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The geology of Peru
Peru is the third largest country in Latin America (1 285 215 km2), situated in the southern hemisphere.
Geographically Peru is divided into 3 regions :
- The Pacific Coast: An area washed by the Pacific Ocean comprising of desert areas , beautiful beaches and fertile valleys.
- Mountains (Sierra): Zone dominated by the Andes, reaching 6.768 metres above sea level at the peak of the Huascarán glassier.
- Forest (Selva): Area of tropical vegetation that pertains to the Peruvian Amazon, where the largest natural reserves in Brazil are found.
Climate on the coast
There are 3 marked seasons : summer (December to March) with temperatures reaching 27°C, and winter (May to October) which is very humid and cold, temperatures falling to 12°C. It hardly rains on the Peruvian coast in the winter, Though it rarely rains on the Peruvian coast in winter, fog and light rain are frequent on the garúas are common. The extreme north coast has sun all year and during the summer temperatures can reach 35°C.
Climate in the mountains (Sierra)
Dry, temperate climate , with well defined seasons, summer is from May to October with sunshine during the day, cold nights and little rain- ideal for trips – and the other season is rainy season from December to March. In the Sierra, large variations in temperature are common -between 20°C and 2°C- during the course of one day.
Climate in the forests (Selva)
The climate is humid and tropical , with two seasons with notably different weather, summer from may to October with sunshine during the day and temperatures higher than 30°C and rainy season , November to march with sudden downpours and increase in river water levels. Information about the climate can be found on the internet :
www.senamhi.gob.pe
www.weather.com
Climatic Forecasts can be previewed on
http://www.meteo.fr/meteonet/temps/monde/prev/mondew.html
| Temperatures in Cusco: | Sunshine in Cusco: |
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Language
The official languages of Peru are Spanish and Quechua but the former is the most widely used. The Aymara language is recognised amongst the Peruvian states 48 native languages. It is possible to communicate in English with people such as tourist guides, travel agencies, and 3, 4, and 5 star hotels establishments.
Time Difference (-5H. GMT)
Lima 12hrs / New York 13hrs / Buenos Aires 14 hrs / London 18 hrs / Berlin 19 hrs / Paris 19 hrs (18 hrs in summer) / Tokyo 2 hrs (*) / Sydney 3 hrs (*)
(*) the next day.
Money and means of payment
The official money of Peru is the Nuevo Sol .
The US dollar is accepted in most commercial centres , restaurants, service stations and bureaux de exchange. It is equally possible to change Euros in the bureaux de change (Cambios). Most establishments accept the more well-known credit cards : Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. Use of travellers cheques is limited. Check that you are paying the exact amount for the service or product you are purchasing when you are making a payment with a credit card.
Electricity
220 volts. Most of the 4 or 5 star hotels also offer 110 volts.
Vaccines
If you envisage visiting the Amazon, it is recommended for you to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever 10 days before you travel.
Vaccination centers in Lima:
- International Vaccination Centre, Calle Capac Yupanqui 1400, Lima. Tel : (01) 471-9920 extension 1215
Guaranteed Service Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1800
- Jorge Chávez International Airport - 2nd Floor Tel: (01) 575-1745
Guaranteed Service Monday to Friday 24/24.
Tourist Visas
Visas are necessary for most nationals of USA and Western Europe. Bolivian, Equatorial and Chilean Nationals do not need a visa or passport for certain regions of Peru. A 90 day time allowance is given (but the immigration authorities have the prerogative). Enquire at the Peruvian consulate or Embassy in your country t obtain all the necessary information. Addresses and telephone numbers are listed on the website of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations : www.rree.gob.pe
An International Embarkation and Departure Card is provided by Immigration Authorities (on the plane or at the immigration post at the frontier where you entered Peru). Hold on to this card because it must be remitted when you leave the country. The customs office will give you a form to declare goods and pay the necessary tax. If you have nothing to declare fill in the form accordingly. Articles and clothes for personal use are exempt from this tax, including portable computers and equipment for adventure sports. For more detailed information consult the diplomatic service representing Peru in your country. On the same form you must declare of you are bringing animals or vegetable products into the country. If you are, you must have the authorisation of the corresponding health authority in your country. Otherwise the Peruvian health authority can decide whether the vegetable products should be incinerated and the animal destroyed.
Security
Please take normal precautions against pick-pocketing. Carry a copy of your identification documents on you at all times. Keep the originals and other objects of value in the safe of your hotel taking care to note what you left and verifying the responsibility assumed by the establishment for your belongings.
Carry objects of value on you discreetly , do not carry large sums of money and watch your bags and luggage. Do not walk in poorly lit areas or alone, late at night.
Communication
It is possible to make international phone calls and in the interior of the country (inland) to make calls from public telephones .Most cabins have a list the country and provincial telephone codes.
To make an international phone call dial:
00+ country code + city code + telephone number.
To make a national telephone call dial:
0 + city code + telephone number
Public telephones accept coins and cards are sold at kiosques and in supermarkets. Check that you are buying the telephone card pf the company that she wish to use. It is possible to effect reverse charge calls (collect calls) from telephone companies.
For telephone information, ring 103 (service in service).
Internet
Main towns have public internet offices, costing on average about 1 US$ per hour.
Accommodation
In Peru there are a variety of different types of accommodation varying in comfort and price. During the high season (from May to October) it is recommended to book in advance.
Health
Do not drink water unless it is bottled or has been boiled. Avoid raw fruit and vegetables. Avoid eating from food stalls in the street. Altitude sickness (soroche) can be avoided by resting on the first day of your trip to the mountains and consuming light meals only. Drinking the local tea, mate de coca, is recommended. If you are travelling to the mountains or the jungle use an anti mosquito repellent and take a waterproof jacket. For medical consultations contact the hotel or travel staff or travel for assistance.
Insurance
We ask you to comply with our compulsory request for Travel Insurance (Assistance and repatriation). If you pay for your ticket by VISA card your trip is actually insured, but please conform this with your bank. If you do not wish to take out travel insurance you are obliged to warn Terra Andina who will ask you to sign a disclaimer for holding Terra Andina responsible
Bank
Opening hours in public banks on Peru are in general from Monday to Friday 0900 to 1800. Most banks are open on Saturdays until midday. In the streets of most major towns Automatic Cash machines from different banks can be found.
Changing foreign currency
It is recommended to change your money in authorised hotels, banks (Open from about 0900 to 1800)
Dollar exchange rates vary, check the rates before changing money. Most bureaux de change will exchange Euros. For other foreign currency check with the bureaux de change.
Night Life
Most towns offer a varied night-life. You can get information about interesting places at your hotel. If you want to see typical Peruvian music, go to the peñas.
In Lima, the discos, cafes and nightclubs are mostly found in the areas of Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco.
Meals and drinks
Peruvian cooking offers a great variety of dishes , from the coast , the jungle or the Selva. Ask about how the food is prepared as some dishes are very hot and spicy! You can also find as many establishments that serve international cuisine. Regarding drinks, try Pisco (made from grapes) prepared in many different ways. Don’t forget chicha morada (corn beer) and aguaje juice (tropical fruit tropical from the jungle).
Tips
In Peru the amount for a tip varies and depends on how satisfied you feel about the service performed. You can budget on about 15 to 25 Euros for a stay of 15 days.
Transport
Flights and connections are available from Lima to all the main towns except Huancayo, Huaraz et Ica, where you can take buses overland. Always book in advance. Conform your flights at least 24 hours before departure. Airport taxes for national flights cost
5 US$ and 28 US$ for international flights.
Payment is made before boarding your flight.
Overland Transport
Regional Buses:
The bus service between provinces covers all of Peru except the jungle, la Selva. Inquire about what the bus service offers, about the price and whether the service is direct or makes a lot of stops along the way.
Taxis and Public Transport :
We recommend you to use a municipally authorised taxi service (can be called for by phone) (In Lima these taxis are yellow ,some have luminous roofs).
Taximeters are not used in Peru, because prices are negotiated before you get in : ask for information on the average price to your destination. It’s not a custom to tip taxi drivers.
City buses (cheaper option) are differentiated by colour and numbers to indicate their route. We recommend you to use the authorised airport taxi service. Most taxis cover long distances and can be uncomfortable. Inquire before you take a taxi and avoid using them late at night.
By Railway
The tourist railway service principally covers the following 2 routes :
- Puno - Cusco (return trip)
- Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu (return trip)
Shopping
In general the shops, commercial centre and craft markets are open every day (including holidays) f. from 0900 to 2000. In places such as markets it is normal to bargain over the price of the article. The act of bargaining is called ‘regateo’
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