GENERAL INFORMATION FROM PERU

REGIONS OF PERU
Geographically, Perú is divided in three regions.

The Coast: This is the area next to the Pacific Ocean, featuring deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys. There are two well – defined seasons: the summer season (December to March) with temperatures reaching 27ºC (80ºF); and the winter season (May to October) which is very humid and cold, with temperatures dropping too 12ºC (53ºF). Although it hardly rains on the Peruvian coast, fog and fine rain or drizzle are common in the winter. In the north coast the sun shines all year round, and temperatures rise to 35ºC (95ºF) in the summer.

The Highlands: Area dominated by the Andes Mountain Range, with altitudes as high as 6.768 masl (22.204 feet) at the summit of the Huascarán snow – capped peak. This region has a dry and moderate climate, with two well – defined seasons: the summer season (May to October) with sunny days, very cold nights and hardly any rain – ideal time to visit – and the rainy season (December to March).
In the Highlands one can wirness sharp temperature changes – between 20ºC (68ºF) and 2ºC (35ºF) – in a single day.

The Jungle: This is an area with lush tropical vegetation forming part of the Peruvian Amazon Region, home to Peru’s largest natural reserved areas. With a humid and tropical climate, the Jungle has two clearly distinguished seasons: the summer or flowing season (May to October) with sunny days and temperatures of more than 30ºC (86ºF) and the rainy season (November to March) with frequent rains and increased river volumes.

LANGUAGE
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Perú; although Spanish is more widespread. Another language recognized by the Peruvian government is Aymara, as well as 48 other native languages. It is possible to communicate in English with the persons who provide tourist services, such as the tourist guides, travel agencies staff and persons working in three, four and five – star hotels.

CURRENCY AND DENOMINATIONS
The official currency of Perú is the Nuevo Sol (S/.) which is divided into 100 cents.
Coins in circulation include the amounts of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, a and 5 Nuevos Soles. Paper bills come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.
US Dollars are accepted in most commercial establishment, restaurants and service stations, at the current exchange rate. N Most of the establishments accept the most popular credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express, Travellers Checks are used with some limitations. Inquire and the establishments as to whether or not they are accepted.

VACCINATION
If you plan on travelling to the Jungle, the yellow fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.
Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:
• Jorge Chávez International Airport
Tel: (01) 575 – 1745
Opening hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day
• International Vaccination Center
Calle Cápac Yupanqui 1400, Lima 1
Tel: (01) 471 – 9920, Ext. 174
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

TOURIST VISAS

This is not required for citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, Brasil and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Perú. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities), showing their identification card only.
Ask the Peruvian consular representation in tour country if you need further information. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found on the web site of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.rree.gob.pe

UPON ENTERING PERU

• Present the Immigration officer the International Embarkation / Disem – barkation Card (given to the traveller in the airplane or at the Immigration Stand of the arrival area you are coming through). Keep the card, since you will have to return it when you leave the country. If you lose it you will have to pay a fee equivalent to US$ 4,00.
• Customs officers will give you a form to declare any goods subject to customs duties you may be carrying with you. If none, specify that you have nothing to declare. The following are exempt from any duty: items and clothes for personal use, portable computers and adventure tourism gear. For more details information, inquire at the Peruvian diplomatic representation in your country.
• On the same form, you must declare whether you are introducing to the country any vegetable or animal species. If so, you will need to have a permit from the competent sanitary authorities from your country. If you do not have the necessary sanitation document. Peruvian sanitation authorities may order to incinerate your vegetable species or to sacrifice your animal.

Map of Peru:

For more information and get prices contact us.
boliviaexpedition@hotmail.com - reservas@turismoboliviaperu.com -
www.turismoboliviaperu.com – www.turismoperubolivia.com