South-Peru

In Peru it is customary to start with a greeting and to inquire about someone’s well-being. You will often hear "Buenos dias, como esta? ". On meeting and parting, men and women give a short kiss on the cheek to women, even if they hardly know each other. Indians do not kiss, but sometimes give a weak handshake. Politeness is highly appreciated. They have a different notion of privacy than we are used to and subsequently can get very close. They go through life well dressed and therefore do not expect tourists to be dressed scruffily. Shorts are not considered improper; nevertheless, in less touristy regions long trousers are more appropriate. Anyway, most of the time it will be too chilly for shorts. It is considered offensive to call someone of Indian descent Indian, Indigena is preferred.

Food: In Peru, the main meal of the day is lunch (almuerzo). Breakfast (desayuno) tends to be light, even though the majority of hotels and restaurants serve desayuno Americano as well. Generally, Peruvians eat their dinner (cena) late. When eating in small restaurants it is best to opt for a busy place, the food is fresh and appetising. Do be careful of the salads; they may be cleaned in tap water.
Many local restaurants have a fixed menu (el menú) for around 3 dollars. For this, you get soup followed by a main dish, usually chicken or pork, with rice and vegetables. Each region has its own specialty. You will find Peru’s well known local specialty in and around Cuzco: grilled guinea pig (cuy). Furthermore, you will come across alpacas not only into the wild on the Altiplano, but also in shops, as a woollen jersey; it could also turn up on your plate as a steak. You can find delicious cakes and snacks.

Drink: Tap water is not suitable for consumption. Buy bottles of purified drinking water, available all over the country. Make sure the bottles have their original seals intact. Ice cubes are also a bad idea, as these contain tap water, especially at local restaurants or bars. ‘Agua con gas’ means water with gas and ‘agua sin gas’ means water without bubbles. Té means tea as we know it, and mate means herb tea. You will frequently come across mate de coca, tea made of coca leaves. It is supposed to be good for altitude sickness and is very popular in the highlands. Generally, coffee is available but don’t expect too much; usually it is Nescafe. Café con leche means coffee with milk (tasting more like milk with coffee!). Hot chocolate is popular, as are fresh fruit juices. Soft drinks such as coke are on sale everywhere. You can also try extremely sweet Inca Kola.

Peru offers a huge variety of cultural and geographical possibilities for the traveller. The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Peru is Inca. The Inca civilization definitely is South-America’s best-known and studied pre-Columbian culture. The landscape is scattered with Inca ruins and splendid examples are to be found in the surroundings of Cuzco.
Peru covers an area of 1.285.215 square kilometres; it is roughly five and a half times the area of Great Britain, the third largest country in South America. Peru borders Ecuador and Columbia to the North, Bolivia and Brazil to the East, Chile to the South and the Pacific Ocean to the West. Peru lies in the tropics, the equator is only a few kilometres distance north of Peru. Geographically, Peru can be divided into three regions: a dry coastal strip running along the country’s entire length (the world’s driest desert, the Atacama Desert, starts here), to the East the Andes and to the South East the Amazon rainforest. After the Himalayas the Andes is the largest mountain chain in the world, it cuts through Peru from north to south. Peru’s highest peak is the Huascaràn (6768 m). Half of the Peruvian population lives in the Andes at an altitude between 3000 and 4000 metres above sea level.

Peru has around 28 million inhabitants. The population of Peru is mainly a mixture of Indians and “mestizos” (descendants of Indias and Spaniards). In addition, there are some important communities as Chinese and Africans. The official language in Peru is Spanish, but there are communities, where the inhabitants still speak Quechua and Aymara. Life expectancy is 60 years for men, and 65 years for women, 10 years less than in most Western countries.
In Peru, and especially in Cuzco and the Colca canyon, you may see Peruvian women wearing traditional, colourful clothing and large, bright hats. Those living around Lake Titicaca often wear home-knitted hats. In this region, the men knit clothes, while chatting with friends and walking the streets. The women weave colourful cloths to carry their children and purchases on their backs.

Climate: There are two seasons: a dry season, running from May through September and a rainy season, between October and April. Although, it is only in January that the real rain starts, January and February are the wettest months. As a rule, it showers in the evening. In the Andes, the weather tends to be unstable and unpredictable. In high altitude areas, it can be chilly. At night, temperatures may drop below freezing point. By day, temperatures are around 20 degrees.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from May through October. It’s true that temperatures are lower during this period, however showers are sparse. In the mountain areas you should count on brief showers occurring throughout the year.

Peruvian architecture has two different styles: Spanish and Inca. Upon arrival in Peru, you will be amazed by the very typical Spanish architecture of the splendid buildings around the Plaza de Armas, Lima’s most prominent square. The large cathedral is worth a visit. The architecture in the central square of Cuzco also makes you feel like you are in Spain. One of this tour’s highlights is a daytrip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu where you will visit the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Notice the deliberate inclination of the walls to make them earthquake-proof. Also, you will see the ancient city’s different sections, each one of them with different types of buildings. In the outer layers lived the ‘common’ folk, in the centre of town the high priests.
 

Take it easy for the first day in Peru. Take the time to recover from the flight, get used to the different climate, culture and country. Let it slowly work its magic on you. The more you can relax the more pleasure you will get out of Peru.

In Peru the electric energy is 220 volts but in many 4 and 5 star hotels you can find 110 volts too.
Power cuts occur now and then. In that case, hotels usually produce candles or oil lamps. A good torch is certainly useful, especially for evening walks. The abundance of holes, bumps and ditches in and along the roads can cause nasty falls if the streetlights suddenly go out.

The following health information is a general text that applies to all our travellers in South America. Those who pay some attention to hygiene and skincare do not usually run into health problems.

Food and drink: Temperatures in Peru can be extremely high and if you do not drink enough run the risk if getting dehydrated. This effect is magnified at high altitude. Tap water is unsuitable for human consumption. Generally, mineral water is available. When ordering a drink, ask the staff not to add ice cubes, as these are usually made of tap water that and may contain germs. In small eating-places, it is better not to eat fruit or salads that have been skinned beforehand. Preferably, take your meals in busy restaurants. They are busy for good reason and the food is fresh. Clean your hands thoroughly before eating and keep your fingernails short.

Sunshine and heat: Sunburn, particularly at high altitudes, is a frequent cause of health problems. Sunburn and heat strokes are easier caught than you may think. You should therefore avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day, always wear a hat (or carry an umbrella) and good sunglasses when you are walking, and use the recommended factor of suntan lotion. These are best brought from home. At high temperatures, the body’s need for water increases very rapidly, as does its need for salt. Make sure you drink enough. Take it easy during the hottest hours of the day. Treat small scratches, wounds and insect bites before they become infected.

Diarrhoea: Next to sunburn, the most common health problem is diarrhoea. Travellers are often hit by it after they have been on holiday for only a few days. In most cases it is innocuous and caused by the change of diet, the heat or harmless bacteria, against which the body will soon develop its defences. The main risk is dehydration. It occurs when the body loses more fluid, salt and sugars than it receives. The result is a feeling of listlessness and weakness. It can be prevented by drinking a solution of water and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). It is sold in bags at the pharmacies and contains all the minerals and sugars that are evacuated with diarrhoea. Instead of this solution you can also take noncarbonated soft drinks or heavily salted broth. For many people, Coca Cola has a constipating effect in the first stages of diarrhoea. When the diarrhoea is accompanied by high fever and/or bloody defecation it is sensible to consult a physician. When the diarrhoea lasts for more than a few days without these symptoms or when you have to travel, you may take Imodium (or Diacure) a couple of times. It is an opiate that prevents bowel movement for a number of hours.

Insect bites: Mosquitoes are not a big problem here, however, they are found in some places. Insect repellents are effective, but do not expect miracles.

Physicians, pharmacies and medication: If you want to consult a physician, ask advice from the guesthouse/hotel staff or the travel guide.

First-Aid Kit: A good first-aid kit could consist of plasters, bandages, cotton wool, scissors, a thermometer, iodine, painkillers, malaria tablets, Oral Rehydration Solution bags, Imodium, sun cream, earplugs, and tweezers, insect repellent and an anti-itch cream or lotion. If you must regularly use prescription medicine, bring with you an exact description of the medicine in English (no brand names, just the essential ingredients, composition and dosage), bring twice the dosage necessary for the duration of the holiday and store in two separate places, so you have a back-up supply.

Altitude sickness: About half of the people who stay at heights above 3500 metres will suffer from altitude sickness to some degree. It is a reaction of the body to the decreasing oxygen content in the air. The danger is in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs or brain. Altitude sickness is potentially deadly. Be sure to be alert to the symptoms. Before giving a description of the symptoms, note that contracting the illness is not dependent on your physical fitness or routine when walking at altitude. Practised mountain hikers and even our bearers in Peru can contract it even after long exposure. People under thirty, those who have had altitude sickness before and people with a pulmonary or heart condition are at a greater risk. There is a wide range of symptoms with altitude sickness. The French Alpine Association works with a scoring system in order to assess the seriousness of the situation. Symptoms with one point are nausea, headache, insomnia, dizziness. Two points: vomiting, headache that does not react to aspirin. Three points: excessive fatigue, shortness of breath or tightness of chest without exertion, little or no urination. If you do not score more than three points you can keep on going up slowly, but it is better to go on climbing when the symptoms have disappeared completely. Between four and six points, must be careful and wait until the symptoms have disappeared, or even better descend a couple of hundred metres. More than six points means: there is a life-threatening situation at hand, descend immediately, the patient cannot stay at this altitude and certainly not sleep here. During this journey, we will reach a height of 4900 metres at most. This is not an altitude where one can expect great difficulties but it is necessary to be alert. Most travellers will experience a difference when exerting themselves. At a height of 4000 metres, climbing two flights of stairs can even be a difficult task. The best thing is to take it easy and drink a cup of Coca Tea now and then.

Vaccinations: Below is the recommendation of the Health Authorities when this edition went to press. This information may change. Furthermore the question is what your personal needs are, which depends on earlier vaccinations, possible sensitivity for certain medicines, pregnancy, age etc. ALWAYS contact your General Practitioner or the Practice Nurse for advice. We at Shoestring cannot provide any further information by telephone. The complete overview for this journey is: DTP, hepatitis A, Typhoid and yellow fever. Plan ahead, some inoculations need time to achieve the desired effect.
Compulsory vaccination for yellow fever in Peru. Recently, for travellers booking a time extension to the jungle in Peru a vaccination against yellow fever was made compulsory. You have to be able to prove this on arrival by showing a certificate or stamp.

Further advice to make you journey more pleasant: Allow your body and mind the time to steadily adjust to the new time zone and location. Avoid tension, do not draw up a plan immediately. In any event take it easy on the first day. Getting up early is a good habit; in warm countries, the morning temperature is usually the most agreeable. The people here are used to getting up early. If you adapt to their rhythm, you will make the most of your time.

Make sure that those at home know which country you are in and how long you are planning to stay away. You may fix a date when you will contact them again. Provide those picking you up from the airport with your flight times and numbers. Shoestring will not provide flight and/or travel information, accommodation names and telephone numbers to third parties. Any information on delays can be retrieved via the information number at the airport or Teletext, not via Shoestring.

On this trip we will stay in high places. Bring along warm clothing, such as a fleece sweater or jacket. By day, it will be mostly sunny, so thin, cotton clothes and shorts are indispensable items. However, please note that for this trip extra warm clothes are a must, especially in the summer season (May – October) when temperatures may drop at night as low as -15°C. Gloves, bonnet and / or a scarf should be part of your packing items! Bringing too little clothing is better than bringing too much as you can buy anything you lack for next to nothing. An umbrella and a thin rain jacket might come in handy, the former protecting against both rain, and blazing sun. You need a good pair of worn-in hiking shoes, with good tread and a pair of flip-flops. Other important items are sunglasses, sun creams, toiletries, a first-aid kit, a hat/scarf, a (video) camera and sufficient film/videos and spare batteries, a torch, towel, a pen-knife, a lighter, an alarm clock, writing equipment, books, passport, sufficient travellers’ cheques and money, copies of your passport and travel insurance, a list of the numbers of your travellers’ cheques and receipt of purchase, your flight ticket, all relevant travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers and your holiday guide with the important addresses. We advise you bring along a weekend bag or backpack. A solid suitcase is inconvenient if you have to carry it yourself on and off trains etc. Also, bring along a small backpack or shoulder bag for hand luggage. A thin money belt, to be carried underneath your clothing, is also advised for storage of valuable documents. Take care to put some clean clothes in your hand luggage, in case your main luggage arrives later than you. For example, the pill and your toothbrush should be in your hand luggage. Check that your luggage is not too heavy.
 

The amount of spending money suggested, is the minimum required to pay for your meals, drinks, optional excursions, entrance fees, local airport taxes and tips. The amount you actually need of course depends on your own spending pattern; therefore souvenirs are not included. We suggest £125-£150 per week.
 

Peru is an extremely photogenic country. Unfortunately, not everyone likes to be photographed. The photographing or (video) filming visitor should realize that they cannot intrude into people’s lives without being asked. Always ask permission first and respect any possible objections. Frequently, locals ask money for a snapshot and you’ll find out soon enough whether you are dealing with a ‘professional’; if you do not want to pay for a picture, you will have to find another subject. It is possible to buy film on the spot, but generally only in large towns. Make sure the film is not past the use-by date and is not stored in overly warm conditions. It is advisable to buy sufficient film/video prior to the trip and not to forget spare batteries. It is possible to develop and print your photograph in various places. Generally, the quality is acceptable, but do not take this for granted. Avoid leaving film or camera behind in a locked car as the fast rising temperatures can damage film quickly.

Theft does occur in the cities. A simple method to avoid pickpockets is to store money and important documents close to your body, ideally in a money belt. Have some pocket money ready, so you do not have to search for it in the middle of the street. Pay good attention to your possessions and to what is going on around you. Robberies tend to take place in the places you should avoid, such as dark alleys and dark deserted beaches.
Stay away from people offering drugs and do not go along with ‘plain-clothes policemen’ who don’t show proper identification. Your belongings will be reasonably safe in your hotel room, but do not leave valuables behind. If you use your common sense and stay alert, you shouldn’t have any problems.

The time in Peru is GMT - 7 hours (6 hours behind BST).
 

The basic pay of hotel and restaurant staff that make life agreeable along the way by cooking, making the beds, etc. is meagre at best. You may not have a ready solution for the poverty affecting these countries, but the least you can do is give the individuals working for you a good tip. A ‘tipping box’ may be useful, to be administered in turns by the passengers and in consultation with the guide. Also, while you are on the road, snacks etc. can be bought from this money.
The tour guide will expect a tip on completion of his/her services, assuming he/she has provided satisfactory service. Our guideline is approximately £10 per person for the entire tour.

Contact persons

In case of an emergency, it is important for us to have details of someone we can reach as a contact person back home on your behalf. You will have entered a name on the booking form. It is possible that this person is unavailable or on holiday during your trip. If so, enter a second person so that we are sure to be able to get in touch with somebody.