Travel Information
BY AIR Incoming
International flights from Europe, United States and South
America arrive daily to Peru. Commercial airlines operating over
all regions, in modern airport facilities. BY LAND The Panamerican Highway links Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile, allowing arrival and departure to and from Peru in modern and comfortable buses with reclinable and bed seats, on board meals, bathroom, TV, etc. Over the past years, the Peruvian government has been investing in the construction, maintenance and rehab of thousands of kilometers of roads, interconnecting the tourist attractions and destinations across South America.
BY TRAIN Arequipa, Puno and Cusco are connected by the Andean train that runs from the coastal city of Arequipa (2100m) up to the Puno highlands (3800m), across the Andean valleys in Cusco (3400m), descending to 2000m on its way to Machu Picchu to finally reach Aguas Calientes Station (cloudforest).
FOOD Peruvian cuisine is known for its excellence and variety. Its unique ingredients and traditional dishes together with the Novo Andean or New Andean movement, have turned Peru into a top Gastronomic destination. What makes Peruvian cuisine so distinctive is the combination of its rich natural resources with the traditions of immigrant groups and the bounty of three clearly different regions: the coast and its desert, the Andean Mountains and the Amazon jungle.
CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS The official currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Dollars and Euros can be changed in Banks and Exchange establishments. Most hotels, stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. The best way to obtain money is through ATM cash machines. Most of them work with Plus system but there are also some that accept Star, Cirrus and Interlink. Most banks have ATM from where to withdraw money with international credit cards.
HEALTH SERVICE Hospitals, clinics and drug stores are staffed with experienced professionals. The Social Security Hospital with modern facilities is also available.
SAFETY The National Police of Peru (PNP) has a special division known as the Tourist Police, whose mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors. They are usually located in places that are frequently visited by tourists.
LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS 60% of the population speaks Spanish and 36% Quechua, the native language. The other 4% speak secondary languages such as Aymara and other dialects from the Amazon jungle.
ELECTRIC POWER The electricity in Peru is 220 volts, 60 Hz. Although most 4 and 5 stars hotels offer 110 volts plugs, it is recommendable to carry an adaptor for flat plugs.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS Telefonica del Peru is the major telecommunications company, providing local and international call service through home and mobile phones. Phone calls at public cabins are also available at less expensive prices.
INTERNET Public internet cafe's and or cabins are everywhere, with well-equipped computers and internet access at one Sol an hour.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS The most important tourist destinations in Peru are:
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