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PERU

TRAVEL INFORMATION

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Information related to Peru before your trip!
If you do not find the answer to your specific question, please contact us directly.

Migrations removes passport stamps May 29, 2023:

The National Superintendence of Migrations has announced that passport stamping for travelers on international flights were eliminated from May 29, adding that passenger transit will be registered on the Virtual Andean Migration Card (TAM for its acronym in Spanish) as a migration control mechanism.

This measure does not in any way compromise the security of immigration control at Peruvian airports hosting international flights, since this process is carried out using advanced technologies that verify the authenticity of documents and each traveler’s identity

These are the airports in which the new measures will be applied by Migrations. The entity details that only in case of contingency would the stamps be used.

Jorge Chavez (Callao).
Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón (Arequipa).
Alejandro Velasco Astete (Cusco).
FAP Captain José A. Quiñones (Chiclayo).
FAP Captain Carlos Martínez de Pinillos (Trujillo).

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

COVID-19 Information – November 2022 :

The Peruvian Government by the Supreme Decree N° 130–2022–PCM announces
the repeal of the Covid–19 State of Emergency, therefore:
It will not be necessary to present a vaccination card or a negative molecular test when entering or leaving the country.

If you have any question or doubts, please contact your Giardino Tours agent.

If you visit the Jungle

  • Sandals with straps (You’ll be given rubber boots at the lodge.)
  • Comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots (nothing that you wouldn’t want to get muddy!)
  • Loose long-sleeved tops and long pants
  • Hat with netting
  • Poncho
  • Insect repellent
  • Flashlight

If you visit Machu Picchu

  • Hiking boots
  • Fleece
  • Sun glasses
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Poncho (December through February)
  • Insect repelent.
  • Sun protector

If you take the Inca Trail

  • Sleeping bag (you can also rent one in Cusco)
  • Headlamp
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Documents: Bring your passport. These documents will be requested at the entrance to the Inca Trail so make sure to carry them with you in order to avoid any problems.
  • Hiking clothing for high and low (very low) temperatures.

 

**The voltage in Peru is 220V. Some of your electronics may be able to take up to 220V; just look at the label on the charger. If not, you might want to carry an adapter/converter with you.
There is no electricity in the Jungle lodges after eight or ten o’clock each night when they turn off the generator!

As you travel between different hotels, and you will have to handle your own baggage, please try to travel reasonably light. You should be able to lift and carry your own luggage.

At some hotels, the coach may have to stop some distance (some times 1 to 2 blocks) of the hotel entrance. (In the city of Cusco, Arequipa and Puno Buses or minibuses are not allow to enter close to the Main Plaza) Also, within some of the hotels there may be some long walks between the rooms and lobby area, which may include steps. Due to baggage restrictions on flights within Peru, your luggage should be kept to a maximum of 23kg (45lbs) and hand luggage max. 8 kg).

Be aware that to travel to Peru your passport must have a minimal validity of 6 months from the date of arrival to the Country.

Your passport is often required when checking into hotels, for train, bus and air services and entrances to Tourist places (Example. Machu Picchu areas).
Also  when changing money your passport can be requiered, so carry it with you on these occasions. It is also an excellent idea to memorise your passport number for the form filling. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents in your embassy.

The electrical current in Peru is 220 volts with a standard frequency of 60 hertz. Please check out your equipment if can take 220 Volts before plugging anything in. If you’re coming from the USA, for example, you need to be careful, as the USA supplies electricity between 110 and 120 volts AC. In this case we recommend getting a converter.
If you’re coming from a country with voltage rated between 220 and 250 volts, then your appliances should work fine in Peru. These countries include the UK and much of Europe, India, Australia and many African nations.

Electrical Outlets (Sockets) and Plugs in Peru

Electrical outlets can make you a little bit confusing. You’ll notice that there are not just one but two types of plug sockets used in Peru; Type A and C.
The plug most commonly used around the country is Type A, which has two flat parallel prongs.

The second type you will find in Peru is Type C, which has two rounded prongs.

Many electrical outlets in Peru accept both the rounded and the flat plugs. However, you’ll find that the Type A outlets are more common so make sure you get hold of the right plug converter before leaving your home country.

In case you are not sure; maybe the best will be to have a universal plug adapter, which come with plugs that should – theoretically – fit in all sockets across the globe.

The currency in Peru is the “Sol“. The Peruvian Sol not widely available outside Peru
US$ cash is easiest to change. It is also a good idea to have some US$ cash for emergencies. However, it is now possible to rely on ATM machines (offering Sols or US Dollars) which exist in all the major cities we visit.

Most of our hotels accept credit cards some of then with a extra charge of 5%.

We recommend that you to pack your clothing and equipment in a strong suitcase or holdall and take a small rucksack to carry those items you will need during the day. We also recommend you take a waterproof jacket, trousers, some long-sleeved shirts, warm fleece together with thin jumpers, woollen socks, shorts and lighter summer clothes, swimwear and a towel.
The secret, by the way, is layering. Peel off during the warm day, and layer on for cool nights. Here some examples on what you can bring with you.

You should also be aware of issues associated with travelling at high altitudes. The lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes results in less oxygen finding its way into the blood.

Problems usually start for most people at around 2,500 to 3,000 metres. If you reach this altitude gradually the body can accustom itself to having less oxygen, and you are less likely to have problems. It is important on arrival at destinations at this kind of altitude to rest for a few hours and not to over-exert yourself in the first day or two, as over-exertion can make altitude problems more likely.

Local people also swear by coca leaf tea, which you will probably be offered on arrival, as a means of preventing or treating altitude problems. It is harmless and if you drink plenty of it, it will at least help you to avoid dehydration, something else that makes altitude problems more likely, so drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol!) at these high altitude destinations.

Anybody who has a medical condition affecting blood circulation or breathing or has any other worries should consult their doctor before departure.

Drinking or cleaning teeth in unboiled water is not recommended.
Drinking only bottled water is a good idea or bring with you a re-usable water blottle with filter or pills to purify the water. To get plastic bottles you’ll find many brands in supermarkets or in little stores called “bodegas”. Common brands are Cielo, San Antonio, San Luis, and Fresh (lemon infused water). But we strongly recommend bringing your reusable water bottlend.
We have a big problem due to non-reusable personal plastic bottles and reciclying in our country.
Important note: Peruvian tap water is not potable, should not be ingested directly from the tap. Be careful with what you eat to avoid upset stomachs and stay away from unpeeled fruit, salads and do not have ice in your drinks. Hot, fresh cooked food, where possible, is the best.

The weather is mostly sunny all year round during day time. The skies are mostly clear blue and you have to be careful with the intense sunshine during the day. It is highly recommended to use the strongest factor of sun protection. Sun bathing is not a good idea at these latitude and altitude. Be aware that temperature plummets in the evening, at night, and at dawn. We always need to have a warm winter jacket at hand for the time when the sun goes down.

Power Outages don’t happen every day in most cities in Peru as in the past. However, they still happening  and frequently in Cusco, especially during the rainy season when storms can cause damages on power lines.

Water shortages in Peru:

A situation that is very uncomfortable for our visitors is the water shortages in Peru and particularly in Cusco city. The city has an infrastructural problem and many places simply do not have flowing water for a certain period of the day and some time a couple of days.  Peruvians are used to deal with this sad situation and families often save barrels of water in advance when they know that it will happen. Tourist hotels and restaurants try their best to avoid that this situation affects their  visitors, but Be aware that in some hotels and buildings, water is turned off automatically for a few hours in the afternoon or during the night to save resources and money.

The best time to visit Peru is during the winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel, especially if you’re planning to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. The summer (December – March) is warmer of course, but is also the raining season in the Anden, with frequent heavy showers.

We recommend spending ten days to two weeks in Peru, as this allows visitors to visit plenty of the country’s major highlights along with some off-the-beaten-path destinations.  Of course a costumized package according to your needs, can be organized.

The official Inca trail is closed every year for the month of February to give the trails some time to recover and carry out maintenance. It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail at least 6 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out.

As set out in article 19 of the ministerial resolution, here are the general visitor rules for Machu Picchu:

19.1. Any type of bag/rucksack measuring more than 40 x 35 x 20 cm (15.7 x 13.7 x 7.9”) is not permitted, and must be placed in storage (near the entrance).

19.2. It is prohibited to enter with food and drink.

19.4. It is prohibited to enter with alcoholic beverages.

19.5. It is prohibited to enter with umbrellas or sun shades (hats and ponchos / rain coats are permitted).

19.6. It is prohibited to enter with photographic tripods or any type of camera stand/support. This is only permitted with pre-authorization and the appropriate permit.

19.9. It is prohibited to enter with any musical instruments, including megaphones and speakers.

19.11. It is prohibited to enter with shoes with high-heels, or hard soles. Only soft soles are permitted (like those found in training shoes or walking shoes/boots).

19.12. It is prohibited to enter with children’s strollers / prams. Only strap on baby/child carriers are permitted.

19.17. It is prohibited to climb or lean on walls or any part of the citadel.

19.18. It is prohibited to touch, move or remove any lithic items / structures.

19.22. It is prohibited to enter with walking sticks with a metal or hard point. Only elderly people and physically-handicapped people are permitted to enter with a walking stick, when it has a rubber tip.

19.25. It is prohibited to get naked, dress up, lie down, run and jump.

19.26. It is prohibited to make loud noises, applaud, shout, whistle and sing. The tranquillity and character of Machu Picchu must be maintained at all times.

19.27. It is prohibited to smoke or use an electronic cigarette.

19.32. It is prohibited to feed the resident or wild animals.

19.33. It is prohibited to paraglide, fly any type of drone or small aircraft.

  • Your passport! You cannot enter without it!
  • Your ticket to Machu Picchu Llaqta (Citadel) or Machu Picchu with 1 mountain; in case you book both of them.
  • Some money for a passport stamp (s/1), the toilet (S/1) and for souvenirs you may want to buy or for dinner or lunch at the restaurant (expensive)
  • A camera
  • A lunchbox, warter and some snacks. (Lunch buffet and snacks in Machu Picchu site are quite expensive).
 
MitchNice
MitchNice
In Tripadvisor
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We had a wonderful birdwatching tour yesterday, organized by Giardino Tour. Luis was an excellent guide, and Julio was an excellent driver. We drove from Arequipa to the Mejia Lagoons National Bird Sanctuary...
BarbE
BarbEIn Tripadvisor
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Giardino was recommended by a friend, and even though I had booked some hotels on my own, they managed to work around it, and provide us a wonderful experience from Paracas, Nazca, Ica, Huacachina to Puno. The guide Luis Angel was very knowledgeable, answered every question, and went over and beyond his duties to make the tour an unforgettable time in Perú.
Decat08
Decat08
In Tripadvisor
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We had a fun and educational private Colca Valley tour and road trips with Ramiro (guide) and Herbert (driver) from Giardino Tours. They picked us up from the Arequipa airport, took us to our accommodations at Colca Lodge, took us on a beautiful hike to the isolated Chimpa Fortress... We are glad the agency we engaged to plan our Peru adventure chose Giardino Tours for this part of the trip!
Stephen M
Stephen MIn Tripadvisor
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We traveled in Peru with having all of our trip booked through the Giardino travel agency. Karla helped us with the planning and booked the trip, the individual tours and our flights. The price for the tour overall was very reasonable... The guides were fantastic and were the best part about doing these tours. They were knowledgeable and had some of the best recommendations for us to do
Pavel N
Pavel NIn Tripadvisor
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Best tour operator in Perú! We have been working with Giardino Tours for years and they have always been outstanding... They will always help us in the best possible way and their service and guides are impeccable. They will sometimes go out of their way just to accommodate our…
Ritaana
RitaanaIn Tripadvisor
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We went on a two-day tour with Luis and Julio and it was amazing! Luis speaks very good English and knows a lot about the history and culture of is own country. At every question, he could easily give you a good answer and explainating. Julio was a very good driver. We felt very safe and he stopt at the best spots for pictures. This was one of the best trips during our stay in Peru. We highly recommend this tour guide!
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