Useful information to know before you travel to Peru

Entry Requirements

Citizens of The United States of America, Canada, The European Union, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand are not required to have a visa to enter into Peru, only valid passports. It is also recommended that you have 6 months of validity on your passport, after the date that you plan depart Peru.

On arrival in Peru you will be issued with a landing card which must be completed for your entry. These are typically valid for up to 90 days, but you can ask for an extension to a total of 180 days.

Keep your landing card in a secure place, as you will also need this when leaving Peru. Lost cards can result in a small fine on departure. Also, you will need this boarding card (along with your passport) when checking in to your accommodation. If you cannot present it, you will need to pay the local IGV tax, of 19%
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This information was up to date at time of print. It is your responsibility to make sure you understand the entry requirements prior to travel.

Useful websites for entry requirements to Peru:

USA Information - http://travel.state.gov & www.peruvianembassy.us
Peruvian embassy in Canada – www.embassyofperu.ca
UK Information - www.fco.gov.uk & www.peru-embassy.co.uk
Peruvian embassy in Australia - www.embaperu.org.au
Peruvian embassy in New Zealand - www.embassyofperu.org.nz

Vaccinations

There are no official vaccination requirements for entry into Peru. However, we do suggest that you consult your local health authority before you travel. You should also ask about advice on taking Malaria tablets for trips into the Amazon Jungle.

We ´Totally Peru´ and associated companies do not offer medical advice, we are a travel agent.

Useful websites for health advice:

Public health agency of Canada - www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
USA – Centre for disease control and prevention - www.cdc.gov
UK – NHS vaccination Information - www.nhs.uk

Money / ATM´s / exchanging money / travellers checks

The official currency in Peru is The Nuevo Sol (S/.) However, the US Dollar widely accepted in many places. The Nuevo Sol fluctuates in value from month to month, but has a value of roughly 2.7 to 3.0 Nuevo Soles to 1US$. For smaller purchases such as food and drinks, it is best to use the Nuevo Sol, as often the local exchange rate is much worse than the official rate. Some restaurants and shops simply don´t except the US Dollar, so it is worth asking first and being prepared.

ATM´s are widely available in all major cities, towns and Airports. Foreign debit cards and credit cards are accepted where the relevant symbols are displayed. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most common types accepted. Always take care when with-drawing cash from ATM´s, be aware of your surroundings and if possible use ATM´s inside banks or shops, rather than outside in the street.

There are many shops offering to exchange money, know in Peru as ´Casa de Cambios´. US Dollars and Euros are commonly accepted, however, currencies such at the Australian Dollar, The British Pound and the South African Rand are more difficult to change. Avoid using people offering an exchange service on the street, as you then become an obvious target as someone with money.

Travellers checks are also widely accepted, and can be exchanged in the same manner as cash. Travellers checks are usually commissionable from 1 – 4%, so it is worth checking the rate before hand.

Before changing any money or travelers checks, shop around for the best rate. The rate will change from place to place, and can make a significant difference if you are exchanging larger amounts. You may find that some shops offer a rate which is well below the average rate, so be careful and don´t be fooled by these places that want you hard earned cash for free!

Tipping

It is customary to tip 10-15 % in restaurants. For your tour guides, $5-15 per day is sufficient.

What to Bring

Most trips to Peru cover a huge variety of climates and so it is important to bring the right clothing. High up in the Andes the weather can be unpredictable so you need to be prepared for all weathers when out and about. Generally the dress code in Peru is casual, even in top class restaurants and hotels.

We recommend to bring the following:

Comfortable walking shoes
Rain and windproof jacket
Warm fleece or sweater
Sun protection – Sunglasses, sun hat and high protection suncream
Insect repellent

In addition, for the Amazon Jungle:
Lightweight cotton long sleeved shirts, long trousers
Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho (available to buy in Cusco)

Altitude / Acclimatization

Peru has many different elevations through-out its landscape. Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), and Puno / Lake Titicaca sits at 3,830 meters (12,500 feet). At these altitudes shortness of breath and heart pounding are normal, given that there is less oxygen available to breath. It is also common to feel slight head-aches for the first couple of days at altitude, so taking things slowly is a must when you first arrive. Drinking plenty of liquids and coca-tea is recommended, also, avoid alcohol, a heavy food intake and excessive exercise.

Your guides are familiar with the symptoms of altitude sickness and are well prepared to handle it. Oxygen can be administered to help overcome the effects of altitude sickness, hospitals are equipped to assist. However, the only true remedy for altitude sickness is to descend to lower altitudes.

Travellers that have any reason to believe that they maybe more susceptible to the effects of altitude should consult their doctor prior to travel.

Personal safety

Peru is one of the safest countries in South America, and increasing levels of tourists visiting Peru every year re-enforce this fact. Tourism is an important part of the Peruvian economy, and the income that is generated supports many industries and families throughout Peru; therefore, the Peruvian people understand the importance of looking after tourists.

However, it is important to take common sense precautions when travelling in Peru.

Don´t carry excessive amounts of money on you at any one time.

Carry a copy of your passport on you, and leave you original passport in a secure place in your hotel

Take care at night time, avoid dark alleys, and walking alone. Ask your hotel or restaurant to phone and request an official taxi.

Always take care when with-drawing cash from ATM´s, be aware of your surroundings and if possible use ATM´s inside banks or shops, rather than outside in the street.

Responsible Tourism

Peru is a developing country with the associated economic and social problems shared by developing countries throughout the world. There are many excellent charities here doing good work to provide long term solutions for the less fortunate members of society. Giving sweets and money to children on the streets is not a long term solution and damages their health (many have no access to dentists) A better way to help is to make a donation to one of these charities, please ask us if you would like details on recommended charities.

The handicrafts and textiles that you buy are also a positive way of helping people, and keeps traditional methods alive.

Peruvian Gastronomy

The cuisine in Peru comes from heritage of mixed cultures, and is considered to be some of the best in South America, and is often a pleasant surprise to visitors travelling to Peru for the first time. The cuisine varies greatly by region, with sea foods featuring near the coast, more hearty substantial foods found in the highlands with fish and fresh fruits featuring heavily in the Amazon regions.

Ceviche is a dish made from fresh fish and shell fish marinated (not cooked) in lime juice. Hot spicy peppers, onion and salt are added to give a spicy yet fresh tang to the fish. Often accompanied with sweet potato, and lettuce.

Aji de Gallina a tangy creamed chicken and chile dish, often served with sliced boiled eggs.

Lomo Saltado a dish famous from the highlands, made with strips of beef marinated in garlic and lime, with onions, tomatoes, and french-fried potatoes and read wine. Typically served with a side of white rice.

Rocoto Relleno a hot bell pepper stuffed with mixed vegetables and meat, baked in the oven. A really great option for lovers of spicy food.

Choclo con Queso is often offered as a snack or a starter to a main meal. It is corn on the cob served with local Peruvian soft cheese. Surprisingly tasty and morish!

Pisco Sour Peru´s national drink, is a brandy made from the white grape called Pisco. Mixed with lemon, egg whites and sugar, it´s the perfect drink to have with ceviche or just on its own!