Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [457]
These organizations provide useful information for female travelers:
Centro de La Mujer Peruana Flora Tristán (Map; 01-433-1457; www.flora.org.pe; Parque Hernán Velarde 14, Lima; 1-5pm Mon-Fri) Feminist social and political advocacy group for women’s and human rights in Peru, with a Spanish-language website and a library in Lima.
Instituto Peruano de Paternidad Responsable (Inppares; 01-640-2000; www.inppares.org.pe) Planned Parenthood-affiliated organization that runs a dozen sexual and reproductive health clinics for both women and men around the country, including in Lima.
Return to beginning of chapter
WORK
Short-term business travelers can normally enter Peru on a tourist visa (Click here). Many top-end hotels have fully equipped business centers and international direct dialing (IDD) telephones in guest rooms; ask about these when making reservations. Better hotels will provide dual-voltage outlets and electricity converters upon request, while luxury hotels have concierge staff to arrange everything from taxis to translators. Smaller hotels and guesthouses often have capable front desk staff who can assist business travelers. Click here for more information on internet access.
If you want to live and work in Peru, you will need a work visa. However, you might be able to get a part-time job teaching English in language schools without one. This is illegal, however, and such jobs are increasingly difficult to get without a proper work visa. Occasionally, schools advertise for teachers in the newspapers, but more often, jobs are found by word of mouth. Schools expect you to be a native English speaker, and the pay is low. If you have teaching credentials, so much the better. Average pay is US$200 per week.
American and British schools in Lima sometimes hire teachers of math, biology and other subjects, but usually only if you apply in advance. They pay much better than the language schools, and might possibly be able to help you get a work visa if you want to stay. In Lima, the South American Explorers clubhouse (see boxed text, Click here) and international cultural centers (Click here) may have contacts with schools that are looking for teachers.
Most other jobs are obtained by word of mouth (eg bartenders, hostel staff, jungle guides), but the possibilities are limited. For internships and short-term job opportunities through volunteer organizations, Click here.
Return to beginning of chapter
Transportation
* * *
CONTENTS
Getting There & Away
Entering The Country
Air
Land & River
Tours
Getting Around
Air
Bicycle
Boat
Bus
Car & Motorcycle
Hitchhiking
Local Transportation
Taxi
Tours
Train
* * *
Return to beginning of chapter
GETTING THERE & AWAY
ENTERING THE COUNTRY
Arriving in Peru is typically straightforward, as long as your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. When arriving by air, US citizens must show a return ticket or open-jaw onward ticket – don’t show up with just a one-way ticket to South America. Immigration officials at airports are efficient, while those at overland border crossings may take their time scrutinizing your passport before they stamp it. For information on Peruvian visas, Click here.
When arriving by air or overland, immigration officials may only stamp 30 days into your passport (though 90 days is standard); if this happens, explain how many more days you need, supported by an exit ticket for onward or return travel.
Bribery is illegal, but some officials may try to procure extra ‘fees’ (known colloquially as coima) at land borders.
Return to beginning of chapter
AIR
Peru (mainly Lima) has direct flights to and from cities all over the Americas, as well as continental Europe. Other locations require a connection.
Note: if you’re headed to Cuzco, but are flying into Peru from another continent, your flight will likely land in Lima late in the evening or at night. This will require an overnight stay there since domestic