Useful information

Visas and Passports

Peru can be visited freely by almost everyone. Citizens from the majority of countries in the Americas and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa to enter Peru. The maximum stay granted by authorities is 183 days (non-extendable). To stay for a longer time for other purposes (business, studies, or work) visitors must first request the corresponding visa at their closest Peruvian consulate.

In order to enter Peru, it is required to present a valid passport. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Chile may enter using their national identity document

How to reach Cusco

By air:

• Domestic flights from Lima (1 hour approx.)
• Domestic flights from Arequipa (30 minutes approx.)

By land:

• Lima – Arequipa – Cusco: 1,650 km (26 hours by car approx.)
• Lima – Nazca – Puquio – Abancay – Cusco: 1,131 km (20 hours by car approx.)
• Puno – Cusco: 389 km (7 hours by car approx.)

By rail:

• Puno – Cusco: 384 km (10:30 hours approx.)

Health

Health conditions in Peru are in keeping with international standards, especially in the cities. In recent years, the number of modern healthcare services being offered has increased. Both public hospitals and private clinics provide adequate care. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to take out a health insurance policy for your trip.

There are no mandatory vaccines in order to enter Peru. If you are planning on visiting the country’s Amazon region, the Ministry of Health recommends getting vaccinated for yellow fever.

The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before your trip in order to be effective.

Altitude Sickness

The city of Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. Visitors may feel slightly ill or dizzy due to altitude sickness, known in Peru as “soroche.” It is recommended that travelers take a pill for dizziness 30 minutes before arriving in the city.

The first thing visitors should do upon reaching Cusco or Puno is rest at least a couple of hours so their bodies can get used to the altitude. Take advantage of this time to visit sites in the city center first, and avoid engaging in activities that require physical exertion. It is suggested that visitors eat light meals for the first few days. Coca tea is your best friend when it comes to beating altitude sickness.

The city of Puno is located at 3,827 meters above sea level. Visitors may feel slightly ill or dizzy due to altitude sickness, known in Peru as “soroche.” It is recommended that travelers take a pill for the dizziness thirty minutes before arriving in the city.

To help fight off altitude sickness, make sure to rest for the first few days and avoid particularly strenuous physical activity. You can also drink coca tea or take pills. Make sure to stay hydrated, especially in very high areas, drinking bottled or properly purified water.

Climate

Cusco Climate

June and October are the perfect months for a visit to Cusco, when the sun comes out early and shines all day.

The rainy season begins in November and lasts until March. During this time of year, we suggest always carrying a raincoat or umbrella with you.

When traveling to Cusco (Machu Picchu) we recommend taking the necessary precautions against mosquito bites and overexposure to the sun. Make sure to bring sunblock, insect repellent, hats, and sunglasses.

Puno Climate

In the region of Puno, the climate in most places is cold and semiarid, with rainfall in the summer and a high relative humidity.

The climate in the city of Puno itself is cold and dry. Since the city is located on the shores of Titicaca, however, the temperature rarely drops below 32 ºF (0 ºC)”. In zones located further from the lake and higher up, the cold is quite intense, especially at night.

Currency

Currency: Sol (S/ or PEN) is the official currency in Peru. Bills come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Soles. There are 10-, 20-, and 50-céntimo coins, as well as coins worth 1, 2, and 5 Soles (PEN). US Dollars (USD) are accepted at countless stores, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. Money can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses. Typical business hours for currency exchange agencies run from Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and Saturdays until noon. ATMs can be found in nearly all cities in the country, and the majority are affiliated with Plus (Visa) and Cirrus (MasterCard/Maestro), American Express, and other networks. ATMs can be used to withdraw cash in Soles (PEN) or US Dollars (USD) although the exchange rate is usually less favorable than at exchange establishments.

Tourist Ticket

The Cusco tourist ticket is one of the most important tourism development initiatives in Cusco. This ticket allows tourists to make a one-time payment, gaining access to nearly all of the city’s varied tourist attractions.
 

Difference between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain

TICKET MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

• Height:3,082 m.s.n.m.
• Location: Facing the Huayna Picchu and left of the Traditional Inca Trail.
• Access: From the Complex of Machu Picchu, climb to the viewpoint (House of the guardian) continue until the diversion is indicated with a signboard.
• Entrance tickets: Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain.
• Hours: 07:00 hrs. – 11:00 hrs.
• Number of visitors: 800 spaces per day.
• Walking time: 3 hours and a half (round trip).
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate.
• What to bring?: Shoes anti-slip, sunscreen, insect repellent, head protection, rain gear (depending on season).
• Archaeological attractions: None.
• Flora and fauna: Because of the weather and the landscape you will find variety of butterfly orchids and birds.
• Weather: The weather is hot and humid during the day and cool at night. Dry season: May to October / Rainy season: November to March.
• Advantages: Mountain Machu Picchu higher than the Huayna Picchu, less steep path, panoramic view of the City Inca and Huayna Picchu.
• Disadvantages: No archaeological remains.

TICKET HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN

• Height:2,693 m.s.n.m.
• Location:North of the Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Access:From the Inca city of Machu Picchu, by the Sector of huayranas (Sacred Rock). Income by the Control House.
• Entrance tickets:Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• Hours:First group: 07:00 hrs. 08:00 hrs. – Second group: 10:00 hrs. – 11:00 hrs.
• Number of visitors:Number of visitors: 400 per day, divided into two groups of 200.
• Walking time:1 hour 30 minute climb and the same descent.
• Degree of difficulty: Steep mountain, cliffs, many steps (not recommended for those suffering vertigo).
• What to bring?:Slip shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear (depending on season)..
• Archaeological attractions:Andenerias, the Moon Temple in a cave with niches samples, lintels and fine stonework.
• Flora and fauna:Landscape of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, an important habitat for birds, butterflies, insects, all from a tropical landscape.
• Weather:Warm and humid during the day, cool at night. Dry season: May to October / Rainy season: November to March.
• Advantages:Panoramic view across the City Inca, roads, streets, squares and precincts.
• Disadvantages:Cliffs covered with vegetation, steep climb, narrow path.