Eco & Sustainable Tourism
We support an eco-friendly environment, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
About Your Sightseeing
When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations; however Trekperu will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary.
Motor Coaches in Peru - Please note that motor coaches in Peru are not air-conditioned, with the exception of motor coaches in Lima. Air-conditioning is available in case of overly hot sunny days in the highlands region (Cusco, Puno, Urubamba, Machu Picchu) where the temperature ranges between typical highs around 60-75°F/16 - 24C and lows of 30-40°F/2-5C. However, the motor coaches in the highlands do not have air conditioning.
Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours)
Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Trekperu should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
Currency
We suggest getting a small amount of Peruvian currency Soles before you leave the U.S. or other country. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Peru has many ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will dispense cash in local currency and US$. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange S/100 bills of soles. We suggest to carry S/20 bills in soles or smaller. For gratuities you can use US$5.00 and up.
Peru - The Sol is the currency of Peru. Most tourist areas accept and exchange U.S. dollars. Torn or slightly damaged bills will likely not be accepted by Peruvian stores and restaurants. Exchange houses will give you a lower rate. Be sure to bring crisp and new U.S. dollars. It is recommended to carry a Visa card and MasterCard for use in restaurants and shops.
Credit Cards
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons. When paying with credit cards you will need to make sure they are not going to charge you an extra fee.
Mostly all credit cards are accepted at the ATM´s but make sure to use the ATM in the bank during business hours only for your safety. The banks charge a fee and your bank will also do so. You can withdraw the Sol or US$ dollars.
Shopping
Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities.
We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally-crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find alone. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. If you are on a private tour then you can decline the shopping visit.
While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping (TFS) allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their shopping in Peru.
The following items may be imported by visitors over 18 years of age into Peru without incurring customs duty:
• 20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 3L of alcoholic beverages.
• Gifts or new articles for personal use up to a value of US$500
Eligible countries and their specific regulations are subject to change at any time including the % of VAT which is reclaimable and the minimum purchase amount restriction. When planning to shop in a country with Tax-Free Shopping and to reclaim VAT/GST taxes, we recommend that you check the current regulations prior to completing your purchase. In many cases, stores will display signage such as “VAT Refunds for Tourists.” Normally, you will need to present your passport and receive a VAT Refund Application form(s) from the store along with an explanation of how to claim your refund. Sometimes this is completed at the airport upon departure or later via mail from your home. Service fees may apply. Alternatively, you may choose to work with a fee-based VAT Refund Service.
U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges
You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.
Peru - Peruvians are friendly, serious, honest and traditional people. When shopping for Peruvian handicrafts including pottery, textiles and wood carvings it is not uncommon to negotiate the price down by 20 percent. Although, in high end stores prices are not negotiable.
Your Safety is Very Important
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit.
It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
- Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
- Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe.
- Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash.
- Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard-to-replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag.
- Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing.
- Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body.
- Always use ATM´s in a bank during banking hours. Do not use in a store etc. or after banking hours because in some occassions your pin number could be stolen.
- Taxis - ask your hotel to call one or use only ones with roof signs. Before entering make sure no one is in the taxi and ask for price before taking off.
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of Trekperu´s representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Trekperu vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
Peru - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Peru, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas.
Tourist Street Scams
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
- Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
- Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
- Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
- Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
- Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
- Don’t tip beggars;
- Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
- Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
- ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
- If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.
Local Emergency Phone Numbers
Peru
Languages
Peru - Spanish is the local language. Quechua is spoken in some areas as well. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
Electricity
Please note: The U.S. uses 110 to 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
Peru - The voltage used is 220 volts and round plugs.
Code of Conduct
Peru - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. Please demonstrate respect for the cultural artifacts of the indigenous peoples.
Gratuities
Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience.
Suggested Tipping:
Greeting host: $20.
Driver for private tours: $15. per day
Guide in private services: US$30. per day
Driver for Group Tours: $5. per tour
Guide for group tours: $10. per tour
Housekeeping: US $3 per room per day
Hotel porters and wait staff: $3. per day
Baggage carrier in airport: $3.
In fine restaurants: 10% of bill and recommend giving directly to waiter.
Peru - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
Food and Meals
As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Trekperu cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Peru - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
Holidays - Peru
Holidays 2016
- Oct 8: Battle of Angamos
- Nov 1: All Saints' Day
- Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day
- Dec 25: Christmas Day
Holidays 2017
- Jan 1: New Year's Day
- Apr 13: Holy Thursday
- Apr 14: Good Friday
- Apr 16: Easter Day
- May 1: Labor Day
- Jun 15: Corpus Christi (Cusco Only)
- Jun 24: Inti Raymi Festival
- Jun 29: St. Peter & St. Paul Day
- Jul 28: Independence Day
- Jul 29: Fiestas Patrias (Homeland Celebrations)
- Aug 30: Santa Rosa de Lima Day
- Oct 8: Battle of Angamos
- Nov 1: All Saints' Day
- Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day
- Dec 25: Christmas
Machu Picchu Trains
Due to very limited storage space, only one small backpack / daypack / handbag up to 5 kilos per passenger is permitted onboard trains to Machu Picchu. This applies for overnight stays as well. Additional luggage will be transported to and held at your hotel in Cusco for no additional charge. Passengers who wish to bring extra luggage on the train will be charged an additional fee directly by the train operator; this extra luggage will follow in a separate train.
Passport booked with is needed to board all Machu Picchu trains.
*All prices are per person. Land tour prices apply from the airport or city specified in the Package Highlights. The total price will be clearly displayed prior to any deposit being required.