Peru - a country of many dimensions and exciting
adventures. Travel back in the past as you visit the
cultural centers of the pre-Columbian civilizations, enjoy
modern Lima and ponder the mystery of the great Amazon. More...
A sample of our Peru Experiences:
15 Day Peru Encompassed & Amazon - *in Style
15 Day Sacred Land of the Incas
9 Day Inca Trail Trek (moderate to strenuous)
14 Day Inca Trail Teen Adventure - minimum age 11
18 Day Peru, Galapagos and the Amazon
Enquire about more Peru trips here
TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
Travel Log: King Kong in Peru
About Peru:
Peru– a country of many dimensions and exciting adventures.
Travel back in the past as you visit the cultural centers of the
pre-Columbian civilizations, enjoy modern Lima, and ponder the
mystery of futuristic Nazca. And, of course, it is always fun to
bargain or trade with the natives for an alpaca wool sweater or an
exotic blowgun. To make your trip most enjoyable, we offer the
following information.
While
In Cusco Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore Cusco.
This city, which dates from around 1200 AD, is the historic heart of
Incan civilization. Wander the network of ruined temples and palaces,
and learn of the Incas´ ancient religious practices, centered
in the majestic Temple of the Sun. Just as fascinating is the
colonial history of Cusco-see how the Spanish built their lavish
churches on the sites of the Inca temples.
CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO BY VISTADOME TRAIN
Route: Cusco – Poroy - Ollanta - Machu Picchu - Ollanta - Poroy - Cusco
The train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a highlight
of any trip to the Andes. The scenery is simply spectacular, and the
recently refurbished Vistadomes with their panoramic windows allow
you to enjoy it in comfort.
The 3 1/4 hour journey takes you
through a changing landscape.
First
there is a steep climb out of Cusco into the surrounding hillside, by
means of a series of switchback turns known locally as "the zig
zag".
Soon the train stops at the beautiful village of Poroy,
and then descends into the Sacred Valley, passing by lush, green
fields and colourful villages in the foothills of the Andes.
From here on, there are wonderful vistas of the mountains and, deep in its
dramatic canyon, the beautiful Urubamba River running through the
Sacred Valley.
For optimum views of the Andes, windows have been installed into the
carriage ceilings. Also, a newly enhanced food-and-drink service,
plus individual slip-down tables have been added.
And
what a destination awaits you! Machu Picchu, the Lost City of
the
Incas, is one of the wonders of the Americas. The stunning
ruins
of the ancient citadel, perched on a mountain peak high in the Andes,
are perhaps the greatest surviving testament to Inca civilization.
Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, Machu Picchu was the secret
city of the Incas, never discovered by the Spanish. It was only
rediscovered in 1911, by an American, Professor Bingham, and it
remains South America’s most spectacular archaeological site.
Holidays In Peru
- January 1st New Year
- Easter Good Friday
- May 1st Labor day
- June 29th San Pedro and San Pablo
- July 28 and 29 Independence day
- August 30th Santa Rosa de Lima
- October 8th Combate de Angamos
- November 1st All Saints
- December 8th Inmaculada Concepcion
- December 25th Christmas day
Days
most popular Museums and Tourist Sites are closed Lima
Gold
Museum: January 1, May 1, July 28
Rafael Larco Herrera
Archaeological Museum: Never closes
Archaeological and
Anthropological Museum: Mondays, January 1, May 1, July 28, July 29,
November 1, December 25.
Museo de la Nacion: January 1, May 1,
July 28, December 25.
Pachacamac Ruins: January 1, December
25.
Cusco
Cusco Cathedral: Sundays
Documents: A valid passport is required to enter Peru. Canadian citizens
do not need a Visa. Others should contact the Peruvian consulate for entry requirements.
Valuables: We suggest that while touring or shopping leave your passport and the
bulk of your money in the hotel; only take with you the money you
intend to spend or exchange at that particular time.
Valuables: We suggest that while touring or shopping leave your passport and the
bulk of your money in the hotel; only take with you the money you
intend to spend or exchange at that particular time.
It
is also helpful to take a copy of the picture page of your passport
to carry in your wallet because it is sometimes needed to exchange
traveler's checks. This copy can also be useful in the event your
passport is lost or stolen.
Altitude Sickness, Health and Vaccinations: To minimize the chances
of altitude sickness in Cuzco we strongly recommend you rest for two
hours to allow your lungs to adjust to the altitude.
A yellow fever vaccination is not required for Peru. If you plan to
continue to Brazil, the Brazilian Government requires the yellow
fever vaccination for visitors coming from Peru.
Currency and Exchange Rates: The currency of Peru is the NUEVO SOL.
Bills are for 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles. Coins are for 5, 10, 20
and 50 cents of a Nuevo Sol. And also coins for 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos
Soles.
Dollars and traveler's checks may be exchanged at banks at the official rate,
at most hotels (exchange rate somewhere between the official and the
parallel rates) and on the street at the parallel rate. Traveler's
checks command a slightly lower rate than actual currency.
Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and in many
shops; however, credit card purchases will be billed at the official
rate of exchange.
Tips and Taxes: As in most countries, taxes are unavoidable and
tips
are given on the basis of the quality of service rendered. It is
helpful to carry a small quantity of US $1 bills for tips and easy
change.
Airport
departure taxes: On international departures there is an exit
tax. Within Peru, passengers must pay an airport
security tax for each domestic flight.
Time
Difference: The time in Peru is the same as Eastern Standard
Time in North America. Daylight savings time is not observed.
Electric Voltage: The electric voltage in Peru is 220 volts, 60
cycles and
the electrical outlets require a connector with 2 small round prongs.
Although
some major hotels also have outlets with 110 volts and others have
adapters for use, we find it much more convenient to bring our own.
Language:
Peru has two official languages, Spanish and Quechua. English is
spoken in most hotels, tourist shops and major visitor centers.
Business
Hours: Banks: 9:00am/6:00pm Monday - Friday. 9:00am/12:00pm
on
Saturdays. Shops: 10:00am/1:00pm and 4:00pm/8:00pm Monday - Saturday
Taxis:
All taxis should have a red and white "Taxi" sign in the
windshield. There are no meters so settle on a price prior to
entering the car. Taxis at many hotels and at the airport have
higher, set rates than those you may hail on the street and they are
better and much more reliable. Taxi cab drivers do not expect a tip.
Imported
Items: Items not made in Peru are much more expensive than
elsewhere and often not available for purchase. Some of these
commonly needed items include film and camera equipment, insect
repellent, sun screen, contact lens solutions and binoculars. If you
use these items, bring them from home.
Souvenirs
and Such The best buys in Peru are silver and gold jewelry
as
well as a wide variety of handicrafts such as hand-woven shawls,
llama and alpaca furs, sweaters, rugs and blankets, wall hangings,
ceramics, woodwork, straw and leather items.
Hint:
That extra expandable suitcase really comes in handy when it is time
to return home with all your purchases.
Photographs:
It is customary in many Indian populated areas to give a small tip to
the subject of your photographs. These tips can be monetary or
souvenir type items such as a ball point pen. In addition, items such
as cosmetics, pens, T shirts and pocket calculators often can be
traded in the Indian markets for native handicrafts.
Climate
Arid
Coastal Areas: (Most important tourists centers - Lima, Trujillo,
Ica, Nazca, Paracas) In general the climate is temperate to
warm
throughout the year with very little rainfall. The highest
temperatures in this area are around 85 F and lowest around 50 F.
June through October are the coolest months in Lima with the weather
being somewhat humid and foggy.
Sierra or high elevation valleys: (Tourist centers - Cusco, Puno, Machu
Picchu, Arequipa, Huancayo, Huaraz). Most days are mild and
sunny
(79 F highest temperature) with cool to cold nights (32 F coldest
temperature). There is a dry season from May through November and
rainy season from December through April. Machu Picchu is the warmest
of the tourist centers mentioned above with the highs averaging 75 F
and the lows averaging 55 F while Puno is the coldest (66 F/32 F).
Puno often receives light snow during the rainy season.
Jungle:
(Tourist centers - Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos) The climate is
hot
and humid (100 F/70 F) with frequent rains year round.
Clothing:
Dress informal for destinations outside Lima. For most
destinations you will want to dress in layers for climatic changes.
The cosmopolitan city of Lima calls for a bit dressier clothing:
Sport outfits for day wear, dresses and jackets for dinner in fine
restaurants.
Useful items to include in packing list:
- Medium weight jacket for cool evenings (all year, higher elevations)
- Lightweight plastic raincoat / umbrella
- Small flashlight (jungle excursions)
- Mosquito repellent (jungle excursions/Machu Picchu)
- Sneakers or hiking boots (jungle walks/Machu Picchu)
- Extra pair of sneakers (jungle excursions - these may get wet)
- Suntan lotion, sunscreen, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses (Machu Picchu, jungle excursions)
- Warm jacket and heavy socks (Excursions to Puno)
- Binoculars, camera, batteries and plenty of film
- Windbreaker or sweatshirt style jacket (Machu Picchu)
- Small backpack (Machu Picchu, jungle excursions)
Luggage:
You will want a small bag for excursions to Machu Picchu and
the
Amazon. Bring a duffle bag to pack for the Amazon, your main suitcase
will stay in the city office of the jungle lodge. There is no room
for all the luggage on the jungle boats. We suggest one of the
fold-up, expandable types -- can be carried in a larger suitcase, it
is perfect for overnight and handy to carry souvenirs when you pack
to return home.
TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
