- General Information

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General Information:

Root House

Currency: The official currency of Peru is the Sol. US dollars and Euros are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry small bills. Avoid torn, damaged or old dollar bills. People will not accept them.

Credit Cards and Traveler´s Checks: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted. ATMs are common, but credit card payments may incur a 5-10% fee. In small towns, credit cards are often not accepted, so bring cash.

Visas, Passports and Documents: No visa is required for most visitors. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your visit. Keep a photocopy of your documents separate from the originals.

Health Precautions: Cusco´s high altitude (3300 meters/12000 feet) can cause altitude sickness. Acclimatize by resting, drinking water, and avoiding alcohol. Use sun protection due to intense UV rays at high altitude.

Vaccines: No vaccinations are required for Peru, but yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those visiting the jungle. If necessary, consult your doctor about malaria precautions.

Security and Theft: As in any travel destination, beware of theft, especially in urban areas. Only carry what is necessary and avoid changing money on the street. Use official exchange offices or banks. In hotels, we strongly recommend using safe deposit boxes if they are available.

Weights and Measures: Peru uses the metric system for all measurements. Below is a table to help you convert to the imperial system:

To convert: Multiply by:

  • Centimeters to inches: 0.4
  • Meters to feet: 3.3
  • Kilometers to miles: 0.6
  • Kilograms to pounds: 2.2

Electricity: Peru uses 220 volts. Our hotel offers both 110V and 220V outlets, along with USB connectors.

Business Hours: Stores generally operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a lunch break from 1 to 2 p.m.

Transport: Cusco´s historic center is easily accessible on foot. Taxis are affordable and recommended for transfers to the airport or bus station, especially at night. Ask about our shuttle service.

Festivals and Events: Peru and Cusco are home to a vibrant array of festivals, each celebrating unique cultural traditions and heritage. Here are some of the most important festivals in Peru and Cusco:

  • Festivals throughout Peru:
    • Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun): Celebrated annually on June 24, this ancient Inca festival celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the sun.
    • Holy Week: A religious celebration observed throughout Peru, marked by processions, masses and traditional dishes.
    • National Holidays (Independence Day): Celebrated on July 28 and 29 to commemorate Peru´s independence from Spain.
    • Corpus Christi: A religious festival held on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, with colourful processions and traditional dances.
    • Regional Festivals: Peru has numerous regional festivals celebrating local traditions, such as Señor de los Milagros in Lima and Virgen de la Candelaria in Puno, which are fantastic and highly recommended!
  • Specific Festivals of Cusco:
    • Qoyllur Rit´i (Snow Star Festival): A pilgrimage to Ausangate Mountain which involves a hike to the sacred mountain of Sinakara.
    • Cusco Carnival: A vibrant celebration with colorful parades, street parties and traditional dances.
    • Corpus Christi: A particularly grand celebration in Cusco, with ornate processions and religious ceremonies.

These are just a few of the festivals celebrated in Peru and Cusco. Each offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Internet access: Wi-Fi is common in Peru, and our hotel offers free Wi-Fi for guests. For reliable internet access while traveling, consider purchasing a local SIM card.