Personalized Private Service, 2012

Peru.-Capital Lima. Population: 8.5 million (2007) // Area.- 1,285,220 sq km (496,225 sq miles) //Population.- 30 million the population of the country is largely Indian and Mestizo // Time GMT - 5. // Government Republic. // Gained independence from Spain in 1824, having declared it in 1821 by President Alan Garcia since 2006 // Religion 81% Roman Catholic, 2.7% other denominations, 16.3% unspecified or none. Language: Although the majority of city and town dwellers speak Spanish, Qechua is spoken in most mountain areas and Aymara /Spanish on the Lake Titicaca Islands. Many people in City tourism areas speak English. Electricity: 220 volts AC, 60Hz. (110 volts AC is available in most 4- and 5-star hotels.) Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific coast of South America that borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west. There are three natural zones.

The Coastal region.- which contains Lima (the capital), is a narrow coastal plain consisting of large tracts of desert broken by fertile valleys. The cotton, sugar and rice plantations and most of the so-far exploited oil fields lie in this area, as does the majority of the population. The highland Sierra.-contains the Andes, with peaks over 6,000m (20,000ft), most of the country's mineral resources (silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold) and the greater part of its livestock.The Selva, an area of fertile, subtropical land, lies between the Andes and the borders with Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador. The Amazonian jungle has vast natural resources. The absence of land communications, however, left the area largely uncharted until full-scale oil exploration began in 1973. Even today roads barely penetrate the region.

Climate.-Varies according to area. On the coast winter lasts from June to September. During this period, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. This is high tourist season and the best time to visit most regions. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It hardly ever rains in Lima or most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

Cusco.- information specific to Cusco.-Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), altitude illness, hypobaropathy, or Soroche, is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxigen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 2,400 metres (approximately 8,000 feet). Acute mountain sickness can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).The causes of altitude sickness are not fully understood. The percentage of oxygen in air remains essentially constant with altitude at 21% up until 70,000 feet (21,330 m), but the air pressure (and therefore the number of oxygen molecules) drops as altitude increases — consequently, the available amount of oxygen to sustain mental and physical alertness decreases above 10,000 feet (3,050m). Altitude sickness usually does not affect persons traveling in aircraft because the cabin altitude in modern passenger aircraft is kept to 8,000 feet (2,440 m) or lower. A superficially related condition is chronic mountain sickness, also known as Monge's disease, occurring only after prolonged exposure to high altitude. An unrelated condition, often confused with altitude sickness, is dehydration, due to the higher rate of water vapor lost from the lungs at higher altitudes...Those who ascend rapidly to altitudes greater than 2500m (8100 ft) may develop altitude sickness. In Peru, this includes Cusco (3326m) and Lake Titicaca (3820m). Being physically fit offers no protection. Those who have experienced altitude sickness in the past are prone to future episodes. The risk increases with faster ascents, higher altitudes and greater exertion. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, malaise, insomnia and loss of appetite. Severe cases may be complicated by fluids in the lungs (high-altitude pulmonary edema) or swelling of the brain (high-altitude cerebral edema) If symptoms are more than mild or persist for more than 24 hours (far less at high altitudes), descend immediately by at least 500 meters and see a doctor..

To help prevent altitude sickness, the best measure is to spend two nights or more at each rise of 1000m. Alternatively, take 125mg or 250mg of acetozolamide (Diamox) twice or three times daily starting 24 hours before ascent and continuing for 48 hours after arrival at altitude. Possible side effects include increased urinary volume, numbness, tingling, nausea,drowsiness, myopia and temporary impotence. Acetazolamide should not be given to pregnant women or anyone with a history of sulfa allergy. For those who cannot tolerate acetazolamide, the next best option is 4mg of dexamethasone taken four times daily. Unlike acetazolamide, dexamethasone must be tapered gradually upon arrival at altitude; since there is a risk that altitude sickness will occur as the dosage is reduced. Dexamethasone is a steroid, so it should not be given to diabetics or anyone for whom taking sterorids is not adviced. A natural alternative is gingko, which some people find quite helpful... When traveling to high altitudes, it´s also important to evoid overexertion eat light meals and abstain from alcohol. Altitude sickness should be taken seriously; it can be life threatening when severe.

Shopping.-There are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, colourful weaving and silver jewellery. Galleries and handicraft shops abound in Cusco (Avenida El Sol) near the wanchaq train station there is a big market and outdoor Andean craft markets in places such as Pisac in the Sacred Valley are famous.

Health Care.-International travelers are strongly advised to take out full health insurance and should be prepared to pay up front for medical services. Note.-* Yellow Fever Vaccination is recommended for travelers visiting jungle areas below 2,300m (7,546ft). Such as Puerto Maldonado Travelers who are only visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu do not require a vaccination. Visas.-we advised you to contact the embassy to check visa requirements as especially for some countries such as South Africa we have know of people having difficulties. It is not an issue we always have current information on and so please contact the embassy directly...Money.- Currency New Sol (PEN; symbol S/.) = 100 centimes. New Sol notes are in denominations of S/.200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of S/.5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centime...Note: US Dollars.- are also in use and accepted for payment particularly in tourist areas, if not with any small tears. While effectively interchangeable, it is always good for tourists to have some local currency in small denominations, to pay for buses, taxis and goods in some small establishments.

Currency Exchange.-Only a few bureau de changes in Lima and Cusco will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and many shops also readily accept US Dollars (although very old, torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors...Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs.-All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru...Traveler’s Cheques.- Banks will exchange traveler’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveler’s cheques in US Dollars. The ability to use traveler’s cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be accepted in the area you are visiting prior to travel...Banking Hours.- Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer). Exchange Rate Indicators : 1.00 GBP = 4.37 PEN //   1.00 USD = 2.65 PEN // 1.00 EUR = 3.83 PEN // Currency conversion rates as of April, 2012.

Required Clothing.-Lightweights during summer days with much warmer clothes worn in upland areas, especially at night. Good fleeces are advised during cooler months. Rain gear is recommended during the rainy season, particularly in the Andes or Amazon. The main thing is use layering..Always have something with you to warm up quickly...Communications.-Telephone Country code: 51. City Code Cusco is 84 Telephone cards are available in the main cities from stands and supermarkets.

Mobile Telephone.-Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Mobile phones can be rented in Lima and the main cities. Coverage is sporadic... Internet.- Public Internet booths and Internet cafes are widely available in cities and most towns. Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly common in cafes, restaurants and hotels... Post.-Airmail to Western Europe takes up to one week. Postal facilities are limited outside Lima. First-class airmail from Europe or North America addressed to PO boxes in Peru usually takes only a few days, but may be subject to delay. The main post office (Correo Central de Lima) is near the Plaza de Armas and in Cusco is on Ave el Sol. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-2000; Sat 0900-1330.

Airport Departure Tax.-Since 2011 most taxes are included in the cost of the flight ticket for any flights departing from Lima or Cusco.   Generally the only airport taxes required are for flights departing from Puerto Maldonado (Jungle) and Juliaca (Puno).  Cost is between $3 and $5 depending on which domestic airport.

Getting Around by Rail.-Peru Rail (tel: (01) 444 5020/5; website: www.perurail.com) runs comfortable tourist trains between Puno and Cusco and between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Ferrocarril Central Andino ( telf: (01) 226 6363 (01) 226 6363; website: www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe orwww.rrdc.com/op_peru_fcca.html) runs a twice-monthly tourist service on renovated trains between Lima and Huáncayo. This spectacular route is the second highest railway in the world (the highest being in Tibet).

Getting Around by Road.- Traffic drives on the right. The well-maintained Pan-American Highway runs down the length of Peru's coast, with intersecting highways running east into the mountains. Many mountain roads are unpaved, and almost all are badly potholed. Landslides are frequent in the mountains during the rainy season (December to March), making for slow travel. The Touring y Automóvil Club del Perúand the Instituto Geográfico Nacional sell maps. Travel guides like Guía Toyota include good road maps. The minimum driving age is 18. There is no countrywide emergency breakdown number.

Bus: Operated extensively, providing a cheap means of travel. Greyhound-type buses are operated by numerous companies, the biggest of which are Cruz Del Sur (tel: (01) 311 5050 (01) 311 5050; www.cruzdelsur.com.pe) and Ormeño (tel: (01) 472 5000 (01) 472 5000; www.grupo-ormeno.com.pe). Quality of service varies according to prices.
Taxi: Many unlicensed taxi companies are in operation and visitors are advised to avoid these. They usually have a red and white taxi sign on the windscreen. Licensed yellow taxis are the only cabs allowed in downtown Lima. Taxis do not have meters and fares should be agreed before departure (they are relatively inexpensive). Extensive and safe taxi services are available by telephone in main cities. Taxi fares increase by 35 to 50% after midnight and on holidays. Drivers do not expect tips.
Getting around Towns and Cities.-Public transport in Lima is provided by conventional buses and by minibuses (combis), though they are overcrowded, sometimes dangerous and not particularly useful for tourists. These operate from 0600 to 0000 on established routes; wherever possible, try to avoid using bus travel late at night.
Going Out.-Food and Drink.-The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by ajíand ajo (hot pepper and garlic), has become celebrated at home and abroad. Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of vegetables; there are over 2,000 kinds of indigenous and cultivated potatoes alone. Table service is the norm in hotels and restaurants and many also offer buffet-type lunches.
Tipping: Service charges of 10% are added to bills. Additional tips of 5-10% are expected in better restaurants, while rounding up the bill or adding a few Soles is appreciated in small restaurants.
Shaking hands.-is the customary form of greeting. Kissing on one cheek between women and between women and men is common in coastal cities. Visitors should follow normal social courtesies and the atmosphere is generally informal. A small gift from a company or home country is sufficient. Dress is usually informal, although for some business meetings and social occasions men wear a jacket and tie.
Public Holidays 2012.- 1 Jan New Year's Day ( 1 Apr Maundy Thursday. ) (2 Apr Good Friday )(1 May Labour Day)(29 Jun St Peter's and St Paul's Day)(28-29 Jul Independence Day Celebrations.)(30Aug St Rosa of Lima Day.)(8 Oct Angamos Battle.)(1 Nov All Saints' Day.)(8 Dec Immaculate Conception.)(24 Dec Christmas Eve (half day).)(25 Dec Christmas Day.)
Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Peru and drug smugglers face long terms of imprisonment.
Driving standards in Peru (particularly in Lima) are poor. Crashes resulting in death and injury occur frequently on local transport so tour class transport is recommended..
Street demonstrations and protests are commonplace in Peru, frequently occurring suddenly and sometimes turning violent. You should avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering.
Economy.-The Peruvian economy is divided into two distinct parts: a relatively modern industrial and service economy concentrated on the coastal plain, and a subsistence agricultural economy in the interior. Inevitably, one consequence has been huge migration from the interior to the coastal cities. Most foreign investment is directed towards Peru's major industry, mining, which accounts for about half of export earnings. Meanwhile, tourism has snowballed and now brings in more than US$1 billion annually. During the early to mid 1990s, Peru implemented important market-oriented reforms, including privatisation of key industries, trade deregulation and measures to attract foreign investment. The strategy was reasonably successful, and the country's economy is relatively stable. Foreign investment is growing rapidly in the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.4% in Lima in 2008, but it is estimated that up to 40% of the general workforce are underemployed. Peru's annual growth was estimated to be 9.2% in 2008. The inflation rate was 6.7%. The passing of the Free Trade Agreement with the United States in January of 2009 is expected to spur considerable growth in the next decade