Everything you need to know about Peru

Peru's seasons are reversed compared to Europe, and even more so between its own regions: the coast is sunny from December to March, while the Andes are in the rainy season.

• Coast: daytime temperatures of 25-30°C from December to March; the rest of the year, clouds and mist cool things down (16-22°C). The far north (Mancora) stays warm and sunny 300 days a year.
• Andes: drier climate near the Pacific (Arequipa: 20-25°C by day, down to 5°C at night) and cooler around Cuzco and Puno (nights close to 0°C, days around 20°C). Rainy season: December-March, but less rainy than Paris even at its peak.
• Amazon: hot, humid tropical climate year-round (~30°C by day), with a drier season from April to October.

Peru is renowned for its cuisine, which blends pre-Columbian, Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese influences.

• Ceviche — the national dish: raw fish and/or seafood marinated in lime juice, said to be best in Lima.
• Causa — mashed yellow potato, avocado, fish, another coastal classic.
• Lomo saltado — stir-fried beef, onions, tomatoes, fries, rice.
• Rocoto relleno — an Arequipa speciality, stuffed hot pepper.
• Chicharrón de chancho — fried pork.

Cheap snacks: tamales, anticuchos, empanadas. The national spirit is Pisco, served as a Pisco Sour.

Peru's currency is the nuevo sol (S/.); the US dollar is also widely accepted.

• Exchange: banks or currency exchange offices (casa de cambio), open 7 days a week and offering better rates. US dollar bills must be in perfect condition (not torn, no marks). Canadian dollars and Swiss francs are hard to exchange — better to bring US dollars or euros.
• Traveller's cheques: must be exchanged at a bank on presentation of your passport.
• Credit cards: Visa, Amex, Mastercard accepted at good establishments, sometimes with around 5% transaction fees.
• ATMs: withdrawals limited to around 200 US$ per day.

With Paprika Tours, your expenses on the ground are mainly limited to meals (except on full-board itineraries) and souvenirs.

• Meals: inexpensive — a few euros at a popular restaurant, 10-15€ a dish at a good restaurant.
• Handicrafts: best bought at the end of your trip (ideally in Cuzco); haggling at markets is common (up to 20% off, without overdoing it).
• Taxis: without meters, negotiated before the ride — a few soles in general, a bit more in Lima.
• Tipping: never an obligation, as all providers are already paid; our guides and drivers never bring up the subject.

Mobile phone signal covers towns but is still incomplete in rural areas and on roads (country code: +51). Internet and Wi-Fi are available in almost all partner establishments.

• Flying: a good option for short stays, as most towns are served from Lima.
• Bus: Paprika Tours' preferred mode of transport, using the country's best companies and with more comfort than in Europe.
• Private vehicle: suitable for small groups.
• Train: not very developed and expensive, mainly serving the Cuzco-Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes line, a required route for Machu Picchu.

What should you pack? Peru's climate is very varied, so bring clothing for all seasons, as nights are cool at altitude.

• Treks: sturdy hiking boots, blister plasters, thick socks, windbreaker, head torch, small backpack (~10L). Sleeping bags can be rented at the start of treks (book in advance).
• Sun protection: essential at altitude — SPF 40 minimum sunscreen, sunglasses with UV3 minimum protection.
• Luggage: domestic flights limited to 23 kg per person; pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage.
• Documents: photocopy your official documents.
• Electricity: 220 volts, flat and/or round pins depending on the location.

Many Peruvian towns are above 3,000 m in altitude; a prior medical check-up is recommended for anyone with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.

• Altitude sickness (soroche): fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness. A stopover in Arequipa (2,300 m) before Cuzco (3,350 m) then Puno (3,800 m) helps with acclimatization; rest, hydration and light meals if symptoms are mild. Our altitude hotels and vehicles have oxygen reserves.
• Vaccinations: none are compulsory to enter Peru, but the yellow fever vaccine is recommended for the Amazon, where there is also a malaria risk (covering clothing and repellent advised).
• Sun: strong at altitude — sunglasses, a hat and SPF 40 minimum sunscreen.