Geography
and climate
Peru
occupies an area twice the size of France or the state of Texas,
extending between the equator and 18°S. It has a long coastline
on the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by Ecuador on the north,
Brazil and Bolivia on the east, and Chile on the south. The
central portion of Peru includes the great mountain and plateau
region of the Andes, with numerous peaks rising to over 6,000
m/20,000 ft and with extensive plateau districts between 3,000
m/10,000 ft and 4,300 m/14,000 ft. There is a very narrow coastal
plain on the Pacific shore, while to the east of the Andes,
the land drops steeply to the forested lowlands of the Amazon
basin.
The
Pacific coastal district has a most unusual type of dry desert
climate. This is caused by the cold waters flowing in the Humboldt
current, which runs northwards. This area is a continuation
of the coastal desert of northern Chile. The cold ocean water
maintains low temperatures for tropical latitudes almost up
to the equator and there are very small differences from month
to month. The dryness is so marked that in some places many
years have passed without any real rainfall. In the northern
coastal districts, however, there is a remarkable change of
weather for a few weeks every ten or fifteen years. Temperature
rises, clouds build up, and torrential rain may fall for many
days. It is as if the equatorial belt of cloud and rain, which
normally lies to the north on the coasts of Ecuador and Colombia,
had moved south. Such unusual and unexpected heavy rain may
cause widespread damage. At the same time the sea temperature
offshore rises and the cold current retreats southwards. The
phenomenon is called El Niño, and is most likely to occur
in December and January. This otherwise arid coastal strip experiences
frequent low cloud and fog from which a light drizzle, called
locally garúa, may fall. This is another unusual feature
for such a dry climate. The climatic table for Lima is representative
of the climate of the coastal district although the city is
a short distance inland. Midday temperatures are here a little
higher than on the coast. Lima has an average of only one to
two hours of sunshine a day in the low-sun period, but this
rises to between five to seven hours a day during the warmer
months of December to April.
The
Andean mountain and plateau region of Peru has similar weather
and climate to that of the Andean region of Bolivia. Here the
main differences are a consequence of the altitude. The tables
for Cuzco illustrate the marked reduction of temperature in
all months and the single rainy season at the time of high sun
between November and March. The greater cloudiness during the
rainy season prevents the temperature from rising higher at
this time. As another consequence of the high altitude there
is a large daily range of temperature which falls quite low
at night. During the dry season frosts may be a nightly occurrence
at these heights. Above 3,000 m/10,000 ft visitors may feel
temporary discomfort from the effects of altitude.
The
city of Arequipa stands at 2350m and therefore has slightly
higher average temperatures than those shown for Cusco and with
much less rain. The city of Puno on the banks of Lake Titicaca
on the other hand experiences lower average temperatures than
Cusco and much stronger sun.
Documents and vaccinations
All
travelers need to carry a valid passport and any of the visas
that are required by individual nationalities, please check
carefully. If your flight transits the USA you should check
that your passport meets current US Customs requirements.
Depending
upon your route in Peru, and South America in general, you may
require an international Yellow Fever certificate. You should
visit your doctor or clinic before traveling to discuss any
vaccinations required and any issues related to altitude.
Valid
insurance is always required when traveling, and is particularly
important in developing countries like Peru. Take your original
policy with you on vacation.
Copies
of your passport, insurance policy and Peruvian entry form should
be carried in your luggage or day sack. It is not necessary
to carry originals around with you all the time as, unless you
are doing something wrong, the police will not bother you!
Safety
Despite
the poor reputations of neighbors Colombia and Bolivia, Peru
is actually a relatively safe place to travel. Ex-pats that
live here go for years and years without experiencing any adverse
incidents, but you have to be aware of not putting yourself
at risk in the same way as in any new environment.
Lima
is the city with the worst reputation in Peru but in reality
the chances of getting into trouble are slim if you sensible.
When you arrive in Lima (if you have not arranged a pick up
with us) take an authorized taxi (usually parked closest to
the terminal) and do not pay more than 25.00 USD to anywhere.
Miraflores is the most tourist-friendly area to stay, this area
is around 40 minutes drive from the airport. Arrival in a new
big city is always a little stressful but just take your time
and be aware of your surroundings without being worried.
Other
cities are easily managed and the main consideration is to not
walk back to your hotel, late at night, drunk. If you are returning
late walk in twos or get a taxi. DO NOT CARRY ALL YOUR VALUABLES
AND DOCUMENTS WITH YOU, lock them in the hotel and just take
what you need. In this way what can anyone steal from you?
Peruvian
people are generally very nice, helpful and are very happy to
see you spending money in their country.
Be
prepared
Peru
is a country where strikes and roadblocks can appear at short
notice. Be aware of this when traveling about and be patient
and flexible. If something holds you up just have another drink
and wait it out, things are usually fixed fairly quickly and
protests are not generally violent.
Health
The
biggest problem for travelers is the change in diet. Peruvian
food is fantastic but it will be a big change for most people
and therefore some mild stomach problems are commonplace. If
anything serious occurs then clinics and doctors are on hand
to help out and this should be covered by your travel insurance.
Altitude
is always a concern for travelers to the Andes mountains. One
should avoid flying straight from Lima to Juliaca (Puno) because
this is huge change in altitude and you will feel bad. The perfect
way to go is to visit Arequipa en route to Puno if you have
time because this will allow you to acclimatize well. If you
fly to Cusco then you should take it easy on the first day,
drink coca tea, plenty of water, not go crazy with alcohol and
eat light. You will feel a slight headache but this is normal.
Severe problems should not be experienced until you get over
4500m.
Bottled
water should be consumed and is easily purchased everywhere.
The
custom in Peru is to put toilet paper in the waste bin in the
bathroom and not into the toilet bowl, this avoids blocking
up poor quality plumbing.
Transport
Driving
is a little erratic here and if you rent a car please be careful
and drive very defensively, using the horn a lot. Road rules
are not complied with and neither are red lights often. Taxis
are abundant and cheap. In Lima you should bargain the price
before getting in but in Cusco anywhere in the center costs
2 soles, and 3 or 4 soles after 10pm and to the bus station
and airport.
Buses
are cheap and our recommendation is to travel with Cruz del
Sur, who are very reliable and generally safe.
LAN
airlines operate the most flights in the country but are the
most expensive. There are cheaper, less frequent options such
as AeroCondor and Star Peru. All have websites.
Packing
You
should pack clothing in layers so you can regulate your temperature
according to conditions. Sometimes it will be hot and dusty,
it may rain suddenly and at night it can be quite cold depending
upon your location (see the climate notes above). If you need
specific medication please remember to pack it. Sturdy walking
footwear for visits to ancient sites and more fashionable shoes
for the cities if you wish and sandals if its hot.
Money
US
dollars cash is almost standard currency here. Travelers Checks
are not so useful but are accepted in some places. ATMs are
everywhere and are an excellent option for withdrawing USD and
local currency easily. Local currency is the Sol (The Sun) and
you can change money everywhere you go.
Prices
Visitors
from many countries think that Peru is a relatively cheap place
to visit. Food is certainly cheaper, so is travel and most hotels
but alcohol is relatively expensive compared with other services.
Whatever the prices the country is fantastic to visit and you
will never regret your choice.
Any
questions that you still have can be answered by us, just send
us an email at 
