Travel Tips

Access to Peru

BY AIR - International flights arrive daily from Europe, North America and South America. Commercial airline companies operate all over the territory at modern airport facilities. International flights will arrive in Lima.

BY LAND - The Panamerican Highway links Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile, allowing arrivals and departures from Peru in modern and comfortable buses with reclining seats, on-board service, restrooms and TV. The Peruvian government has invested in the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of thousands of kilometers of roads interconnecting the tourist attractions and destinations across South America.

BY TRAIN - Arequipa, Puno and Cusco are linked by the Andean train which runs from the coastal city of Arequipa (2100 m.), to the Puno high plains (3800 m.), across Andean valleys in Cusco (3400 m.), on its way to Aguas Calientes Station, the gateway to Machu Picchu (2000 m.)

MULTI-CITY - South American airlines offer the best options for flying between cities in South America. In order to travel to both Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands, you will need to transfer between Lima & (Quito or Guayaquil), Ecuador.

Accommodations

We use 3* hotels unless otherwise specified. All hotels meet our strict standards for cleanliness, service and safety. We have personally stayed in these hotels and you can expect private bath with hot water and fresh linens. Many hotels are family-run and are decorated to reflect the culture and customs of the local people. It is customary for hotels to be gated and to offer Peruvian buffet breakfasts, unless otherwise noted. We offer hotel upgrades on request. We can make reservations in any hotel of your choosing.

Transfers

It is customary for Adios Adventure Travel to include hotel and airport transfers unless otherwise specified. This does not apply to people who have booked hikes only. Most hikes will start and end at the hotel of your choosing, usually in Cuzco.  We are happy to offer the service on request.

Food

Andean cuisine is known for excellence. Its unique ingredients and traditional plates, together with the Novo Andino or New Andean movement, have turned Peru and Ecuador into top gastronomic destinations. What makes South American cuisine so distinctive is the combination of wholesome, natural ingredients and the traditions of regional groups, mixed with the influences of three clearly different regions: the coast and its desert, the Andean Mountains and the Amazon Jungle. (our tours can accommodate any dietary preferences, just let us know)

Currency and Credit Cards

The official currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Dollars and Euros can be changed in banks and Casas de Cambios, located in Lima at the airport and major towns including Cusco, Arequipa and Puno. The official currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar. While perfectly legal, it is best not to change money with people on the street. The majority of hotels, stores and restaurants accept most major credit cards and U.S. Dollars. VISA is the most widely accepted credit card. The best way to obtain money is through ATMs. Most work with Plus system but there are also some that accept Star, Cirrus and Interlink.. Most banks have ATMs from which to withdraw money with international credit cards. If you plan to bring U.S. Dollars, they must be in absolute, pristeen condition, or they will likely be rejected.

Health Services

Hospitals, clinics and drug stores are staffed with experienced professionals. The Social Security Hospital offers modern and well-equipped facilities. Our guides know the location of all the available medical facilities for all the travel routes we offer. We offer travel insurance (on our homepage) and recommend that everyone purchase insurance (of their choice) before their arrival. Travelers participating in adventure activities should read the fine print on any policy prior to purchase. Diving and high-altitude activities may be excluded. Our insurance covers some diving and high-altitude activities, but you are responsible to make sure your activities are covered.

Safety

The National Police of Peru (PNP) has a special division known as the Tourism Police, whose mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors. They are usually located in places frequently visited by tourists.

Languages and Dialects

60% of the population speaks Spanish and 36% speak Quechua, the native language. The other 4% speak secondary languages such as Aymara and other dialects from the Amazon Jungle. Our guides speak English and Spanish and often a third language.

Electricity

The electricity in Peru is 220 volts.. Although most four and five star hotels offer 110 volt plugs, it is recommended that you carry an adaptor for flat plugs. Some hotels now offer both 220 v. and 110v. Ecuador is 110-220 volts, but may need socket adaptors.

Telecommunications

TELEPHONE - 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 available at less expensive prices.

INTERNET - Public internet cafes are well-equipped with computers and internet access available everywhere at a cost of one sol an hour. (about 25 to 30 cents)

Time Zone, Equator, Altitude and Climate Peru is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST) GMT-5, and south of the equator. Our winter season is opposite to summer in the northern hemisphere. We do not have Daylight Savings Time.

Cusco, Peru is about 3400 m (11,000 feet) above sea level. Machu Picchu is about 2430 m (8000 feet) above sea level and Titicaca Lake is about 3827 m (12,500 feet) above sea level. Quito is almost 2800 m (10,000 ft) above sea level. Travelers arriving in the mountains should plan to spend 2-3 days adapting to the altitude before participating in strenuous activities. Although close to the Equator, the higher altitude creates a mix of climactic zones and weather changes in the Andean mountains. Come prepared for warm, (72 F., 22 C.) cold, (38 F., 3 C.) dry and wet weather every day. Average annual daily high temperature in Cusco is about 70 F., 21 C. The rainy season starts in December and runs through March. June, July and August have the least amount of rainfall.

Other Services

CAMERA - Digital cameras can be taken to stores that will empty your memory card and put your photos onto a CD.

WATER - It is recommended that visitors not drink the tap water. Bottled water is readily and easily available everywhere. Adios Adventure Travel guides use Katadyn water pumps and filters when bottled water is not available during hikes or other remote activities.