Perú

INDEPENDENCE DAY: 28th of July (28 de Julio) If you plan to visit Peru at the end of July, during the national holiday, be sure to arrange transport and lodging in advance because of the high demand.

WEATHER: 
The Coast: From December to April, temperatures reach 27°C; from May to  November, temperatures may fall to a mild 12°C with high humidity.
The Highlands: From May to November, days are sunny, nights cold and rain scarce, creating the perfect weather for a visit. Rainfall is abundant from December to April. In a single day, temperatures may fluctuate from 20°C to 5°C.
The Amazon Forest: From May to October is the dry season with sunny days that heat up to 30°C. During the rainy season, rivers swell.

CURRENCY AND MONEY EXCHANGE
The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), It circulates in coins of 10, 20 and 5C centavos and 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles, and in bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevo Soles. Generally, the banks and currency exchange offices will change most foreign currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted and even required to rent a car  and register at hotels. The most common credit cards are: Diner's Club, Visa, MasterTravelers checks in American dollars are not always accepted at hotels, businesses and restaurants (specially in areas far from big cities), so it is always good to carry another form of payment. It is better to have bills in good condition, since torn ones may not be acepted.Card and American Express.

DOCUMENTS: Valid passport required. No visa is necessary for U.S. tourists holding a valid passport, but a formal extension is requiredif the visit exceeds 90 days. If you lose your passport, obtain a temporary replacement from your embassy in Lima. 
PROHIBITIONS: Photographing airports, military bases and police stations is forbidden. In some churches and museums, it is also forbidden to take photographs or make video recordings. 

DRUGS: It is strictly forbidden to transport illegal drugs. Offenders will be arrested and jailed.Under no circumstance should you accept to carry in your luggage packages belonging to strangers. 
VACCINATIONS: If you wish to visit the jungle, you should get an immunization for yellow fever. Covid.19 Vaccinatios are requiered.

PERSONAL SAFETY
As in any big city, tourists in Lima may be the target of robberies and other unpleasant situations. We recommend that you take certain precautions wherever you travel:
• Use a money belt and carry only the amount of money you plan to spend on a given day.
• Leave your airline tickets, money and other valuables in your hotel. Don't walk on dark, deserted streets at night.
• Avoid areas with crowds and many street vendors.
• Keep cose track of bags, cameras and other valuables.
• Avoid talking with people who approach you to offer services in bus terminals or isolated areas.
• In case of robbery, report the incident at the nearest police station and for emergencies call 105.

ELECTRIC CURRENT: 220V. Appliances using 110V will require a transformer.

HEALTH: Drink only sealed, bottled water of a known brand. When hiking in the mountains, boil or purify the water. Be careful to wash raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Avoid eating food from street vendors. The change of food can cause diarrhea. Ask in a pharmacy for local anti-diarrheal medication.

HOW TO DO A  ACCLIMATIZATION:
Because of the altitude, travelers with heart problems or high blood pressure should check with a doctor in advance or if any problem arises. If you plan to visit the highlands, take it easy for the first 2 or 3 days and drink a lot of water to avoid mountain sickness (soroche). If you get a headache, drink coca tea (mate de coca) for some relief. Always carry sunscreen, glasses and a cap for UV protection.

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND PROTECTED SPECIES:
Peruvian law prohibits and prosecutes the sale and export of all types of wild plants and animals and original objects of national cultural heritage, without special
permissions from INRENA or the National Institute of Culture. Avoid buying such materials.

LODGING:
There are hotels and lodgings of all categories and costs. It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance of the peak tourist season (May -  September). Other posibilities are family-run bed and breakfast lodgings. Ask about
check-out times at hotels to avoid additional charges.