PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS:
We recommend that all travelers have a minimum of two blank pages, side-by-side, for entry into any/all African countries. This is a requirement for entry into South Africa, and our recommendation for all African countries as well. These are the pages marked “visa” at the top of the page in US passports. Please ensure you have adequate pages for all countries you’ll be entering. All passports should be valid at least six months from the return date.
Additional official entry requirements may apply for any person under the age of 18 entering Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe). Please inquire if applicable.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Visas are required for entry into certain African countries. For United States passport holders entering Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, or Mozambique, visas can be secured on arrival with payment in US currency. For South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, and Seychelles, visas are not required for American citizens. For Tanzania, visas are required and should be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. For Uganda, visas are required and must be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. Requirements for non-US passport holders may differ. It is the sole responsibility of all travelers to ensure they are aware of and can fulfill all visa and entry requirements.
YELLOW FEVER REQUIREMENTS:
Proof that yellow fever inoculation (shot) was administered to the traveler at least 10 days prior to arrival is required for entry into certain countries. A (yellow) medical card will be requested by the government authority upon arrival. This requirement applies for entry into Uganda and Rwanda. It also applies for entry into South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, or Tanzania following a stay, stop-over (and in some cases even airport transit/transfer) in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or any other yellow fever country. Check with your Premier Tours agent if you are travelling to or through any countries and are unsure about the yellow fever requirements.
HEALTH MATTERS:
Many safari locations carry a risk of malaria and therefore malaria prophylaxis (oral medication) is strongly recommended.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect the cost of your trip in the event of cancellation for a covered reason, as well as for the medical, emergency evacuation, and numerous other benefits offered.
If you believe your credit card, homeowners, or healthcare plan provides coverage, you should carefully review what is and isn’t covered, as well as any limitations and exclusions. Many of our clients have been surprised to find the coverage they think they have is either limited, doesn’t cover family members, or is insufficient for adventure-oriented travel to remote destinations.
Please be sure to check the rates and coverage options offered by our insurance partner, Travelex, before making your insurance purchase. Unlike other insurance companies that charge based on the age of each traveler, The “Custom Travel Secure” policy was designed to provide the best coverage at highly competitive rates by offering a “one price fits all” option for Premier Tours travelers. All travelers will be required to sign a waiver before final travel documents are released, indicating whether they’ve chosen to purchase insurance.
LUGGAGE STORAGE:
Luggage storage may be available to you depending on your specific itinerary. Please inquire at the time of planning your tour and/or flights to ensure that arrangements can be made.
BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS:
Most African countries, in particular Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, have banned the use of plastic bags. Please refrain from using them for packing purposes.
Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old ruins. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Peruvian Sol
Symbol: S/
ISO code: PEN
Subunit: céntimo
Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200
Coins: céntimo, S/1, S/2, S/5
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca
International Airports: Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima)
Domestic Airports: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco), Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa), Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (Trujillo)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Limited
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Peruvian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisines. Highlights include ceviche (marinated raw fish), lomosaltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (layered potato dish). Notable local drinks include Pisco Sour (cocktail), chicha morada (purple corn drink), and Inca Kola.
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: Varies by region
Summer:
Average highs: Varies by region
Average lows: Varies by region
Winter:
Average highs: Varies by region
Average lows: Varies by region
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the ancient ruins.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.