Weather & Climate
The day temperature is year round about 20º C in Cusco. Due to the high altitude, between May and October (winter), temperatures can drop to about 3º C or even colder at night. In the summer from December to April, it is a little warmer, but there may be heavy rains. Generally speaking, Cusco can be cold, especially in the shadow. The sun is always very strong, so use a really good sun cream.
Altitude and Dryness
It is important to know that some areas of Peru are situated at extreme heights. Cusco, for example, is situated at 3,360 meters and Puno at 3,800 meters. Most of us are not used to such altitude, and if we don’t take care the first few days, we can get really sick. Take your time and take it easy when you arrive. Don’t drink any alcohol, but drink tea extracted from the leaves of the coca plant instead. Coca tea is common in the Peruvian Andes and helps reduce the negative effects of altitude sickness and stomach problems.
At 3,000 meters or higher the air is dry and thin. This makes skin and especially lips dehydrated. If you feel this occurring, apply some cream or lip balm.
Peru Currency
Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). One Nuevo Sol is broken down into 100 centimos. Banknotes currently circulating include 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Nuevos Soles. Coins come in 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles. Smaller coins include 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimos.
Currency Exchange
There are no restrictions for changing currency in Peru. US dollars are commonly accepted in most hotels and tourist shops. Local shops and markets accept only Soles. We recommend exchanging money in banks, because they offer more security and guarantees. Be wary of counterfeit banknotes. If you bring US Dollars, make sure the banknotes are new and without any damage. If the banknote is not perfect, it will not be accepted in Peru.
Credit Cards
Visa, Master Card and American Express are welcome in Peru. Credit cards can be used in high category establishments. We don’t accept credit card payments in the Spanish language school. In case you need cash, use one of the numerous ATM’s located all over the country, especially in larger cities. In Cusco there are many ATM’s in the city centre. For further information or to cancel your credit card, contact:
Visa: (511) 372-5808
Master Card: (511) 444-3366
Traveller`s Cheques
Traveller`s cheques are not usually accepted in shops, restaurants, hostels, etc. However, exchanging them elsewhere is not a problem. A 7% commission fee will be charged at the airport, 2% to 6% at banks in the city, while only 2% will be charged at exchange bureaus.
Transportation
You can use public transport buses and mini-buses to get around Cusco with a charge of just under one Sol (S/.1.00). On the other hand, taxis have a fixed urban tariff of two Soles (S/. 2.00) possibly rising to five Soles if you're going to the airport. If possible, use registered taxis; a sign and a phone number on the roof identify them.
Communications
Internet costs about one to two Soles per hour. There are many throuhout the city. The Spanish school has a Wi-Fi connection which all the students can freely use. For phone services you can use a phone card with one of the hundreds of public phones located all around the city. Probably the best way is to simply buy a prepaid sim card and put it in the mobile phone you bring from home.
Safety and Security
Wherever you go, always keep the following rule in mind: don’t let your money, backpack, documents or cameras out of your possession. It is not necessary to become paranoid while travelling in Peru, but do be careful.
Tourist Protection Service
The Tourist Protection Service (SPT) has been created to protect your consumer rights by helping you to solve any problems that may arise regarding the tourist services you contract in Peru. The SPT intercedes on behalf of tourists to obtain immediate attention from the individual or company that fails to provide optimal and timely service, or does not comply with contractual terms or advertised conditions.
You can reach the SPT by telephone or fax the 24 hour Hot Line: +511 421-1227.
- Lima: (01) 224-7800
- Arequipa: (054) 444564, 221228
- Cusco: (084) 237364, 234498
- Puno: (051) 365088
Call toll free: 0800-4-2579 (Not available by pay phone). When calling, kindly give the operator your full name, explain your problem briefly, and identify the individual or company involved. For further assistance, there is a team of assistants that will be able to help you by phone or in person, as required. The service is available in Spanish or English.
