FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included?
All transport, entrance fees for all tours, excursions, national parks and museums, as per itinerary: Accommodation at selected hotels, with breakfast, on a twin room basis; domestic flights as per itinerary.
What is not included?
International flights; visas; airport departure taxes; travel insurance; personal expenses (clothing, laundry, phone calls, etc.); meals not mentioned on the itinerary; tips to guides.
What is Peru like?
Peru is one of the most diverse countries on Earth: It is larger than the United Kingdom, France and Spain combined and possesses 84 of the world’s 104 life zones, from coastal deserts to Amazon forests and glacial peaks.
What will the weather be like?
Climate varies according to the region, and weather varies according to the season. Summer on the Pacific coast is from December to April, and although temperatures are lower during the rest of the year, there is no rainfall. In the Andes, the dry season is from April to October, when skies are clear and the days are sunny and warm, and nights are cold. In the highland rainy season daytime temperatures are slightly lower, although it is less cold at night. The Amazon region has its dry season from April to October, although, of course, it is humid and hot in the rainforest throughout the year.
When is the best time to visit?
Peru can be visited all year round. The high season is from June to August. In the Andes the heaviest rains fall in January and February. The rainforest can be visited at any time of year; fauna can often be seen at riverbanks and oxbow lakes during the dry season. It should be remembered that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during February.
The following link provides weather reports for Peru’s main cities:
http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/PEXX.html.
The altitude
When travelling at altitudes of around 3,500 m, there is about half the oxygen in the air found at sea level. To avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, a few simple precautions can be taken: It is advisable to rest for the first few hours after arriving at altitude, to drink plenty of fluids and to avoid heavy, carbohydrate-laden foods in favour of lighter meals. Most people acclimatise to high altitudes within a couple of days, as the body produces more red blood cells to deal with the lack of oxygen.
What is the currency and should I carry cash?
The Peruvian currency is the nuevo sol, which is divided into 100 centimos. Banks, hotels, many stores and all travel operators readily accept US dollars. It is not advisable to use travellers’ cheques as bank charges are high. There are ATMs in all cities, and Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted.
How do we travel around the country?
Overland travel has improved greatly in recent years, and transport companies on major routes provide modern, safe buses, with sleeper bus services available on longer routes. On our private tours we provide comfortable vehicles and highly experienced, professional drivers.
Can one drink the water?
Although water in the main cities is treated, it should not be considered safe to drink, and we recommend that you drink bottled water. On camping trips, water is sterilised or boiled by the guides.
What is the food like?
International cuisine is widely available, but because Peru is renowned for its excellent and varied cuisine we recommend that you try the local food. Local cooking varies from region to region, with most cities producing at least one traditional dish. Not surprisingly, Peru’s Pacific coast provides the ingredients for some of the world’s finest seafood dishes.
And if I have special dietary requirements?
If you send us prior notification then we can accommodate any dietary requirements, including vegetarians, vegans and those with food allergies.
What vaccinations are needed?
We recommend that you have updated vaccinations for: rabies, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. For those travelling to the Amazon region, yellow fever vaccination certificates are required and malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
What languages do the guides speak?
Although English is not widely spoken in Peru, all our guides have English as a second language and guides in other languages can be provided on request.
Should I be concerned for my safety?
Some foreign nationals have expressed concern regarding safety. We can assure you that you will feel comfortable and safe at all times, although of course the usual precautions apply when travelling anywhere in the world. Peru experienced civil unrest during the 1980s and early 90s, but for more than a decade now it has been a safe travel destination.
Contact us directly and let us answer your questions…
