You will find here a collection of tips and tricks, the result of the experience of many tourists who have sometimes suffered some inconvenience during their stay in Peru. We hope this will help you to plan your journey peacefully and to warn you of pitfalls. If you have any additional information that might complete this chapter, feel free to send it to us.
PASSPORT AND VISAS
No need to apply for a visa at the Peruvian Embassy to enter Peru. A tourist visa of 3 to 6 months will be granted upon your arrival at the airport of Lima. Check that your passport is valid on the date of your return.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS IN PERU
We advice you to plan sufficient time with your connecting flights inside Peru, the safest would be to spend a night in Lima, and leave the next day. Due to several delays and flight cancellations from Star Peru and Peruvian Airlines, we discourage you to travel with low cost companies. Better use the services of Latam which is a bit more expensive but more serious.
INSURANCES
We strongly advise you to take a travel insurance including repatriation. If you pay for your trip to Peru by credit card, it is possible that your card offers a range of insurance. This travel insurance generally covers risks for a maximum of three months. Please inquire with your bank or insurer.
YOUR MONEY
The national currency in Peru is Nuevo Sol (PEN), but US dollars are also in circulation. They can also be used to pay for hotel nights, for example. The average rate is 3 soles per dollar. You can easily change your US dollars or euros with banks or exchange offices. Note that foreign exchange commissions are often more important when it comes to changing euros. Your tickets must be in good condition if you wish to change them. Money changers no longer accept US dollars whose serial number begins with CB.
CREDIT CARDS AND ATMS
It is very strongly advised to inform your bank before your departure so that your card is not blocked during your first withdrawal in case of suspicion of fraud. ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard. Preferably use ATMs attached to a bank branch in case your card is swallowed. Prefer partner banks from your own bank to limit commission costs. Withdrawals are mostly limited to 500 soles / day. It is nevertheless possible to renew the operation in banks like Interbank (800 USD/day with a gold) but the commission costs are high. We advise you to pay your stay in advance or to come with your cash. The credit card can also be used to pay for certain expenses, such as hotel fees or some restaurants. These commission fees are lower than for a cash withdrawal.
AMAZONIAN WEATHER
Temperatures in Amazonia can vary between 68 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity can vary between 70 and 90%. It rains very often in the Amazon even during the “dry” season. The rainy season begins in December and ends in June varying the level of rivers and rivers.
WHAT CLOTHES DO I BRING ?
Plan for quick drying summer clothes and rain gear (K-way, rain cape). An ample and covering outfit type shirt with long sleeves, trousers will be used to protect you from mosquitoes. We also recommend some warm clothes type tracksuit, evenings can be cool, especially after a day of showers. Take a pair of bare feet with closed shoes and a bath towel that is easy to dry. Do not forget a hat or a cap, the sun beats hard in these latitudes.
WHAT TO PUT IN MY SUITCASE ?
- Summer clothes, rain, hot etc… (see above)
- Cocoon silk travel sheet
- Light sleeping bag
- mosquito repellent (spray & coils, tiger balm (very effective to calm insect bites!)
- headlamp
- Water bottle
- Ear plugs (peruvian cities are noisy)
- A universal adapter for connecting your electronics devices (electrical tension in peru is 220 volts)
- Books, coloring, creative material or plastic art to keep you calm
- If you have room in your suitcase, you can bring back sweets, notebooks, school supplies and used clothes. They will be very appreciated by the children and will help to help the community.
DO NOT PUT IN YOUR SUITCASE !!!
The safety regulations at airports are becoming more stringent and the list of prohibited articles is growing … Any potentially flammable or potentially explosive objects such as lighters or lithium batteries (electronic cigarette, powerbank), must be placed in your carry-on. In Peru, you risk seeing your baggage stuck and missing your flight.
MOSQUITOS
Mosquitos are of course very present in the Amazon because of the tropical climate. It is advisable to bring a mosquito repellent product for “tropical zones”. There is also a specific spray for impregnating clothes (DEET-based). In most Ayahuasca centers, beds are equipped with mosquito nets. Remember to take anti-mosquito spirals. To calm the bites of insects, you can use according to your preference tiger balm, aloe vera, essential oil of lavender aspic, or buy on the spot of Copaïba oil, beware of cortisone! ! There are areas of malaria in the Amazon particularly around Iquitos. Most of the centers at risk of malaria perform regular fumigations. It is not recommended to mix anti-malaria drugs and Ayahuasca. It is better not to put mosquito repellent during Ayahuasca ceremonies. The smell tends to disturb the participants.
PERFUMES AND COSMETICS
During a diet or Ayahuasca retreat, it is best to use natural products and avoid soaps or shampoos containing chemicals. Also avoid conventional perfumes. Instead, opt for organic herbal cosmetics and neutral scents.
OTHERS QUESTIONS ?
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