Practical information
Hereunder, in alphabetical order, some general guidelines to prepare for your trip to Peru. For more tips, also check our RESPONSible travelling page: click here.
Getting Cash
It is not recommended to bring large sums of money. In Huaraz there are several banks and ATM’s that accept debit cards, VISA and Master Card. Outside Huaraz there are no possibilities to get cash from a bank, so when on a trip take enough money with you. And take small notes and coins, because often people are unable to change notes of 50 or 100 soles.
Credit Cards
Most credit cards are accepted in major shops, tour operators and hotels. Unfortunately, not yet in the office of RESPONS, so please bring cash money.
Credit Cards
Most credit cards are accepted in major shops, tour operators and hotels. Unfortunately, not yet in the office of RESPONS, so please bring cash money.
The Climate
Weather in HuarazSunshine and blue skies are predominant in the Peruvian Andes from May thru September. October to April is the rainy season (especially January to April). However sunshine and clear skies are still often present in the mornings and early afternoons.
Seasonal temperatures do not vary much. Daytime highs will reach 30 º C (80º F) or more, with intense tropical high altitude sun and radiation. BRING LOTS OF SUNSCREEN! Also, don't forget a hat or head scarf and sunglasses to protect skin and eyes.
Night time lows can reach 5 º C (40º F) on clear summer nights between May and September when you will see some of the most spectacular star filled night skies of your life in the Cordillera Blanca!
The climbing season runs from May until September. Hiking, trekking, mountain biking and other activities are available all year long.
Weather in the homestay communities
Vicos and Humacchuco are located slightly higher than Huaraz, but more exposed to the cold. Temperatures are a few degrees below Huaraz averages, and winds can be chilly. During the rainy season, it might rain a bit earlier since youa re closer to the mountains, but hey, that's where we've got those chimneys for! Again, please take into account that at these altitudes the sunrays are much stronger than normal, so it is essential to bring sunscreen (at least SPF factor 30), good sunglasses and something to cover your head.Weather on the Inka Naani
The Inka Naani is further inland, which means that the rainsy season is longer and more intense. If you don't like dirty feet, don't go here during the rainy season. But if you don't like cold nights, don't go here in the dry season... In other words: the weather conditions on the Inka Naani are as on any other trekking in this area. Very warm during the days and very cold during the nights.
Weather in the jungle
The Amazon area or jungle has a tropical, hot and humid climate, The average annual temperature is around 25º C, and temperatures can vary between 18º C and 35º C all-year round. Torrential rains take usually place throughout the year, and are increased in the summer months, stimulating an exuberant flora and a rich fauna. Make sure you have rain clothes of a good quality which will protect you from the torrential rains. Also make sure that you have enough sunscreen with a high factor with you, as well as good sunglasses and something to cover your head with.
Currency
The local currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. As of March 2009 the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN) is worth €4,13 or US $3,17. The sign for the Nuevo Sol is “S/.”. You will often find prices of products or services in American Dollars.
Drinking water
Drinking water is available in almost all shops. Tap water should not be used for consumption, it is recommended not to brush your teeth or wash vegetables with tap water. Be careful with buying ice creams which are not wrapped (in plastic bags or on a cone for example) – they may contain tap water.
Electricity
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts / 60 Hertz. If you travel to Peru with a device that does not accept 220 Volts you will need a voltage converter. Outlets in Peru generally accept 2 types of plug: a Flat blade plug (common in the USA) and Two round pins (common in mainland Europe). However, in many outlets the (European) round pins don’t connect properly – a plug adapter to fit Flat blade plugs is the solution to this problem. If your appliance’s plug has a different shape, you will need a plug adapter. Although these plug adapters are available in stores and markets throughout Peru, it is advisable to bring one along.
Local Food
The Peruvian kitchen is a mix of Chinese, Spanish and African kitchen and contains an enormous variety of dishes. Especially the potato (only in the Vicos area at least 120 different varieties of native potatoes are cultivated!!), corn and other (local) varieties of grains (quinoa for example) are widely used in dishes and soups. The restaurants often offer an extensive menu, available from $2 at local restaurants to $ 15 for the ‘tourist’ class restaurants.
Prices
High season prices for accommodation in Huaraz start at S/.15 for a dorm bed; a double room with private bathroom can be found from S/. 30 onwards.
Visas
Travellers from North America or the European Union you do not need a pre-arranged Visa to enter Peru. All you will need to have is a current Passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure. Arriving at the border, you can get up to 183 days, so make sure you ask for enough days, because extending a tourist visa is not possible anymore! You will have to cross borders for that.
| Participating countries | ||
| Andorra | Iceland | Norway |
| Australia | Ireland | Portugal |
| Austria | Italy | San Marino |
| Belgium | Japan | Singapore |
| Brunei | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Denmark | Lithuania | South Korea |
| Estonia | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Finland | Malta | Sweden |
| France | Monaco | Switzerland |
| Germany | Netherlands | United Kingdom |
| Hungary | New Zealand | |
If you travel to Peru and make a stopover in the USA, and you are citizen of any of the 35 countries that participate in the USA's Visa Waiver Program as mentioned on the right, PLEASE NOTE that since January 12, 2009 it is obligatory to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to your travel! ESTA is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the United States. ESTA applications may be completed online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/, and can be submitted at any time prior to travel. It is possible that you are denied to board a flight to the USA if you do not have the ESTA filled out.
More info on ESTA and Frequently Asked Questions can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html.
More info on ESTA and Frequently Asked Questions can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html.
Travellers from countries that do not participate in the above mentioned Visa Waiver Program, will still have to apply for a visa in order to be allowed to make a stopover on a USA airport.
