Peru

Peru

 

“La Reina Del America” - the queen of America as many call it, gives you no choice other than loving it.

Peru is just so incredible and fascinating for travelers at any age. The verity of things to do and see is really unlimited and the combination between modern and old rich and poor make this place the complete package.

Whether you are after the many famous attractions, archeology, ancient cultures or extreme sports just go ahead and plan your trip to this great country. For the outdoor lovers if you’re after trekking, climbing, hiking or anything similar, welcome to heaven!

 

Capital – Lima is the capital city of Peru from the day it declared independence on July 1821.

This coast metropolis is huge and fully populated with almost 9 million people.

 

Land: Peru stretches over 1.28 million square kilometers divided into 3 main areas: the coast line, the central hilly region and the tropic rainforests.  Peru borders with Pacific Ocean (from the west) and 5 other countries.

 

Borders:

• South - Chile:
• South East -  Bolivia
• East - Brazil:
• North - Colombia & Ecuador:

 

Population: Approx’ 28.6 million people almost a third in live in Lima.

 

Languages spoken: Spanish, Quechua.  

 

Currency: Nuevo Sol (PEN) exchange rate is app 1US$= 3 S/.

 

Weather

Peru's climate changes between the three main areas but basically there are two main seasons in Peru, dry or wet. The temperatures change according to altitude, as higher you go the lower the temperatures fall.

December-April is a good time to visit the coast line as you can dip in the ocean, and it will not be cloudy as the coast line is most of the year.

December to April would be also the worst time to visit the rainforests as it rains lots this time of the year. As temperatures in the rainforests area are very similar throughout the year any other time is fine.

Tourism high season is from June to September mainly because of the dry period in the highlands (also European and North American summer holidays) this is the best time for climbing and trekking.

 

 

Useful Information

 

Visa: A visa is not required from most countries in order to visit Peru (make sure with the Embassy) when you enter you usually receive a 90 days visa, but if you’re looking to stay longer it’s possible to extend the visa twice up 30 days each time (25 S/ fee). If you are over staying expect a fine. (1US$ per day)

 

Timezone: Time is GMT -5

 

Electricity: 220V 60HZ (European Standard).

 

Country Dialing Code: +51

 

Money & Costs: Lima and Cuzco are the most expensive places to visit and stay. The organized attractions are very expensive for budget travelers but you can save on the accommodation and spend on the attractions, also many tours offered by the local agencies could be done privately at minimum costs (you just need to ask around a little)

• 1 Liter of bottled water – US$ 1.00
• 1 Liter local beer - US$ 1.50
• Domestic flights (main destinations) – US$ 90.
• Average Room Prices – US$ 5-15 low rates, mid rates US$ 25-50 and US$ 70-150 rates for high quality accommodation.
• Average Meal Prices – US$ 2-5 local food, US$ 7-15 tourist’s restaurants, US$ 25 and up for fashionable restaurants in Cuzco and Lima.

* Tip: Traveler Checks are very welcome in most places so are credit cards but make sure you have cash available before leaving to smaller towns.

 

 

Transportation:

Peru’s international airport (Jorge Chavez, Lima Airport) is actually a main destination when travelling to South America, many flights from Europe and the U.S fly through Lima. Unfortunately we can’t say the same on the Peruvian airline companies as they shutdown and reopen many times. It’s also possible to fly direct to Cuzco or Iquitos.

Enter or exit Peru overland is possible through several points these are the best options in our opinion:

• Bolivia- Lake Titicaca area,
• Chile- Tacna area,
• Ecuador- Tumbes area,

Also, if you are traveling the Amazon areas looking to cross to/from Colombia and Brazil it’s possible with a boat through the rivers, however It’s not very recommended for safety reasons (drug and guerrilla groups).

 

Train: you can cross from Tacna (Peru) to Arica (Chile) by the train but it’s not recommended as it’s much slower than the other ways.

Bus:  As mentioned before, the best way to travel between Peru and Bolivia is through Lake Titicaca area. To Chile there are buses from Lima, Puno, Arequipa and other main destinations to Tacna where you can cross to Arica. Going to Colombia would actually be best via Ecuador crossing at Tumbes.

 

Traveling around: All transportation options are acceptable: Buses, Taxis, cars, jeeps and planes.

Train services are not good enough except for the services between Cuzco-Aguas Calientes and Cuzco-Puno.

Renting a motorbike or bicycles (mountain bikes) is highly recommended in Peru, not for traveling long distances, but great for exploring and getting around the area.

 

 

Where to go:

• Lima: One of the largest cities in South America at almost 9 million people. neighborhoods in Lima are very different one from another. Some westernized and clean some poor, dirty and crowded with people trying “to make it in the big city”. Great museums, architecture, historic areas and so much more. If you are not on tight budget Casinos and high class restaurants are also nice.Did we mention surfing, cycling, paragliding, diving and seal swimming?
• Cuzco: The ultimate archaeology center of South America, ancient Cuzco used to be Inca’s capital. Exceptional stone walled streets, Galleries, markets, Quechua speaking people and above all “Machu Picchu” a true world wonder. If that’s not enough try trekking, climbing, horse riding, rafting and bungee jumping.
• Iquitos: The capital of Amazon jungles very deep between the green isolated areas off the Amazon river is Iquitos. Half a million people city actually approachable only by air and river which makes this place must. A floating market and great Amazon and rainforest tours are offered here for tourists, if you like wild life it’s a good place to go.
• Huaraz: Only 7 hours northern to Lima, Peru’s adventure and extreme capital. Demolished by an earthquake then rebuilt, now one of the worlds trekking and climbing most important centers. Most travelers go to Huaraz heading for the mountains, cliffs and the ice capped peaks or just for the “top notch” views. If the name “Huayhuash” rings a bell that’s because it’s rated second in the world’s best treks list.
• Trujillo: Of the northern coast line is another city which is a big history piece. Together with near “Chan Chan” it was the capital of the Chimu Empire (an empire even earlier than the Inca). Among all the history you can see ancient temples like the sun or the rainbow temple. You can also see the remains of the largest adobe city in the world.
• Nazca: This is where you go to take a look at the famous Nazca Lines, how formed is still questionable but what’s sure is that these amazing ground drawings are from BC. Take a short flight above the area or visit the tower to see the great phenomenon. If you’re into mummies there is an excellent museum for you to check out.
• Puno: This is where you go in order to visit Lake Titicaca from the Peruvian side, don’t miss on the beautiful lake and floating islands.
• Ica: There is only one reason to visit Ica, the unusual sand boarding of the mighty Huacachina dunes, but definitely worth the effort.