Destination Guide - Peru

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
1	Andean Mountain Medley Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Whitewater Rafting, Rock Climbing & Trekking (12 Days)
2	Pedal Peru Mountain Biking, Hiking & Rock Climbing (9 Days)
3	Trek the Inca Trail Hiking and Horseback Riding (8 Days)
4	Trek the Lares Trail Hiking and Horseback Riding (8 Days)
5	Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Hiking and Horseback Riding (10 Days)

From the dense jungles of the Amazon, to the craggy spires of the Andes, to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru has enthralled travellers for hundreds of years. The rugged and isolated Andean range is home to millions of highland Indians who still speak their ancient tongue, Quechua. The dense tropical rainforest shelters twice the number of bird species found in all of North America. Precipitous glacier-clad mountains in Peru reach heights over 18,500 ft/5,600 meters and the deep valleys between shelter a host of rare and beautiful animals. Peru truly defies description. These are just a few of the awe-inspiring features that await you in this magnificent country.

Official Name: The Republic of Peru
Population: 23.4 Million
Capital City: Lima
People: 54% Indian, 32% Mestizo (mixed Indian descent and European), 12% Spanish and 2% Black and Asian
Languages: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages but Aymara and English are also spoken
Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 10% other
Currency: Nuevo Sol
Time: EST or GMT minus 5 hours
Electricity: 220V, 60Hz (http://www.kropla.com)
Major Industries: Pulp, paper, coca leaves, steel, chemicals & minerals, tourism
Airport Departure Tax: $32 USD

IMPORTANT FACTS

Travel Documents

Canadian and US citizens require a valid passport to enter Peru, with an expiry date that is beyond 6 months from the date of entry. If you do not have a passport, an application may be obtained from your local post office. Passport photographs can be obtained from most local photography studios for a small fee. A visa is not required for North American citizens for stays up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should contact the Peruvian Embassy for specific entry requirements.

Climate

Generally the Andean trekking season, April-November is clear, dry, and cool. During the transitional months of April/May and October/November, one can experience variable weather patterns with a general build up of afternoon clouds and possible showers that infrequently last through the night. Rain all day is uncommon during the trekking season months, although it is still a possibility as is short hail, sleet or snow storms at the highest elevations. Andean nights are cold, ranging from 25-40’F (-4 to 5’C) depending on the elevation, while the days are pleasantly warm with temperatures between 60-80’F (15-27’C). In spite of warmer temperatures, trekking during the Andean rainy season, Jan- March, is not recommended because of the high risk of mudslides, rock fall or lightening. Also, trails and high passes may be closed due to heavy snowfall. Expect showers or mist on most departures. The daytime temperatures will be warm between 70-85’F (21-30’C), with the nighttime temperatures around 45-50’F (7-10’C).

Food

One of the delights of visiting Peru is the delicious cuisine. Traditional food in Peru includes seafood on the coast and roasted Guinea pig in the highlands. There are a wide variety of fruits available and this exotic selection provides for wonderful fruit juices as well. Remember it is best to eat fruit that you peel by yourself. This will likely prevent you from getting sick. Most food is safe to eat, although a little common sense with regard to street food is sometimes necessary. Some of the popular traditional dishes are Lomo Saltado, which is a stir-fried beef dish with onions, vinegar, ginger, chili, tomatoes, and fried potatoes, Ceviche which is shrimp or sea bass marinated in lemon, chili, and onions, Papas Rellenas which are stuffed baked potatoes, Palta Rellena which is avocado stuffed with chicken salad, and Picarones which are deep fried flour fritters made with eggs and served with honey.

Water

While in Peru it is best to drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Milk should be treated with suspicion, and if you do drink milk make sure it has been pasteurized. Fruit juices, soft drinks and tea are all widely available and safe to drink. Drink plenty of fluids and try to avoid alcohol when you first arrive into higher altitudes. Some popular and traditional drinks include Inca Cola which is a lime green soda pop that tastes like fizzy bubble gum, Pisco Sour which is similar to a Tom Collins and is made with white grape brandy, and Mate de Coca which is a tea made from coca leaves and is good to drink for the effects of altitude sickness.

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Peru unless you are arriving from an infected country, although some are recommended. Those are tetanus, hepatitis A and yellow fever. We advise you to contact your nearest travel clinic for information on health requirements, as this information can and does change frequently. A good website for current information is the Centre for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.

Destination Guide - Peru

IMPORTANT FACTS

Travel Documents

Climate

Food

Water

Vaccinations

Suggested Reading List

Travel Guides

The Outdoors

Travel and Adventure

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