Peru Information

Peru History

It is believed that the peruvian territory was populated since 8,000 B.C. by Asian migrating populations, however, we can not talk about a cultural unit because of the registered culture succession since 2,500 B.C., which it first passed through a primitive agriculture and cattle period; it was affirmed the ceramics period in the X Century B.C. The well developed Chavin culture from Huantar, characterized by its great ceremonial buildings and the practice of an evolved culture is one of the first testimonies. At the IV century already was recorded a higher development degree of cultures settled in its territories (Chimu and Nazca), which stand out because of their textile, metallurgy and higher technology irrigation system.

Geography

The Republic of Peru is an Andean State located in the central and western part of South America between the 81°19'34.5" and 68°39'27.0" of west longitude and from 0°01'48.0" to 18°21'0.30" of south latitude. Peru is bounded at north by Equator having a 1,529 KM long border and by Colombia with a 1,506 KM long border at south by Chile, with a 169 KM long border; at the east by Brasil, having a 2,822 KM long border, and Bolivia, with a 1,047 KM long border, and at the west side its coasts are wetted by the Pacific Ocean 3,080 KM long.

Best Time to Visit Peru

The best time to visit Peru is anytime of year. However the dry season in Peru is from May to September, This is good if going to on jungle treks. The rainy season is from  the middle of November to March and can make activities such as jungle treks difficult. Some of these activities can be suspended if the weather gets to bad. This however is extremely rare.

Documents and Visas

Travelers coming to Peru usually only need a valid passport and a return ticket (anywhere outside Peru). Please check with the Peruvian government before coming. If you wish to stay more than 90 days, you need to renew your Tourist Card (given to you when you enter the country) and visa (stamped into your passport) in the Direction General de Migrations in Lima (Av. España block 7, Breña, Lima; ph. 330-4111) or the main cities. One thing you have to take in account is to ask for at the moment your tourist card is given to put it for 60 or 90 days, because it is usually given for 30 days. Always carry your passport and tourist card (or a photocopy) when walking by the street or using a public transport in a city.

It is advisable to bring a student card (i.e. ISIC) to save money in places and services like museums, archaeological sites, buses, hotels and hostels. There is no need to have an international vaccination certificate, but if you travel to some areas where a disease is present (i.e. malaria, yellow fever). You will need to be vaccinated before going. You can have this done in most of the major cities. All the foreign embassies and consulates are located in Lima. Peruvian embassies and consulates are found in all the neighboring countries and other countries in the world.

Airport Taxes

All passangers leaving Lima on international flights are subject to an airfare tax of US $25.00 which can be paid at any bank agency at the airport.Passanger on domestic flights pay a USA$5.00 airport tax.This tax is payable at all Peruvian airports.

Health

It is advisable NOT to drink tap water in Peru. The Peruvians boil their own water from the fountains or only drink bottled water.

City water can, nevertheless, be used in showers and for brushing your teeth without any problems whatsoever.

The 'Soroche' or altitude sickness is another point to keep in mind when you travel to countries with high altitude such as Peru. In General, altitudes higher than 3,000 meters, with people who are not accustomed to such heights, can produce a sensation of queasiness and general weakness, accompanied by headaches, as a consequence of a lower concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere.

You just need to take it easy for the first few days and drink lots of water or COCA tea, always consult you a doctor before coming to countries with high altitude.

Vaccinations

Some Security Tips

• Take with you just the money you will need for your expected daily expenses.
• It is advisable to carry an ID with you at all times. Do not leave Lima without your passport.
• If at possible,keep a picture of your passport which may be useful in case *of loss.Should this happen,contact your consulate.
• Do not wear any jewerly when sightseeing or on tour.
• When outside the hotel,always keep a watchfull eye on your belongings,such as cameras,video equipment,walkmans and the like.
• Keep your money and valuables at the hotel safe.
• Always agree beforehand with drivers,guides and anybody providing services,the cost of taxis,food and / or tours.
• Do not eat food or drink bevarages which are not packed / canned or bottled.