Tap water can be drunk in most parts of Peru but the chemical content is different in each place. To avoid problems we recommend that you drink only bottled water.
Peruvian cuisine is spicy and very varied. Some typical dishes are: "Cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (chicken strips cooked in a sauce of milk, bread and chili peppers), "anticuchos" brochettes of beef heart and meat) among many others. You should also try a "Pisco Sour", a typical aperitif made from pisco (grape brandy), lemon juice, egg white and syrup.
Although we recommend you to try the local and international cuisine available in Peru, which is known throughout the world as some of the best, we would also say that the main fast food chains also have branches in Lima.
Climate and ClothingIn Lima and on the coast in general, December to April are the hottest and sunniest months. June to August is more humid and a light drizzle may occur from June to October, though it never rains in Lima. You can wear lightweight clothing from October to May.
In contrast, the driest months in the highlands are June to October, though the weather in this area can vary considerably in a single day: very cold at night and in the early morning and hot at midday. It is advisable, here to use clothes that you can change easily. Sweaters / jumpers, jackets and long trousers are necessary. Daytime temperatures can vary between 60¼F/15¼C - 70¼F/20¼C and between 40¼F/4¼C - 50¼F/10¼C at night. If you are visiting the city of Cusco, for example, (3,400 mts. / 11,200 ft.) and go on an excursion to Machu Picchu (2,400 mts. / 8,000 ft.) you will leave in the early morning when it is very cold but the temperature when you arrive may be quite high, not only because of the time of day but because of the altitude. It rains from December to March so waterproof clothing is essential.
In the jungle, at Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado the temperature is 80¼F / 27¼C. Rainfall is heaviest from June to November. The same type of clothes are suitable all year: tropical kit but always with long trousers and lightweight cotton shirts with long sleeves, which are not too hot but protect against jungle insects. Don't forget waterproof boots or trainers for walking, absorbent socks, a hat, waterproof, swimming costume, sunglasses, sunblock, repellent, binoculars, torch and a water bottle or canteen.
SafetyAs in all the world's large cities, there is a high incidence of handbag snatching. We therefore recommend that you carry money and credit cards in a money belt and don't take a handbag unless it is absolutely essential.
The main hotels have safe deposit boxes and we suggest you leave your valuables, passport and air tickets there. Be very careful with handbags, cameras and video recorders, especially in places where lots of people congregate, such as markets, railway stations and public squares, etc.
TimePeruvian time is GMT -5 hours.
CurrencyThe Peruvian currency is the nuevo sol (S/.) It is a decimal system like almost everywhere else (100 centimos = 1 nuevo sol). Coins = 10, 20 & 50 centimos, 1, 2 and 5 nuevos soles; bank note denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles.
The United States dollar exchange rate is variable. We suggest checking with Lima Tours personnel, your - hotel reception or a bank. Try to keep small denomination notes to make transactions easier.
Most hotels, restaurants and businesses accept dollars but if you want to change your money into local currency we recommend you to do so at a bank or to ask at your hotel reception. For your security, do not have anything to do with street money changers.
Banks are usually open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
There are automatic teller machines in strategic places where cash can be obtained using the principal international credit cards, either in Peruvian currency or in dollars. Take the usual security precautions when withdrawing cash from such machines.
The best-known international credit cards (American Express, Diners Club.
Electricity220 volts AC / 60 Hz throughout Peru. Most hotels have 110 volt shaver sockets in the bathrooms, but they are not suitable for travel irons and hair dryers.
TransportLima and Cusco have a large number of taxis whose fares are very modest. Before taking a taxi we recommend finding out the approximate fares for your route from the hotel reception.
Taxis have no meters, so before starting your journey agree the fare with the driver. In Lima, if you are going to stop a taxi in the street, use the yellow ones that have the driver's identification visible inside.
Remember to carry coins to pay the fare.
Pre-payment phone cards of various denominations are available for Telefonica del Peru (the Peruvian telephone company) and AT & T and can be bought from newspaper kiosks and shops.
Long distance telephone codes:
Peru 51
Lima 1
Cusco 84
Arequipa 54
Puno 51
Ica 56
Trujillo 44
Chiclayo 74
Iquitos 65
Puerto Maldonado 82.
A large variety of silverware, alpaca and vicuña woollen goods and garments in pima cotton can be bought.
Our handicrafts are very varied and highly prized throughout the world.
Please remember that original antiquities ("huacos", ceramics, colonial-era paintings, Inca textiles and metal objects, etc.), which may be considered Peru's cultural heritage, cannot be taken out of the country.
Again, it is important to bear in mind where is your money finally going so always research who is making the goods you are buying and what percentage of the total cost are they receiving from your buy. Fair Trade practices are responsibility of all (producers, retail sellers and specially the buyers).
Fair Trade Shops in PeruThis is a list of recommended shops in Peru. They sell nice articles, beautiful handicraft from different regions of Peru and healthy food. Besides this, and according to our research, they also honor fair trade practices so buying here results in real benefits for producers and local economies.
Of course we are sure that there are more shops that should be included here so if you arrive to one of this please let us know in order to add it to our recommendations :-) Again, please feel free to email us with your comments on them or any other advice that you may have.
Airport Taxes
For domestic flights US$ 5.04
For international flights US$ 28.24
