Peru Fast Facts - Peru

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Peru Fast Facts

Cairns on summit road, 4800 metres altitude

Main international entry point is the capital Lima, located on the Pacific Coast. Lan Chile and American Airlines have daily services.

Lima: population ca 7 million, a chaotic, crowded city with a dismal climate. Founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1535. Historical center around the Plaza de Armas is attractive.

Accommodation: Budget travellers head for the central Hostal España at Azangaro 105. Alternatively, try Jean Paul and Cathy's hospedaje at Miraflores called "Safe in Lima", with airport pickup. Both places cost about US$8/night max.

Bus journey along the south coast on the Pan American Highway to Arequipa has several interesting stopping points, e.g., Pisco, Ica and Nazca. The bus companies Ormeño and Cruz del Sur both go south, fares are cheap but service often unreliable. For piece of mind consider going on the more expensive air-conditioned tourist buses.

Pisco: a pleasant fishing port 235 kms south of Lima.

Accommodation at Hostal El Cesar, on Calle Dos de Mayo 254 for US$6/night. Manager will arrange boat trip to see the sea lions on the Islas Ballestas, a 3 hour trip costing $10.

Ica: At the 305 kms south point. Pleasant town with good climate but not much to do except take a 3-wheel cab out to Huacachina resort and admire the lake and enormous sand dunes.

Accommodation: there are many basic $5/night hostals to choose from around the center of town.

Nazca: 450 kms south. Definitely a stopover point. A pleasant small town of 30,000 inhabitants and lots to do.

Accommodation: Hotel Mirador on the Plaza de Armas is good value at US$5/night, but "music" emanating from Plaza activities can be disturbing. Quieter are Hotel Nazca and Hostal Alegría on Calle Lima at 438 and 168 respectively, both about $5/night and popular.

Nazca is famous for the mysterious lines and drawings found on the desert plains nearby. Explanations include von Daniken's theory of visits by ancient astronauts as explained in his book Arrival of the Gods 1998. Go see for yourself. Try tour operator Nazca Trials with office on the main Plaza. Manager Juan is very experienced and will arrange your plane flight over the lines together with a fascinating tour of the Cemetario de Chauchilla, a ceramics factory and gold processing plant, all in one morning or afternoon. Cost is US$50.

Arequipa: The most beautiful city in Peru, in my view. Second largest with population about 1 million. Founded in 1540 by the Spaniards. Major buildings are constructed of white volcanic rock or tuff, called sillar. Striking background of snow capped volcanoes. Local economy depends on tourism and agriculture (wheat, corn, grapes), silver and copper mining.

Accommodation: Many economical hostals and hospedajes exist within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas; check Lonely Planet guidebook. Recommended are Hostal Santa Catalina at Santa Catalina 500 and hospedaje "El Caminante" at Santa Catalina 207A, above Wasi Tours.

Tame eagle at Chivay village

Hostal manager may provide tour information, or consult any travel/tour agent. Recommended is Wasi Tours at Santa Catalina 207.

Organized small guided group tours of Arequipa and Colca Canyon are done by the travel company Far & Wide Adventures, taking 4 days, flying in from Lima and Cuzco, cost US$595.

Climate: Arequipa is situated in a desert area at 2325 metres altitude and so has a pleasant mild sunny climate all year. Check weather report now.

Money: Currency is the "Nuevo Sol" and present exchange rate is 3.6 Soles = US$1, but check the rate today. The major banks have ATMs that provide cash advances. If travelling on to Bolivia or Chile be sure to use up or exchange your Peruvian currency.
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