Useful Information

Visas and Passports

Peru is a country of free access. The majority of travelers from countries of America and Western Europe do not require a tourist visa to enter Peru and the maximum length of stay granted by the authorities is 183 days (it can not be extended). For a stay for a longer period with other objectives (business, study or work) it is necessary to previously request the visa in the respective Peruvian consulates.

To enter Peru, it is an essential requirement to present a valid passport. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela and Chile can enter with their national identification document.

Transport

How to get to Cusco:

By Air:

Domestic flights from Lima (1 h approx.)
Domestic flights from Arequipa (30 min approx.)

By Landway:

Lima – Arequipa – Cusco 1,650 km (26 hs by car approx.)
Lima – Nazca – Puquio – Abancay – Cusco: 1,131 km (20 hs by car approx.)
Puno – Cusco: 389 km (07 hs by car approx.)

By Rail:

Puno-Cusco: 384 km (10:30 hs approx.)

Health

The sanitary conditions in Peru are favorable, especially in the cities. In recent years, the supply of health services has been modernized and increased; both hospitals and clinics provide adequate care, but it is always advisable to have health insurance for your trip.

There are no mandatory vaccines for entering Peru. If you want to visit the Amazon region of the country, the Ministry of Health recommends getting vaccinated against yellow fever.

The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least ten days before the trip to be effective.

Altitude Sickness (Soroche)

The city of Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. It is possible to feel some discomfort and dizziness due to altitude (soroche). It is recommended to take a pill for seasickness 30 minutes before arriving in the city.

The first thing you have to do when arriving in Cusco or Puno is to rest for at least a couple of hours so that your body adapts to the altitude. You can take the opportunity to visit the sites in the center of the city first, avoiding activities that require physical effort. Therefore, it is advisable to eat light foods during the first days. The tea or coca tea is undoubtedly a great ally at this time.

The altitude of the city of Puno is 3,827 meters above sea level. It is also advisable to hydrate properly with bottled water or mate de coca or tea.

Weather

Weather in Cusco

The months of June to October, are the ideal ones to visit Cusco, since you can enjoy a bright sun from very early.

In the month of November the rainy season begins, period that extends until the month of March, so it is suggested to always carry a raincoat or an umbrella.

It is also recommended to use sunscreen, hats or sunglasses, as ultra violet radiation is high. When traveling to Machupicchu, it will be necessary to use a mosquito repellent and avoid bites.

Weather in Puno

In Puno, the climate is cold and semi-dry, with rain in summer and high atmospheric humidity. In areas far from the lake and in higher areas, the cold is very intense, especially at night.

Currency

El Sol (S /.) Is the official currency of Peru. There are banknotes with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles. There are coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 soles. The American dollar is accepted in a number of commercial stores, restaurants, hotels and service stations. It is possible to change the foreign currency in banks and exchange houses. The usual service hours for currency exchange establishments are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. at 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays until noon. ATMs can be found in almost every city in the country and the majority connected to Visa, MasterCard , Maestro, American Express and other cards. They can withdraw money in soles or US dollars, but the exchange rate is usually higher.

Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico)

The “Tourist Ticket” is one of the most important initiatives for the development of tourism in Cusco. This ticket allows you to access, through a single payment, different circuits or attractions of this city. (Sacsayhuaman, Kenco, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, diferent museums, etc.)

You can buy it at the following address: Av. El Sol 103 Of. 101 – Cusco (Tourist Galleries).

Difference Between “Machu Picchu Mountain” and “Huayna Picchu”

Ticket – Montaña Machupicchu:

Height: 3,082 m.s. n.m.
Distance of the Walk: 2 km., Acceeding approximately 300 m.
Location: Opposite Huayna Picchu.
Description of the Way: The road to the top of the Machu Picchu mountain is surrounded by abundant vegetation highlighting varieties of wild orchids, the road is wider, allowing you to move more quietly.
Access: From the Machu Picchu Complex, go up to the lookout (Casa del Guardián) continue to the detour indicated by a sign.
Entrance Ticket: Machu Picchu Ticket + Mountain.
Schedule: Schedule 1.- 07:00 hrs. – 08:00 hrs. – Schedule 2.- 09:00 hrs. – 10:00 hrs.
Number of visitors: 800 spaces per day. Check availability Mountain Machu Picchu.
Walk Time: 3 and a half hours in total (round trip).
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate.
What to bring?: Slip-resistant shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, head protection, rain gear (depending on the season).
Archaeological Attractions: None.
Flora and fauna: For the climate and the landscape you will find a variety of orchids, butterflies and birds.
Climate: The weather is hot and humid during the day and cool at night. Dry season: May – October / Rainy season: November to March.
Advantages: Mountain Machu Picchu higher than Huayna Picchu, less steep path, panoramic view of the Inca City and Huayna Picchu.
Disadvantages: It has no archaeological remains.

Ticket – Huayna Picchu:

Height: 2,693 m.s.n.m.
Distance from the Hike: 2 km, path not so steep compared to the Machu Picchu Mountain.
Location: North of Machu Picchu Mountain.
Description of the Way: The road is quite steep, in some sectors hand ropes are necessary to balance, by narrow paths next to chasms that induce vertigo. For much of the route you will cross steps built in rock, some sections are complemented by wooden stairs.
Access: From the Inca City of Machu Picchu, through the Huayranas Sector (Sacred Rock). Entry through the control booth.
Entrance Ticket: Machu Picchu Ticket + Huayna Picchu.
Hours: First Group: 07:00 hrs. 08:00 hrs. – Second Group: 10:00 hrs. – 11:00 hrs.
Number of visitors: 400 per day, divided into two groups of 200. See availability Huayna Picchu.
Walk Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes of uphill and another downhill.
Degree of Difficulty: It is a steep mountain with precipices and many steps (not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo).
What to bring?: Non-slip shoes, sunscreen, repellent, rain clothes (depending on the season).
Archaeological Attractions: Andenerías, Temple of the Moon inside a cave with samples of niches, lintels and fine stonework.
Flora and fauna: Landscape of Selva de Selva surrounded by lush vegetation, with an important habitat of birds, butterflies, insects, all belonging to a tropical landscape.
Climate: Warm and humid in the day, cool at night. Dry season: May – October / Rainy season: November to March.
Advantages: Panoramic view of the entire Inca City, roads, streets, squares and enclosures.
Disadvantages: Precipices covered with vegetation, steep ascent, narrow path.

Titicaca Lake

Lake Titicaca is located in the plateau of Collao in the central Andes, is an area shared between Bolivia (La Paz) and Peru (Puno), is one of the most beautiful and important natural heritage of humanity, has an altitude of 3810 masl, becoming the highest and navigable lake in the world, has a great importance for Peru since ancient times. Legend has it that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, sons of the Sun God, were born from the waters of Lake Titicaca and later founded the powerful Inca Empire.