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Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. A trip to the Andean nation is on most peoples list of places to visit. The country features some of the most beautiful landscapes and ancient cultures anywhere in the world. The people are most welcoming and the food is some of the best in the world. Peru has 3 distinct regions, the coast, the mountains and the jungle, all with different attractions, all worth a visit.
From the USA the only viable way to get to Peru is by air. From any city in the US, you can fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, most with connections in the US and South America. The cost will depend on the route and the airline that you choose. From Lima you can connect to many different Peruvian cities including, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno.
The currency in Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol, which is at time of writing is $1 is soles 3.70. In larger establishments US$ are widely accepted. There are ATM machines all over Peru which you can use your card, for a fee. Credit Cards are accepted in most larger shops. It is always a great idea to have local currency to buy in local shops and markets, in small denominations.
Depending on what region of Peru you travel the weather will be different. The coastal region for example, in Lima, Summer is from December to end of March, winter which expands from May to September the coastal skies are grey. If you want to spend time in the mountain areas in Peru, these regions have 2 seasons, wet and dry. The Dry season which ranges from April to September, is the most popular time to visit. The temperatures are warm during the day and cold during the night. But you should expect little rainfall. The wet season on the other hand, is from November to March and the temperatures are warm during the day and cold at night. It will rain mostly during the day.
The weather in the jungle has 2 season the wet season and the dry season. The dry season lasts from May to October, the wet season from November to April. Despite it being called the wet season it only receives 65 per cent of the rainfall. The dry season is hot and the wet season can be fresher. The time to travel to Peru depends on your preferences and your vacation time. Remember that if you plan to hike the Inca Trail, the trail is closed in the month of February for maintenance.
This is the quickest way to get around Peru, the best if you are short on time and like your comforts. Most major Peruvian cities have airports. The cost of flights is relatively inexpensive and you can get around easily. Be careful sometimes the cheaper airlines cancel flights without much notice, with not much recourse. The most reliable airline is LATAM and they have most flights per day to most destinations.
It may be surprising to know that there is an extensive bus network in Peru, with buses leaving from Lima to all the major cities and beyond with abundant frequency. There are luxury companies that offer first class services, some even feature reclining seats, food, tv and internet. You will pay a little more for these services but they are worth the money. Cheaper services are available but be careful as the security in not up to par. If you plan to take long distance buses, be prepared with warm blankets and some food and water.
Peru has some of the best train journeys on the planet. Travel over the high Andean plans on a luxury train from Cusco to Puno. One of the most famous is the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, an extraordinary trip through the Sacred Valley of the Inca to Machu Picchu. Luxury trains or budget trains are available. Another train not to miss is the Andean Explorer that travels from Cusco to Arequipa to Puno with overnight stay on the train, one for the train enthusiasts. These trains are not cheap but the experience is worth the dollars.
Citizens of the USA at the time of writing do not require a VISA to enter Peru. Upon entry you will receive a stay of 90 days. If you plan to stay longer you will need to get an extension from any of the many immigration offices in most of the large cities. If you overstay your VISA, it will be harder to get an extension. The government of Peru does however require that you have at least 6 months remaining on your passport before entering Peru, if not you may not be allowed entry.
This is a great question, like any other country there are safe areas and there are places that you would never go. If you stick to the tourist areas and stay within the well-lit streets at night you should not have problems. Petty crimes and pickpocketing are a problem in high volume areas. Be aware of your surroundings and it is always a good idea to leave most of your belongings at the hotel. Don’t go flashing around expensive phones, jewelry or camera around where ever you go.
Peru has a section of the Police called the Tourism Police, which has a presence in most of the tourist areas, especially Cusco.
The US Embassy in Lima offers assistance to US citizens who are victims of crime. You will need to contact the local police and file a report before contacting the embassy.
As with any country you travel you should always try and learn a few different necessary words just in case. It is important to note that most people who work in tourism speak some English. But if you want to get directions or order food, a few important phrases in Spanish will be very helpful.
It is always a great idea to buy an insurance policy before you travel. This will cover you for any mishap that you may experience while traveling. Make sure you get a policy that covers all the essentials. Get a policy that covers, trip and flight cancelation, hospitalization, accidents, loss of luggage and any adventure sports that you may be partaking.
When planning the travel to the high altitudes of the Andes, you must take extra precautions to lower the affects of altitude sickness. Cusco for example is located at 11483 ft above sea level, so if you arrive directly from Lima which is at sea level, it is most likely you will feel the affects. It is a great idea to arrive into Cusco a few days before any activities to give your body time to adjust. Here are some proven methods to help reduce the affects of altitude.
To save so much time and stress, it is a great idea to book your Peruvian tours with a reputable licensed travel agent. Go to trip Advisor and look at the agencies in the area that you would like to visit. Read the reviews on the agencies before making any decisions on who to book with. Booking before you travel guarantees your tours are booked and paid for before you land. Waiting to book when you arrive does not guarantee you entrances on the places that you want to visit. Especially Machu Picchu with entrances booking out months in advance.
Take a trip to Peru, not far to travel for the best experience. See all the magic of the Inca and the pre-Inca cultures. Marvel at the genius of the Inca and hear tales of different South American cultures.
