About Perú

With approximately 25 million inhabitants and an area of 1,285,216 square kilometers, Peru contains some of the most varied geography in South America, consisting of three distinct regions: the dry coastal desert, the Andean highlands and the Amazon Basin . The capital city is Lima , located 12° south of the equator On the Pacific coast.The time zone in the whole country coincides with Eastern Standard time in the U.S. and is five hours behind GMT. Peru has two official languages: Spanish and Quechua; the language of the Inca Empire. English is spoken by some people, mostly in the major tourist areas. For the last 23 years, the government has been a republican democracy. Currently, the president is Alan Garcia. 
 

Weather

The Coast:
From December to April temperatures reach 27°C; from May to November, temperatures may fall to a mild 12°C,with high humidity. 
The Highlands :

The Coast:
From December to April temperatures reach 27°C; from May to November, temperatures may fall to a mild 12°C,with high humidity. 
The Highlands :

From May to November, days are sunny, nights cold and rain scarce, creating the perfect weather for a visit. Rainfall is abundant from December to April. In a single day, temperatures may fluctuate from 20°C to 5°C.
The Amazon Forest:

From May to October is the dry season with sunny days that heat up to 30°C. During the rainy season, rivers swell.

Currency and money exchange
The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). It circulates in coins of 10, 20 and 50 centavos and 1,2 and 5 Nuevos Soles, and in bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles. Generally, the banks and currency exchange office; will change most foreign currency. The most common credit cards are: Diners Club, Visa, Master Card, American Express. Travelers checks in American dollars are not aIways accepted at hotels, businesses and restaurants (specially in areas far from big cities), so it is always good to carry another form of paymen. It is better to have bills in good condition, since torn ones may not be accepted.

Independence day (28th of July)
If you plan to visit Peru at the end of July, during the national holiday, be sure to arrange transport and lodging in advance because of the high demand.

Religion
Catholicism reigns, but other religious denominations and cults are accepted.

Important Places in Perú 

 
Trujillo  
Chan-Chan is the largest complex of adobe architecture in America . Many of its walls bear designs of marine life. The huacas El Brujo, Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, which has brightly-painted day relief panels of Moche deities.
Lambayeque
The huacas of Túcume, Batán Grande, Huaco Rajada (Sipán) and Dos Cabezas. The famous tomb of the Lord of Sipán is without o doubt the most important recent discovery of the Moche culture. Visit the fine museums: Royal Tombs of Sipán and the Brüning Museum in Chiclayo and the Sicán Museum in Ferreñafe.

Cusco
The archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu , constructed in stone in the 15th century, is considered to be the maximum expression of Inca architecture and organization. Sacsayhuamán is an Inca fortress constructed with enormous blocks of worked stone up to nine meters high. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world.

lca
The Paracas culture is celebrated for its incomparable textiles, tombs and cranial trephinations. ln the Paracas National Reserve, one can visit the Ballestas and San Gallán islands, national reserves of marine fauna and flora. The Nazca lines are believed to be the largest astronomical calendar in the world.

Arequipa  
The second most important city in Peru and the location of the great Misti volcano. The Colca Canyon is a splendid place to observe condors, the Cotahuasi canyon and beautiful towns.
Madre de Dios
The Manu Reserve, Tambopata-Candamo, the Sanctuary of the Heath Pampas and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park are considered to be some of the best preserved territories on the planet for their diversity of natural elements.

Amazonas
Within the vast complex of archoeological monuments, several outstanding examples are the ruins of the Fortress of Kuélap, Levanto, Korajía, Molinopampa and the sarcophagi embedded in the cliffs around the Laguna of the Condors.

Puno  
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 meters above sea level. It has a few islands, such as Taquile, of great ethnic and cultural value, since the people there still preserve the ancient Inca traditions.

Lima

Downtown
The downtown of Lima used to be the heart of Spanish culture in the New World . Its beautiful colonial palaces, museums and churches still contain precious treasures which, despite the turmoil of modern life, recount the history of the City of Kings .
San Isidro  
One of Lima most attractive residential and commercial districts, San Isidro reflects the tranquility and practical spirit of its inhabitants. The area has fine parks such as the "Olivar San Isidro" and also commercial centers.
Miraflores
Miraflores has excellent commercial centers and an intense nightlife to offer visitors. Restaurants, galleries and boutiques are in harmony with the gardens that border the attractive beaches of the Pacific Ocean .

Transportation

In Lima one can find terrestrial and air transportation to many dífferent parts of the country. The minimum taxi charge is about u$1.50-3.50 for short distances, u$3.00-5.00 from downtown to most suburbs and about u$15.00 to the airport from many parts of Lima .
Flight Information
Domestic and International Phone
01 -575-1712
01-574-5529
Reconfirming Air Tickets
Domestic flights: 48 hours before departing
International: 72 hours before departing
Airport Taxes (T.U.U.A.)
Domestic flights: u$5.00
International flights: u$28.00

Place to visit Lima

National Museum  

Chronological displays covering everything from the first inhabitants of ancient Peru to the Inca Empire.
Av. Javier Prado Este 2465, San Borja
Open: Tues. - Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

National Archaeological and Anthropological Museum

Pre-Hispanic civilizations.
Plaza Bolívar, Pueblo Libre
Open: Tues.-Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum

Exposition of gold, silver and erotic ceramics of ancient Peru .
Av. Bolívar 151 5, Pueblo Libre
Open: Mon.-Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Mujica Gallo Peruvian Gold Museum

Private collection of artifacts and jewelry of the pre-Inca period.
Alonso de Molina 1100, Monterrico, La Molina
Open: Mon.-Sun. 11 :30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Government Palace  

Contains magnificent such as the Golden Parlor and is the official residence of the President of Peru.
Open: Mon. - Fri. 10:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m.
Visits require prior application (48 hours before) at the Military House (Casa Militar on Palacio St. , Room 202). Passport required.

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo

(16th century) One of the most beautiful churches in the city, with silver urns which contain holy relics. Its dome is simply exceptional.
Corner of Conde de Superunda and Camaná.
Open: Mon. - Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Zoological Park of the Legends

Houses a great variety of species from different ecological zones in Peru .
Av. La Marina, San Miguel.
Open: Mon. - Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Larco Mar

Entertainment area next to the ocean, containing cafes, restaurants, gift shops; movie theatres a good place to spend an afternoon.
Av. Larco and Av. Almendráis.

Important Information

Documents
Valid passport required. No visa is necessary for U.S. tourists holding a valid passport, but a formal extension is required if the visit exceeds 90 days. If you lose your passport, obtain a temporary replacement from your embassy in Lima .
Prohibitions
Photographing airports, military bases and police stations is forbidden. In some churches and museums, it is also forbidden to take photographs or make video recordings.
Drugs
It is strictly forbidden to transport iIIegal drugs. Offenders will be arrested and jailed. Under no circumstance should you accept to carry in your luggage packages belonging to strangers.
Vaccinations
If you wish to visit the jungle, you should get an immunization for yellow fever.
Personal Safety
As in any big city, tourists in Lima may be the target of robberies and other unpleasant situations.

We recommend that you take certain precautions wherever you travel:

• Use a money belt and carry only the amount of money you plan to spend on a given day.
• Leave your airline tickets, money and other valuables in your hotel.
• Don't walk on dark, deserted streets at night.
• Avoid areas with crowds and many street vendors.
• Keep close track of bags, cameras and other valuables.
• Avoid talking with people who approach you to offer services in bus terminals or isoloted areas.
• In case of robbery, report the incident at the nearest police station and for emergencies call 105.
Electric Current
220V. Appliances using 110V will require a transformer.
Health
Drink only sealed, bottled water of a known brand. When hiking in the mountains, boil or purify the water. Be careful to wash raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Avoid eating food from street vendors. The change of food can cause diarrhea. Ask in a pharmacy for local anti-diarrheal medication.
Acclimatization
Because of the altitude, travelers with heart problems or high blood pressure should check with a doctor in advance or if any problem arises. If you plan to visit the highlands, take it easy for the first 2 or 3 days and drink a lot of water to avoid mountain sickness (soroche). If you get a headache, drink coca tea (mate de coca) for some relief. Always carry sunscreen, glasses and a cap for UV protection.
Cultural heritage and protected species
Peruvian law prohibits and prosecutes the sale and export of all types of wild plants and animals and original objects of national cultural heritage, without special permissions from INRENA or the National lnstitute of Culture. Avoid buying such materials.
Lodging
There are hotels and lodgings of all categories and costs. It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance of the peak tourist sea son (May September). Other possibilities are family-run bed and breakfast lodgings. Ask about check-out times at hotels to avoid additional charges.
Travel Agencies
You can make your Peruvian trip easier by booking with a travel agency. There are various packages and prices. Avoid contracting services from people who circulate around the airports and bus stations.
Transportation
By Air
From Lima you can find flights to the principal cities in the country, with the exception of Huaraz, Huancayo and lca. Make your reservations in advance.
By Land
Traveling by land is very popular in Peru, so many routes and types of bus service are available. Ask about the conveniences included in each fare class before purchasing your ticket. Ask if it is direct service or with various stops along the way.
By Rail
There are three tourist routes:
l. Arequipa - Juliaca - Puno
2. Puno - Cusco
3. Cusco - Machu Picchu Reservations at:
E-mail: reservas@perurail.com
www.perurail.com

Callejón de Huaylas

Recuay

( 3,400 meters) This interesting town displays its traditional architecture with narrow streets. It is an important agricultural and cattle-raising center.

Huaraz

( 3,090 meters) Capital of the Department of Ancash. It is the main city in the Callejón de Huaylas with a population of over 100,000. Most public and private offices are located here. Huaraz is the center for high-altitude sports and outdoor activities. Popular due to its geographic location and logistical resources, it is used as the base for many expeditions into the surrounding Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra. The city is roughly 400 km north of Lima , about seven hours by bus.

Carhuaz

( 2,650 meters) This is a popular and friendly city, starting point of the route into the beautiful Ulta Valley that crosses the Cordillera Blanca via Punta Olímpica ( 4,950 meters). On the eastern side of the mountains, lie the towns of the Conchucos, including Chacas, San Luis, Huari, San Marcos and Chavín de Huántar to the south and Piscobamba and Pomabamba to the north.

Yungay

( 2,537 meters) The old city was completely destroyed by an earthquake and enormous rock and mud avalanche on May 31, 1970. From the new city , one can see the full majesty of Mt. Huascarán , the highest peak in the Peruvian Andes at 6,768 meters. Yungay offers road access to the beautiful Llanganuco lakes.

Caraz

( 2,256 meters) This friendly, warm city still maintains its traditional urban characteristics. Caraz is the starting point to get to Lake Parón , Cashapampa, the famous walk through the Santa Cruz Valley and the Cedros Valley , including the glorious Mt. Alpamayo , known as the most beautiful mountain in the world.