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LIMA, "Ciudad de los
Reyes", capital of
Perú, was founded in 1535 and
in a short period
became the most important
city in the Americas
Lima is a destination that offers
something for everyone
The city of CUSCO, the
ancient
capitalof the
Incan Empire,
was placed on the
World Cultural
Heritage List
by UNESCO in 1983
and is without a doubt one
of the most importants destinations
in Peru
Is one of the 24 departments
of Peru is located at the
north central part of Peru
front to the ocean pacific.
With 21 provinces,
inside the Ancash
department is the Cordillera
Blanca, Cordillera Huayhuas
and Cordillera Negra
LORETO, es el
departamento más grande,
con una extensión de
368,852 km2. Es nicho
ecológico de la mayor
y más variada flora
y fauna del Perú, lo
atraviesa el gigantesco
río Amazonas.
HUANCAVELICA, región
con espectaculares
paisajes nevados y un gran
sistema formado por 20
lagunas naturales, siendo
la de Choclococha la más
grande. El clima es
extremadamente seco y frío,
pudiendo llegar entre julio
y agosto a -16°C.
UCAYALI, de territorio
variado presenta accidentes
geográficos importantes como
el gran cañon formado por
el Boquerón del Padre Abad,
cuyas vertientes naturales
de agua forman hermosas
cataratas como la del
Manto de la Virgen o el
Manto de la Novia.
SAN MARTIN, el núcleo
geográfico vital del
departamento es la gran
arteria fluvial del rio
Huallaga, que riega los
grandes valles de Saposoa
donde se cultiva el arroz,
algodon, fibra de yute,
palma aceitera, cafe,
frutales y maderas finas.
TUMBES, hermosa región
con la más interesante y
pintoresca geografía del
litoral peruano. Su nombre
significa "bastón de mando"
de los antiguos curacas.
AMAZONAS, ubicado en
la región nororiental
del Perú posee durante
todo el año un clima
templado que bordea
los 15°C, fue cuna de
culturas como la de
Chachapoyas.
MOQUEGUA, se encuentra
en el sur de la costa
peruana, posee un
territorio árido pero con
valles verdes y productivos
debido a los ríos que
irrigan su tierras.
PASCO, a 4,000 m.s.n.m.,
se encuentra ubicado en
la sierra central del
Perú, en esta región se
define el régimen
hidrográfico del Perú
debido al nudo de Pasco.
Posee un clima de
templado a frío.
PIURA,ubicada en la
costa norte del Perú
posee un territorio
accidentado con
hermosas playas y
puertos. Esta región
tiene el privilegio de
un clima cálido caluroso
que rige todo el año.
MADRE DE DIOS, tierra
de los soñados reinos
de El Dorado y Paititi
buscados por audaces
exploradores en busca de
las ciudades de oro, se
encuentra ubicado al
sudeste del Perú, posee
un clima caluroso durante
todo el año.
JUNIN, se caracteriza
por un clima serrano
muy saludable.
En su territorio se encuentra
"Ticlio", el punto nevado más
alto del Perú (4,818 msnm).
El Valle del Mantaro es
uno de los más ricos y
fértiles del territorio
peruano.
HUANUCO, posee una gran
diversidad de nichos
ecológicos y microclimas.
En Tingo María, ciudad
conocida como la "Bella
Durmiente", se encuentra
la formación geológica
conocida como la
"Cueva de las Lechuzas".
LAMBAYEQUE, cuna del
Imperio Chimú, se remonta
a la antigua leyenda de
fundacion realizada por
el legendario Naylamp.
Actualmente es conocida
como la "Perla del Pacífico".
Posee bellas playas como
las del puerto de Pimentel.
CAJAMARCA, cuna de la
peruanidad por haberse
producido allí el histórico
encuentro del Inca
y los españoles.
En 1986 la OEA la declaró
"Patrimonio Histórico
Cultural de las Américas".
APURIMAC, palabra quechua
que significa "gran orador",
toponimia que alude al
rugido que producen las
turbulentas aguas del
río del mismo nombre.
El Gran Cañón de Apurimac,
es el más profundo del
continente americano.
TACNA, ciudad costera,
fronteriza con Chile, de
estilo colonial, conocida
por sus importantes
logros históricos como
"Ciudad Heróica".
Gran atractivo turístico
en el comercio regional.
PUNO, tiene como mayor
atractivo el lago más alto
del mundo: Lago Titicaca
que tiene más de 40 islas,
muchas de las cuales están
habitadas por antiguos
grupos étnicos.
AYACUCHO, se caracteriza
por sus numerosas iglesias
y monumentos de influencia
colonial, así como por sus
manifestaciones artísticas.
ICA, con su famosa
Laguna de Huacachina de
propiedades curativas, se
encuentra cerca de Lima
(aprox. a 4 horas en auto).
Reconocida por su buen
clima, buena mesa y
buena música.
ANCASH, cuna de la cultura
Chavín, su principal atractivo
turístico es la zona del
Callejón de Huaylas con
sus nevados perpétuos.
Su capital Huaráz, es una
ciudad de corte moderno,
reconstruída luego de
fuertes sismos.
LA LIBERTAD, con su
capital Trujillo ciudad
colonial llamada también
"La ciudad de la Eterna
Primavera", por su
magnífico clima, posee
una población de
1'342,417 habitantes.
AREQUIPA, "La Ciudad
Blanca" por el
característico color
que da la piedra caliza.
Destaca su pintoresca
campiña y su imponente
volcán "Misti"
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PERU TRAVEL INFORMATION
Peru is a large country on the Pacific coast of South
America, encompassing a desert coastline, tropical
rainforest and soaring mountains, each with distinct
environments. These offer an exceptional opportunity for
travelers to experience a variety of landscapes, an
abundance of wildlife, a rich history and archaeological
heritage, and the vivacious character of durable native
cultures, all within one nation.
Fishing villages, fine beaches, agricultural lands, and
Peru's major towns and cities, including the capital of
Lima, are interspersed along the narrow belt of desert
coastline that
stretches the length of the country. The lush Amazon
Basin.
takes up half of Peru and is an ecologically rich area
of tropical rainforest that encompasses some of the
world's most remote and least explored areas, sparsely
populated and for the most part, inaccessible.
Separating the coastal desert from the jungle is the
splendid Andes mountain range, an endless chain of
soaring peaks over 22,000ft (7,000m), and home to
millions of indigenous highland people, speaking the
ancient Inca language of Quechua, and living in
traditional villages with steeply terraced agricultural
fields, with their wandering herds of llamas and
alpacas.
An interesting history of ancient civilizations, tales
of lost cities, undiscovered treasures, and unsolved
mysteries make Peru one of the most exciting countries
to visit. Travelers can marvel at the sophistication of
pre-Colombian cultures and explore the many legacies
left by the imperial Inca Empire, particularly the
ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. Hiking along the
legendary ancient royal Inca highway brings visitors to
the awesome, majestic 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu
Picchu. Boats transport tourists to the unique floating
islands and the traditional world of the island people
on Lake Titicaca. Travelers can wander around splendid
colonial cities that have preserved their Spanish
architecture, look into the depths of the world's
deepest canyon, and contemplate the intriguing mystery
of the Nazca Lines.
Peru, 'Land of the Incas', offers a stimulating and
rewarding travel experience and is one of the most
diverse and exhilarating of the South American
destinations.
FACTS
LANGUAGE: Spanish and Quechua are the official
languages,
but many other dialects are spoken. English is spoken
only in major
tourist centers and hotels.
CURRENCY: The official currency is Nuevo Sol
(PEN) divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely
accepted credit card, but all major international credit
cards, including Diners Club and MasterCard, are
accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside
Lima facilities may be more limited. Travelers cheques
may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and
villages, and travelers are advised to have cash
on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange
and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main
cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio
(exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels
and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Time: Local time is GMT -5
CLIMATE
The coast is generally sunny and hardly ever receives
any rain, but from April to November there is a heavy
sea mist. The highlands have a wet season (October to
April) and a dry season (May to September), when the
days are clear and sunny but very cold at night
especially at altitude.
ELECTRICITY : Electrical current is 220 volts,
60Hz (Arequipa 50Hz). Two-pin, flat blade and round
plugs are standard.
COMMUNICATIONS: The international access code for
Peru is +51, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by
the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK).
City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1) for Lima. A
mobile phone operator provides a GSM 1900 network with
coverage limited to major towns and cities. Peru is well
connected to the Internet with a proliferation of
inexpensive Internet kiosks, called cabinas pública,
available on street corners in most towns and cities.
DUTY FREE: Travelers to Peru over 15 years old do
not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or
50g of tobacco; 2kg of food maximum; 3 bottles of
alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5 liters; and gifts
to the value of US$300. Items such as sausages, salami,
ham and cheese may only be brought in if accompanied by
an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham from
Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural
or artistic items from the country is not permitted.
TOURIST OFFICE
PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru), Lima:
+51 (0)1 224 3279 or www.peru.info
EMERGENCY
Emergencies: 011/5114
EMBASSIES
Peruvian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202
833 9860.
Peruvian Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also
responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7235 1917/2545.
Peruvian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 1777.
Peruvian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273
7351.
Peruvian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346
8744.
Peruvian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 499
8087.
United States Embassy, Lima: +51 (0)1 434 3000.
British Embassy, Lima: +51 (0)1 617 3000.
Canadian Embassy, Lima: +51 (0)1 444 4015.
Australian Consulate-General, Lima: +51 (0)1 222 8281.
South African Embassy, Lima: +51 (0)1 440 9996.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Lima: +51 (0)1 273 2903.
New Zealand Consulate, Lima: +51 (0)1 422 7491
BUSINESS
Business in Peru centers on the capital, Lima. Business
is usually conducted in a formal and somewhat
conservative manner, and it is worth noting that a
business visa is needed from a local Peruvian Consulate.
Dress should be formal, with suits and ties the norm.
Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and
handshakes are standard for men and women. Business
cards are usually exchanged and it is useful to have
them printed in Spanish on one side. Although English is
fairly common, it will be an advantage to have business
materials translated into Spanish; an effort to speak
Spanish will be well received. Women may encounter some
sexism. Punctuality is important, although meetings are
not likely to begin on time. Business hours can vary but
are usually from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Some
businesses can close for siesta from 1pm to 3pm.
VISA AND HEALTH
All travelers require a return or onward ticket and
proof of funds. All foreign visitors are recommended to
hold a passport that is valid at least six months after
arrival. If traveling for business purposes, a visa is
required.
Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for
tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days
are possible. A valid passport is needed.
UK nationals: British nationals do not require a visa
for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30
days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a visa for
tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days
are possible. A valid passport is needed.
Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa
for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30
days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
South Africans: South African nationals do not require a
visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up
to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa
for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30
days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a
visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up
to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
HEALTH
Those entering the country from an infected area require
a yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow
fever do occur. Although no other vaccinations are
officially required, visitors are advised to take
precautions especially if planning to travel to jungle
regions. Immunization against typhoid and hepatitis A
are sensible. Malaria is a risk all year round in the
lowland areas, and dengue fever is on the increase.
Protection against mosquito bites is essential as a
number of other mosquito-transmitted diseases occur.
There have been a number of recent incidents of rabies
transmitted by bites from vampire bats in the Madre de
Dios and Puno provinces, as well as in the north near
the border with Ecuador; visitors to these areas are
advised to have a course of rabies injections prior to
travel. Cholera and cases of the plague occur, but
visitors are unlikely to be affected. Other risks
include Chagas' disease. The most common ailments for
travelers, however, are diarrhoea and altitude sickness.
Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be
wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is
good in the major cities, but expensive, and health
insurance is essential.
TIPPING:
Some restaurants add a service charge of between 5%
and 10%, which will be indicated by the words 'propina'
or 'servicio' near the bottom of the bill. Even if
service charge has been added the waiter can be offered
an additional 10% for exceptional service; this is also
the going rate for tipping where service charge has not
been added. In hotels porters expect about US$0.50 per
bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set
before departure). Tour guides are customarily tipped.
AIRPORTS
Lima International
City/Region: Lima
Airport Code: LIM
Full Airport Name: Jorge Chávez International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) north
west of Lima.
Time Zone: Local time is GMT -5.
Phone Number: Switchboard: +51 (1) 517 3100. Flight
Information: +51 (1) 595 0666.
Ground Transport: Taxis can be found outside the
international flights terminal. Buses and minibuses also
service the city center, but their stops are outside the
airport gates on Avenida Faucett They travel to the
city, stopping along the main avenues.
Car Rental: Car rental companies include Hertz, Budget
and National.
Airport Facilities: Facilities at the airport include
banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, public
telephones, a couple of restaurants, shops, left luggage
and a tourist information desk. There are disabled
facilities; those with special needs should contact
their airline in advance.
Departure Tax: US$30.25 or the equivalent in soles
(international).
QUESTIONS IN PERU
Can I get assistance from the Peruvian authorities if I
have a problem? If you do encounter a problem, you can
contact the Tourist Police (Policia de Turismo)
HEALTH IN PERU
It is advisable NOT to drink tap water in Peru. The
Peruvians boil their own water from the fountains or
only drink bottled water.
VACCINATIONS IN PERU
YELLOW FEVER
A vaccine certificate is needed for some jungle regions,
such as Puerto Maldonado.
All travelers should visit either their personal
physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before
departure. This is to insure that they are up to date
with all necessary vaccinations and that there is no
health risk in traveling.
THINGS TO DO
There are many things to do around Cuzco. Except all the
ruins from the Inca times, and the Spanish buildings,
Cuzco of today offers the tourist almost everything.
Cuzco is sometimes considered the touristic capital of
the continent.
From Cuzco you go and tour the various junlges, i.e.
Puerto Maldonado, Manu. Many trekking options are
available, such as Inca trail, Slakatay trek, Ausangate,
and many more, less popular.
Various adventerous sports are also taken from Cuzco.
High class rafting is done on the Apurimac and Urubamba
rivers.
Bungee jumping, paragliding canyoning, skydiving and
other stuff can all be done through a Cuzco travel
agent.
These things are done outside the city, as a day / half
day excursion. Prices usually include transportation.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean
civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose
empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in
1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and
remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824. After a dozen
years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic
leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems
and the growth of a violent insurgency. President
Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade
that saw a dramatic turn around in the economy and
significant progress in curtailing
BEST TIME TO VISIT PERU
best time to visit Peru is anytime of year. However the
dry season in Peru is from May to September, This is
good if going to on jungle treks. The rainy season is
from the middle of November to March and can make
activities such as jungle treks difficult. Some of these
activities can be suspended if the weather gets to bad.
This however is extremely rare.
DESTINATIONS
Huaraz
City/Region: Huaraz Region
Huaraz is the most important hiking and climbing center
in Peru and is situated in the valley of Callejón de
Huaylas at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca mountain
range. Set at an altitude of over 10,000ft (3,000m), it
is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and icy blue
lakes, which has earned it the moniker the 'Switzerland
of Peru'; it however does not fit the typical image of a
lofty alpine village. Its rather shabby appearance can
be
blamed on the destruction caused by several massive
earthquakes, but it has a lively atmosphere and a
spectacular setting, and is the ideal base from which to
organize day walks in the valley or longer hiking
expeditions into the mountains beyond. The town is well
set up for outdoor tourism and there is a multitude of
hiking shops, guide services and information offices, as
well as a wide choice of hotels. One of the most
beautiful and popular day excursions in the Cordillera
Blanca is the trip to Lagunas Llanhanuco, and for longer
hikes, the scenic four or five day Llanhanuco to Santa
Cruz loop is the most well traveled.
Puno
City/Region: Lake Titicaca
Puno is the gateway to Lake Titicaca, set on the shores
of the largest lake in South America, and is one of the
country's major tourist destinations. The main reason to
visit Puno is the lake and the dozens of islands dotted
about, each with their own interesting characteristics.
Boat trips to the floating islands of Uros or to the
island communities of Taquile and Amantani are the main
attractions. The town was founded by the Spaniards in
1668 and has a wealth of Spanish and native
architecture, as well as mestizo art and crafts. The
town is also reputed to be the center of Peruvian
folklore, its inhabitants descending from two ancient
Andean tribes, the Quechua and the Aymara, and it is
host to some of the most vibrant traditional festivals
in the country. Music, dance and color fill the streets
each month, a delight for photographers. The most
popular festival is the feast of the Virgen de la
Candelaria in February that features the famous Devil
Dancers. The region is rich in ancient history and along
the lake are the pre-Columbian ruins of Chullpas de
Sillustani, a curious ancient complex of tombs in the
form of round towers.
Iquitos
City/Region: Amazon Basin
Peru's largest jungle city, Iquitos is a major base for
excursions to the Amazon Basin. The city has a friendly
tourist-orientated lifestyle and a range of
accommodation. Once a booming rubber town, its main
industries are now oil and tourism. Differing images
contribute to the varied character of today's jungle
town - the population is a mixture of European
immigrants and indigenous tribes people; grand buildings
lining the streets are visible albeit faded remains of
its past importance, and the rustic Belén quarter, where
scores of stilted huts or rickety homes resting on rafts
were designed to accommodate the fluctuations of the
river, are home to impoverished families. Situated on
the banks of the mighty Amazon River, the city is
accessible by air and river only, and is constrained by
the surrounding rainforest. The river system around
Iquitos offers some of the Amazon's best access to
remote parts of the jungle and to Indian villages, and
boat excursions can easily be arranged. Native tribes
live along the river banks and organized trips to the
villages include a show of traditional song and dance
along with plenty of encouragement to buy their
handicrafts, now a major source of income for the
people.
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