TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAVELING TO AREQUIPA Y CUZCO

1. ABOUT AREQUIPA Y CUZCO

Climate and Geography Arequipa: Arequipa city is located in the southwest of Peru, between the coastal desert and the western Andes. Its climate is hot and dry, with daytime temperatures that rarely are under 68 F, although nights can be cold, especially in winter (June, July and August) when temperatures are around 50 F. Often known as the City of Eternal Spring, it is generally sunny all the year. The landscape is diverse, presents desert dunes, fertile valleys, rivers, deep canyons, expansive glacial peaks and dormant volcanoes Cusco: Cusco city is located at 3400 meters above sea level. The climate has two seasons: the rainy season that lasts from November to May and the Dry Season that lasts from April to October. To travel to Cusco we must consider two factors, the first is that you run the risk to suffer altitude sickness (Soroche), which we can treat with resting and drinking hot beverages, but there are people who are affected a lot and they should receive medical attention. And as in any highland of Peru, we find the phenomenon of thermal contrasting, which causes that we can only feel warm in the areas where the sun's rays fall. Because of these two factors it is always recommended to have warm jackets and raincoats at hand. It is recommended for both Cusco and Arequipa city to wear a bit slight clothing, but at night, in Cusco wear coats or jackets and warm clothes.

Cuzco

Arequipa

2. SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS - Cities such as Arequipa and Cusco are smaller and with less population but the security measures are still important, to secure our cameras and baggage that we carry in hand can save us from any trouble. - Do not change money on the street, or carry large amounts of money in the bag. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT LUGGAGE - If you take one day walks, just wear a cap or hat, clothes according to where you are, take an umbrella or jackets also, because in the afternoons, especially in the mountains, there are often strong wind currents. - If you take a more than 1 day walk, as Inka Trail, be careful about the things you carry since many things can weigh too much and be uncomfortable, take only what the guidelines recommend for each area or difficulty. - Do not forget to drink lots of liquids in the excursions, especially packaged and pre-sterilized. What to pack? A pair of pants. Hiking boots, sneakers and shoes. t-shirts or light shirts. Long-sleeved shirts. Sweaters and a jacket. Hats or caps (also for the cold weather) Raincoats camera Insect repellent. Medicine and / or personal items.

If you lack something you can find everything in Peru.

4. WHAT RULES TO FOLLOW IN MACHU PICCHU? To enter to the citadel there are important rules that every traveler should know. The historic sanctuary is governed by strict regulation, which enacts the norms, rules and activities within the archaeological site.

Rules Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Beverages are allowed only in bottles. It is strictly forbidden to consume food inside the citadel. No smoking and not to do bonfires inside the place. The only accepted luggages are backpacks and small bags. If you take several things because you are planning to spend the night nearby, you can leave your stuff in the cellar before entering, paying 3-5 soles ($ 2). They will deliver a number for you to ask your things when leaving. Not allowed to climb the Inca walls or do paintings on the walls. The toilets are outside the enclosure, it is better if you enter to the toilets before starting the route. Inside the sanctuary there are no toilets. You must respect the signage and you must walk only in authorized areas. Recommendations Drink a coca tea before boarding. We recommend the same to explore the Sacred Valley. Carry a phone in case of emergency, unexpected things can happen. Do not give it to strangers. If you have a camera, do not ask strangers to take you pictures, unless they are on the same tour. Bring cash because many places in Aguas Calientes do not accept cards. Carry a repellent if you have sensitive skin, there are mosquitoes in the bush and the agricultural sector. Good Luck! Enjoy your trip