When to Go
Peak travel season for tourists is in great part determined by weather. Peru experiences two very distinct seasons, wet and dry terms that are more relevant than "summer" and "winter". Peru's high season for travel coincides with the driest months: May through September, with, by far, the greatest number of visitors in July and August. May and September are particularly fine months to visit much of the country.

Upon Arriving to Peru
Give immigration authorities the landing card (international Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) you received on the plane or the border immigration post. This card must always be returned when leaving the country. Keep it to avoid a US$5.00 fine.

Here are some precautions that we recommend you take while you are here:

1. Make photocopies of your passport and the front and back of each credit card you plan on bringing. You should also make copies of traveler's checks. Carry these copies in a different bag than where you carry the actual items.

2. Keep your passport, airline ticket, credit cards, etc. in a safe place such as a money belt. They are typically worn under your shirt or from a belt under your trousers.

3. Do not leave valuables such as cameras or jewelry in your hotel room. Give them to the front desk of your hotel to place in the safe.

All the international flights arrive and leave from the Jorge Chavez International Airport, located in the Constitutional Province of the Callao, 20 minutes from Lima Historical and 30 minutes from the residential and commercial districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. At the present time, it is administrated by the international partnership Airport Lima Partners.

Peru's official currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), divided in 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents coins and S/. 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 banknotes.

US dollars are welcome at most shops, restaurants and service stations at the current exchange rate. Most establishments accept the main credit cards, including, Visa, Master card, Diners and American Express. The use of traveler's checks may be restricted. Ask the individual establishment if they are accepted. When using a credit card, make sure you are charged the right amount for purchase.

Taxes
A general sales tax (IGV) is added automatically to most consumer bills (19%). Restaurants and hotels add a 10% service fee. Tour packages contracted outside the country are tax exempt.

At all airports, passengers must pay a departure tax: $ 28, for international flights and about $ 5 for domestic flights. tax must be paid in cash before boarding.

Tipping
When you are paying your bill in a restaurant, look for the words propina or servicio near the bottom of the bill. This means the restaurant has added a tip, usually between 5 to 10%. If you think the service is good, you can give the waiter an extra 10%.

Credit Cards
Visa, Master Card and Diners Club, are welcome in Peru. However not every establishment accepts all of them.

In case of needing cash you may use one of the numerous ATMs located all over the country.

For further information or to cancel your credit card you may contact:

Most citizens from the Americas and Western Europe do not need a visa to enter Peru. Citizens from Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador are exempt from passport and visa requirements when visiting certain areas. For more information, ask the Peruvian diplomatic representative closest to you.

If you go to Peru as a tourist, you may stay a maximum of 90 days. You can ask immigration authorities to extend your stay.

Photographing airports, military bases, the surroundings of high tension electric towers and police stations is forbidden. In some churches and museums it is forbidden to take photographs or make video recordings. Ask beforehand. It is strictly forbidden to transport drugs. Offenders will be arrested and jailed. Under no circumstance should you accept packages belonging to strangers, to carry in your luggage.

Precautions
It is not recommended to drink water directly from the tap. It is advisable to drink only bottled or boiled water.

You have to be very cautious of where you eat. Making sure they adhere basic hygienic standards. If not it will be advisable to consume canned food.

When visiting cities in high regions, do not have carbonized drinks, eat fresh fruits and lemon flavor candies to avoid altitude sickness (soroche), also have tablets of "coramina" handy, these pills are ideal to avoid soroche.

You should also try to avoid heavy foods because digestion is much slower than in the coast.

Many credit cards provide a medical insurance when you are abroad, however if yours doesn't or don't have your own health insurance you may get emergency and health coverage of any of the insurance companies operating in Lima.

The principal international travel insurance companies are:

Lima and the main cities in Peru offer different choices in accommodation. The visitor can choose between youth hostels and hostels for about US$ 10.00 to US$40.00 or apart-hotels and hotels for about US$40.00 to US$250.00; the last one means five-star hotels.

It is preferable to arrive with previous hotel reservations because in some seasons there are increases in the rates and it could even be hard to find a room at a reasonable price.

Peru is one of the top shopping destinations in Latin America, with some of the finest and best - priced crafts anywhere. Most shops, malls and handicrafts markets are open every day (including holidays) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.   Bargaining for prices is acceptable in most establishments.

You can spend an enjoyable night out in most major cities. Information about places to visit is usually available at hotels. Some restaurants locally known as peñas offer live music shows. In Lima, most popular discos, pubs and nightclubs are located in the Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco districts. In other cities, they are usually located downtown, near and around the main square.

Food and Drinks
Peruvian cuisine offers travelers a wide range of typical dishes form the coast,

iperu is an attractive gratuitous service that official information provides on tourist, routes and cities, and the availability on watch in the same ones. Also it provides consultant's office to the tourist in the referred thing to the total or partial breach with the services contracted by tourist suppliers, delay or cancellation of transport services, lost of luggage and lost theft or of documents or values.

Consult iperu in http://www.peru.org.pe/, to the email iperu@promperu.gob.pe or in the following directions and telephones: