Autor: redaccion

The terrain in Cusco is steep, combining fertile inter-Andean valleys with impressive mountains that descend to the rim of the jungle where the temperature rises and the landscape is transformed through a variety of vegetation.

The city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, was placed on the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 1983, and is without a doubt one of the most important destinations in Peru. There are Incan buildings waiting for you to discover them among its cobble-stoned streets, ones like the Koricancha and the palace of Inca Roca as well as Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Christ. In addition, you can visit the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas where the best artisans in the department have set up their workshops. This magical city also has an exciting nightlife with cafes, restaurants, and bars for all tastes. Just ten minutes away from the city, there are the massive walls of the Sacsayhuamán fortress, and a few kilometers from there, you find the archeological sites of Qenko, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay, Incan buildings constructed completely with stone.

There are also the towns of Písac, Maras, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, which are spread throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one hour from Cusco. From there, it is possible to catch the train to Machu Picchu. Another way of getting to the citadel is by following one of the Inca Trails, a spectacular network of pathways that snake their way among the snow covered mountains, rivers, and overwhelming countryside. This is one of the best trekking routes in the world, since scattered throughout it, you find remarkable archeological sites and areas rich in unique plant and animal species.

The enigmatic complex of Machu Picchu, the most important and beautiful legacy of the ancient Peruvian, is part of the Historic Sanctuary of the same name, which is also one of the few places in the Americas placed on both the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists by UNESCO. It is located high on top of a mountain and complements the exuberant nature that surrounds it, creating a one of a kind place in the world.

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on tastes and the comforts the visitor requires.

Peruvians tend to haggle prices, and accept that others haggle also, except in major stores and restaurants. In the bigger cities, prices can be higher, especially in Lima; in addition, prices can rise in the high season, such as the Independence Day holidays (late July), Easter Week (April) or Christmas, due to heavy demand, especially in bus and plane tickets.

Below you can see a list of prices of products and services that yo can take as a reference to prepare you budget.

At 07/2011 $1 = S/.2.75 (exchange money)

Your better buy in the supermarket, is cheap.

Peru is a vast country split from north to south by the Andes, and is covered by the Amazon jungle to the east. Temperatures can vary from one city to another, depending on the time of year.

It almost never rains on the Peruvian coast, and in general, there are two marked seasons: hot and cold. The hot season runs from around mid-November to end-March. The cold weather generally lasts from late April to mid-November, with high humidity.

In the highlands and the jungle, unlike the coast, the rain season is the warmest time of year, lasting from mid-November to end-March. Temperatures are cooler from April to mid-November.

Below we show you a picture of climate in cities:

In Peru we believe in the concept «tourism for everyone», and several state and private entities have been working for several years to create services for the handicapped.

There is a pamphlet that contains information on access for the handicapped in the cities of Cuzco, Iquitos, Lima and Trujillo.

For more information, please download

We recommend asking operators before traveling to be sure that your needs can be met.

Of course, we would say yes, but with an eye on the reality.

Visitors will probably have seen on the news, read on websites or in the newspapers about terrorism, crime and political and economic instability in Peru in recent years. But we also know that several years ago Peru managed to put down terrorism, and today the country is at peace. The country is now working hard to build a stable democracy. All travelers have to do is to take the same normal precautions as when traveling to any tourist destination.

In the cities:

• Take the normal precautions to guard against purse snatchers.
• Carry a copy of identification documents. Keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel.
• Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage.
• Do not exchange money out in the street.
• It is recommendable to use taxi companies ( call by phone) or those permitted by municipalities (in Lima are painted yellow and have a bright cap on the roof).

Tourism by Road:

• Always carry your driver·s license, a copy of your passport and if the vehicle is rented, the rental contract. International driver·s licenses are valid in Peru for a year, while a license from country of origin is valid for 30 days.
• If a traffic policeman signals you to stop, do so. He must be wearing a proper uniform and his ID (his last name must appear on a badge over his chest).
• Police may not enter your vehicle.
• Bear in mind that neither your documents nor your vehicle may be taken, and under no circumstance give money.
• In case of an accident or a crash, call a traffic policeman. If the vehicle is rented, also call a representative of the insurance company at the car rental company. Wait at the site. Keep windows closed and doors locked.

Prohibitions:

It is terminally prohibited to photograph airports, military bases, areas near electricity pylons and police stations.

Visas are not necessary for citizens from most countries in the Americas and Western Europe.

Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need either a passport or a visa to enter certain regions of Peru.

Check with the Peruvian consulate in your country for further information.

Addresses and telephone numbers are included in the website of the Peruvian Foreign Ministry: www.rree.gob.pe

Visitors entering Peru for tourism are granted a 90-day stay, which can be extended by the Immigration Office.

Travelers must bear a valid passport or safe-conduct pass issued by Peruvian immigration authorities.