. Porters should be tipped around 3-4 soles per service. Taxi drivers usually don’t expect a tip.

Obviously tipping is left up to the individual and CAT advises that one should tip according to the level of service received. However, keep in mind that in Peru - as is the same in other third world countries - a few dollars saved for you is often a small fortune for someone else.

Airport taxes

Upon departing any airport in Peru one has to pay a departure tax. This has to be done in person and cannot be prearranged with a tour company or airline. The tax for international flights leaving Peru is US$ 30, and the tax for domestic flights is US$ 6. Please keep in mind that these prices are subjected to change.

Customs

Peru has a strict Customs authority and objects of archaeological or historic value may not be taken out of the country – such an offense can result in a prison term. Peru has international agreements with most nations for the confiscation and retrieval of stolen objects. This agreement helps in returning many looted artifacts and objects stolen from the historically rich country over the years.

Safety

Staying alert, not taking unnecessary risks, and simply using your head are the best ways to prevent an unwanted situation. That said, there are still some things to keep in mind while traveling. Avoid petty theft tricks by not interacting with strangers who seem suspiciously friendly or pushy, as well as anyone trying to get your attention while you are carrying bags or equipment.

In restaurants and cafes keep day-packs on your lap or loop the strap around your chair leg. In bars and clubs give a polite but determined refusal to any (apparently) friendly stranger (possibly an attractive person of the opposite sex). Such strangers may offer you food or a drink which could possibly be drugged.

The easiest way to avoid any tricks by street moneychangers is to use a bank or casa de cambio. If in dire need of changing money on the street, only change the minimum amount that you will need for immediate use. Count and validate the authenticity of the money you have been given before handing over your dollars.
 
In all dealings with the police be formal, and polite. Always carry your passport while traveling in Peru or at least a photocopy when walking around a town or city. If you are stopped on the street the only thing they are authorized to check is your passport, nothing else. You do not have to show them your money, answer questions that have to do with anything other than your visa or passport or go to the police station. In some circumstances, a policeman may suggest (possibly in an intimidating manner) that a situation could be resolved by making a payment. The options you have are either to pretend not to understand and hope the policeman will give up, or hand over whatever he asks so that he will or will not take a particular action.