USEFUL INFO PERU
Practical information to organize the trip with details about the best period to go, necessary documents, how to get around and much more.
WHEN TO GO to PERU
Peru is large and the climate depends on the area you want to visit. Broadly speaking, the territory can be divided into three macro "climate areas":
The Andean Region is characterized by a temperate climate and the days are always very sunny.
The Coastal Region where summers are hot and dry and winters are characterized by a light coastal haze known as 'garùa'.
The Amazon Region is characterized by hot and humid temperatures throughout the year.
Peru is located in the southern hemisphere and this means that its seasons are reversed compared to ours. Based on your needs we advise you to find out about the chosen destination. Peru can be visited all year round although in general the best period is from June to October. The perfect month is July as the climate is cooler and drier and therefore ideal for visiting peacefully. The period to avoid is from January to April as it is very rainy.
Furthermore, Peru is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so earthquakes are possible. Unfortunately, to date it is not possible to plan if and when they will happen so, if you are near the coast, when the ground starts to shake, pay attention to the tsunami risk.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED for PERU
To enter Peru it is necessary to have an Electronic Passport with a residual validity of at least 6 months. In Italy this type of passport was introduced in 2006 and is recognizable thanks to the chip symbol at the bottom of the cover. In accordance with the Visa Waiver Program, Italian citizens, and those of more than thirty nations, who intend to travel to Peru for a period not exceeding 183 days do not require a Visa. For further information on this matter, we recommend that you consult the Italian company website of Farnesina.
LOCAL CURRENCY in PERU
The currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol. The US dollar is almost always accepted. It is possible to exchange foreign currency at banks and money changers (“casa decambias”). Credit cards are accepted practically everywhere but we advise you to withdraw or exchange some cash for any small needs (or for tips, see below). We have not encountered any problems even with the use of prepaid cards from the VisaElectron circuit. The only precaution we recommend is to inquire at the bank about the possibility of using your ATM abroad. Also be careful when using your cards as abuse is widespread.
LOCAL TIPS in PERU
Tips in Peru are not obligatory but usually recommended as 5 or 10% of consumption, especially in restaurants, to guides or drivers. Sometimes the service is already included in the bill.
SAFETY in PERU
In Peru the crime rate is high but it clearly depends on the city and the neighborhood. The danger is particularly great in the regions where the drugs are produced and in those controlled by drug trafficking gangs. We recommend extreme caution especially at sunset due to frequent attacks, so limit yourself to frequented lit and busy areas. In the capital, Lima, the peripheral areas, the historic center of the city and the port area of Callao are particularly at risk (to be avoided especially in the evening).
Find out from the tourist police or at iPeru (information and assistance for tourists) about authorized travel agencies and accommodation since very often thieves pretend to be tourist guides or representatives of travel agencies or hotels.
Be careful when traveling within stations and airports, where the frequency of crime is high and therefore rely only on travel agencies and well-known local guides. Generally it is not advisable to travel alone by taxi and it is advisable to use previously reserved official taxis or those of a hotel (especially in the cities of Lima, Cusco and Arequipa). Also be careful of pickpockets, at least 9 out of 10 people are robbed!
Watch the Official Video here • Peru
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