WOMEN'S OWN CHILE & PERU ADVENTURE
Official Name: Republic of Peru Population: 23.4 Million Capital City: Lima, pop. 7 Million People: 54% Indian, 32% Mestizo (mixed Indian descent and European), 12% Spanish and 2% Black and Asian Languages: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 10% other Currency: Nuevo Sol Time: GMT minus 5 hours Electricity: 220V, 60Hz Major Industries: Pulp, paper, coca leaves, steel, chemicals & minerals, tourism Departure Tax: $25 USD International Dialing Code: 51 These requirements can change regularly. You need to check with both the Chilean and Peruvian Consulates. Peru is a fascinating country in that it has four distinct geographical regions. Not many other countries can offer beaches, mountains, rainforests and deserts on one visit. Because of these distinct regions, there really isn’t a best time to travel. June to August are considered the driest months in the highlands or Amazon basin and are optimal if your visit should include a journey down the mighty river. However, even during the rainy season in the Amazon, the rains fall only for a few hours at a time. In the Andes, the rainy season can sometimes just mean a bit of overcast weather. The official currency is the Sol(s) and is divided into 100 centimos. The US dollar is the best foreign currency to carry. Both travellers' cheques and credit cards (Visa is best) can easily be used, and if you shop around, you’ll find that the commission charged varies widely. Some casas de cambio charge no commission to withdraw local currency on your credit card and a small fee to exchange traveller’s cheques while others have the opposite policy. Never accept currency that is torn or appears older than Methuselah, as it can be difficult if not impossible to exchange later. Whenever possible, try and keep smaller denominations. You will find this most helpful when bartering in markets as many locals will claim, "no change" when you try and purchase something with a larger bill. Note that excess Soles can be changed into Bolivianos at the Bolivian border at a good rate. Be cautious of the price quoted. One traveller recounted a story of his taxi fare, which was agreed to be 20. The traveller thought Sols while the taxi driver claimed US dollars when it came to the end of the ride. To avoid arguments, be sure you’re clear as to what is expected before you use the service. • knitted alpaca sweaters, mitts, hats (especially in the Puno and Cuzco areas) • woven ponchos • knickknacks made from totora reeds grown in the Lake Titicaca area • weavings (as wall murals) made from rolls of yarn stuffed with wool (you’ll know it when you see it) • pottery and carved gourds • handcrafted knives, pens and lighter holders all decorated in colourful stones • Cuy - aka guinea pig, a delicacy in the highlands • Lomo Saltado - a kind of stir-fried beef dish with onions, vinegar, ginger, chili, tomatoes and fried potatoes, served with rice (found on every menu) • Papas Rellenas - stuffed baked potatoes, delicious and found in the highland regions on just about every street corner • Ceviche - a must try along the coastal areas. Can be made with either shrimp or sea bass. One of the most typical dishes of Peru • Palta Rellena - avocado stuffed with chicken salad. Makes for an excellent appetizer • Choclo con queso - corn on the cob with cheese • Caucau - a stew made with tripe, potatoes, peppers and parsley (especially popular in the Colca Canyon region) • Rocoto Relleno - a spicy bell pepper stuffed with beef and vegetables • Cocada al horno - for the sweet tooth, made with coconut, egg yolk, sesame seeds, wine and butter • Picarones - cassava flour fritters made with eggs, deep fried and served in honey • Tejas - a sugar candy wrapped in waxed paper, pecan flavour is the best • Inca Cola - you’ve got to try it! Its a lime green soda pop that tastes like fizzy bubble gum or a little like root beer. • Pisco Sour - even though it comes from the village of Pisco, you can drink one just about anywhere in Peru. It is made with white grape brandy. • Mate de coca - a tea made from coca leaves, good to drink if you feel the signs of altitude sickness • Cuzquena and Arequipena - good local beers available in both larger bottles and as dark varieties • Guinda - a sweet cherry brandy quick facts
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