Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [439]
One of the top activities is touring some of the country’s incredible ancient sites. From a 1700-year-old temple site in Lima (Click here) and one of the continent’s oldest cities in Caral (Click here) to the heart of the old Inca empire in Cuzco (Click here), there is a profusion of historic places to visit, many of which are situated in extraordinary natural locales. A comprehensive guide to these top pre-Columbian wonders is covered in the Ancient Peru chapter.
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RECYCLING
Wondering what to do with your accumulated plastic bottles and dead batteries? Recycle them! Though recycling is still in its infancy in much of Peru, you can easily recycle or appropriately dispose of items in a conscientious way. In Lima, you can dispose of batteries in special containers at many Wong (www.ewong.com), Metro (owned by Wong) and Plaza Vea (www.plazavea.com.pe) supermarkets. Likewise, Wong and Metro take plastic bottles and paper. Most supermarkets, including the upscale Vivanda (www.vivanda.com.pe), recycle glass.
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Peak season for most outdoor activities is during the cooler dry season (June to August). Avoid trekking during the wet season (December to March), when some areas become impassable because of the rain. These hotter summer months, however, are the best time of year for surfing along the Pacific coast. For more information on climate, see opposite.
The fledgling status of many outdoor activities in Peru is both an advantage and a pitfall. While you may dream about having a surf break or a mountain-bike trail all to yourself, there are drawbacks. Equipment rental can be expensive and hard to find. Organized tour agencies may not be very organized and some may be downright reckless – with your safety and the environment. Likewise, many local guides are unregulated and untrained. To assure the greatest safety, and the best experience, seek out recommended operators and travel agencies and avoid the cheapest, cut-rate agencies, especially when it comes to activities such as rafting, trekking and mountain climbing. For these specialized sports, bring your own gear whenever possible. Shell out a little more for a well-trained guide and organized trips by a reputable outfitter. It will be worth the extra expense.
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BUSINESS HOURS
Hours are variable and liable to change, especially in small towns, where regular hours are rarely regular. Posted hours are a guideline, not gospel, and services can be slow. Be patient, and forget about getting anything done on a Sunday, when most businesses (other than restaurants) are closed.
Most cities, however, are equipped with 24-hour ATMs. In addition, Lima has pharmacies, bookstores and electronics supply shops that are open every day of the week. There are also a few 24-hour supermarkets. In other major cities, taxi drivers often know where the late-night stores and pharmacies are.
Many shops and offices close for a lunch break (usually from 1pm until around 4pm), but some banks and post offices stay open. In addition, many restaurants open only for lunch, or breakfast and lunch, especially in small towns. Reviews in this book won’t list opening hours unless they vary from the standard. Typically, opening hours are as follows:
Banks 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, some 9am-1pm Sat
Bars and clubs 5:30pm-midnight, some until 2am
Restaurants 10am-10pm, some closed 3-6pm
Shops 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, some 9am-6pm Sat
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CHILDREN
In a country that holds the family dear,