Planning For Your Trip - What you need to know
Climate
The seasons of the year (southern hemisphere):
Summer: Dec 21 – Mar 19
(rainy season in the Andes and the Amazon).
Winter: Jun 21 – Sep 22
Fall: Mar 20 – Jun 20
Spring: Sep 23 – Dec 20
The presence of the Andes Mountain Range and its rugged geography make Peru a country with great climatic diversity.
The Coast
From Tacna to Tumbes: Mild to warm climate, moderate but with high humidity and dense fog in winter, where temperatures range from 53.6 to 64.4 °F. In summer, there is little fog, and temperatures range from 77 to 95 °F. Heavy rains occur from December to April, especially in the higher areas. During the other seasons, the average temperature is around 68 °F.
The Andes
It has two seasons: summer (April – October), with sunny days, cold nights, and little rain (an ideal time to visit), with temperatures reaching up to 75.2 °F, and at night it can drop to 0 °F. In winter (November – March), there are abundant rains, and temperatures range between 59 and 26.6°F.
The Amazon
Like the Andes, the Amazon has two well-defined seasons: the rainy season (November – March) with abundant precipitation, and the low-rainfall season (April – October), ideal for visiting. The humidity is very high throughout the year. Occasionally, between May and August, the temperature can drop to 46.4°-53.6 °F.
- In the event of an emergency, you can contact iPerú. iPerú offers a free information and assistance system for travelers, provided by PromPerú.
- You can call the number (+511) 574 800, 24/7, or email iperu@promperu.gob.pe for official tourist information covering:
- – Attractions, routes, destinations and companies that provide tourism services.
- – Guidance and advice if the tourism services contracted do not match the description offered by the operator.
- – In such cases, you will be advised on the correct channels for making your query or complaint.
The sol (S/) is the official currency of Peru. There are bills with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles. There are also coins of 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles.
The American dollar is accepted in a large number of commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. It is possible to exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange houses. The usual business hours for currency exchange establishments are from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays until noon.
ATMs can be found in almost all cities in the country, and most of them are connected to the Plus (Visa) and Cirrus (Mastercard) networks, American Express, and others. You can withdraw money in soles or American dollars from these ATMs.
The main cities of the country have airports for domestic flights. In most cases, the TUUA (Unified Airport Usage Fee) is included in the airfare. In special cases, the airline will indicate the need to pay this fee before boarding the flight.
There are 200 airports (including airfields and airports), with 5 international and 18 domestic terminals. The main airports are located in Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Iquitos and Trujillo.
The main roads in Peru are in very good condition, monitored by specialized police, and have emergency services for quick assistance.
There is a wide variety of buses that connect almost all destinations in the country and offer differentiated services. Many cities have bus terminals.
The formal transportation services in Lima include the Metropolitano (rapid bus transit system) and the Metro of Lima (electric train).
The taxi service in Peru does not use a taximeter. It is recommended to use services from safe taxi companies (with phone reservations or mobile apps).
Taxis are the choice of most people when traveling from the airport to the city center. There are several taxi companies in Peru that offer 24/7 service and have mobile applications for requesting rides.
Below you can find the most important tourist train routes in Peru:
If you want to drive:
Always carry your driver’s license, a copy of your passport and, if the vehicle is rented, a copy of the rental contract.
International driving licenses are valid for one year. If you need an extension of the license’s authorization, you can request it at the Touring Automóvil Club de Perú during office hours (08:00 – 16:00). The office is located at Calle César Vallejo 699 Lince, in Lima. Phone numbers (+511) 440 3270 and 422 5975.
Roads in Peru
If you want to obtain information about the condition of roads in Peru, visit here.
Health
Health conditions in Peru are good, especially in the cities. In recent years, the range of health services has increased and become more modern. Hospitals and clinics provide proper care, but we recommend taking out travel insurance.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering Peru. If you are thinking of visiting the Amazon region of the country, the Ministry of Health recommends that you are vaccinated against yellow fever. For more information about vaccinations, click here.
Check the recommended vaccinations here:
Chickenpox
Recommended for: travelers who have not had chickenpox.
Destinations for which it is recommended: all Peru.
Hepatitis A
Recommended for: all travelers.
Destinations for which it is recommended: all Peru.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for: travelers who will have prolonged contact with the local population.
Destinations for which it is recommended: Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Ucayali, Junín y Madre de Dios.
Yellow Fever*
Recommended for: travelers to jungle areas below 8,200 feet.
Destinations for which it is recommended: Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Ucayali, Junín y Madre de Dios.
*To be effective, the yellow fever vaccination must be given at least 10 days before traveling.
Information for travelers here.
Relax, all you have to do is take the same precautions as for any other tourist destination. Always keep a copy of your identity documents with you and keep the originals in a safe place together with other valuables, in your hotel safe. Watch out for bag snatchers and don’t carry large sums of money.
Keep objects of value hidden and keep an eye on your handbag and luggage. Do not change money in the street. You should use taxi companies – call a cab by telephone or using a mobile app–. Ask for advice at your hotel.
Guides and Trekking Staff
While you’re on your trip in Peru, you’re likely to be enjoying many tours and hikes. It’s not obligatory to tip but if you receive good service it’s expected to tip the guides, drivers, and all trekking staff.
On a Day Tour
If you head on a guided tour in a group for the day, we recommend 15-17 soles ($5-$6) per person for a half-day tour and for a full-day trip 20-25 soles ($7-$8) per person to give to the guide.
Say you go on a guided private tour; you’ll be expected to tip a little more per person as there are no other people in the group. For a half-day tour, we suggest 30-35 soles ($10-$12) and for a full day 50-60 soles ($17-$20).
For the bus driver, the going rate is around 10 soles for the day, so about $3.50.
On a Multi-Day Tour
Things change when you head on a multi-day trek as you’ll be expected to tip the guide, cooks, porters, and/or horsemen.
Trekking Staff: This includes everyone apart from the guide, and they are an extremely important part of the trek and sometimes undervalued.The average for a trekking staff team is about 150 ($45) per trekker. However, it’ll depend on the length of your trek as these can range from 3-8 days. You can also work it out like 35-40 soles per day ($10-$12). You’ll usually give the tip to the guide, and they’ll share it out amongst everyone.
The Guide: When you’re on your trek, you’ll see that your guide gives you attention around the clock and helps out in every way possible to ensure you have the most wonderful time. They’ll share local and historical knowledge with you and keep you safe along the trail. A fair tip for a guide in Peru is between 60-80 soles ($10-$12) per person.
Recommended list of equipment to help with your Trek Planning in Perú – Trek Ideas
- Your Original Passport will be required for your trip, take a photocopy with you when you are out and about.
- Insurance We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance and/or adventure insurance
- A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a range of changes in temperature & climate
- Rain wear (Jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
- Strong footwear and waterproof trekking boots are recommended with a strong sole and good ankle support. Extra socks are a must (woolly trekking socks).
- Sandals or plastic slip-on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf, and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Head Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, films, and batteries (batteries consume energy more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain, and cold
- Sunblock
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. (Available on our treks but may you like your own supply also)
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
- Cash – sufficient for your final meal in Aguas Calientes, tips, and souvenirs.
- Walking poles.
- Binoculars (if you have them)
Recommended Luggage Size for your trip
Every time you fly with us you can take a small bag or backpack (45-50L max size) in the cabin, regardless of the fare purchased. The maximum measurements of your personal item are 45 x 35 x 20 cm (height x length x width), including pockets, wheels, handles, etc. (17.8 x 13.8 x 7.9 in).
In addition, if you would like larger luggage we can upgrade the service to a Promo, Light, Plus, or Top fare, you can carry hand luggage that is stored in the upper compartment of the plane.
The maximum weight is 10 kg (22 lb) if you travel in the Economy cabin, and 16 kg (35 lb) if you travel in the Premium Economy or Premium Business cabin.
The maximum measurements of your additional item are 55 x 35 x 25 cm (height x length x width), including pockets, wheels, handle, etc. (22 x 13.8 x 10 in)
There is an additional charge for this of $20-$30 USD, per person, per flight (depending on the airline)
During your trek, we advise you to store your excess luggage at your hotel in El Chalten – hotels, and hostels should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service as part of your stay with them. There is also a luggage storage service at the bus station.
• At your pre-trek briefing you will be briefed the evening before your departure. Depending on the logistics of the route, a porter will carry your sleeping bag if you require it and if you will be camping.
- Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5kg of their things as part of their trek planning – a change of clothes and wet weather gear, etc. However, if you think that you will have a lot of luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just a camera, sunscreen, and water) then it’s advisable that you hire an extra porter.
Recommended list of equipment to help with your Expedition Planning
- Thick down puffer jacket plus a rainjacket or waterproof poncho
- Thermal underwear x2, tops & bottoms
- Layers type sweat t-shirts, underlay fleeces etc.
- Trek pants type that zip off at knee & thicker mountain trousers with a fleece liner
- Gloves both liners & outers
- Thick Woolly Hat, we will give you a polar fleece snood when you arrive, which you can use around your neck and mouth also.
- Thick socks for trekking in & also a pair for sleeping in
- Very good UV sunglasses, type that wrap around or block UV rays from the side
- Strongest factor sunscreen & a good lip balm
- Camelbak (1.5l) and neoprene bottle (1l), no more than about 2.5l per day
- Good sun cap with neck protection
- Good Camera with powerful lens
- Comfortable, used Trekking boots & Mountain boots apart, & a pair of sandals
- Bathing suit (for hot-springs at the end)
- Head Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. (Available on our expeditions but may you like your own supply also)
- Related climbing equipment, Crampons, Helmet, Iceaxe, Harness, Walking Pole (All available for hire or to be included as part of your expedition plan)
For the duration of the expedition we advise you to store your excess luggage at your hotel in Cusco – hotels and hostels should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service as part of your stay with them.
• At your pre-expedition briefing you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack clothes required for the trek. Please limit your luggage in this duffel bag to 7kg (15lbs) each person. The mules will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. The duffel bags are waterproof but it is still advisable to put your things inside a plastic bag within the duffel bag. The approximate dimensions are 60cm by 30cm.
Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5kg of their things as part of their trek planning – a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera, sunscreen and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the muleteers travel at a different pace than the group.
Your sleeping bag is always included in your duffel bag, so allow approx 2 kg of weight. This still gives you 5kg of things, which is more than adequate for a hike of several days.
At the end of your trip, please leave your duffel bag in the reception of your hotel. We will come to collect it.
Recommended list of equipment to help with your Expedition Planning
- Thick down puffer jacket plus a rainjacket or waterproof poncho
- Thermal underwear x2, tops & bottoms
- Layers type sweat t-shirts, underlay fleeces etc.
- Trek pants type that zip off at knee & thicker mountain trousers with a fleece liner
- Gloves both liners & outers
- Thick Woolly Hat, we will give you a polar fleece snood when you arrive, which you can use around your neck and mouth also.
- Thick socks for trekking in & also a pair for sleeping in
- Very good UV sunglasses, type that wrap around or block UV rays from the side
- Strongest factor sunscreen & a good lip balm
- Camelbak (1.5l) and neoprene bottle (1l), no more than about 2.5l per day
- Good sun cap with neck protection
- Good Camera with powerful lens
- Comfortable, used Trekking boots & Mountain boots apart, & a pair of sandals
- Bathing suit (for hot-springs at the end)
- Head Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. (Available on our expeditions but may you like your own supply also)
- Related climbing equipment, Crampons, Helmet, Iceaxe, Harness, Walking Pole (All available for hire or to be included as part of your expedition plan)
For the duration of the expedition we advise you to store your excess luggage at your hotel in Cusco – hotels and hostels should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service as part of your stay with them.
• At your pre-expedition briefing you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack clothes required for the trek. Please limit your luggage in this duffel bag to 7kg (15lbs) each person. The mules will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. The duffel bags are waterproof but it is still advisable to put your things inside a plastic bag within the duffel bag. The approximate dimensions are 60cm by 30cm.
Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5kg of their things as part of their trek planning – a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera, sunscreen and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the muleteers travel at a different pace than the group.
Your sleeping bag is always included in your duffel bag, so allow approx 2 kg of weight. This still gives you 5kg of things, which is more than adequate for a hike of several days. At the end of your trip, please leave your duffel bag in the reception of your hotel. We will come to collect it.
