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FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TRIP

Possibly as a legacy of the strongly hierarchical pre-Hispanic cultures or European colonialism, self-discipline is strongly advocated among Peruvians. The control of one's emotions and feelings is highly valued among all Peruvians, but especially among men. Respect for elders, shown through such actions as giving up one's seat for elderly people on buses, also has a strong place among public values. These values of discipline and respect for others are in sharp contrast to a political scene marked with great levels of authoritarianism and widespread corruption. Youths are also responsible for providing a strong alternative counterculture to main normative values. This counterculture is mainly expressed through musical outlets, such as the national adaptation of rock and punk music, and North American tastes in fashion and popular culture. Public expressions of sexuality, including that of homosexual behavior, is strongly discouraged.

Because of its size and natural barriers, including difficult mountain terrain, long stretches of desert coast, and extensive rainforest, Peru is complicated to navigate. Train service is very limited, covering only a few principal tourist routes, and many trips take several days by land. Visitors with limited time tend to fly everywhere they can. Travel overland, though very inexpensive, can be extremely time-consuming and uncomfortable. However, for certain routes, inter-city buses are your only real option.

Spanish 85%, Quechua 13.2%, Aymara 1.8%.

Please consult a medical practitioner or contact The Travel Doctor for your specific risk and requirements when travelling to Peru. New Zealanders travelling to Peru should also ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover the length of their stay. For further information please visit the Safetravel website

Many of the country's tourist destinations are located at high altitude so it is important to take time to acclimatise to the altitude, and it is recommended that the highest altitude destinations are visited at the end of the trip.

Electrical Socket: European (Plug type C) and Japanese sockets (Plug type A & B)

Voltage: 220 volts (although many four and five star hotels also have 110 volt sockets)

Modem Plug: USA

Country Code for Peru: +51

Visa Global Assistance: Call the US on (00 1 303) 967 1090

Tourist Information Office: (+51 1) 574 8000

Emergency Services: 105 The emergency services have Spanish speaking staff. While they may be able to take calls in English, to avoid delay it may be best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to call the emergency services.

Peru is one of the top shopping destinations in Latin America, with some of the finest and best-priced crafts anywhere. Its long traditions of textile weaving and colourful markets bursting with tourists have produced a dazzling display of alpaca-wool sweaters, blankets, ponchos, shawls, scarves, typical Peruvian hats, and other woven items. 
 
Shops are generally open 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm Monday to Saturday. Many larger stores and supermarkets remain open all day and are more likely to open on Sundays (some only until midday). Smaller family-run businesses often have erratic opening hours and are more likely to shut for lunch.

In Peru tipping is not obligatory, and will depend on how satisfied you are with the service received. When tipping in Peru, always keep in mind that the wages are very low. However, they do see a lot of tourism and because of that have come to rely on tips to make up the difference. They tend to consider tourists as “cheap” if they aren’t properly tipped. As always though, only tip if the service was at least acceptable. Increase the amount for outstanding and friendly service. You should be rewarding great service, not just throwing away your money because you feel you have to. Chances are most of your tips in Peru will make someone’s day, and put a smile on their face. 
 
Suggested tips:
Guide: USD $5 per pax/ per day. The size of the tip indicates how good their service has been, so they expect to receive something at the end of their work.
Private drivers: Depending on the service, duration of the journey and number of passengers, an appropriate amount is USD $5 to USD $10 per day.
Taxis: Tips are not normally given to taxi drivers, but if he has helped to carry your cases, then USD $1 per person is an acceptable amount.
Restaurants & Bars: 10% of the bill