Departure dates

Travel Tips

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Nuevo Sol (1 US$ =  3.50 S//.). American dollars are accepted throughout the country, but it is recommended to have small bills of $10, $20, and $50. --. Changing dollars at a bank always gives a lower rate than at casas de cambio (exchange houses).
In Lima and many other cities, euros are as acceptable as US dollars for changing into soles. Other currencies carry high commission fees.

To keep in mind:  No one, not even banks, will accept dollar bills that look “old” or are in any way damaged or torn.

CREDIT CARDS & TRAVELLERS’ CHEQUES

Visa (by far the most widely accepted card in Peru), MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are all valid, and you can withdraw cash at most ATMs all over the country. There is often an 8-12% commission for credit card charges. Credit cards are not commonly accepted in smaller towns, so go prepared with cash.

VISAS, PASSPORT & DOCUMENTS

No visa is necessary for citizens of Western Europe, Asia, North or South America, the Caribbean, or citizens of Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. You must have a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after the visit) on your entry into the country.

Passengers must present a QR code confirming they have submitted a Sworn Declaration of Health and Geolocation Authorisation (Declaración Jurada de Salud y Autorización de Geolocalización) at least 72 hours before departure, or complete a Sworn Declaration of Traveller’s Health (Declaración Jurada de Salud del Viajero) before arrival. https://djsaludviajero.minsa.gob.pe/dj-salud/

We recommend you make two sets of colored photocopies of your documents before traveling, one set left at home and the other set separate from the originals in your luggage (in case of loss). A travel insurance policy is indispensable. Ask your travel agent for information.

TAXES

The general sales tax in Peru is 18%. This amount is usually included in the product cost already. Some services, like hotels or restaurants, may charge this tax additionally. 

HEALTH QUESTIONS

Due to the high altitude of many of our tourist sites (Cusco, Puno are above 3300m/12000 ft) some passengers experience altitude problems (soroche/altitude sickness = tiredness, low blood pressure, upset stomach, headache, dehydration and agitated heartbeat). We recommend taking two days to acclimatize before any physical effort. Drink plenty of water, eat light, and control your alcohol intake. People with heart problems should consult their doctor.

For our tours that include hikes, all our equipment is carried by porters and pack mules. Despite this, it is essential that YOU physically prepare yourself for the trip (especially legs, lungs, and heart) and if you buy new equipment, be sure to test it out before beginning the tour. We recommend bringing your first aid kit.

The tropical sun might feel very gentle, but it can burn you easily. Ultra-violet rays are potent at high altitudes: wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a high-factor (50 + factor) sunscreen.

Please note that you must inform us about any health problems, allergies, and prescribed medicines before the trip.

VACCINES

Vaccines are not required to enter Latin America, but for rainforest visits, it is necessary to carry a yellow fever certificate of vaccination. Malaria can also be a problem in this region (consult your tropical specialist about the best prevention according to your personal needs). Consult your doctor about Malarone. Bites can be minimized by using long-sleeved clothes and an effective repellent.

PRECAUTIONS & DIETS

The best way to enjoy a trip is to begin it rested and in good health. The most common health disorders are upset stomachs caused by unwashed or uncooked food. For this reason, be careful buying food from street vendors and stay away from unpeeled fruits/vegetables and drinks that contain ice. If you have an upset stomach, itis crucial to drink plenty of water (coffee, tea, and alcohol are not recommended) and wash your hands with soap and water before every meal. Tap water should not be drunk anywhere unless it has been boiled or treated with iodine. Bottled water is available throughout Peru. Further to the general advice about altitude sickness, note that when walking in high altitude, the body needs sugar, which can be carried conveniently in the form of a block of crystallized pure cane sugar, called chancaca. High humidity dehydrates the body: drink plenty of liquid and add salt to your food.

TIPS & GIFTS

The salaries in Peru are generally very basic, and it has become customary to give tips for good service. In some restaurants and hotels, a 10% Service Tax is already included (not in all of them). We recommend tipping bellboys and waiters directly.

Unfortunately, it is also very common to see children asking for money. We invite you not to give them money or candies (children do not enjoy excellent dental hygiene), but we recommend bringing small gifts such as toothbrushes, pens, notebooks, or other things that can be used for their studies. On some of our hikes, we visit rural schools where these kinds of gifts are very much appreciated. We organize social projects to benefit local communities. If you're interested in cooperating, please don't hesitate to contact us.

THEFT

As in every other tourist place, theft is a problem. It is much more common in big cities than in the countryside. We recommend checking with your local guide about unsafe places and avoiding them. Carry around only the quantity of money you need and don’t use jewelry or other valuable objects unless they are absolutely necessary. We also advise changing money in official exchange houses or banks rather than on the street.

TYPICAL FOOD

Coastal cuisine: The best coastal dishes are seafood-based, the most popular being ceviche. This is a dish of white fish marinated in lemon juice, onion, and hot peppers. Traditionally, ceviche is served with corn on the cob, cancha (toasted corn) and sweet potatoes. A wide variety of delicious, fresh oven-baked, fried, or grilled fish dishes can be enjoyed along the coast. Be sure to try the excellent Corvina, or White Sea bass. You should also try chupe de Camarones, which is a shrimp stew.

Highland cuisine is rich and varied: Corn and potatoes date back to Inca times and are found in a remarkable variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Meat dishes are diverse and many: A dish almost guaranteed to appear on every restaurant menu is Lomo saltado, a kind of stir-fried beef with onions, vinegar, ginger, chili, tomatoes and fried potatoes, served with rice. Rocoto relleno is a spicy dish made by stuffing bell peppers with beef and vegetables. Other popular dishes include fried pork, typically eaten in the morning, chicharrones (deep-fried chunks of pork ribs), chicken or fish, and lechon (suckling pig). A delicacy in the highlands is cuy, guinea pig. Very filling and good value are the many soups on offer.

Tropical cuisine: The main ingredient in much jungle cuisine is fish, especially the succulent, dolphin-sized Paiche, which comes with the delicious palmito, or palm hearts, and the ever-present yucca and fried bananas. Juanes are a jungle version of tamales, stuffed with chicken and rice.

Drink: The most famous local drink is pisco, a clear brandy which, with egg whites and lime juice, makes the famous pisco sour. The best wines are from Ica, Tacama, and Ocucaje, which come in red, white, and rosé, sweet and dry varieties. Peruvian beer comes in a variety of styles, including the typical Andean Chicha de jora, a maize beer that is usually homemade and not easy to come by. It is refreshing but strong. Additionally, chicha Morada is a soft drink made with purple maize.

Peruvian coffee is good, but the best is exported. Mate de coca is frequently served in the highlands to stave off the discomforts of altitude sickness.

WEIGHTS & MEASURES

Peru uses the metric system for all weights and measures. Here’s a table to help you convert to the imperial system. 

ELECTRICITY

Peru uses 220 volts. The major hotels provide 110-volt outlets in bathrooms for the use of shavers only.

BUSINESS HOURS

Most stores are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday 

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Two of the significant festival dates are Carnival, which is held over the weekend before Ash Wednesday, and Semana Santa (Holy Week), which ends on Easter Sunday.
Carnival is celebrated in most of the Andes and Semana Santa throughout Peru.
Another important festival is Fiesta de la Cruz, held on the first of May in much of the central and southern highlands and on the coast.
In Cusco, the entire month of June is one huge fiesta, culminating in Inti Raymi, on June 24th, one of Peru’s prime tourist attractions.
Another national festival is Todos los Santos (All Saints) on November 1st, and on December 8th is Festividad de la Inmaculada Concepcion.

Apart from the festivals listed above, the main holidays are January 1st, New Year, January 6th, Bajada de Reyes, May 1st, Labor Day, July 28-29th, Independence (Fiestas Patrias) and December 24-25th, Christmas.

INTERNET

You can find internet access everywhere. Most hotels and restaurants include free WI-FI.

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

With its many different ecological areas, one of the driest deserts, an incredible altitudinal range (up to 6800 mt/21’900 ft.), and the dense rainforest region, Peru offers an infinity of outdoor activities.

TREKKING AND CLIMBING

The most famous hike in Peru is the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but there are many other beautiful hikes following the over 30,000 miles of road system the Incas built throughout their empire, such as Choquequirao and Vilcabamba in southern Peru. There is some nice trekking and climbing around Mt. Ausangate in the Cusco department. In Huaraz - the Peruvian Switzerland – there are also some outstanding circuits around the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca with some of the highest mountains in South America (Llanganuco-Santa Cruz, Huayhuash, and Alpamayo).

BIRDWATCHING

The most important sites for bird watching in Peru are the Tambopata National Reserve, the Manu Biosphere Reserve, Iquitos, and Paracas. With nearly 20% of all the bird species in the world and 45% of all Neotropical birds, Peru is a birdwatcher's paradise where you can find a wide range of birds from tiny hummingbirds to flamingoes and the Andean condor. Birding trips are possible during any month as birds breed all year round.

RIVER RAFTING AND BIKING

Some of the best white water rafting in the world is found in the Apurimac and Cotahuasi rivers in southern Peru (class III to V rapids).

There are countless mountain bike routes, some of them off the beaten path. Mountain bike equipment may be rented, but check the quality of the bikes and see if you can bring your equipment.

SOCIAL WORK

Peru is a rich country in the world, but the way the wealth is being distributed is a disaster; therefore, it is a country of need. When coming to Peru, bring clothes for rain and cold; the Andean communities will thank you for this. Please get in touch with us if you want to bring anything so that we can assist and direct you.

ECOLOGICAL PROJECTS

We are trying to replant with native trees. To protect the ecosystems where the native communities dwelt, and ensure the water sources for the future. We work with ecological groups that are constantly reforesting with native species of trees.

POPULATION

33 million, with around 10 million living in the greater Lima area. The highest population density is in coastal areas (55% of the total population). Approximately 45% of Peru’s population is Native American, some of whom are descendants of the Incas and Quechuas who established a great civilization in the 15th century. Practically 37% of the population is of mixed Spanish and Andean heritage, 15% are direct descendants of the Spanish, and the rest are Japanese, Chinese, and Afro-American. 75% of the population lives in urban areas and 25 % in rural areas.

Guidelines for Nature & Culture Travelers

Before your Trip:

• Inform yourself about your destination before your trip.
• Let your travel agent inform you about their concrete actions concerning ecological principles and what conditions await you at your destination.

During your trip:

Respect local cultures

• Contract local people as guides whenever possible and consume locally produced products, except for products that are scarce for the locals themselves.
• Learn a few sentences of the local language.
• Learn about local behavior in greeting, dining, and hospitality. Ask your local guide about customs and how to thank those who offer hospitality.
• Be diplomatic about demands for presents. Give away presents after establishing a connection with the person. Children will always ask you for little presents. We recommend not giving away any sweets but bringing school utensils with you, e.g., notebooks, colored pencils, toothbrushes, etc. Clothes you no longer use are also very appreciated by the locals.
• Try to give an objective view of the more materialistic Western culture. Encourage locals to appreciate their own culture and surroundings.
• Only take pictures of people who agree. Please respect their privacy. Accept if payment is asked for in exchange for photos.
• Don’t make promises you may not be able to hold, e.g., sending pictures.
• Buy souvenirs, if possible, from the producers themselves.
• Modesty is adequate in all cultures. Avoid a loud, extravagant, and superior impression through your behavior, clothes, and equipment.
• Do not wear local clothes or jewelry if you are not familiar with their cultural and religious meaning. Dress conservatively according to your own culture.
• Visit local cultural shows at your destination.
• Listen and learn. Don’t criticize cultural practices.

Try to be a discreet observer:

• Move carefully and quietly in natural areas so you won’t disturb animals or destroy plants.
• Do not collect natural souvenirs: Respect the integrity of the ecosystem you move in.
• Avoid recordings, food or noises to attract birds or other wild animals for better views. Do not try to touch or feed wild animals. Keep your distance and use binoculars and telephoto lenses to observe and take pictures.
• Consider local rules in protected areas and follow the instructions and recommendations of your local guide.

 The best compliment you can make to nature is not to leave any traces of your visit.

• Don’t leave any garbage (especially plastic). Pick up the trash left behind by other travelers and locals.
• Use existing toilet facilities. If no toilet facilities are available, bury your necessities and burn toilet paper; ask your guide. Do your necessities away from water sources.
• Use only biodegradable soaps and detergents, or avoid their use altogether.
• Avoid giving away presents made from non-biodegradable or breakable materials, and those with non-biodegradable wrappings. Leave extra packaging of film rolls, clothes, toiletries, food, etc., back home. 
• Avoid the use or acquisition of animal or plant products that come from wild or uncontrolled areas. In many countries, this is illegal anyway.
• Accept that campfires are not convenient in areas where there is little firewood.
• Avoid direct contact with Indigenous people if you have a contagious illness (e.g., the flu).

After your trip:

Use your experiences and your newly acquired knowledge – become active 

• Give your travel agent ideas about changes that would positively impact the preservation of nature and culture.
• Become active or sponsor organizations that protect the environment nationally or internationally.
• Share personal insights about negative trends observed in ecological tourism, along with examples of positive developments.