ABOUT THE ATTRACTIONS IN THE CULTURAL ZONE
The Cultural Zone is one of the three areas of the Manu Biosphere Reserve and is a transition zone between the Andes and the Rain and Cloud Forest. There are montains, a Cloud Forest and a part of the Low Rainforest jungle. In this area it is possible to visit small hamlets, settlers and Native Communities who dedicate their time to productive activities like agriculture or small scale wood extraction, thanks to the control of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Park authorities. The purpose of this controlled area is to protect the Reserved Zone. That is why it is also called
"Transition Zone" or "Multi-use Zone".
For a deeper experience of the jungle we recommend you to make an excursion into the Reserved Zone of Manu.
We recommend the tour in the Cultural Zone for those who have little time (4 Days) and who want to visit the Peruvian jungle and take advantage of the nice landscapes and the various ecosystems. You will also have the opportunity to practice adventure sports like mountain biking, rafting (level I - II) and canopying. On the other hand, the wildlife in the Cultural Zone is less impressive than in the Reserved Zone. The main wildlife in the Cultural Area consists of smaller mammals and birds.
PARK REGULATIONS
The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary: an area protected by the National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) being the maximum number of visitors for day permitted of 500 persons. Consequently,
all reservations should be placed with a minimum of 45 days in advance prior to the date of travel. Every visitor must obey the Park regulations which forbid us to litter, cut or damage trees, take or damage stones of the ruins or the trail, collect plants, kill animals, light fires or camp in the Inca ruins. You will only be able to camp in authorized sites.
ABOUT THE LODGES IN MANU
The Bungalows have been constructed in harmony with the forest using local materials which allow them to blend well into the exotic setting. "Style" can be described as rustic comprising wooden, palm thatched, screened cabins without electricity. Candles and lamps are used after dark making a relaxing natural ambiance. Solar energy is being introduced but only for lighting for the administration building exits, maintenance of batteries for radio communications, and in the kitchen area for food preparation.
San Pedro Open Air lodge is a platform with no private rooms. All the beds are protected by mosquito nets. On the other hand, Erika Lodge has individual cabins with a porch with hammocks, table and chairs for relaxing. The bungalows mainly have two bedrooms each containing twin beds.
There is a bathroom area in each Lodge with refreshing cool running water. There is no hot water.
The main building consists of a screened dining room, where water, coffee, tea and bananas are available 24 hours a day. Nearby the bar is located, which has games and books for your entertaiment. Trails leading from the Lodge are constantly being maintained and are being developed to guarantee safe and maximal access to the different habitat types.
Naturalist Guides are resident year long and are ready to introduce you to the marvels of the Rain Forest. During a typical day at the Lodge our guides bring the forest to life by pointing out the important trees, flowers, medicinal plants remedies, as well as assisting in sighting and identifying the birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and other insects. In the evening short lectures are scheduled which deal with special Rain Forest subjects and give a chance to delve further into the mysteries and marvels of this ecosystem. Meals are prepared by our professional and dedicated staff from a mixture of local Rain Forest products as well as more traditional foods. Some meals are distinctly Peruvian, others are International in flavor.
River transport to and from the Lodge is completed by motorised dugout canoes, shaded and equipped with cushions for your comfort and life jackets for your security. Canoes are managed by experienced qualified boat drivers with a deep knowledge of the River and its wildlife.
ORIENTATION
Peru is located on the central west coast of South America. Its neighboring countries are: Ecuador and Colombia to the N; Chile to the S; Brazil and Bolivia to the E; and the Pacific Ocean to the W. It is the third largest country in South America, with a surface area of 1 285 215,6 km2 (larger than France, Spain, and Germany combined) distributed approximately in the following manner: 12% coastal territory, 28% Andean highlands and 60% Amazon jungle. Its capital, Lima, is located in the coastal area, where the country's greatest economic activities take place.
TIME ZONE
Peruvian time is five hours past Greenwich Mean Time and is similar to Eastern Standard Time in the United States (except when the U.S. goes on daylight savings time from April to October). In reference to other cities, when it is noon in Peru, it is:
| Santiago de Chile and Caracas |
13:00 |
| Rio de Janeiro |
14:00 |
| New York |
12:00 |
| Madrid |
18:00 |
| Londres |
17:00 |
| Tokyo |
03:00 |
TEMPERATURE
Being such a geographically diverse country within the tropical belt, the weather in Peru is determined both by altitude and season. However, it also means that there is almost invariably sunshine somewhere in Peru ! Below is a summary of the weather conditions you can expect to find in each different region of the country at different times of the year.
Coast (Ica, Chiclayo, Lima, Piura, Trujillo, Tumbes)
Northern region: warm year-round with highs of up to 35°C in the summer.
Central and southern regions: two well-defined seasons, winter between April and October, and summer between November and March.
Highlands (Ancash, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Puno)
This region has two seasons, dry season between April and rainy season between November and March.
Rainforest (Iquitos, Madre de Dios, Manu)
High rainforest (over 2,300 feet asl): has a temperate, subtropical climate with abundant rainfall.
WE RECOMMEND YOU TO
- Use comfortable shoes the whole time during walking tours.
- Take lots of liquids during long excursions.
- In Manu, have, at least, a set of dry clothes in your room.
WHAT TO BRING
- Warm clothes in case of cold weather (a sweater and a jacket).
- Rain wear for rainy season.
- Long-sleeved shirts.
- Long pants or slacks
- Insect Repellent.
- Suntan lotion, a hat with big brims for sunny days.
- One or two pairs of trainers or tennis shoes
- A pair of light boots and sandals.
- Lanterns, batteries and bulbs.
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses and plastic bags
- A towel and swim suit.
- A rucksack or light bag per person
- Camera and films ASA 200 and 400.
- Personal toilet items and first-aid kit.
- Medicine to arrest or prevent the so called ”Soroche” or altitude sickness.
Please consult your physician what medicine is best suited for your organism.
WEATHER
Peru's climate may be divided into two: The Western Andes and theDesert Coast. On the Coast, it does not rain and the temperature is warm throughout the year. On the other hand, in the Andes, thereare two seasons: Rainy and Dry.
Arequipa, Puno and Cusco are located in the Eastern Andes, so their rainy season is from October to May, the rest of the year it is dry.
Rainy time, starting in October/ November has its own maximum time in January, continuing until March/ April. In years of pouring rain there are landslides, floods, etc.
In the Highlands, it is cold in the evenings but sunny and warm in the mornings. It is even possible to wear t-shirts, but when the sun sets it gets really chilly so please bring a warm sweater (or buy an alpaca one in Cusco) and a good jacket.
The weather in the Amazon is warm, wet and rainy with average temperatures of 28 °centigrade during all year.
Rainy season: November to April
Dry season: May to September
During rainy months from November to April, be always prepared for heavy rains that can last hours or days.
Finally, the weather in general does not represent a limit to provide any tourist services, except some particularily bad years.
YELLOW FEVER INOCULATION REQUIREMENTS
Yellow fever inoculation is recommended for travel to Peruvian Jungle. Get your vaccine at least 10 days before your arrival. You must bring your yellow fever inoculation certificate with you to prove to the airport officials in Puerto Maldonado that you are vaccinated.
ALTITUDE
Lima: Sea level, 54 m.a.s.l.
Nazca: 588 m.a.s.l.
Paracas: Sea level, 5 m.a.s.l.
Cusco: 3360 m.a.s.l.
Machu Picchu: 2400 m.a.s.l.
Urubamba Valley: 2850 m.a.s.l.
Arequipa: 2350 m.a.s.l.
Puno: 3860 m.a.s.l.
Manu: 365 m.a.s.l.
WATER
Tap water in most of Peru is potable, but the chemical content varies from place to place. To avoid problems, we recommend you to always drink bottled water.
VISAS
All travellers should contact the nearest Peruvian consulate in order to ascertain what visa rules apply, since these may change without previous notice.
For more information clic here:
Type of visa to enter Peru
AIRPORT
Hand luggage regulations
a) All liquids must be carried in containers whose capacity can not exceed of 100 ml (or its equivalent in other volumetric units, such as liquid ounces for instance). No liquids will be allowed in containers of more capacity than the said 100 ml, even if the container is not completely full.
b) The containers must be placed in reclosable plastic bags with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The containers must fit effortlessly in the transparent plastic bag, which must be perfectly sealed.
c) The plastic bag must be presented at the inspection post for its visual examination. Only one plastic bag per passenger can be allowed.
d) Exceptions must be made in case of medications, milk and baby food, as well as in case of passengers who require a special diet. There must be the appropriate means in place to verify the nature of these liquids.
Likewise, exceptions must be made regarding liquids purchased in the duty free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft, provided that these liquids are packed in a sealed plastic container foolproof against undue manipulations, and that a satisfactory proof (receipt) is produced showing that the article was acquired at the airport’s duty free shops, or aboard an aircraft on the traveling day(s) for passengers leaving an airport or being there on transit.
LANGUAGE
The official languages of Peru are Spanish, spoken by 73% of the population, and Quechua spoken by 24% of Peruvians. English is widely spoken in hotels and shops.
CURRENCY
Peru's official currency is the Nuevo sol ; its symbol is S/. The denominations in circulation are bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles; coins of 1, 2, and 5 nuevos soles; and coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 céntimos of a nuevo sol. US$ are widely accepted.
At the moment, US$ 1.00 is worth around 3.50 Nuevos Soles.
TIPPING
Whilst tipping is a personal matter, we are happy to give some guidelines:
Most restaurants add a 10% tip. The total tip should be about 15%.
Doorkeepers should be tipped 1 US$ per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
Full-day excursion : US$6.00 per person
Half-day excursion : US$3.00 per person
PHOTOGRAPHY
If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this. Do not take photographs of military installations or airports. Film is readily available in all tourist areas. It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag. Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges.
ELECTRICITY
Power voltage in Peru is 220 Volts AC, 60 Hz. Most modern electrical appliances do not need adapters since they will accept both 110 as well as 220 AC voltages. Please make sure to check the voltage options of those artefacts you intend to take with you during your trip, such as hair dryers, battery chargers, notebooks and lap tops, video cameras, etc. Most of these do not usually need a special adapter, but it is important that you make sure of that before leaving your country of origin in order not to have to buy special 110 V / 220 V AC adapters, which, however, can be found in the local market here in Peru.
HEALTH
Vaccinations
Full details of the latest health requirements should be obtained from an authorized medical source, such as your doctor. There are no mandatory health requirements for Peru.
Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Be sure to try hot tea or infusion of coca leaves on your arrival in the altitude; during your first day move slowly and eat lightly.
PERUVIAN GASTRONOMY
Peruvian cuisine is highly varied and spicy. Some of our typical dishes are: "cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (de-boned chicken cooked in a milk and aji sauce), and "anticuchos" (shish kebabs of beef heart and meat), apart from the typical dishes from each region.
Be sure to try "Pisco Sour", Peru's typical mixed drink prepared with pisco, lemon, egg white and sugar.
Restaurants during your trip
In Lima: International, vegetarian, local food restaurants and franchises of international fast food chains.
more information…
In Paracas and Nazca: International and local sea food restaurants.
In Arequipa: International and local food restaurants.
more information…
In Puno: Local food restaurants, in Taquile Island there are only very basic facilities.
more information…
In Cusco: International, vegetarian and local food restaurants.
more information…
In Manu: All meals will be provided in the lodge or the camp.
DRESS CODE
Dress in general is very casual unless you want to eat in one of the more expensive restaurants in Lima for example, in which case a tie and/or jacket will be required and smarter ladies' wear. Due to the altitude, it is important to remember whatever the season, to take some warmer woollens for the nighttimes drop in temperature.
IMPORTANT: We reserve the right to make changes to the order of the trip, without prior notice, due to changes in climate conditions, river water levels, flight or bus arrival and departure times or any other reason relevant to the best development of the trip.
