Peru Frequently Asked Questions
How many are in the group going on the Inca Trek usually? What should we bring?
The ratio is usually for every 9-10 people there is one guide. A large group can be up to 30 people but they will be divided into 3 groups each with their own guide.
You Should Bring -Personal sleeping bag and mattress -Back pack, trekking shoes -Water bottle, flash light, hat -Personal clothing for trek -Insect repellent - Water treating tablets/liquids
Essential are walking boots (and I mean boots, no track or basketball substitutes as the trail sometimes is slippery and your feet and legs will be tired), warm and weatherproof cloth (like 2 synthetic underwear/shirt, a skiing shirt, a sweater and a Goretex-Jacket), thin and thick socks (I always wear a thin sock and then over it a hiking sock, both cotton and both preworn, not fresh from the store or the washing) and a cap or hat. You won't necessarily need lipstick, but sunprotection and something against mosquitos you become handy. A good, comfortable backpack with hip belt and rainproof cover. Good sleeping bag. Water treating tablets/liquids. Some first aid stuff, toilet paper, a flashlight, Leatherman or Swiss Army knife. Camera (UVA/UVB filter for lens), spotting glasses? Films 400ASA speed. Everything you don't need should be left behind. Many hostels and hotels in Cuzco will let you leave stuff with them.
Do they provide tents?
Yes they do.
Can we do the Inca Trek just the two of us?
Yes you can however that will be considered a private tour and therefore will be more expensive.
What is the best time to go to Cuzco?
From mid-April to mid-November.
Can we rent a car in Peru and drive everywhere?
We do not recommend that you drive in Peru due the difficulty involved in driving from city to city. For example the drive from Lima to Cuzco will take you about 27 hours. In addition, the roads are not clearly marked and can be confusing.
When I get to Lima airport and I have a connecting flight to Cuzco that same day, will your representative will be there to guide me and give me my vouchers and documents?
If you have a connecting flight is with a wait time of more than 3 hours then they will be waiting for you at the International Airport exit with a sign with your name on it.
General Information
Entry And Exit Requirements
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and depart Peru. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of 90 days or less. U.S. citizens remaining in Peru more than 90 days must pay a monthly fee to extend their visa for up to three additional months, for a total of six months. U.S. citizens, including children, who remain in Peru over six months without obtaining a residence visa will have to pay a fine in order to depart Peru. Visitors for other than tourist or family visit purposes must obtain a Peruvian visa in advance. Business visitors should ascertain the tax and exit regulations that apply to the specific visa that they are granted. U.S. citizens whose passports are lost or stolen in Peru must obtain a new passport and present it, together with a police report of the loss or theft, to the main immigration office in the capital city of Lima to obtain permission to depart. An airport tax of $25 per person must be paid in U.S. currency when departing Peru. There is also a small airport fee for domestic flights. For further information regarding entry requirements, travelers should contact the Peruvian Embassy at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 605, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 462-1084 or 462-1085; Internet http://www.peruemb.org; or the Peruvian Consulate in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Patterson (NJ), San Francisco, or San Juan
Weather Conditions
Peru is a varied and diverse country due to the climatic, natural and cultural diversity of its regions. It is 1,554 miles (2,500 km) long, and has 3 natural regions: Coast, Mountains ( sierra ) and Jungle.
The Mountains (Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno, Titicaca Lake) Cusco Peru
Mid April - October. This period is the dry season, with hot, dry days (20-25°C) and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July. May is perhaps the best month with the countryside exceptionally lush, yet with superb views and fine weather. You'll find the flowers in full bloom, the grass green and the streams full. Peru's peak season is from June to September. You'll find Cusco a pretty cosmopolitan city with tourists from all over the globe converging on Machu Picchu. The famous pageant of Inti Raymi, the Inca festival of the winter solstice (24 June) draws thousands of visitors to Cusco, so its best to arrive early or make hotel reservations in advance.
November - Mid April This is the wet season with most rain in January and February. It's usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically 18°C with only a small drop at night, 15°C.The Inca Trail is much less crowded during this period and there's a more abundant fresh water supply, but of course be well equipped for the rain. You'll also find some roads may become impassable particularly when trying to visit villages off the beaten track. Many of Peru's major festivals such as Carnival and Easter Week take place during this period.
The Coast.( Lima, Trujillo, Nazca )
December - April This is summertime on the coast where the weather is hot and dry and ideal for swimming and getting a tan. Temperatures on average range from 25 - 35°C.
May - November From May to November the temperature drops a bit and you'll find blankets of sea mist engulfing the coast from the south right up to about 200 km north of Lima. At this time of year only the northern beaches near Tumbes are warm enough to provide pleasant swimming.
The Jungle( Puerto Maldonado , Iquitos )
April - October This is the 'dry' season with daily temperatures averaging 30-35°C. However cold fronts from the South Atlantic are common when the temperatures can drop to 15°C during the day and 13°C at night. The dry season is the best time to visit the jungle regions … there are fewer mosquitoes and the rivers are low, exposing the beaches. It's also a good time to see nesting and to view the animals at close range, as they stay close to the rivers and are more easily seen. November - March This is the wet season, hot and humid, when you can expect heavy rain at anytime. It only rains for a few hours at a time, so it's not enough to spoil your trip. Wellington boots are a must though, as some of the jungle trails can become small rivers.
Immunizations Medications and Hygiene
Assuming that you are not going into the Amazon tributaries, the altitudes experienced in the Andes may have an adverse effect on you if you are not used to such heights. A visit to your physician prior to coming to Perú is recommended. Diamox is a good medication for altitude sickness. You may also want to discuss with your physician other medications such as antibiotics to take along with you as well as the following immunizations:
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A
One recommendation for visitors is to drink bottled water only even for things such as brushing your teeth. One observation regarding Perú is the unavailability of toilet paper in almost all public places. Major hotels and most restaurants will have some, but do not be surprised to go into a public bathroom, such as at Machu Picchu, and find that toilet paper is either unavailable or available only for sale. Bring an ample amount of tissues that you can take around with you on your journeys. If you are going into the Amazon tributaries, it is recommended that you let your physician know beforehand. A current yellow fever vaccination is a must ( you will be required to show it to the Health Ministry representatives), also anti malarial medications should be discussed. And bring plenty of D.E.E.T. with you. It is probably best to call your State Board of Health for recommendations on medications for the Amazon.
Altitude Sickness
On reaching heights above 3000m, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a conditions known as Soroche (or acute mountain sickness) when you can start to experience headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, sleeplessness and often nausea. Symptoms usually develop within the first day at altitude, but may be delayed by up to 2 weeks. To prevent Soroche, try to take things easy as soon as you arrive. Once settled in your hotel room have a lie down for a while and drink plenty of fluids. Don't plan any strenuous treks until you've acclimatized for a few days. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. Drinking mate de coca (an infusion of coca leaves - and perfectly legal in Peru ) may help. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged it is best to quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. On recovery one can re-ascend slowly or in stages.
