What is the weather like?

December and January are summer months in Peru. However, Peru is known to have one of the most diverse systems of micro-climates in the world, so the weather on the coast is often very different from the weather in the mountains. The summer months in Lima are sunny and in the high 70’s to 80’s almost all the time, and rain is very uncommon. Cajamarca is generally the same temperature all year round. During the day temperatures range from the high 60’s to low 80’s and drop to the mid 40’s to mid 50’s at night. Unlike Lima, it does rain in Cajamarca during the summer.

What should I pack to where?

Pack anything you would pack for a hike in the mountains during the summer, as well as, a few pieces of business casual clothing for meetings in Lima and Cajamarca.

• Hiking Boots
• Long Socks
• Long Sleeve Shirts
• Pants/ Jeans
• Fleece or similar sweater
• Rain Jacket

• Wool cap
• Flip Flops
• Bathing suit
• Business Casual Clothing/ Shoes
• Long underwear is not necessary

What other items/ equipment should I bring?

• Bug spray
• Headlamp/ Flash light
• Camera

• Sleeping Bag (We can provide one if needed)
• Sunscreen
• Hiking backpack is preferable, but not required

Can personal items be purchased in Peru?

Yes, you can buy most basic personal items that you would need in Peru. There is no need to bring large supplies of soap and toilet paper, razors, etc. Items are reasonably priced and available throughout Cajamarca and Lima.

Should I bring a small gift for my home stay family?

No, gifts for host families are not necessary. Your presence and company will be enough!

Do I need to get electric adaptors?

No, Peru’s uses the same voltage system as the U.S., so computers, cell phones, and other electrical equipment work without adaptors. However, Peru’s plug system only has 2 sockets, so plugs with 3 prongs need a simple adaptor device.

How much spending money should I bring?

A few hundred dollars will be enough spending cash to cover all meals, drinks, spa treatments, etc. You may want to bring additional spending money for any gifts and other such items.

What is the currency?

Peru’s currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). The exchange rate fluctuations, but is generally in the area of S/.3 per $. US dollars are commonly accepted in most hotels in Lima, but not in the rest of the country. We recommend exchanging money in banks, or at ATM’s, rather than street moneychangers, as there is a lot of counterfeit currency in Peru.

Will my credit cards, ATM cards and traveler’s cheques work in Peru?

Yes. The ATM machines in Peru allow you to withdraw S/.400-500 (approximately $150) per transaction. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but AMEX and Dinners are not.

How safe is Peru? Lima? Cajamarca?

Overall Peru is a safe country, however pickpockets and other types of theft schemes are prevalent, especially in Lima. Cajamarca and the surrounding areas are relatively safe, regardless, caution and basic safety is always wise. Here are some precautions that we recommend you take while you are here:
a) Most thefts in Lima happen coming and going to and from the Lima airport. One common scam is to break the taxi windows and steal bags from the bag, or from your lap. Get a secure taxi from the airport to the hotel (~US$20), place all valuable items in one bag and keep it beneath your feet, and have at least one person sitting in the front seat of the cab.
b) Make photocopies of your passport and the front and back of each credit card you plan on bringing. You should also make copies of traveler’s checks. Carry these copies in a different bag than where you carry the actual items.
c) Keep your passport, airline ticket, credit cards, etc. in a safe place such as a money belt. They are typically worn under your shirt or from a belt under your trousers.
d) If you have more than 1 credit card, or an ATM and a credit card, keep them in different places, and keep your money in a different place than where you keep your cards.
e) Do not leave valuables such as cameras or jewelry in your hotel room. Give them to the front desk of your hotel to place in the safe.
f) Ask the personnel in your hotel where it is safe to walk in the area, places to avoid and if it is safe to walk around the area at night.
g) If you are bringing expensive equipment it is a good idea to purchase travel insurance.
h) Stay alert, especially in crowded plazas and markets. Wear your money belt and hold on to your camera.
i) Leave your expensive jewelry and watches at home. Snatch theft is common here and your watch could disappear before you even realize it.

Any special tips for women travelers?

As in any developed country, you should take the usual precautions when you do not know the area. Women should avoid being out after dark by themselves. Make sure you are accompanied by someone of confidence until you reach the hotel.

Do I need any vaccinations?

There are no vaccinations that are required by law to enter Peru. However, there are some that are recommended: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Diptheria, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Many of these vaccinations are recommended if you are spending any time in the jungle. Malaria is also common in the Amazon region , but not at all in Lima or Cajamarca. Check with your doctor at least six weeks prior to traveling because some shots take time to become effective. Ask them what they recommend and the possible side effects of each vaccination. For further details regarding vaccinations for Peru, visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s website at: www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm

Should I get health insurance?

As with any trip outside of the United States, make sure that you have appropriate medical insurance. Many US domestic plans will reimburse you for expenses occurred while abroad for vacation, however you may want to contact your insurance provide to confirm that international travel is covered under you specific plan. You may also want to purchase additional travel coverage.

Can I drink the water?

No. The tap water in Peru is not drinkable and will get you sick. Bottled water is readily available. We recommend that you always drink bottled water and use bottled water to brush your teeth with as well.

Is it ok if I don’t speak Spanish? And how will it affect my experience?

Speaking Spanish is a definite plus, as it will enable you to engage much more, especially in the small villages and during the host family stay. However, it is not required that you speak Spanish and we will have translators present. Your experience will still be unforgetable.

What companies and organizations will we meet with?

The specific companies and organizations participants meet with varies based on the session and the availability of representatives and management from each organization. However, I-DEV has well developed contacts with major MNC’s and development organizations in the area, included the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative, KIVA, TechnoServe, GTZ, US Peace Corps, Aramark, Newmont Mining Corporation, ConsultAndes, Hilti, and others.

Where does my money go?

All proceeds go to support I-DEV’s non-profit projects in Peru. A portion of the proceeds go directly to the host families participants stay with.

What is included in the cost of the trip?

• All Accommodations
• Breakfast and several meals
• All program related expenses
• All transportation in Peru (except to/ from the airport upon arrival and departure)

Do I need a visa? What type of travel documents are needed?

No, United States citizens do not need a visa for recreational travel purposes for visits of less then 90 days. If you are not a U.S. citizen you should consult the Peruvian consulate’s website www.consuladoperu.com

How do I arrange transportation from the Lima airport to our hotel in Lima?

Secure taxis are available right outside of the Airport. Once you walk outside of the airport door, you can contract a secure taxi for approximately $20 that will take you to the hotel.

How are we traveling from Lima to Cajamarca?

We will be flying from Lima to Cajamarca.

What are the hotels we are going to be staying at like?

Hotels for the each session are different, but each hotel is a business class hotel.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

We can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, certain food allergies; however, unfortunately we are not able to accommodate kosher dietary requirements.

I work and need to be back by Sunday evening. Is it possible to leave the trip a night or two early?

Yes. We can accommodate Session 2 participants that plan to depart early, on either Sat, Jan 9th, or Sun, Jan 10th. We will adjust trip pricing accordingly. We can accommodate the needs of Session 1 participants that plan to leave the evening of Mon Jan, 4th, or early in the morning on Tues, Jan 5th

What is mobile phone and internet capability? Where can I check email?

Most of the hotels will have wifi and internet cafes are readily accessable. Peru has regular cell phone service and prepaid sim cards are relatively inexpensive. International call rates are approximately $1.50 per minute to the US. Note: iPhones and blackberry’s do not work in most of Peru.

What time zone is Peru in?

Peru is in the central time zone

I wanted to go to Cusco/ Machu Picchu, the Amazon, or some other part of Peru either before or after the trip. Is that possible?

Yes. You can arrange your own personal travel plans either before or after the trip. In fact, we recommend it and can provide recommendations.