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What is Peru like?

Peru is one of the most diverse countries on Earth: It is larger than the Germany, France and Spain combined and possesses 84 of the world’s 104 life zones, from coastal deserts to Amazon forests and glacial peaks.

How safe is it to Travel to Peru?

Travelling to Peru nowadays is very safe. We can assure you that you will feel comfortable and safe at all times, although of course the usual precautions apply when travelling anywhere in the world. Since terrorism was eradicated more than a decade ago, the Peru government has focused on bringing stability and economic growth to the nation. However as when travelling to any large city, we recommend you:

Be careful with your personal belongings.
Avoid unnecessary walks at night.
Don't flash money, jewelery, camera equipment; don't go out alone at night and don't venture into less than desireable neighbourhoods,
Take extra precautions from pick-pockets -use a leg sock, in-clothing pouch or some other hidden compartment for your valuables and excess cash, keeping in your pockets only what you expect to need that day.

What is included?

When you travel with AS is included all transport, entrance fees for all tours, excursions, national parks and museums, as per itinerary: Accommodation at selected hotels, with breakfast, on a twin room basis; domestic flights as per itinerary.  

Another advantage of travelling with us is that everything is taken care of. We carefully plan your schedule. We arrange all your accommodations, your entrance into different venues, your transportation, and most of your meals. All you have to do is enjoy yourself.

What is not included?

International flights; visas; airport departure taxes; travel insurance; personal expenses (clothing, laundry, phone calls, etc.); meals not mentioned on the itinerary; tips to guides.

When is the best time to visit?

Peru can be visited all year round. The high season is from June to October and is the best time to travel to Cusco, when you can enjoy brilliant sunshine from very early in the day, as is the case throughout the Peruvian highlands all year round. In the Andes the heaviest rains fall in January and February. The rainforest can be visited at any time of year; fauna can often be seen at riverbanks and oxbow lakes during the dry season. It should be remembered that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during February.

Another important reason for visiting Cusco in June is the Inti Raymi or "Celebration of the Sun".

On the other hand the advantage of travelling during the low season from November to May is that you will beat the crowds and will be able to enjoy Cusco and its wonders at your own pace.

What will the weather be like?

Climate varies according to the region, and weather varies according to the season. Summer on the Pacific coast is from December to April, and although temperatures are lower during the rest of the year, there is no rainfall. In the Andes, the dry season is from April to October, when skies are clear and the days are sunny and warm, and nights are cold. In the highland rainy season daytime temperatures are slightly lower, although it is less cold at night. The Amazon region has its dry season from April to October, although, of course, it is humid and hot in the rainforest throughout the year.

For weather reports for Peru’s main cities click here.

Is the altitude an issue?

When travelling at altitudes of around 3,500 m, (11480 feet) there is about half the oxygen in the air found at sea level. To avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, a few simple precautions can be taken: It is advisable to rest for the first few hours after arriving at altitude, to drink plenty of fluids and to avoid heavy, carbohydrate-laden foods in favour of lighter meals. Most people acclimatise to high altitudes within a couple of days, as the body produces more red blood cells to deal with the lack of oxygen. Additionally, we highly recommend that you contact your physician prior to taking any medication, should you choose to do so.

What is the currency and should I carry cash?

The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo soll, which is divided into 100 centimos, Banks, hotels, many stores and all travel operators readily accept US dollars. It is not advisable to use travellers’ cheques as bank charges are high. There are ATMs in all cities, and Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted.

How do we travel around the country?

With the exception of Nazca, you fly to all the major destinations even if you go between some of them by surface travel. Overland travel has improved greatly in recent years, and transport companies on major routes provide modern, safe buses, with sleeper bus services available on longer routes. On our private tours we provide comfortable vehicles and highly experienced, professional drivers.

Can one drink the water?

Peru’s water is drinkable in most of its territory; however, because of its high mineral content, it is advisable to always drink bottled water. On camping trips, water is sterilised or boiled by the guides.

What is the food like?

International cuisine is widely available, but because Peru is renowned for its excellent and varied cuisine we recommend that you try the local food. Local cooking varies from region to region, with most cities producing at least one traditional dish. Not surprisingly, Peru’s Pacific coast provides the ingredients for some of the world’s finest seafood dishes.

If you have special dietary requirements, send us prior notification then we can accommodate any dietary requirements, including vegetarians, vegans and those with food allergies.

What vaccinations are needed?

Peru doesn’t require any vaccinations for its visitors but we recommend that you have updated vaccinations for: rabies, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. For those travelling to the Amazon region, yellow fever vaccination certificates are required and malaria prophylaxis is recommended.

What languages do the guides speak?

Although English is not widely spoken in Peru, all our guides have English as a second language and guides in other languages can be provided on request.

Do I need travel insurance?

You don’t have to purchase travel insurance, still we highly recommend it. For example, if an unforeseen event occurs before your departure and you have to cancel the trip, you will be reimbursed for all or some of the costs. Otherwise, chances are you will pay cancellation fees and lose money.

What kind of documents do I need for travelling to Peru?

U.S. citizens need a valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier either at the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Peru or once on-board. (NOTE: Other nationalities should check with the nearest Peruvian Consulate to determine correct entry requirements).

For further information click here.

What is the maximum age for children to enjoy all the benefits of travel?

For children to enjoy reduced travel, they must be 11 years of age or younger. Please make sure that your children do not turn 12 while travelling, as they will not qualify for discounted fares.  

I don’t understand the rankings of your hotels. Can you explain?

There are many ways to categorize hotels, but the most popular ones are either the categories we use or the stars. If you are not familiar with our system, think of the following: deluxe = five-star or occasionally selected four-star hotels, first class = four-star accommodation, upgraded tourist class = the top end of the three-star hotel, tourist class = three-star establishments, low budget = two-star hotels.

General comments about properties in Perú

Please consider that properties in Perú may not meet the standards you are accustomed to in your country. The places you will visit do not enjoy our same standards of living. Although there are hotels throughout Perú that match the luxury and facilities of US counterparts, do not expect to find a Las Vegas or Cancun type of resort in places like Peru's Sacred Valley or Arequipa´Colca canyon

You will find very fine, unique and comfortable properties, just don't expect the lavishness of some mass tourist destinations. In many cases, properties are right next to beautiful tropical surroundings teeming with life.