TRAVEL INFORMATION
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MACHUPICCHU |
DAY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF PERU, FLAG PAINTED IN THE HEAD |
PERU
Population 27,968,365
SQ KM 1,285,220 SQ KM
Capital: Lima
Currency: New Sol
Language: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara
English: Many Peruvian that work in tourism, whether as a receptionist, waiter and guides typically speak at least some English and can help you with your inquiries.
Currency: The currency in Peru is called New Sol. To compare with the $US you will need to check the current exchange rate as this increases daily. The exchange rate is 3.33 Soles to the dollar. US dollars are widely accepted throughout Cusco and Lima at a fair rate. Traveler’s Checks in US dollars are accepted at many of the lodges and most banks but can be a hassle to use or exchange at times. You will need your Passport to exchange US dollars or Traveler’s Checks at a bank and also when paying with Traveler’s Checks. Banks typically have long lines; time much better spent enjoying your vacation! No other currency is widely accepted. ATM’s accept major credit cards and are available in the cities and larger towns, be sure to have your credit card pin number available for cash advancements. The airport departure tax must be paid in cash, either in US dollars or soles.
Electricity: For chargers, electrical outlets are 220 Voltage.
Getting around in Taxis: Are available, taxis in Lima are not cheap is 7 to 10 dolars and Cusco are 2 to 3 soles to move around. Be sure and confirm your price with the driver before you set off. We recommend our private transportation as an alternative to taxis, safe drivers, personal service, and no surprises.
Roads and driving: The roads in peru can be an adventure. They are not in the best of shape, and narrow roads. The driving can be described as aggressive and confusing at times.
Airport departure tax: MUST BE PAID IN CASH in the amount of $26 US or the equivalent in soles. No credit cards or traveler’s checks are accepted. This must be paid before your flight check-in at the airline counter.
Health Issues:
Malaria is an extremely low risk disease here. Most foreigners living here find it perplexing that tourists take the anti-malarial medicine when visiting Peru. The two areas where Malaria does occur is in Iquitos North area and Puerto Maldonado Amazon area South of Perus. Yellow fever there are vaccination requirements in order to enter Amazon areas.
Chiggers: These are small mites that burrow into your skin and cause redness and itching. They are frequently encountered in the Southern US although residents of the UK may not be familiar with them. They are relatively harmless, especially in the lowlands. Spraying your trousers, socks, shoes, and waste line with repellant such as Deep Woods Off containing Deet (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a good deterrent. Anti-itch cream is about all you can do for them once the redness and itching begins although I have found a swim in vinager to calm these effects.
Safety and Theft: Common sense will go a long way in Peru regarding safety and theft. Make sure that you lock your rooms when leaving, do not leave valuables exposed in your car while you go into the field, lock your rented car at all times, do not leave your camera and binoculars at the lunch table, keep an eye on your luggage in exposed areas such as at the airport, etc. Personally, I have yet to experience theft after all these years of living here but as anywhere in the world it does occur.
Many hotels provide a lockable safe in the room or at the front desk, usually at an added expense, where you can store valuables safely. It is probably wise to carry your important documents and money with you, even into the field.
Water: Most of the lodges that we recommend have safe tap water you can drink such as. If unsure, just ask at the reception of the lodge upon arrival and they will tell you if it is safe to drink.
Items to bring:
Passport: To enter Peru you will need a valid passport that will not expire after 90 days upon arrival to Peru. However, some International flights require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from your departure to Peru. It is always a good idea to make a copy of your passport and put somewhere separate than you actual passport.
Binoculars and optional Spotting Scope with Tripod: Waterproof types are best, most guides at the lodges supply their own scope for you to use.
Bird Book: “A Guide to the Birds of Peru” by James F. Clements and Noam Shany.
Camera and film: Beware of humidity problems with cameras and video
equipment in the tropics. You may want to bring a compact hair dryer to remove this humidity. This should be done gently and over a period of time in order to not damage your equipment.
Clothing: Long pants and long sleeve shirts are best to deter any insects and minor scratches from the vegetation. The new, lightweight outdoor variety is very comfortable and dries quickly. Shorts and T-shirts can also be useful. A lightweight jacket will be welcomed in the middle elevations, a fleece or medium weight jacket for those visiting the highlands such as Savegre Mountain Lodge. Laundry can be done at most of the lodges for those wanting to travel light.
Shoes: Light weight hiking boots will be invaluable, preferably waterproof Gortex boots. Sandals are useful around the lodges and beach but should not be worn on the forest trails. Rubber boots are always an option but typically do not provide sufficient support for hiking.
Raingear: Umbrella or Poncho, whichever you feel is more practical; rain suits can be quite uncomfortable in the lowlands.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses.
Mosquito Repellent: Although mosquitoes will not be a problem in most of the areas you visit in Peru it is still nice to have your own supply on hand when they are encountered. Repellent containing “Deet” works best such as Deep Woods Off. Deet is mildly poisonous but if used modestly poses no threat. It is not necessary to spray profuse amounts before going into the field unless you are hiking in chigger infested areas, see “Chiggers” under Health and Safety below. You should protect all rubberized or plastic areas of binoculars, scopes, watches, etc before spraying as repellent has a tendency to partially melt rubber and plastics. Repellent can be purchased in nearly all supermarket types here in Peru.
Toiletries: Best to bring these with you but supermarkets in Peru do carry a wide variety.
Medications: Mainly prescription items, pharmacies and supermarkets have a wide variety of over-the-counter medicines that are quite effective.
