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Welcome

• Tourist Information

• The Regions of Peru

• Climate

• Visas

• Upon Arriving in Peru

• Time Zone (-5 GMT)

• Vaccines

• Language

• Electricity

• Currency
   

a

You may also find information on the Web at:

www.perutravelnet.com
www.lonelyplanet.com
www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/6110

The latest news about Peru:

www.elcomercio.com.pe
www.rpp.com.pe
*Note: Both are in Spanish only

Recommended guides for travellers:

• Lonely Planet
• Rough Guide
• Footprint Peru Handbook

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b

Peru straddles three geographical regions:

• The Coastal Plain is bathed by the Pacific and contains deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys.
• The Highlands or Sierra is a mountain area dominated by the Andes Mountain Range where the Huascaran peak reaches 6768 meters above sea level (22,334 ft.).
• The Amazon Jungle is covered with tropical forest and embraces extensive nature reserves.

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c

The Coast

It hardly ever rains on the Coast although there are two clearly marked seasons. In summer, from December to March, temperatures reach 27º C (80º F). In winter, from May to October, temperatures may fall to a mild 12º C (53º F) amidst high humidity. Winter is typically a season of mists and light rains or drizzle. In the northern tip of the coastal strip, the sun shines 300 days a year and temperatures climb to 35º C (96º F).

The Highlands

Dry and mild, the weather in the Highlands shows two clearly distinct seasons. In summer, from May to October, days are sunny, nights cold and rain scarce, creating the perfect weather for a visit. Rainfall is abundant from December to March. Within the same day, temperatures in the Highlands may fluctuate from 2º C (35º F) to 20º C (68º F).

The Amazon Forest

In the jungle it is always humid and tropical, with two clearly different seasons. In the dry season from May to October, sunny days heat up to 30º C (86º F). In the rainy season, rain showers are frequent and rivers swell.

More information about the weather in Peru:
www.weather.com
www.senamhi.gob.pe

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d

If you come to Peru as a tourist, you may stay a maximum 90 days. You can ask migration authorities to extend your stay.

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e

• Give migration authorities the landing card (International Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) you received on the plane or at the border migration post. This card must always be returned when leaving the country. Keep it carefully to avoid a US$4 fine.

• Customs officials will ask you to fill a form declaring any taxable items. If you do not carry any, declare so. Tax exempt articles include personal clothes and belongings, portable computers and adventure sports gear. For more detailed information, ask Peru's diplomatic representative in your country.

• You must also declare any plant or animal species you may carry. You must have the necessary sanitary permits from you country. If you do not have them, the Peruvian sanitary authority may decide to burn the plants or kill the animals.

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f

(1) of the following day.
 

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v

A yellow fever vaccine is recommended for trips to the Jungle. You may get a vaccine at the following places:

• 121 Independencia Street (next to the Hospital del Niño) in Lima. Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 12:30

• Jorge Chavez International Airport, 2nd floor. Open 24 hrs

• International Vaccination Center-Dos de Mayo National Hospital, Grau Avenue 13th block, Lima. Open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 to 13:30

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h

i

To know the current rate of exchange, visit www.oanda.com/convert/classic US dollars are welcome at most shops, restaurants and service stations at the current exchange rate.

Most establishments accept the main credit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. The use of traveler's cheques may be restricted. Ask if they are accepted. When using a credit card, make sure you are charged the right amount for your purchase.

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