PERU'S PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

PERU'S PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

 

 

General Information

Peru, the third largest country in South America and nineteenth in the world, encompasses an area of 498,222 square miles and is located in the Central portion of South America.  The country has four regions: the Pacific coastal region that runs 1,554 miles long and represents 10.6% of the territory; the Andean mountain region that runs through Peru from North to South and represents 30.5% of the territory; the jungle region is the largest of the territories and covers 58.9% of the territory; and the Territorial Waters which Peru includes as one of is natural regions and covers the full length of the country and 200 miles into the sea.

 

The population of Peru is over 25 million and 70% of the people live in the urban areas. The country is predominant Catholic (89%).  Spanish and Quechua are the official languages of Peru and many dialects are spoken in the jungle region.  In all mayor cities and tourist destinations, English is spoken.

 

Economy

Peru is one of the world's top seven mining countries in the world. Cooper, zinc, silver are the main minerals being extracted and it represents half of the annual export revenues.  Fishing is one of the richest resources for Peru.  Over six million metric tons of fish are produced every six years.  Peru is the world leader in fish-meal exports.  Thanks to its 28 climate zones Peru can produce just about every food product on earth and it has a wealth of medicinal plants in the jungle region.  Peru has developed a world-class vicuna, alpaca, llama and cotton gourmet industry.

 

Tourism

Over 600,000 people are visiting Peru every year and the numbers continue to grow.  Peru is a major destination in Latin America with famous sites like the City of Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu.  In recent years, Peru's tourism infrastructure has significantly improved offering visitors a variety of accommodations from luxury hotels to clean and simple hostels.  

 

Passport Information

To enter Peru you must have a passport and it must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Peru.  For citizens of USA, Mexico, most of Central America, most of Asia and most of Europe, visas are not required if you are visiting the country for less then 90 days. 

 

If you have changed your name make sure that is reflected on your passport.  You must always use the name as it appears on your passport for all applications, visas and identification.

 

If you are getting a passport for the first time, or if your old one expired more than eight years ago, you will need to provide proof of citizenship, two passport photos, and passport fee.  Please check the government pages of your telephone book to determine the most convenient location for you.

 

It is important to have with you two photocopies of your passport and tickets in case the originals are stolen or misplaced.  Store each set of copies on a separate bag. 

 

Fitness & Health

Participants should be reasonably fit and be able to get around easily for this program since it will involve walking each day, getting in/out of buses, planes and trains, and in the Cuzco region it involves walking at high altitude.  You should begin an active conditioning program before departure- walking, biking, swimming are all beneficial activities.

 

Before you depart for an extended vacation, you should consult your physician.  Make the doctor's appointment no less then 8 week before departure.  You will need some prescriptions, inoculations and perhaps some special advice that relates to your own physical condition.

 

If you have any special conditions or allergy that might require attention overseas, have your physician write a letter describing the nature of the condition and the treatment. Carry the letter with you.  You should be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or part of your trip.

 

Important: Be sure to bring enough of the prescription medication that you are currently taking.  When you pack, make certain that you have ALL your medication in your carry-on luggage.  NEVER pack any of your medications in your checked luggage.

 

Altitude

Travelers to the Cuzco and Andean areas need to take common sense measures in regards to altitude acclimatization.  Cuzco is located at about 11,400 feet above sea level. Visitors are encouraged to limit exertion for the first few days and maintain themselves adequately hydrated.  Coca tea is available at all hotels and assists in the acclimatization process.  Individuals with coronary or other health problems should consult their physician before deciding to travel to Cuzco and other high altitude locations.  Ask your doctor about high altitude medicine.

 

Immunizations

Before traveling to Peru it is important for the visitor to have the right protection against diseases and to understand fully what type of vaccinations that will be needed according to the regions he/she will be visiting.   For general protection for visitors to Peru, it is important to have the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

 

For travel to Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas & Tambopata Research Center

Yellow fever inoculation is suggested for travel to Tambopata.

For precautions against malaria consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine about the presence of malaria in the regions you will be visiting during your trip.

 

Leishmaniasis is present throughout the rain forests of southeastern Peru. It is a skin lesion caused by a protozoan transmitted by a certain kind of small biting fly. There is no vaccination against it but it is curable in every case. The selected cure, injections of pentavalent antimony (Glucantime), is uncomfortable. Leishmaniasis is also very easy to prevent by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and repellent on exposed skin at all times, and sleeping under mosquito nets. If you are interested in receiving complete information on leishmaniasis contact us before your trip.

For more information on medical considerations when traveling to tropical countries contact the:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm

 

It is vital that persons with medical problems or special diet requirements make them known to us well before departure so that land operators are properly informed.

 

Eye Glasses and Contact Lenses

If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair along the trip.  If you wear contact lenses, you may want to take an extra pair or back-up regular glasses.  If your contact lenses require treatment in an electric sterilizer, make sure to bring plug adopters and a voltage transformer that will allow you to use the equipment on 220 volts.

 

Currency, Banks and Credit Cards

The Sol (S/.) is the Peruvian currency and is available in banknotes and coins.  U.S. Dollars are also welcome at most hotel, restaurants and shops at all major tourist destinations.  The visitor can change money/traveler checks at banks, currency exchange offices, hotels and most major airports.  All major tourist destinations have ATM machines available 24 hours a day.  The machine will provide the client with Peruvian currency.  Some machines will provide clients with US$.

 

At Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas & Tambopata Research Center all pending bills must be paid in cash.  US$ or Peruvian currency is welcome. No credit cards, personal or traveler checks are accepted. 

 

Valuables

It is highly recommended to leave at home all jewelry and expensive watches.  If you do bring valuables, most hotels will provide our clients with a safe deposit box located in the hotel management office.  High-end hotels provide clients with a safety deposit box in the rooms.  A fee may be charged for this service.

 

Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas & Tambopata Research Center provides clients with a keyed wooden box that is bolted to a wood post.  Please keep all your valuables inside this box at all times during your visit.

 

Andean & Rainforest Expeditions LLC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

 

Electricity

In all of Peru the electricity is 220 volts and 60 cycles.  Many of the new hotels, have in the bathrooms 110 volts for hair dryers and shaving machines.  Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas and TRC do not have electricity. Numerous kerosene lamps and candles provide light. A generator is turned on once a day to recharge batteries for clients or lodge facilities. At night it is very dark, so we recommend good flashlights.

 

Communication

Access to telephone, fax and email is available at your hotel in Lima and Cuzco.  Access to telephone and fax is available at the hotels in Aguas Calientes and  Machu Picchu. 

 

Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas and the Tambopata Research Center are in daily radio contact with our offices in Puerto Maldonado and Lima. We have HF radios at these four stations.

 

From Lima and Puerto Maldonado we are able to communicate by fax or phone with the rest of the world. In some cases, cellular phones will have a signal when we're standing on top of the canopy tower at Posada Amazonas.

 

Climate

The climate in Peru is generally divided into two seasons.  The dry and the rainy season. 

 

Coastal Region:

Along the Pacific desert coast from the months of January to March which is the Peruvian summer, the weather is for the most part sunny and the temperatures can reach 90 degrees.  From April to December most of the coast with the exception of the region further to the north near the border with Ecuador, the coast is covered by what Peruvians call garua (mist) and the sun is hardly ever seen during this time of year.  There is minimal rainfall and the low temperatures are in the high 50s.  As the visitor travel away from the coast towards the mountains, the garua dissipates and the weather changes dramatically.  In areas like the Nazca Lines area located just over 400km from Lima, the sun shines most of the year and is just 60km away from the coast.

 

Andean Region:

In the mountain regions of Peru the dry season is from April to September and is the best time of year to travel if you are planning trekking and climbing.  The days are for the most part clear and sunny and the chances of rain are minimal.  The day temperatures can be in the high 70s and nights in the low 40s with occasional freezing at high altitudes.

 

Amazon Basin - Tambopata region

The lowland rain forests of Tambopata lie far enough south of the Equator to provide a cooler, drier winter season between May and October, which also happens to be the major season for international travel. The general weather conditions are warm and humid. In Tambopata the average daytime high temperature is between 82° and 93° F (25° and 31°C) and the average nighttime low is between 62° and 73° F (16° and 22°C).

 

Nevertheless between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina can sweep into southwestern Amazonia and push daytime highs down to 50° F (9° C) and the nighttime lows to 43° F (5° C). Thus, during that season always be potentially prepared for cold and drizzle.

 

During the rainy months of November through April, always be prepared for heavy rain. Around 80% of the annual average 2000 mm rainfall occurs during this season.

 

Luggage and Packing

Travel light. International flights allow 2 checked bags each weighing no more the 70 pounds. We hope don't come close to this limit.  The airlines can charge US$ 10.00 for every pound over the limit.  Internal flights use smaller planes in Peru and have a stricter weight limit at about 40 pounds for checked luggage.  Since we will check in as a group we can get away with extra pounds for each luggage. Make sure all checked luggage has locks.  You will want one carry-on bag in your possession at all times.  In this bag you will carry all your medications, toiletries, tickets, passport/important papers, camera gear and reading materials.  Bring extra duffle bag to pack purchases since there lots of shopping opportunities!!!!!!!

 

Tambopata Accommodations

 Posada Amazonas (PAL) is located on the banks of the Tambopata River in the grounds of the Ese'eja Native Community, adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve. Rainforest Expeditions and the Ese'eja Native Community of Tambopata own it jointly. Posada Amazonas is built using a combination of traditional native materials (wood, palm fronds, wild cane and clay) and architecture and modern day eco-lodge technology. The lodge itself consists of a complex of four sections: rooms, dining area and kitchen, relaxation area and internal support facilities. The entire roof of the lodge is constructed using high quality crisneja palm fronds, whereas the floors are of tropical mahogany.

 

 Refugio Amazonas (ARA) Refugio Amazonas is our new 32 bedroom lodge, opened in 2005. Its location two hours upriver from Posada Amazonas is ideal for stand alone three night experiences and for breaking the expeditions to and from Tambopata Research Center. 

Refugio Amazonas is built on a 200 hectare private reserve on the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve. It is becoming integrated to the communities of Brazil nut extractors that surround it, attempting to extend the benefits of ecotourism to the families that commit to the sustainable use of the forest within this buffer zone.

To get here you must fly to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco on daily commercial flights lasting 30 or 90 minutes respectively. From the airport you are transported by truck to the Infierno River Port where you board our boats for the two and half hour trip to Refugio Amazonas. Refugio Amazonas is located ten minutes walking from the river.

 

The Tambopata Research Center (TRC) is located in a half hectare clearing 50 meters from the Tambopata River and 300 meters from the macaw clay lick. It is composed of four interconnected, thatch-roofed buildings designed after traditional low-impact native architecture. All buildings and interconnecting passageways are raised on four-foot stilts built from palm trunks.

 

The main building is a 33 foot by 100 foot platform divided into 18 double rooms. Each bedroom is furnished with two beds draped in mosquito nets, a chair, a night table with a kerosene wind lamp, and a table for luggage and clothing. Each room does not have a wall on the side that looks into the forest: it is also designed to have an optional, permanent, unobstructed view of the forest surrounding the clearing in order to maximize wildlife observation time.

 

To the left of the main building a 20 foot-long, roofed passageway connects to the bathrooms containing flush toilets and shower stalls. To the right of the main building a 15 foot-long, roofed passageway connects to the dining room and meeting room, which in turn is connected to the kitchen.

 

BOAT TRANSPORTATION

Our boats are 20 foot long, roofed canoes with with 55 hp outboard motors. They have scheduled arrivals and departures from each port. These schedules are programmed daily so that they fit seamlessly with airport arrivals and departures. There is no need to worry about whether your plane fits our schedule. We do that for you with a maximum two hour wait. If you would like to book private boat transportation please let us know.

Guests are protected by the sun and rain by the roof but we suggest keeping your rain gear and sun block handy in case the sun's rays or raindrops come in slanted. There are life vests in every seat.

 

LAND TRANSPORTATION

          We own two twenty seat buses that operate the daily scheduled routes to and from the port, synchronized with our boats and airport arrivals and departures. If additional routes are required because of airplane delays or private schedules, we rent station wagons or buses, depending on group size. If you would like to book private land transportation please let us know.

 

 

Meals at Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas & TRC

We provide self-serve three course meals. Meals consist of soup or appetizers, salad, main course, and desserts combining Peruvian and international cuisine. All fresh fruits and salads are thoroughly disinfected before serving. We also provide at all times unlimited amounts of boiled, filtered, cooled drinking water, coffee or tea and we provide fruit juices during the meals. If any visitor has special dietary requirements, we are happy to make individual arrangements, but please notify us.

 

Emergencies at Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas and TRC

In case of emergencies we have a first aid kit that is equipped to deal with most cases that may reasonably arise in the area. Our guides are all certified by the Red Cross, which means they are prepared to deal with foreseeable emergencies (broken bones or snake bites, for example) but not complex emegerencies (such as an appendicitis). For snake bites, an unheard of at Tambopata so far, we have  extractors and an anti-venom at the lodges. In case of evacuation, we need to travel by boat by to Puerto Maldonado. During the day, evacuations take about 20% less time than our regular boats. During the night, evacuations take about 30% more. In Puerto Maldonado there is access to a state clinic. 

 

Clothing

Casual wash and wear clothing is most appropriate during your journey.  Lightweight rain gear is useful for brief showers (waterproof plastic rain ponchos, not Gore-tex, are ideal).  For evenings in the city, dress as formal as you wish (establishments don't require suits or cocktail dresses).  Light/heavy long-sleeve shirts/blouses and sweater and well-insulated windbreaker is necessary for cool nights in the highlands and even the jungle.

 

What to Bring Checklist

When packing please consider the use of quick drying, light weight, active wear clothing.   Most hotels provide laundry service with a 24-hour turn-around. 

 

Gear

Waterproof rain poncho.                                        

Sweater or smart wool pull over / well-insulated windbreaker or jacket.

Walking shoes / flip-flops / hiking boots.

Socks.

Long & short sleeved shirts / blouses and T-shirts.

Long pants.

Wide brimmed cloth hat / bandana.

Gloves / mitts.

Sunglasses (UV protection type). 

Extra pair of prescription glasses if necessary.

Eyeglass straps.

Insect repellent & sunscreen.

Canteen or small water bottle, plus personal toiletries and medicines.

Powerful portable flashlight or headlamp.  Extra batteries.

Daypack.

 

Optional

Camera with flash and extra batteries, 80-300 mm zoom and 24-28 mm wide angle are ideal for serious photographers, plus polarizing filters for richer colors.

Plenty of extra film.

Extra duffel bag for souvenir purchases.

Notebook  & reading material.

Binoculars.

 

Travel hardware

Camera screwdriver set & epoxy glue.

Swiss army knife & sewing kit with scissors.

Travel alarm clock & plastic adhesive tape.

Extra camera & flashlight batteries.

 

Wildlife observation in the rain forest

Tambopata is one of the world´s most diverse wildernesses. It is also one of the best preserved. However, the vast majority of the rain forest's diversity is in the form of insects. The world record diversities of birds and mammals are mostly in the form of small, unspectacular species. Large spectacular species are rare, shy, unpredictable and very difficult to see, with few notable exceptions. So don´t come expecting the wildlife densities of the African savannahs or the Antarctic Peninsula. We aren't in Jurassic Park or Disneyland, either.

 

Nevertheless, Tambopata is diverse and it is well preserved and exciting encounters do occur on a regular basis. At Tambopata Research Center, you will have some of the Amazon's best chances of seeing jaguar, tapir, giant river otters, harpy eagles, macaws, etc. However, the Amazon's best chances for some of these species are very slim, but they do occur. From January to July of 1999, for example, we have seen 11 jaguars, perhaps the most difficult to see specie.

 

Another important thing to keep in mind is that when you do encounter wildlife, you will not have the clear, ample field of view of the African savannahs or Antarctica, nor the reposed exhibits of a zoo. In all likelihood you will see the wildlife through branches, leaves, vine tangles and dense vegetation, scampering, stampeding, flying or leaping away from you, at heights of up to 40 meters for less than a minute. But wonderful encounters do happen. Of the 11 jaguar encounters mentioned above, one was of a jaguar eating a dead tapir, at 20 yards seen for 15 minutes by 8 people. Another one was of a jaguar sleeping on the beach in front of the TRC. Our driver did three return trips to show everyone at the lodge, including staff, the sleeping jaguar. It was even filmed by a crew from the BBC! The next day, it was there again.

So, do not expect wildlife to be encountered as it is found in North American parks.

 

Come relaxed, with your eyes open and lots of curiosity. You will be in a place where every horizontal and vertical meter of forest probably has hundreds of species of organisms, different from one meter to the next. Just that thought should keep your sense of wonder alive throughout the trip. Then, all of a sudden, you will see that jaguar.

 

Wildlife encounter chart

The first column of the following table summarizes encounter probabilities for Tambopata's most spectacular wildlife species based on over 600 Tambopata Research Center guests who were surveyed in 1998 and 1999. Results for the 2001 and 2002 have not yet been processed, so we have no hard data for encounter rates at Posada Amazonas. The second column specifies Tambopata Research Center's wildlife encounter probabilities relative to five other lodges in the region based on a two year study conducted from 1997 to 1998. The number of times each species was encountered by the group of scientists was tallied and then compared to each of the other lodges'. The number in the column indicates TRC's position relative to the other five. This data was taken from Chirs Kirby's preliminary unpublished report of the TREES-RAMOS project.

 

Species	Encounter Rate	Comparative Sightings vs. other Regional Lodges
Giant River Otter (from the Posada Amazonas oxbow lake)	64%	n-a
Brown Capuchin Monkey	65%	1
Spider Monkey	48%	1
Squirrel Monkey	57%	1
Dusky headed Titi Monkey	50%	3
Night Monkey	14%	n-a
Red Howler Monkey	53%	2
Saddleback Tamarin	30%	5
Blue and Gold Macaw (not neccesarily on clay lick)	99%	n-a
Scarlet Macaw (not neccesarily on clay lick)	98%	n-a
Red- and Green Macaw (not neccesarily on clay lick)	99%	n-a
Chestnut-fronted Macaw (not neccesarily on clay lick)	97%	n-a
Red-bellied Macaw (not neccesarily on clay lick)	96%	n-a
Harpy Eagle (from the Posada Amazonas nest sites)	35%	n-a
Toucan	73%	n-a
White-lipped Peccary	10%	n-a
Collared Peccary	8%	2
Tapir	15%	1
Capybara	64%	n-a
Tayra	53%	1
Jaguar	7%	1
Ocelot	5%	1
Brown Agouti	84%	5
Abundance of mammals in general	n-a	1

 

Photography

The Amazon, with its magnificent scenery and diversity of fauna and flora is a photographer's paradise. However it is a challenging environment for nature and wildlife photography.

 

The first challenge photographers will face is with their camera equipment. Even before the first wildlife encounter, you will have to deal with elements that can cause havoc with your camera equipment. The high level of humidity, the ever changing weather conditions and even plastic-melting insect repellent will be a challenge to even the most reliable equipment.

 

The second challenge comes in the form of the wildlife. Even though many tourists/photographers have left the lodges with some very good images of macaws, river otters and even the extremely rare jaguar, we feel that it was because of good luck and being at the right place on the right time. Photography in the rain forest is a painstaking process and a game of long waits and Zen-like patience. Most people arrive at Posada Amazonas and the Tambopata Research Center after having viewed documentaries of the Tambopata area produced by the Discovery Channel or the BBC and have seen the pictures taken by famous professional photographers like Tui De Roy, Franz Lanting, Andre Bartschi or Heinz Plenge. These photographers visit the area on many occasions and spend months working to capture their images relying on climbing gear, tons of scaffolding, laser sensitive devices to detect movement and the expert help of teams of Rainforest Expeditions' staff and guides. It is a natural but unrealistic reaction to believe that a person with a good camera and some powerful zoom lenses can achieve the same results in a visit of a few days.

 

In general, you will require lenses above 300 mm to produce good wildlife photography. ASA 200 film or above is recommended for the rain forest where it tends to be dark. For macro photography, a flash will be required often. To make sure your equipment is protected from the elements, we recommend the use of river bags or waterproof camera cases. The use of dry bags and silicon gel are highly recommended to alleviate the problem with humidity, rain and the occasional water splashing in the canoe during the trips on the river. The use of a tripod at the clay lick is recommended and lenses ranging from 500mm to 1000mm are necessary for the clay lick. The use of flash is not recommended when photographing the macaws at close range. With the large amount of visitors trying to photograph the "chicos" at the lodge, the strong light from the flash will damage their vision.

 

Important note regarding wildlife:  Our Peruvian operators are involved in conservation, ecotourism and sustainable development.  They are not in the business of chasing wildlife on the trails, rivers or lakes.  Our operators do not bait animals or refrigerate insects, snakes or frogs to slow down their metabolism in order to provide clients with an easy subject to photograph. We do appreciate your cooperation, support and understanding.

 

Andre Nel

 

Travel Experience offers a wide range of travel services to the general public.

 

AA Travel Experience Travel Agency
Tyger Valley Centre Entrance 8
Cape Town
Tel:    +27 (0)21 914 2265
Fax:   +27 (0)21 914 2023
Mob:  +27 (0)82 7722 487
E-M :  andre.te@galileosa.co.za
Web:  www.exploreabroad.co.za
IATA no: 772 0361 5