Peru

Peru Information
The Republic of Peru is an Andean State located in the central and western part of South America between the 81°19'34.5" and 68°39'27.0" of west longitude and from 0°01'48.0" to 18°21'0.30" of south latitude. Peru is bounded at north by Equator having a 1,529 KM long border and by Colombia with a 1,506 KM long border at south by Chile, with a 169 KM long border; at the east by Brasil, having a 2,822 KM long border, and Bolivia, with a 1,047 KM long border, and at the west side its coasts are wetted by the Pacific Ocean 3,080 KM long.
According to the census performed in 1993, its population reachedup to 22,639,210 inhabitants. Currently, its population is known to be 23,465,000 inhabitants, and a population of 27,952,100 inhabitants is expected for the year 2000. The population density now is 16.5 inhabitants per Km2 with a 2.0% growing rate per year. So at this rate, the peruvian population increases at 500,000 inhabitants per year with a life expectancy of 60 years for 1993; the urban population is equivalent to 71% and the rural population is equivalent to 29%, the main capital cities are those located in the shore (coast) from which the cities of Arequipa, Callao, Trujillo, Chimbote, Chiclayo and Piura (in the coast), Cusco and Iquitos in the highlands and jungle respectively are among the most remarkable ones.
The peruvian territory has 1,285,216 Km2 surface; 52.0% of the peruvian population live in the Coast, that is, more than a half of the whole population; 36.0% is found in the andean region whereas the amazonian plain holds only 12.0% of the whole population.The Republic of Peru has a presidential, unitary and decentralized governmental system; it also has its respective
Congress of the Republic.Regarding the political division, Peru is made up by 24 departments and one Constitutional Province called El Callao; likewise departments are made up by provinces which are 192 (including El Callao) up to 1995; these are in turn made up by 1,808 districts.The most recent Political Constitution was issued on October 31, 1993 being Alberto Fujimori Fujimori as Constitutional President of the Republic of Peru.The capital of the Republic is the city of Lima located in the department of Lima with an altitude of 153 m.a.s.l.
The State Government is divided into three branches: The Executive managed by the President of the Republic who is electedfor a five year-period and is in charge of assigning his ministers; The Legislative which resides in the Congress and has a unique chamber made up by 120 members of the Congress who are elected for a five year-period; The Judiciary, made up by the Supreme Court, whose headquarters are located in Lima; the Superior Courts which work at departmental level and the Judges of the Primary Courts of Claims who perform jurisprudence at provinces' capital cities level. The authorities of departments, provinces and districts (prefects, subprefects and governors) are assigned by the Executive; and local governments (province and district majors) are elected by universal suffrage for a three year period. Currently, the regionalization process is being implemented which looks for the end of Lima's centralism considered as a negative phenomenon for the development of the country, this process also looks for the transference of the decision power to the new autonomous entities (regional entities) over the territory that makes up the region.

Weather
Because of Peru's geographical location, it should have a eminently tropical weather with abundant rainfalls and high temperatures as well as exuberant vegetation; however, this feature is affected by the presence of the mountainous system of the Andes which crosses it in a longitudinal way, the Peruvian Current, the South Pacific Antyciclone are also added to these features giving rise to a diversified weather.
Geographically, Peru is divided in three regions:
The Coast: This is the area next to the Pacific Ocean, featuring deserts, beautiful beaches and fertile valleys.
The Highlands: Area dominated by the Andes Mountain Range, with altitudes as high as 6.768 masl (22.204 feet) at the summit of the Huascarán snow-capped peak.
The Jungle: This is an area with lush tropical vegetation forming part of the Peruvian Amazon Region, home to Peru's largest natural reserved areas.

El Clima

The Coast
There are two well-defined seasons: the summer season (December to March) with temperatures reaching 27°C (80°F); and the winter season (May to October) which is very humid and cold, with temperatures dropping to 12°C (53°F). Although it hardly rains on the Peruvian coast, fog and fine rain or drizzle are common in the winter. In the north coast the sun shines all year round, and temperatures rise to 35°C (95°F) in the summer.
. In this way, the Coast (Pacific Ocean shores and western spurs of the Andes) shows little rainfalls which sum up an average of 50 mm yearly excluding the north zone of the country where the 500 mm are exceeded in the years of the Equatorial Countercurrent invasion in which intense rainfalls are registered

The Highlands
This region has a dry and moderate climate, with two well-defined seasons: the summer season (May to October) with sunny days, very cold nights and hardly any rain -ideal time to visit- and the rainy season (December to March).
In the Highlands one can witness sharp temperature changes --between 20°C (68°F) and 2°C (35°F)-- in a single day.
There is a diversity of weathers in the Highlands or High Andea zone showing local characteristics which depend on the surface shapes, the temperatures depend on the altitude of the place and rainfalls vary between extreme limits going from 100 to 1,000 mm per year.It is characterized by a tundra dry cold weather (Black Cordillera), whereas the White Cordillera has a perpetual snowfall weather proper of the high mountain. Passing through the high crests of the Andes to the east, there is anothe arrangement of the climatic zones, so we have a moderate and temperate climate in the Alto Maraá¤áá¢án and Huallaga valleys with rainfalls in summer instead of the dry weather proper of barren plains and then, we have also the permanently humid climate showed by the tropical jungle.

The Jungle
With a humid and tropical climate, the Jungle has two clearly distinguished seasons: the summer or flowing season (May to October) with sunny days and temperatures in excess of 30°C (86°F) and the rainy season (November to March) with frequent rains and increased river volumes.
You may find information on Peruvian weather by visiting the following Internet sites:
www.senamhi.gob.pe
www.weather.com

Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru; although Spanish is more widespread. Another language recognized by the Peruvian government is Aymara, as well as 48 other native languages. It is possible to communicate in English with the persons who provide tourist services, such as the tourist guides, travel agencies staff and persons working in three, four and five-star hotels.
Time Zone ( -5h. Gmt  )
Lima 12 Noon

New York 1 P.M.
Buenos Aires 2 P.M.
London 6 P.M.
Berlin 7 P.M.
Paris 7 P.M.
Tokyo 2 A.M. (*)
Sidney 3 A.M. (*)
(*) Next day

Currency And Denominations
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.) which is divided into 100 cents.
Coins in circulation include the amounts of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles. Paper bills come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.
To find out the exchange rate, please visit:

www.editoraperu.com
www.expedia.msn.com

US Dollars are accepted in most commercial establishments, restaurants and service stations, at the current exchange rate.
Most of the establishments accept the most popular credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. Travelers' Checks are used with some limitations. Inquire at the establishment as to whether or not they are accepted. When paying with a credit card, make sure you are only paying the amount of the service or goods purchased.

Electric Power
220 volts. Most four and five-star hotels provide 110-volt electric current.

Vacination
If you plan on traveling to the Jungle, the administration of a yellow fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.
Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:
• Jorge Chávez International Airport - 2nd floor
Tel: (01) 575-1745
Service hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day
• International Vaccination Center
Calle Cápac Yupanqui 1400, Lima 1
Tel: (01) 471-9920, Extension 1215
Service hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tourist Visa
This is not required for citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Peru. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities).
Inquire with the Peruvian consular representation in your country if you need further information. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the web site of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs :
www.rree.gob.pe

Upon Entering A Peru
• Present to the Immigration officer the International Embarkation/Disembarkation Card (given to the traveler in the airplane or at the Immigration Stand in the border area you are coming through). Keep the card, since you will have to turn it in when you leave the country. If you lose it you will have to pay a fine equivalent to US$ 4,00.
• Customs officers will give you a form for you to declare any goods subject to customs duties you may be bringing in. If none, specify that you have nothing to declare. The following are exempt from duty: items and clothes for personal use, portable computers and adventure tourism gear. For more detailed information, inquire at the Peruvian diplomatic representation in your country.
• On the same form, you must declare whether you are bringing in any vegetable or animal species. If so, you will need to have a permit from the competent sanitary authorities in your country. If you do not have the necessary sanitation documents, Peruvian sanitation authorities may order your vegetable species to be incinerated and that the animal be sacrificed.

Travels´ Service
Peru has a Tourist Information and Assistance Service known as i Peru, where you can obtain objective and impartial tourist information, as well as assistance, in the event that the services rendered were not provided in the manner they were offered when they were contracted.
Get in touch with the 24-hour per day tourist service at the national level:
Tel: (01) 574-8000
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Security
• Take the normal precautions to guard against purse snatchers.
• Carry a copy of identification documents. Keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the responsibility assumed by the establishment.
• Carry valuables discreetly. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your bags and luggage.
• Do not carry suitcases, bags or sac packs on your back.
• Do not exchange money out in the street.
• Do not walk around late at night through areas with poor lighting or without a companion.

Comunications
International and long distance national calls can be made from public pay phones. Country and city codes are normally shown in the telephone booths.
To make an international call, dial:
00 + country code + city code + telephone number
To call from one city to the next, dial:
0 + city code + telephone number
Public phones take coins as well as cards, which are sold in stands and supermarkets. Make sure you are buying the card corresponding to the telephone company of the phone you want to use. No collect calls can be made from pay phones.
To obtain telephone information, dial 103 (service is in Spanish).

Internet
The main cities in the country do have public Internet booths.
The average cost per hour is US$ 1,3.

Health Matters
• Only drink bottled or previously boiled water.
• Be careful with raw vegetables and fruits.
• Avoid eating from street vendors.
• Rest on the first day of your arrival to the Highlands, and consume light meals to prevent altitude illness (soroche). Drinking "coca tea" is recommended.
• If you travel to the Highlands or to the Jungle, make sure to carry insect repellent and a raincoat.
• To obtain medical services, contact the staff of your hotel or travel agent.
• If you wish to take travelers' insurance, contact your favorite travel agency.

Banks
Banking hours in Peru are normally from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, most banks open for the public half day on Saturdays. In the streets of the main cities there are teller machines installed by the different banks.

Money Exchange
It is recommended that money should be exchanged in hotels, banks and authorized money exchange offices (Service hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., approximately).
The exchange rate against the US Dollar is variable. Inquire before changing your money. For exchanging other currencies inquiry at money exchange offices.

Night Life
Most of the cities of Peru have a wide variety of night life entertainment. Information about places of interest can be obtained where you are staying. If you wish to enjoy typical Peruvian music, you can visit the so-called "peñas".
In Lima, the most popular discotheques, pubs and night clubs are in the Districts of Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco. In other cities they are normally found in city centers (main square and vicinity).

Food And Beverage
Peruvian cuisine offers a great variety of dishes typical of the Coast, the Highlands and the Jungle. Always first ask about their ingredients, since some dishes can contain hot pepper or be highly spiced. You will also find establishments where international food is prepared.
As far as drinks are concerned, try the very Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) in any of its various recipes, as well as "chicha morada" (purple corn juice) "chicha de jora" (fermented red or yellow corn juice)and agüaje juice, made from a tropical Jungle fruit.

Tipping
The amount of the tip in Peru varies with the degree of satisfaction you have with the service provided.

Shopping
In general, shops, shopping centers and handicraft markets are open everyday (even on holidays) between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In markets and in places such as those where there are beach vendors and street vendors, it is acceptable to bargain

Important Telephone Number
Flight Information
Domestic and International: (01) 575-1712 / 574-5529
www.lap.com.pe

Cancellation Of Travelers´ Checks
American Express: 001-800-8602908
Cancellation Of Credit Cards
Visa: 001- 800-4281858 / 1 - 410- 5810120
Master Card: (01) 311-6000
American Express: (525) 326-2660 (collect call, operator assisted 108)
Diners Club: (01) 221-2050