Health
If your trip to Peru includes a visit to the Andean highlands such as Cusco, located at 3,400 mts. / 11,200 ft. above sea level, don't forget to take precautions to avoid the discomfort some people suffer at high altitude. On arrival take a hot cup of coca leaf tea and rest for a few hours.
You will become acclimatised more easily of you spend a night or two in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is at an altitude of 2,800 mts. / 9,200 ft., before going to Cusco. For your information, Machu Picchu is at an altitude of 2,400 mts. / 8,000 ft. Tourists with heart problems or high blood pressure who are visiting Cusco or other highland cities should consult their doctor first.
If you are going to the jungle, a Yellow Fever inoculation is obligatory and you should have it at least 10 days before visiting the area. This vaccination lasts for 10 years.
Money (Financial Information)
Currency: The official currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.)It is a decimal system like almost everywhere else (100 centimos = 1 nuevo sol). Coins = 10, 20 & 50 centimos, 1, 2 and 5 nuevos soles; bank note denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles.
Foreign Cash: The United States dollar exchange rate is variable. We suggest checking with Lima Tours personnel, your hotel reception or a bank. Try to keep small denomination notes to make transactions easier. Most hotels, restaurants and businesses accept dollars but if you want to change your money into local currency we recommend you to do so at a bank or to ask at your hotel reception. For your security, do not have anything to do with street money changers.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely used and accepted. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. In medium to large businesses American Express is also honoured. Some small, rural towns mostly have cash economies, so have cash handy when going off the beaten track.
Teller Machines: In commercial and banking areas, it is easy to find Automatic Teller Machines.
Money Exchange: The government does not regulate the market of foreign currency. You can exchange money at any established Casa de Cambio at market driven exchange rates.
Tipping
Standard is 10% in hotels, restaurants, bars, taxi service and hairdressers. The rest of the services are not tipped.
Clothing
In Lima and on the coast in general, December to April are the hottest and sunniest months. June to August is more humid and a light drizzle may occur from June to October, though it never rains in Lima. You can wear lightweight clothing from October to May.
In contrast, the driest months in the highlands are June to October, though the weather in this area can vary considerably in a single day: very cold at night and in the early morning and hot at midday. It is advisable, here to use clothes that you can change easily. Sweaters / jumpers, jackets and long trousers are necessary. Daytime temperatures can vary between 60ºF/15ºC - 70ºF/20ºC and between 40ºF/4ºC - 50ºF/10ºC at night. If you are visiting the city of Cusco, for example, (3,400 mts. / 11,200 ft.) and go on an excursion to Machu Picchu (2,400 mts. / 8,000 ft.) you will leave in the early morning when it is very cold but the temperature when you arrive may be quite high, not only because of the time of day but because of the altitude. It rains from December to March so waterproof clothing is essential.
In the jungle, at Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado the temperature is 80ºF / 27ºC. Rainfall is heaviest from June to November. The same type of clothes are suitable all year: tropical kit but always with long trousers and lightweight cotton shirts with long sleeves, which are not too hot but protect against jungle insects. Don't forget waterproof boots or trainers for walking, absorbent socks, a hat, waterproof, swimming costume, sunglasses, sun block, repellent, binoculars, torch and a water bottle or canteen.
Working Hours
Banks: Mon thru Fri 9:00 to 17:30 & Sat 9:00 to 12:00
Transportation
Lima and Cusco have a large number of taxis whose fares are very modest. Before taking a taxi we recommend finding out the approximate fares for your route from the hotel reception.
Taxis have no meters, so before starting your journey agree the fare with the driver. In Lima, if you are going to stop a taxi in the street, use the yellow ones that have the driver's identification visible inside. Remember to carry coins to pay the fare.
