Galapagos and the Peruvian Amazon

Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms. The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries. The vibrant capital city of Quito is also worth a visit. Arguably the most dazzling jewel in Ecuador’s crown is the Galápagos archipelago in the Pacific, about 1,000 kilometres west of the mainland. Their magnificent, pristine landscapes and prolific wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin, have made this cluster of islands a world-famous travel destination.

Passport and Visa

• According to Ecuadorian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger must have a passport valid for at least another 6 months from the day of arrival to Ecuador. Please make sure your passport has validity remaining.  

• No visa is necessary for U.S. citizens or citizens of most other countries. There are exceptions for some Asian, Central American and European countries. Please inquire your individual situation with Ecuadorian Embassy in your country.

US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Some coins are usual US cents and some are Ecuadorean centavos. They have the same value.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at casas de cambio (exchange houses), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 to 4%, so it is worth shopping around.

Banking

Banking hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1600/1700 and Saturday mornings.

Major credit/debit cards are accepted in most businesses. ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. On the Galápagos Islands, currently only Mastercard is accepted.

ATMs are available at most banks in urban areas. Note that dirty or torn notes will not be accepted. Try to keep cash in smaller denominations; shopkeepers tend to refuse $50 and $100 bills as forgeries of these notes are common.

Traveller's cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks and casas de cambio.

Ecuador is a small country and internal flight times are usually less than one hour, making air travel a quick and easy way to get around. Most flights operate out of Quito although Guayaquil also has direct services to main centres such as Cuenca, Loja and Galapagos. TAME (EQ) (www.tame.com.ec) flies frequently between Guayaquil, Quito and other destinations throughout the country. The airline has recently launched direct flights from Quito to Tena, cutting out the 5 hour bus journey beween destinations. A number of small airlines serve the coast and eastern part of the country. Flying is the usual mode of transport for intercity travel.

Galapagos Islands: There are daily flights to the Galapagos Islands on national airlines from both Quito and Guayaquil; note that airfares to Galapagos are much higher than to any other domestic destination, although there are discount fares on offer for Ecuadorian nationals and residents of Galapagos. There is also a national park admission charge, payable in cash only.If you don’t have a ticket there is the option to go along to the airport and join a waiting list for the flight as people frequently don’t turn up.

Cars are driven on the right hand side of the road in Ecuador. The Panamericana or Pan-American Highway is largely in good condition; there are still plenty of potholes in places though and some roads are more akin to rough tracks. Roads in the highlands can be especially bad due to the weather and cracks or holes here can be sizeable.

An extensive network of roads spreads out from the main north-south axis of the Pan-American Highway. There is a lack of road markings and signage, so driving at night is particularly best avoided.

Since getting around by public transport is so easy, few people rent cars in Ecuador. Nonetheless there are international and local car hire companies operating in Ecuador, with cities such as Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca the places to arrange pick-up and drop off. It may be difficult to hire a vehicle in smaller towns and even in main cities you should arrange your vehicle hire in advance. 4-wheel drive is necessary for some areas.

Drivers need to be at least 25 years old and have a major credit card for the deposit. Some companies will hire cars to those aged 21-25 but the surcharges are much higher. Check for existing damage and make sure the car comes with a spare tyre and a jack. Drive carefully, make sure the car is always secure and check what the car rental insurance policy covers.

The national speed limit is 100kph (63mph) on highways and around 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, unless otherwise indicated. There are strong penalties for even the most minor driving offences. An International Driving Permit is not required, but insurance is.

Taxis are widely available, particularly in larger cities and towns. Fares tend to be low but should be negotiated in advance. Taxis are metered in Quito, but rarely elsewhere. Taxis may be hired for a whole day. Drivers do not expect tips. All licensed taxis have a registration number prominently displayed.

Increasingly popular, cycling is a good, if somewhat strenuous way of seeing Ecuador. Mountain bikes are recommended and you should ideally bring your own as bike hire services are scarce outside of Quito. Bring your own spares too. Bikes can also be taken on buses, canoes and almost every other type of transport if you find you’ve run out of energy. Organised bike tours in Ecuador tend to be one day trips, and mostly downhill, having been ferried to the top of the descent in a car by the company you book with.

Ecuador’s bus and coach service is extensive and affordable. Taking a bus can be an exhilarating, exciting way to see the country although it can also be cramped and scary too given the recklessness with which some drivers tackle corners and overtake. There are a number of different companies throughout the country and services to almost anywhere that you might want to go. Some of the most established have their own bus stations separate from the main terminals (terminal terrestres) and operate air-conditioned, comfortable buses, ideal for longer distance journeys.

Frequent landslides and lack of funding are some of the causes of Ecuador’s railway system becoming almost completely redundant. The Empresa de Nacional Ferrocarriles del Estado (Ecuador State Railways) runs the famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose), which makes a spectacular mountain descent on its route between Riobamba (tel: (03) 961 909) and Sibambe. The only other service of note is the weekend excursion from Quito to El Boliche, near Cotopaxi. Tickets for the Devil’s Nose ride can be bought a day in advance. Reservations for the Boliche service are not necessary. People tend to ride on the roof of the train for the most exhilarating experience.

Ecuador's rocky coastline makes coast-hopping an inefficient and even dangerous means of transport for visitors. Several navigable rivers flow eastwards into the Amazon basin. Dugout canoes, which carry up to about 25 people, are widely used as a means of transport in roadless areas, particularly in the Oriente jungles and in the northwest coastal regions. Tourist boats, luxury cruisers, converted fishing boats and hired yachts can all be used to travel between the Galápagos Islands.

We recommend that you take out travel insurance for your trip. If you do not have a preferred supplier yet, Global Rescue is a recognized industry leader and can be contacted by clicking here: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/andbeyond/index.html .  Or by calling +1-617-459-4200, please inform Global Rescue that you heard of them through andBeyond.

We strongly recommend you get full trip cancellation insurance. We understand the changeable nature of individual or group bookings; however, in case of unexpected changes in your plans, the purchase of a short term cancellation insurance will keep you covered. We also recommend accident, medical, diving and baggage insurance.

Ecuadorian ceviche, made of shrimp, lemon, onions, and some herbs.

Tomato sauce and orange are used at some places but do not form a part of the basic recipe

Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, varying with the altitude and associated agricultural conditions. Most regions in Ecuador follow the traditional three course meal of soup, a course that includes rice and a protein, and then dessert and coffee to finish.

Supper is usually lighter and sometimes consists only of coffee or herbal tea with bread.

In the highland region, pork, chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are popular and are served with a variety of grains (especially rice and corn) or potatoes.

In the coastal region, seafood is very popular, with fish, shrimp, and ceviche being key parts of the diet. Generally, ceviches are served with fried plantain (chifles y patacones), popcorn, or tostado. 

Plantain- and peanut-based dishes are the basis of most coastal meals. Encocados (dishes that contain a coconut sauce) are also very popular. 

Churrasco is a staple food of the coastal region, especially Guayaquil. Arroz con menestra y carne asada (rice with beans and grilled beef) is one of the traditional dishes of Guayaquil, as is fried plantain, which is often served with it.

This region is a leading producer of bananas, Cocoa beans (to make chocolate), shrimp, tilapia, mango, and passion fruit, among other products.

In the Amazon region, a dietary staple is the yuca, elsewhere called cassava. Many fruits are available in this region, including bananas, tree grapes, and peach palms.

It is advisable to drink only bottled or sterilised water in Ecuador. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Ecuadorian dinner tables are blessed with some of the finest produce in South America; a testament to the country’s fertile soil, varied typography and wildly different climates.

There are three main regions in Ecuador, each with its own style of cooking: highland cuisine revolves around warm, hearty dishes such as roast guinea pig and locro, a soup of potato, cheese, corn and avocado; coastal cuisine is dominated by seafood; and Oriente dinner tables typically feature rice, banana, yucca (a type of manioc root) and fish, including piranha. Most food isn’t spicy, but is inevitably accompanied by a bowl of aji, a hot pepper sauce for the bold to add at their peril.

Ecuador has a highly changeable climate, which means that it can be variable at any time. Generally though, in the Sierra, there is little variation by day or by season, with changes occurring as you climb or descend instead. The coastal and Amazonian lowlands have a wet equatorial climate, but the higher you climb the colder it gets.

Rainfall is primarily affected by proximity to the eastern or western slopes of the Andes; in the west, June to September are drier with October to May typically wetter; in the east the opposite is true with October to February drier and March to September much wetter. There is also a variation in the amount of rainfall as you journey north to south, with the southern highlands much drier than the landscapes in the north. The coast can be enjoyed all year round, although it is cooler between June and November, when a sea mist known as garua sets in. January to May are consistently the hottest and rainiest months here. The Galapagos are also affected by garua between May and December; January to April here are the hottest months, with heavy but brief rainfall also possible. In the Oriente you can be affected by rainfall at any time, but it is wettest from March to September. Most cities are located in a comfortable subtropical zone. Taking all of this into account, Ecuador’s high season is June to early September.

Marine Currents

The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The warm season is during the months of January to June. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains. "El Niño" current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.

Lightweight natural fabrics; rainwear in subtropical areas. Warmer clothes are needed in upland areas. Make sure that you have good-quality, well-broken boots with plenty of ankle support for trekking or walking on uneven terrain.

It is not necessary to carry much to the Galapagos, pack light and pack smart.  Lightweight fast drying cotton is recommended.

• Cotton pants
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Long sleeved shirt
• A windbreaker or light sweater for evening or early morning
• Hat: preferably that cover the ears
• Lots of sunscreen lotion
• Good walking shoes: sneakers will do
• Tevas or sandals (if you wish)
• Sunglasses (with strap)
• An extra pair of prescription glasses (if needed)
• Hair Dryers are available on vessels
• Small backpack to carry on land visits (for your camera and water)
• Plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry
• Plenty of film
• Snorkeling gear (not essential, we have this available on board at no extra cost)
• Medications (anything you might be using while your cruise)
• Trasderm scoop or tablets (if you are prone to sea sickness) Inquire
  with your physician
• Books to read while on the yacht (we encourage paperback exchange)
• Wet suit or skin for snorkelling  (we have 3mm shorties available on board)
• Binoculars
• If you wear glasses, it is a good idea to bring contact lenses for diving and snorkelling
• Insect repellent

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Ecuador are very similar to the electrical outlets found in the United States and Canada, and if your appliance has a North American plug, it's possible that you won't need any adapter at all in order to plug in there. However, there are two potentially very important physical differences that may need to be addressed with an adapter: grounding and/or polarization. If your plug has one or both, and the socket doesn't, then the plug may not physically be able to fit into the socket without an adapter.

In the case of a North American appliance plug, grounding is accomplished by the third, round pin beneath and below the two vertical blades on the plug. Polarization is accomplished by the left vertical blade being taller than the right, so that the plug can't be inserted upside down. U.S. and Canadian sockets are required to be both grounded and polarized. But in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Japan and other areas which use U.S. style sockets, grounding and polarization often are not required, and in fact, the majority of sockets in many of these areas do not accept the taller blade and/or the third grounding pin. This will prevent a North American appliance plug from being able to plug into these sockets, if the plug is either grounded or polarized.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Ecuador usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you're plugging in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient. The voltage will have to be changed from 110-120 volts at the socket, to whatever voltage your appliance requires. This is accomplished with a voltage transformer.

The sheer size of the US prevents any kind of all-encompassing statement about the typical American experience. From the state-of-the-art skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country lanes of New England, the United States of America is a place of astonishing beauty and extraordinary diversity. Nothing can remotely prepare you for your first glimpse of the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the glistening Empire State building, the neon lights of Las Vegas, or the iconic Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the natural treasures on offer - the country’s beautiful national parks are home to some of the world’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes; the west and east coasts are strewn with spectacular beaches, and the Rockies provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, it is a country of such epic proportions that you could easily spend a lifetime in the US and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface.

Currency 

Local currency: United States Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: USD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Varies by bank 
Public Holidays: Yes, varies by bank 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 

Main airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines 
International Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), O'Hare International Airport (ORD) 
Domestic Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes, in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

North American cuisine varies widely, with influences from Native American, European, Asian, and African cultures. Common dishes include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, seafood, and various regional specialties such as Tex-Mex and New England clam chowder. Notable local drinks include cola, craft beer, bourbon, and wine. 

Tipping: 15-20% 

Annual Rainfall:

• Varies by region:
• Pacific Northwest (Seattle, WA): ~1,500 mm (60 inches)
• Southwest (Phoenix, AZ): ~200 mm (8 inches)
• Southeast (Miami, FL): ~1,400 mm (55 inches)
• Northeast (New York, NY): ~1,200 mm (47 inches)

Average Temperature:

• Varies by region:
• Pacific Northwest (Seattle, WA): 11°C (52°F)
• Southwest (Phoenix, AZ): 24°C (75°F)
• Southeast (Miami, FL): 24°C (75°F)
• Northeast (New York, NY): 12°C (54°F)

Summer:

• Average highs: 20-40°C (68-104°F)
• Average lows: 10-28°C (50-82°F)

Winter:

• Average highs: -1 to 25°C (30-77°F)
• Average lows: -5 to 15°C (23-59°F)

Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit North America depends on your plans. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities and warm weather, while winter is best for skiing and snow sports. Fall features stunning foliage, and spring offers pleasant weather and blooming flowers. Timing depends on the experiences you're after.

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

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’.

According to Peruvian immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival.  Please make sure your passport is valid for the following 6 months.  

No visa is necessary for citizens of most countries. If you have any doubts, please check with your local Peruvian embassy. US Citizens do not require a Visa to enter Peru.

Upon Arrival

Just like most of international airports, guest cannot be met inside restricted areas (due to security reasons, especially Immigration and Customs Halls). Our representative will meet & greet you as soon as you exit these restricted sectors.

Please keep your Tourist card issued in immigration with you together with your most important documents during your travels in Peru, since this document will be required at the hotels included on your itinerary in order to exempt you from local taxes, also will be requested by immigration upon departure.

About luggage

Hand luggage restrictions on flights:

•International flights:

The following items must not be carried in your hand luggage. They will be not be returned and will be discarded at security control points:

Liquids, gels, and aerosols over 100 ml. Even if the containers are not full. Each passenger may carry containers up to 100 ml each

Cutting or piercing instruments Firearms or imitations thereof

Any object considered to be dangerous in the cockpit, in compliance with ICAO regulations.

•Domestic flights:

The following items must not be carried in your hand luggage. They will be not be returned and will be discarded at security control points:

Cutting or piercing instruments

Firearms or imitations thereof

Any object considered to be dangerous in the cockpit, in compliance with ICAO regulations.

-There is a left-luggage center in Lima airport. For your reference, prices are $5 USD per day per luggage, $3 USD per hour per luggage, and $7 USD per day per lockers, with capacity for 1 big and 2 small bags (prices subject to change)

-VIP Areas: At Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport, business class passengers have at their disposal a free and private area. Passengers traveling in economy class must pay a $50.00 entrance fee, for use of VIP lounge.

Luggage restrictions on train:

There are strict luggage restrictions for the train rides to Machu Picchu because there is no room for luggage on the train.  Passengers should carry a small hand bag which would fit below the passenger’s seat or in the above compartment.  Maximum weight per passenger is 5 kilos (Perurail & Incarail lines).

1 handbag or backpack

05kg/11lb

157cm/62“

(length/width/height)

Currency

Nuevo (new) Sol (PEN; symbol S/.) = 100 céntimos. Nuevo Sol notes are in denominations of S/.200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of S/.5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 céntimos.

Note: US Dollars are also in use and accepted for payment, particularly in tourist areas. While effectively interchangeable, it is best to use local currency wherever possible, and it is always good for tourists to have some local currency in small denominations, to pay for buses, taxis and goods in some small establishments.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared when entering the country.

Only a few bureaus de change in Lima and Cusco will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and many shops also readily accept US Dollars (although very old, torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).

All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted. It is also sensible to carry some cash rather than relying only on cards.

ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru. They are found almost everywhere, including in small towns, although when travelling in remote places it is best to have some cash just in case the nearby ATMs are not working or have run out of money. In bigger cities, use ATMs inside banks for greater security, especially at night.

Banks will exchange traveller’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. The ability to use traveller's cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be accepted in the area you are visiting prior to travel. The use of ATMs is generally preferable, but if you do decide to bring traveller's cheques, the best currency to bring them in is US Dollars.

LAN (LP) (www.lan.com), Taca Perú (T0) (www.taca.com) and LC Perú (W4) (www.lcperu.pe) handle virtually all domestic air traffic. Routes link Lima to Andahuaylas, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cusco, Huánuco, Iquitos, Juliaca-Puno, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Tacna, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Tumbes and other cities. Flights to Huaraz are occasionally offered. For information on internal flights, contact the Peruvian Corporation of Airports (Corpac) (www.corpac.gob.pe).

When travelling around Peru, you have to make a decision: time or money? The bus from Lima to Cusco can take over 24 hours instead of a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes, but it will be a fraction of the price. If taking a shorter trip to Peru, flights will leave you a lot more time at your destination.

You can book in advance from outside the country, or a few days in advance through local tour operators for not much more money. Some flights (of lower prices, and particularly with LAN) are for Peruvians only – if you purchase them be prepared to pay a fine. Domestic flight schedules are often subject to last minute change – try to confirm that your flight is leaving at the time stated on your ticket before you head to the airport.

International car hire firms have offices in all the major cities and bigger airports. You must be at least 25 to hire a car in Peru, and will need to present your passport, driving licence from your country, credit card as a guarantee and sometimes a cash deposit. The minimum driving age is 18. Seatbelts should be worn both in the front and back of a car, and also on coaches (though most people don’t bother). Theoretically, the speed limit is 100kph (62mph) on the highways and 35kph (22mph) in urban areas, but few Peruvians follows these laws. You can drive for six months on a UK driving licence and up to a year on an International Driving Licence. All foreign vehicles must have documentation from their own national automobile association or you can obtain it on the Peruvian border before entering the country. Always carry your driving licence, a copy of your passport and, if the vehicle is hired, a copy of the rental contract.

Main roads in Peru are, at least, reasonably paved; others can range from extraordinarily bumpy to impassable after landslides. Landslides are frequent in the mountains during the rainy season (December to March), making for slow travel and closed roads. Take care driving on the mountain roads, which are narrow, windy and above all high up. Local drivers who know the roads well go like the clappers, but if you try it you may well go off a cliff. The well-maintained Pan-American Highway runs down the length of Peru's coast, with intersecting highways running east into the mountains.

Many unlicensed taxi companies operate in Peru and visitors are advised to avoid these. They usually have a red and white taxi sign on the windscreen. Licensed yellow taxis are the only cabs allowed in downtown Lima. Taxis do not have meters and you should agree fares before departure (they are relatively inexpensive). Extensive and safe taxi services are available by telephone in main cities. Hotels and hostels will book them for you. Taxi fares increase by 35 to 50% after midnight and on holidays. Drivers do not expect tips.

Taking the bus is the travel method of choice in Peru; buses go in almost every direction. You can book yourself onto everything from a bus with seats that recline until fully horizontal and hostesses to bring you dinner, to a squashed-in place in the back of a pick-up truck, depending on your budget.

The crème de la crème of coach company in Peru is Cruz del Sur (tel: (01) 311 5050;www.cruzdelsur.com.pe). It’s the most expensive, but you’ll get a nice meal and a good night’s sleep. Other coach companies are Flores (tel: (01) 332 1212; www.floreshnos.net), Linea (tel: (01) 424 0836;www.transporteslinea.com.pe) and MovilTours (tel: (01) 716 8000; www.moviltours.com.pe). Otherwise just turn up at a bus station or ask around.

Public transport in Lima is provided by conventional buses and by minibuses (combis), though they are overcrowded, sometimes dangerous and not particularly useful for tourists. These operate from 06h00 to 00h00 on established routes; wherever possible, try to avoid using bus travel late at night. Lima has a clean, efficient metro system which links nine districts, and allows travel between Miraflores and Lima centre.

Peru Rail (tel: (01) 517 1884; www.perurail.com) runs comfortable tourist trains between Puno and Cusco and between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Ferrocarril Central Andino (tel: (01) 226 6363;www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe or www.rrdc.com/op_peru_fcca.html) runs a twice-monthly tourist service on renovated trains between Lima and Huáncayo. This spectacular route is the second highest railway in the world (the highest being in Tibet).

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is caused by the transition from sea level to higher elevations. 

Here are a few good tips when dealing with high altitude.  This is not meant to substitute any medical advice or attention.  Please consult your physician before travelling to high altitude locations.

• When you first arrive at a higher altitude, acclimatize for a period of time prior to beginning strenuous activities.  At high elevations, the atmosphere is thinner and therefore, there is less oxygen and less humidity available.  This can result in a number of symptoms, such as mild headaches or slight shortness of breath.

• It is very important that you drink plenty of water. To limit the effects of dehydration, it is recommended that travelers drink four or five times more liquids than what they normally drink at sea level.

• Tea, coffee or alcoholic beverages are discouraged because they act as diuretics and therefore may contribute to dehydration.

• Eat less than usual prior to and upon arrival.

• Common outdoor hazards, such as sunburn and dehydration, are dangerous and should be taken seriously. By protecting yourself from the sun and drinking plenty of liquids, you can help prevent these hazards. Symptoms of dehydration may include headache, nausea and impaired cognitive function.

• “Coca tea” is normally complimentary at every hotel.  Drink as much as you want.

• Adequate UV (Ultraviolet) protection is a must

We recommend that you take out travel insurance for your trip. If you do not have a preferred supplier yet, Global Rescue is a recognized industry leader and can be contacted by clicking here: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/andbeyond/index.html .  Or by calling +1-617-459-4200, please inform Global Rescue that you heard of them through andBeyond.

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% 

The weather in Peru varies according to area – the changes in altitude are so extreme that the climate goes from freezing snow in the mountains to boiling sun on the coast. Likewise, the coast covers such a large stretch of longitude that the temperature changes dramatically as you head further south.

On the coast winter lasts from June to September. The weather tends to be overcast and slightly damp at this time, but rarely very cold. It hardly ever rains in Lima nor most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

During June to September, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. This is high tourist season and the best time to visit most regions. Rainy season in the Andes starts in September and peaks between January and March, and this is a dreadful and occasionally dangerous time to be hiking.

Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It is rainy and hot for most of the year, but between March and September there are occasional cold surges which might require a jumper.

For travel in Peru, a variety of clothes are necessary. You will need very lightweight clothes for summer on the coast, and thermals, hats, gloves and ski jackets for winter up in the mountains. It can become freezing at night at altitude and remain hot and sticky through the nights in the jungle. Waterproof clothing is thoroughly recommended for the rainy season, because the heavens open very suddenly, and then it pours.

If you are travelling to the jungle you’ll need something protective and waterproof for your feet. For any mountain hiking you’ll need proper, supportive boots. If you’re spending time along the coast you’ll need sandals or flip-flops.

Clothing

• Comfortable hiking boots or closed walking shoes
• Sandals – preferably low healed or flat if you are going to be in the coast during summer (December to March)
• Rain gear if travelling to the highlands or rain forest during the rainy season (rainy season goes from November to April)
• A warm winter jacket
• A fleece jacket
• A sun hat / or cap
• Short and long-sleeve T-shirts
• Swimwear
• A backpack for the overnight at Machu Picchu
• Formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.

Equipment

• Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments)
• Walking sticks if visiting archaeological sites or doing trekking
• Camera/handy-cam with extra batteries and plenty of film/memory sticks
• Binoculars
• Quality sunglasses
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
• Lip balm, especially when travelling to the highlands
• Moisturizing cream and sunscreen (SPF 20 or higher is recommended)
• Insect repellent (required in the rain forest and in Machu Picchu)

Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz (cycles per second). If you want to use a 110-volt appliance in Peru, you’ll need to buy a voltage converter. But always check before spending money on an converter, as many modern laptops and digital cameras can safely take both 110 and 220 volts (they are dual voltage).

Many of Peru’s top-end hotels have outlets for 110-volt appliances. They should be clearly labeled as such, but always check if you’re unsure.

There are two types of electrical outlets in Peru. One accepts two-pronged plugs with flat, parallel blades, while the other takes plugs with two round prongs. Many Peruvian electrical outlets are designed to accept both types.

If your appliance has a different plug attachment (such as a three-pronged UK plug), you’ll need to buy an adapter. Universal plug adapters are inexpensive and easy to carry around. It’s a good idea to buy one before you go to Peru (most major airports have a store selling plug adapters).

Telephone, Internet and Mail:

If you wish to make international phone calls, you may purchase pre-paid phone cards and use them while you are in any city in Peru.

•Mobile Phones: foreign phones, including iPhones and Blackberries work well. There is very good coverage both in cities and surprisingly in some rural areas, including Machu Picchu! The two main providers are Claro and Movistar.

•Internet: in every city, you will find cheap Internet cafés and most hotels offer Wi-Fi and/or have business centers.

•Mail: postcards and stamps are typically available at airports. Stamps to the USA or Europe cost about 7 soles ($2.50 USD).

Gratuity Guideline

It is customary to tip 10% of the bill at all restaurants. It is also the custom to tip local guides and drivers.

• Local Driver USD 5 per person per day
• Local Guide USD 15 per person per day
• Driver Guide USD 15 per person per day

Taxis

Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but they appreciate the fare being rounded off.

Tipping is not compulsory and this is just a general guideline for Individual travelers visiting our destinations.

It is up to the discretion of each individual if you wish to give something extra to someone who has gone out of their way to be helpful to you.