Peru
Looking for adventure travel tours in Peru? Click link below to find more about the professional guided treks and tours we offer.
Country
In Peru, country of Incas and Cordilleras
The Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Vilcanota, Lake Titicaca, the altiplano, the site of Machu Picchu ... All of these sites conjure up fascinating mythical images in the minds of travelers!
With a desert coastal strip, a great wall of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, a chain of high volcanoes and a thick rainforest, Peru has much strength to excite hikers. Beyond these extraordinary landscapes, a trek in Peru is also the chance to meet the Andean civilization: the surprising remains of the Inca Empire, a civilization which flourished until the 16th century; the testimonies of numerous previous civilizations and the cultural richness of the many communities on the altiplano. So follow us on to the Incas' paths, frequented by the Peruvian people and their herds ever since the dawn of time. Soak in the legends of the "sons of Sun's" earth, its markets, its exuberant celebrations, its Andean music... so that the myth turns to reality!
The Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Vilcanota, Lake Titicaca, the altiplano, the site of Machu Picchu ... All of these sites conjure up fascinating mythical images in the minds of travelers!
With a desert coastal strip, a great wall of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, a chain of high volcanoes and a thick rainforest, Peru has much strength to excite hikers. Beyond these extraordinary landscapes, a trek in Peru is also the chance to meet the Andean civilization: the surprising remains of the Inca Empire, a civilization which flourished until the 16th century; the testimonies of numerous previous civilizations and the cultural richness of the many communities on the altiplano. So follow us on to the Incas' paths, frequented by the Peruvian people and their herds ever since the dawn of time. Soak in the legends of the "sons of Sun's" earth, its markets, its exuberant celebrations, its Andean music... so that the myth turns to reality!
Highlights
- The most complete range of travel: hikes to cultural expeditions.
- Original routes, even exclusive, thanks to our guide's very good knowledge of the field (more than 20 years of experience) and the knowledge of our suppliers, undisputed experts in their region.
- The best stages and varying, even when addressing the most visited sites
- The quality of accommodation for your comfort
- Unparalleled logistics throughout the trip (high quality and great variety of food and service during treks)
- Comprehensive, high quality security equipment, including a hyperbaric chamber for all trekking and expeditions.
- A team of mountain guides, tour guides and licensed guides to all historic site; all of whom are highly qualified and licensed.
Climate
The seasons are reversed compared to North America. Remember that when it is summer in the United States (July-August), you arrive to in winter in Peru!
- In the Sierra (mountainous), the dry season, from April to October (local winter), is the best time for altitude trekking. The view is unobstructed and the peaks are sunny, but if daytime temperatures only vary by a little, cold reigns at night, especially in June and July. Even though the months of April and May can still see some significant rainfall in the mountains, the weather is usually beautiful in the morning, with a superb view of the sparkling mountains. From April to July, the landscape is green and the alpine pastures covered with flowers.
- The coastal deserts can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time is between November and March, the local summer, because during the winter, Lima and the coastal regions are often drowned in a thick fog.
- In the Sierra (mountainous), the dry season, from April to October (local winter), is the best time for altitude trekking. The view is unobstructed and the peaks are sunny, but if daytime temperatures only vary by a little, cold reigns at night, especially in June and July. Even though the months of April and May can still see some significant rainfall in the mountains, the weather is usually beautiful in the morning, with a superb view of the sparkling mountains. From April to July, the landscape is green and the alpine pastures covered with flowers.
- The coastal deserts can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time is between November and March, the local summer, because during the winter, Lima and the coastal regions are often drowned in a thick fog.
Temperatures
Average temperatures in main cities (day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:
| Jan | Feb |
March |
April |
May |
June |
|
| Lima (coast) | 79/66 | 79/66 |
79/66 | 75/63 |
72/61 |
66/59 |
| Cusco (10,827f) |
66/45 | 66/45 | 66/43 | 66/41 |
66/37 |
66/34 |
| July | August |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
| Lima (coast) | 66/57 | 66/57 | 66/57 | 68/59 | 72/61 | 75/63 |
| Cusco (10,827f) | 66/34 | 68/36 | 68/41 | 70/43 | 70/43 | 68/45 |
Profile
| Population | 28 million of habitants (49 % American Indians, 33 % Mulatto, and 12 % Creoles) |
| Surface | 496,2222 square miles |
| Capital | Lima (almost 8 millions habitant) |
| Main Cities |
Arequipa, Cuzco, Huaraz |
| Peaks |
Huascaran (22,205 feet), Ausangate (20,945 feet) |
| Maqin lake |
Titicaca Lake |
| Official Language |
Espagnol and Quechua |
| Religion | Catholicism (almost 90 % of the population) |
| Political Status | Constitutional Republic |
| Time Shift |
Currencies
The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN)
Exchange rate in 2007 (standard price): 1 € = 4 PEN approximately
What currencies to bring and where to exchange?
Take dollars which can easily be exchanged in the major cities. Credit card use is widespread and you can find ATMs in major cities (Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno ...). You can withdraw either SOL or US dollars (the dollar is accepted for all big transactions).
Exchange rate in 2007 (standard price): 1 € = 4 PEN approximately
What currencies to bring and where to exchange?
Take dollars which can easily be exchanged in the major cities. Credit card use is widespread and you can find ATMs in major cities (Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno ...). You can withdraw either SOL or US dollars (the dollar is accepted for all big transactions).
Travel Warnings
As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips. Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
US citizens, please check with: US department of State
US citizens, please check with: US department of State
Our Story
Since its inception, Mountain World Travel has a special relationship with Peru! Jef Tripard, a founding member, biologist and mountain guide demonstrates a longstanding passion for those Peruvian sites that are not very well frequented. It was in 1984 that the beautiful adventure actually began. Philippe Allibert conducts a first time French mountaineering expedition in Peru to climb Ausangate, which will later become a summit fetish for our team. A native from the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, Cirilo-then aged 15-and his father Francisco-great friends of Herman Buhl, conqueror of the Nanga Parbat Mountain in Pakistan- were the muleteers accompanying the expedition. Since that day, our teams have been working together and a true friendship has been established. Many bonds of affection also exist between the Mountain World Travel guides and this Peruvian family.
From the outset, Cirilo and Francisco have been providing service on our trekking trips. And unlike many Peruvians who generally walk by means of utility, they passionately love the mountains! With an extraordinary sense for guest service, they along with Mountain World Travel, created a local agency in Peru. Today, they work exclusively for us. Cirilo is undoubtedly one of the greatest connoisseurs of the southern Peruvian Cordilleras. He conveys his enthusiasm and knowledge to his guiding team, for which the Inca world has no secrets.
From the outset, Cirilo and Francisco have been providing service on our trekking trips. And unlike many Peruvians who generally walk by means of utility, they passionately love the mountains! With an extraordinary sense for guest service, they along with Mountain World Travel, created a local agency in Peru. Today, they work exclusively for us. Cirilo is undoubtedly one of the greatest connoisseurs of the southern Peruvian Cordilleras. He conveys his enthusiasm and knowledge to his guiding team, for which the Inca world has no secrets.
Responsible Approach
We involve ourselves in a responsible way in Peru on several levels:
- The funding of learning English for the Peruvian team in order to promote friendly exchanges with the trekkers and expand their professional opportunities.
- welcoming Bolivian guides on trekking trips in Peru to enable discussion with their colleagues regarding working methods and their different professional experiences.
- Improving our staff's working conditions (guides, porters, cooks and muleteers), through 650 pounds of hiking equipment donations (sleeping bags, backpacks, jackets, fleece, shoes) collected in 2005 through your generosity, which of our guides donation and the mountaineering equipment companies of Millet and Salomon.
- The funding of learning English for the Peruvian team in order to promote friendly exchanges with the trekkers and expand their professional opportunities.
- welcoming Bolivian guides on trekking trips in Peru to enable discussion with their colleagues regarding working methods and their different professional experiences.
- Improving our staff's working conditions (guides, porters, cooks and muleteers), through 650 pounds of hiking equipment donations (sleeping bags, backpacks, jackets, fleece, shoes) collected in 2005 through your generosity, which of our guides donation and the mountaineering equipment companies of Millet and Salomon.
Some Useful Words
The official languages in Peru are Spanish (spoken by a large majority of the population) and Quechua (the vernacular of the Inca Empire, spoken by the American Indians). By learning a few key words, you can earn the respect of your audience and facilitate your dealings with the Peruvian people. Do not hesitate to use the following terms in Spanish:
Hello, how are you? : ¿Buenos días, cómo está?
Very well, thank you: muy bien, gracias
Please: por favor
Thanks: gracias
Goodbye: Hasta Luego
Yes: sí-no: no
Excuse: perdoneme
No problem! : No se worries
You can ask your guide how to pronounce them; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!
Hello, how are you? : ¿Buenos días, cómo está?
Very well, thank you: muy bien, gracias
Please: por favor
Thanks: gracias
Goodbye: Hasta Luego
Yes: sí-no: no
Excuse: perdoneme
No problem! : No se worries
You can ask your guide how to pronounce them; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!
Respect of Customs and Habits
The Peruvian people, made up of Indians, Mulattos and Creoles, is a people with old traditions. The inhabitants of the Peruvian highlands are sometimes rather reserved initially; it is advisable to observe some discretion.
Some Advice
What are the risks of traveling to Peru?
Peru suffers from a bad reputation: it is said that robbery (against tourists in particular) is commonplace. This idea is excessive. The situation has improved more in recent years. The best way to avoid being robbed is not to show too much of your jewelry and other technological devices, not to leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms and to always be vigilant in frequented places (markets, tourist sites and so on.)
Advice from Yves Pelissier, head of travel in the Americas:
In Cuzco as in Arequipa, relatively safe cities, feel free to wander through the narrow streets which are full of treasures: Inca foundations, colonial churches not cited in the guides, beautiful patios and gardens which you can catch a glimpse of through a propped open door.
Are electrical plugs compatible with American equipment in Peru?
There are two types of plugs in Peru: ones similar to those in Europe and ones like those in the US (two vertical slits). In general, the voltage is 220 volts.
Can I bring home all of the souvenirs that I want?
Crafts in Peru are rich and abundant: weaving, wools, musical instruments, jewelry, minerals, and so on. Buy items that you like as soon as you see them because each place has its specific craft and you are not guaranteed to find the same object even if you return later! On the other hand, do not rush on purchases in Lima because this is not the place where one finds the most beautiful souvenirs. We also remind you that it is forbidden to acquire the archeological pieces from the Peruvian cultural heritage (such as pre-Columbian artifacts). Even if you think you have made an acquisition in due and proper form, you do not have the guarantee of being able to export your purchase without the consent of the National Institute of Culture; and that only comes at the end of another very long process!
What should I put in my hand bag and carry on luggage?
While preparing your luggage, put anything that resembles a "cutting" item (scissors, file, crampons.....) or anything that could be regarded as potentially harmful to the aircraft security in your check on luggage. Note that lighters are prohibited in carry-on baggage and in check on luggage. Luggage should not be locked (no padlocks or combination closures, only certain approved locks are authorized) due to the fact that their contents could be searched by security personnel at any time.
Peru suffers from a bad reputation: it is said that robbery (against tourists in particular) is commonplace. This idea is excessive. The situation has improved more in recent years. The best way to avoid being robbed is not to show too much of your jewelry and other technological devices, not to leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms and to always be vigilant in frequented places (markets, tourist sites and so on.)
Advice from Yves Pelissier, head of travel in the Americas:
In Cuzco as in Arequipa, relatively safe cities, feel free to wander through the narrow streets which are full of treasures: Inca foundations, colonial churches not cited in the guides, beautiful patios and gardens which you can catch a glimpse of through a propped open door.
Are electrical plugs compatible with American equipment in Peru?
There are two types of plugs in Peru: ones similar to those in Europe and ones like those in the US (two vertical slits). In general, the voltage is 220 volts.
Can I bring home all of the souvenirs that I want?
Crafts in Peru are rich and abundant: weaving, wools, musical instruments, jewelry, minerals, and so on. Buy items that you like as soon as you see them because each place has its specific craft and you are not guaranteed to find the same object even if you return later! On the other hand, do not rush on purchases in Lima because this is not the place where one finds the most beautiful souvenirs. We also remind you that it is forbidden to acquire the archeological pieces from the Peruvian cultural heritage (such as pre-Columbian artifacts). Even if you think you have made an acquisition in due and proper form, you do not have the guarantee of being able to export your purchase without the consent of the National Institute of Culture; and that only comes at the end of another very long process!
What should I put in my hand bag and carry on luggage?
While preparing your luggage, put anything that resembles a "cutting" item (scissors, file, crampons.....) or anything that could be regarded as potentially harmful to the aircraft security in your check on luggage. Note that lighters are prohibited in carry-on baggage and in check on luggage. Luggage should not be locked (no padlocks or combination closures, only certain approved locks are authorized) due to the fact that their contents could be searched by security personnel at any time.
Safeguarding the Environment
Peru presents three types of distinct landscapes. One being the Amazon rainforest (selva) which occupies more than 60% of the territory. The second being the coastal desert strips along the Pacific, representing only 10% of the territory but "housing" half of the population, in addition to Lima, the capital. And the third being the mountainous territory, the Sierra, made up of several high Cordilleras, which include five peaks over 19,700 feet: Cordillera Blanca, Huayhuash, Vilcanota, and the Cordillera Vilcabamba, south west of Peru.
Do not leave your waste behind you: bring waste to the next hotel or camp (the local team sets up a trash collection each night). To do this, always think of bringing with you a small bag for your personal waste. Smokers: please, provide a pocket ashtray for your cigarette butts. In addition, bring the most polluting waste back to the USA (batteries, etc...) due to the fact that there is no way of eliminating these on the spot. Prefer to treat the water using tablets (type Micropur) rather than buying many plastic bottles of water that will only increase the amount of waste.
In the camps, use the toilet. In nature, if there is no danger of fire burn your toilet paper after use. Crossing cultivated land, picking crops (fruits, corn, etc.), frightening a farmer's cattle...all of these actions can potentially cause great loss; including the risk of him not being able to feed his family during the difficult months. Respect their assets!
On the hills, animals that you encounter most often will come from the camel family: the llama, alpacas, guanacos and vicuna. The first two are domestic, the last two only are wild. Sometimes, by chance, you may come across viscaches, small agile long-tailed rodents living in the rocky terrain at higher elevation and some raptors, including the majestic condor. Traveling through the coastal desert along the Pacific, we may see penguins, seals, pink flamingos, pelicans, terns, endemic ducks and many other kinds of birds. We are counting on you not to try to approach these animals too closely. The flora is reduced at higher elevations; therefore it needs to be respected: grasses, mosses and lichens, as well as some succulent plants (cacti)). The most common tree in the Andean valleys is the eucalyptus (introduced in South America after the arrival of the conquistadors). In some Cordilleras, up to over 14,700 feet, you can see quenuas (polylepis), trees with bark in sheets.
Do not leave your waste behind you: bring waste to the next hotel or camp (the local team sets up a trash collection each night). To do this, always think of bringing with you a small bag for your personal waste. Smokers: please, provide a pocket ashtray for your cigarette butts. In addition, bring the most polluting waste back to the USA (batteries, etc...) due to the fact that there is no way of eliminating these on the spot. Prefer to treat the water using tablets (type Micropur) rather than buying many plastic bottles of water that will only increase the amount of waste.
In the camps, use the toilet. In nature, if there is no danger of fire burn your toilet paper after use. Crossing cultivated land, picking crops (fruits, corn, etc.), frightening a farmer's cattle...all of these actions can potentially cause great loss; including the risk of him not being able to feed his family during the difficult months. Respect their assets!
On the hills, animals that you encounter most often will come from the camel family: the llama, alpacas, guanacos and vicuna. The first two are domestic, the last two only are wild. Sometimes, by chance, you may come across viscaches, small agile long-tailed rodents living in the rocky terrain at higher elevation and some raptors, including the majestic condor. Traveling through the coastal desert along the Pacific, we may see penguins, seals, pink flamingos, pelicans, terns, endemic ducks and many other kinds of birds. We are counting on you not to try to approach these animals too closely. The flora is reduced at higher elevations; therefore it needs to be respected: grasses, mosses and lichens, as well as some succulent plants (cacti)). The most common tree in the Andean valleys is the eucalyptus (introduced in South America after the arrival of the conquistadors). In some Cordilleras, up to over 14,700 feet, you can see quenuas (polylepis), trees with bark in sheets.
