HELPFUL INFORMATION

Peru is the third biggest country in South America, it counts with an ethnic mystic population; Spanish, Inca, African American; as well as European and Asian prints in our Amazon. It relishes of a variety of culture, history and gastronomy in its three regions; Coast, Mountains and Jungle. It’s a country located in the occidental extreme side of South America; to its West it has an extensive littoral in the Pacific Ocean and limits with Ecuador and Colombia to the North, Brazil in the East side and Bolivia and Chile in the Southeast. Its territory comprises diverse landscapes; highlands, valleys and highlands of the Andean mountains separates the deserted coast on the West and the Amazon on the East side. Peru is one of the countries with major diverse biology in the world and major mineral resources.

Education:

Our country has a basic educational system as kindergarten and young stimulation from 09 months or 2 years, however, generally elementary starts at age 5 that lasts 6 years with a teacher for each class. Highschool with a duration of 5 years where poly-teaching is applied. Education after Highschool is done in technological institutes, pedagogical, etc. These are authorized by the Ministry of Education of the Central Government. In order to enroll to University an admission test is required, and the difficulty of the test depends on the specification of each University. The first university in Peru is UNMSM (National University of San Marcos) founded in 1551, it is one of the oldest in America. UNSAAC (National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco) is the second oldest and was founded in 1692. Currently, there are many prestigious universities nation-wide, and we can say that the education development in Peru has been growing progressively, however, there is still a high level of literacy that the current government is working on.

Language

The main language is Spanish with a high percentage of Peruvians. This coexists with various native languages from which Quechua is the most important in the Andean regions in Peru; Aymara in the area of Puno and a lot of dialects in all the Amazonian plain. Currently, other foreign languages are spoken around Peru, especially where there is a more direct work with foreigners.

Food and Beverage

Peru is a hidden treasure of culinary surprises. Proud of preparing delicious dishes in different national and international restaurants. It has a record for having a variety and diversity of dishes around the world. Among the culinary styles in Peru, we can mention the creole northern and Lima culinary art, marine gastronomy, Andean food, chifa (Chinese food), and Amazonian gastronomy. The representative dish in the coast is Ceviche (marinated with special lemon juice and small dices of fish), Pachamanca in the mountains and Juane in the jungle. Everything being delicious. The typical and representative beverage in Peru is Pisco Sour (traditional and main beverage), there is as well a variety of natural fruits like passion fruit, lucuma, pacae or pacay, custard apple, etc., which we can also find in local markets. You can enjoy a big glass of fresh orange juice or of any fruit for S/.2.50 soles. This country’s gastronomy is known as a traditional product of Peru. We invite you to enjoy our food variety.

Folkclore

Music in Peru is a fusion of several centuries, due to our three regions that covers all Peru there are different genres of Peruvian music; Andean, Creole, Amazonian. Creole music is very traditional and varied in the coast because there is more mestizo in this region, known as Afro-Peruvian dances. In the central coast of Lima, we have music of the alleys of the Old Lima and known in the world as Peruvian waltz. We also offer Zamacueca or Marinera of Lima. In the South Coast Center of Peru like Cañete, Chincha, Ica and Nazca, a worship to African-Peruvian music is offered, which its most excelled genre is Festejo and Landó. In the North, the music that represents it is the Northern music. In the regions of La Libertad and Lambayeque we have the famous Northern Marinera with it representative bands, trumpets and drum marches. This dance is not a salon dance, but, it’s a vigorous and joyful one, for which it’s represented by Peruvian Paso horses, where exclusive championships are held. In the mountains like Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco and Puno, it is characterized by the Huayno. In the region of Cusco, we have Mulisa and El Condor Pasa. Arequipa has the mestizo Yaraví. The Mountain Center of the Cerro de Pasco, Ancash and Junin has the famous and known Huaylash. Within the traditional Andean festivals national and internationally known, is the Inti Raymi, performed in the esplanade of Saccsayhuaman, 10 minutes away from Cusco City. This remembers ceremonies and rituals of the Inca Empire Age, offering tribute to the Inti (Sun God), this festive is done every June 24th. Our jungle, no doubt has a very joyful music and of tropical environment, excelling all wind instruments. There are important musicians in different music genres, like the international well known Susana Baca, Creole singer that was awarded with a Latin Grammy for best folklore album. As well, Peru has produced rock singers and Latin pop with a great international acceptance, such as Gianmarco and Pedro Suarez Vertiz, awarded as well with a Latin Grammy.

Touristic Destination in Peru

Peru counts with many attractive destinations due to its culture, its geography, its rich history and its gastronomy excelency. It ocunts with many archeological sites which 82% is of receptive tourism of cultural character. Peru is rich in flora and fauna diversity. The most visited places in our country by the receptive tourists are: Lima, due to its historical center since it is the main point to enter our country. Cusco, due to its Inca and Colonial architecture, its main attractions like Sacred Valley of the Inca and Machu Picchu; one of the world-wide recognized wonders. The main destination of Peru is the South destination, that unites Pisco, Paracaas, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, Ayacucho and Puerto Maldonado; with great cultural and natural attractions as well as its architecture. This circuit has also expanded to the Jungle like Manu National Park an important point for echological tour. Peru has other tours, among the most important ones, in our jungle following the deep Amazon River and the city of Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazonian with a great variety of flora and fauna. Here, we can find the most diverse Peruvian biology. Very close and hard to loose is the National Reserve of Pacaya Samiria and the National Reserve of Allpahuayo Mishana.

Touristic Activity

Peru offers a variety of touristic activities like cultural, adventure and ecological tourism; we can also explore Inca vestiges like Machu Picchu, the lost city of Choquequirao, the Chullpas of Sillustani, over-fly the enigmatic lines of Nazca, explore the deepest canyon of Colca, navigate over the highest lake in the world; Titicaca, penetrate in Manu jungle, walk through the known Inka trail, walk by alternative routes like Sallkantay, Lares and Ausangate. Practice adventure sports in the coast, visit its beaches like Mancora (a famous destination), practice sports like rafting, kayak, bike riding, motorbike, quads, horseback riding, rock climbing, bungee jumping, among other activities. Visit our Amazonic jungle and its famous ecology with its diverse birds and plants. We count with main activities such as; cultural, adventure, ecological, culinary and live tourism.

Local Currency

The current local currency is The Nuevo Sol, which is divided in 10 cents. One dollar is equivalent to S/.3.27 soles. The Euros and Dollar can easily be changed in the exchange bureau, hotels and restaurants. Only bills in good condition are accepted. Old are not accepted or it is devaluated. One Dollar bills is not easily received and its value is normally of S/.3 soles instead of S/. 3.35 soles. Be careful with false bills or coins, this is not a great issue, however the tourist may go through a bad experience. Travelers checks are only accepted in selected exchange bureaus, mainly in the touristic areas, the currency will be valued at a higher rate.

Transportation

Peru counts with train and land transportation services, through these roads we can connect to different and main cities. Citizens can use their own means of transportation to main urban places, where there is also a great number of interprovincial buses, which provides services to all social classes and lately with modern a comfortable buses. Merchandise is transported by trucks and pickups. The trips by train are not that long. It is used to transport minerals from the production area to export zones located in different ports. In some cases this is also used for urban and regional transportation for passengers. Including touristic places with high and exclusive services, particularly in cities like Puno and Cusco, where prices are the most expensive in the market.

Roads

Roads in Peru are mostly in good condition as well as its road signs. Roads are asphalted and extend specially near populated places. In the mountains, roads are in good condition and allow a safe trip even though we have a rugged geography and constant rains. In the jungle, roads that have been asphalted are still in good conditions, and on the other hand, the dirt road (topsoil and crushed stones) have constant maintenance problems due to rainfalls, especially in the months of February and March.

Taxis

The official taxi drivers in the airports and bus terminals that bring you to the main square have high rates, for example: Lima $30 if taxis are taken at the airport and $20 if taken outside the airport. The price difference is mainly because the official taxi drivers inside the airport pay a higher taxi rent fare. Many of these taxi drivers charge for other services like: hotels, restaurants and they can even sell tour packages without authorization; therefore, you must be very careful when purchasing tour services. Different prizes or fares are handled along Peru depending on where you want to go. Be careful with non-official or informal taxis, since they might not be registered. Preferably check with the security service at the airport and find out the fares before taking a cab.

Airport

Our country has different airports in many cities, the main one is Jorge Chavez International Airport located in the constitutional province of Callao in Lima, and it is considered as one of the most important airports in South America due to the number of passengers that arrive, its freight and correspondence. Its location has turned it into an important international connection. All these airports are being managed by private companies; these are in concession with airports that are being used by the Ministry of Defense of Peru and especially by the air force. There are airports that are operating as international airports in the following cities: Lima, Cusco, Arequipa Iquitos and Pucallpa. There are also other airports that are classified as international in the cities and provinces like Chiclayo, Trujillo, Piura Juliaca, Puerto Maldonado and Tacna, although there are no international flights scheduled, these are used for private and exclusive charter flights. There are main airports for national flights in the cities and districts of: Arequipa, Cusco, Cajamarca, Andahuaylillas, Chachapoyas, Chiclayo, Iquitos, Huaraz, Chimbote, Jauja, Pisco, Juliaca, Lima, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Talara, Tacna, Tarapoto, Tumbes and Trujiillo. Building international airports are in negotiation in the Province of Pisco, which is 3 hours from Lima, same as Chincheros in Cusco which is the most tourist attraction destinations and it is close to one of the wonders but currently, the Velasco Astete airport does not meet the number of flight arrivals. Chincheros is 30 minutes away from the City of Cusco.

Atm

ATMs are located in the main centers and tourist areas, exclusive in almost all around Peru, however, be aware and careful that not all ATM’s have access to international wiring. Many of the tourist places accept credit card but always charge an additional fee for taxes according to Peruvian law.

Health and Precautions

Please drink only bottled water to avoid stomach aches and diarrheas. If you travel to the jungle, make sure you have current immunization vaccines. Healthcare in Peruvian hospitals are improving a lot, with qualified doctors particularly in Lima and in medical centers. The equipment and facilities are not under European and American standards, but are improving firmly. If you require medical attention in a hospital, you will be required to pay in cash for any medical treatment and medicine. Peru is considered as one of the safest countries, but as in every poor country, you must be careful with your expensive items. Do not carry big amounts of money since you could be robbed, especially in bus terminals, local discotheques and places that are not visited by tourists.

Comunication

Peru has a lot of internet cafés and call centers in the tourist centers, verify the fees so you are not surprised. The fees for phone calls are; S/.1 or S/.2 soles per minute, internet from S/.1 sol per hour. There are places where there is no communication but, cell phones are being used with frequency, especially for excursions in the mountains.

Electricity

Our country uses a 50 Hz system of 150 and 220 volts, it is recommended that you bring a power converter, but some may cause a short circuit.

Weather

Peru is a diverse country with different weathers. During summer, the central coast and south of Peru is hot and dry with an average of 18°C and annual rainfalls due to cold action in the ocean due to the Humboldt currents. The North Coast has a tropical arid weather in the ocean, with an average temperature of 30°C. When the Niño phenomena arrives, the temperature rises as high as 40°C, and rain increases significantly in the North Coast and Center. The mountains presents different weathers, template sub humid in areas over 1000m to 3000m above sea level with temperatures of 20°C. Cold weather between 3200m and 4100m above sea level with temperatures of 12°C, and snow (ice season) during winter time with cold or Puna weather above 4200m and 5000m over sea level with 2°C and annual rainfalls with snow or helium in zones over 4900m over sea level with temperatures below 0°C. Our jungle has 2 types of weather, semitropical very humid in the high jungle, with a great number of rainfalls in the coast and mountain and an average temperature of 22°C and tropical humid weather in the low jungle with frequent rainfalls and an average temperature of 28°C.

Last but not Least

It’s important to learn some words in Quechua before visiting any part of our country. Some few words will be of great help. People will appreciate it. There are many children that need of your help, if you show some affection and support, they will be grateful.

Other Useful Information

Due to the diverse weather, it is good to take precautions when coming to visit our country. Bring warm cloth especially if your visit will be in the mountains. If your visit is in the jungle it is necessary, especially for the rain. And in the coast, will be depending on the weather, if it is summer bring something light and on winter warm clothe. As well, if you are thinking on exploring the mountain bring water canteens, because we try not to use plastic bottles that damage our environment. Bring with you coins or small bills that are not larger than S/.50 or S/.100 soles because it is hard to change the currency in many places. Any requirement or additional information please contact us at info@adventureperutours.com and we will joyfully answer your concerns.

Our Tours

Adventure Peru Tours, offers a great variety of circuits and tourist destinations adequate to your requirements in all South of Peru.

Tour in Ica:

Tour in Ica city and sand boarding, tour to the wine cellars and Campinas, tour to the Ballestas Island and Natural Reserves in Paracas, Tour in Tambo Colorado in the province of Pisco, Tour to the Nazca Lines, flight to see Nazca Lines.

Cultural Tour Cusco:

Excursion around the city of Cusco. Excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Full Day in Machu Picchu, Excursion to Machu Picchu 2 days, Machu Picchu by car 2 days (new alternative).

Cultural Tour in Arequipa:

Tour around the White City of Arequipa, Tour Campiñas, Colca Canyon 2/d, Trekking to Colca Canyon 3/d.

Cultural Tour in Puno:

Excursion to the Island of Uros, Excursion to the Islands of Uros and Taquile 1/d, Excursion to the Islands of Uros, Amantaní and Taquile 2/d 1/n and visit to the Chullpas of Sillustani.

Water Tour Adventure:

Rafting in the Sacred river of the Incas 1/d, Rafting in Vilcanota South River 2/d, Rafting in Apurimac River 3/d, Canyoning 1/d.

Bicycle Tour:

Excursion to Maras, Moray and Salineras (Salt mines) 1/d, Excursion Cuatro Ruinas (Four Ruins) 4/d, Excursion to Sacred Valley 1/d, Multisport bicycles and rafting 2/d and 1/n, excursion down to Yuncaypata ½ day, Multisport rafting, bicycle, trekking to Machu Picchu 4/d, Excursion to Machu Picchu 4/d.

Horse Tour:

Excursion Cuatro Ruinas (Four Ruins) ½ day, Tipon (south zone) 1/d, Lagoons 1/d, Ancahuasi 1/d, Espinar 3/d.

Quad Bike Tour:

Pumamarka circuits 1/d, Sacred Valley of the Incas 1/d, Qorca, Amazonic Springs 1/d, Manu Park 4/d.

Trekking Tours:

Inka trail to Machu Picchu 4/d, Inka trail to Machu Picchu 3/d, Inka trail to Machu Picchu 2/d, Inka trail Salkantay to Machu Picchu 5/d, Inka trail Salkantay to Machu Picchu 4/d, Inka trail Santa Maria to Machu Picchu 4/d, Trekking to Choquequirao 4/d, Trekking to Lares 3/d, Inka trail Lares to Machu Picchu 4/d, Trekking to Ausangate 6/d, Trekking to Uchuyqosqo 2/d.

Tour to Puerto Maldonado:

Puerto Maldonado Guacamayo Collpa 5/d, Puerto Maldonado Pariamanu 4/d, Manu Cultural Reserve 4/d.

Adventure Peru Tour Packages:

Adventure Peru cultural 11/d, Adventure Peru Ecological 9/d, Adventure Peru Enchanting 10/d, Adventure Peru Magnificent 14/d, Adventure Peru Unforgettable 9/d, Adventure Peru Expectacular, Adventure Peru Inca 23/d, Adventure Peru Cultural 16/d, Adventure Peru Cusco 5/d, and much more.

Other Useful Data:

For our programs, especially for trekking, we recommend our visitors to bring warm and waterproof clothe, as well as bring water canteens because we try not to use plastic bottles since it damages our environment.

Important Note:

For tour offer information, please write us to cusco@adventureperutours.com a knowledgeable personnel will answer any of your concerns.
We suggest you to check your spam mail if you have not received an answer within 24 hours. Thank you for choosing our services, we will make your trip the best and unforgettable.