Frequently Asked Questions about Peru and Cusco
What to Bring
Bring comfortable clothing that is durable, can be layered, and is easy to wash. T-shirts, sweaters, comfortable slacks and a hat are recommended. In the rainy season, a raincoat or poncho is also a good idea. (Good-quality rain ponchos are available for sale near the Plaza de Armas.) Suitable footwear includes sturdy walking shoes and sneakers; sandals may prove slippery and are not recommended. If students are planning to hike the Inca Trail (or take a camping trip) we suggest bringing a warm jacket and sweaters, rainwear, hiking boots, a sleeping bag (rental is possible in Cusco), water purification tablets, a pocket-knife, and a torch/flashlight.
A guidebook is helpful, and good English novels are hard to find in Cusco. The bookstore SBS in the Avenida de la Cultura offer a resonable selection of travel and liesure books in English.
Students should also bring any medications that they need during their stay, as some items may not be available for sale here. Prescriptions should be carried with the students, and Excel should be informed of any medical conditions that could cause unusual medical emergencies.
Students may wish to bring something small and typical from their country for their guest family.
Money in Cusco
The currency of Peru is el nuevo sol. At the time of this writing the USD $1.00 was equal to S/2.77. There are a number of automatic teller machines that take Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards and numerous casas de cambio where traveler’s cheques may be cashed and money exchanged.
Students are advised to arrive with American dollars.
Expenses
The following list gives an indication of what expenses may be planned for during a Cusco stay.
- Taxis $0.90
- local transport $0.30
- a set meal / menu in restaurant $3.00 to $8.00
- a beer in a nightclub $2.50
- a coffee in a trendy cafe bar $2.00
- international phone call $1.50 per minute
- international phone call with calling card $4.00 for 100 minutes
- laundry service $1.50 per kilo
- long distance local transport $15.00 for about 15 hours
- internet usage $0.50 hour - some cafes provide free WiFi Access for your computer, smartphone, tablet
Health Care
It is recommended that prior to arrival students undertake a thorough medical examination, purchase health insurance and consult their physician about inoculations. There is no malaria in the Cusco area!
Excel should be informed of any medical emergencies that could arise and special medications that students may be taking. All information will be treated confidentially.
Altitude Sickness
Some people experience some discomfort at this altitude. We recommend at least a day of rest prior to the commencement of classes. The symptoms are headaches, dizziness, stomach upset and tiredness. These symptoms can be managed by reducing your alcohol intake, drinking lots of fluids, eating light meals and getting plenty of rest.
You can checkout Wikipedia on issues of altitude sickness and/or consult with your doctor. Cusco at 10,800 feet/3300 meters is well above the 8000 foot/2,400 meter limit at which travelers may experience increased frequency of altitude sickness.
International Travel Requirements and Recommendations
You do not need to obtain a visa to enter Peru in advance of your travel. Tourist visas good for up to a 90 day stay are available on your entry to Peru. All visitors must have a valid passport.
We recommend that students consult with their physician before traveling to Peru and update vaccinations. Only Yellow fever is mandatory, but, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and TB are recommended for those who will be traveling for three months or more.
Climate and Weather
This area of Peru has two basic seasons - wet and dry with transitions between the them. The rainy season runs from November to March, and visitors can expect brief afternoon showers during this time, with more frequent and heaver rains in January and February. April offers a relatively Summery transition to the dry season. May through September offers usually dry and sunny days with cold nights. Nights are especially cold between May and July, and visitors during this time should bring a warm jacket. October entering November again offers a relatively summery transition to the rainy season.
The Issue of Security
Occasionally, potential students have questions about safety. While we can't vouch for every part of South America. Former and current students at EXCEL tell us that they find Cusco to be a comfortable and rather "laid back" city where the vast majority of visitors will experience no problems whatsoever. Of course, to ensure your safety while visiting Cusco, we do recommend that you take the same basic safety precautions that you would when visiting any new location.
Specifically, stay aware of your surroundings, carry your money in a secure location (funny packs under your shirt or sweater are ideal), leave expensive jewelry at home, and walk in groups (or take taxis) late at night or in isolated areas. These basic precautions should be all you need to enjoy your stay in the Cusco area.
Students should carry copies of passports in lieu of originals when out and about in the city.
Minimum/Maximum Age
There are no age restrictions for enrollment.
Please do take into consideration your own national laws regarding travel of minors outside your country.
Should you have any questions or comments about FAQs, please contact us.