FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Travelers will need a passport valid for at least 6 months after they depart. Citizens of most American and Western European countries are not required a visa to enter Peru. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not require passports or visa to visit certain regions of Peru.
If the purpose of your visit is tourism, the maximum length of your stay will be 90 days (you can apply for extensions with the immigration authority)
All travelers must carry a valid passport, or a safe-conduct issued by the Peruvian immigration authority.
Is it safe to travel in Peru?
Travelling to Peru is safe. Peruvians live in peace and work very hard every day to build a democratic and safe society. We can assure visitors that all they need to do is follow the normal precautions taken in order to visit other destinations.
When visiting the cities:
- Take the logical precautions to avoid pickpockets and purse-snatchers.
- Carry a copy of your identification documents. Keep the originals and the rest of valuable personal effects in the safety deposit box of your hotel.
- Wear valuable items discretely; don’t carry large sums of cash and watch your bags and luggage.
- Refrain from exchanging currency on the street.
- It is advisable to use taxi companies for transportation (they can be requested by phone) or cabs authorized by the local authorities.
What’s the weather like throughout the year?
Peru is a very large country that is crossed by the Andes and has a vast Amazonian region, so you are likely to notice differences from one place to the other, which may be more or less intense depending on the month of your visit. It hardly ever rains on the coast, where there are usually two seasons: a warm season and a cold season.
- The warm season runs from November 15th until the end of March.
- The cold season occurs from April to mid November and it is very humid.
Unlike the coastal area, the mountains and the jungle have a warmer rainy season running from mid November to late March, and the least warm season occurs between April and mid November.
What immunizations are recommended/ required?
No immunizations are currently required for visiting Peru. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to the Peruvian Amazon. This vaccination, which is valid for 10 years, must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in Peru. Travelers must bring along their International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof of vaccination. However, those who are only visiting the highlands do not need this vaccination. We advise you to consult with your doctor.
What is Peruvian traditional food like?
Traditional food in the highlands include potatoes, corn, rice, and meat dishes, often with a spicy sauce. In jungle areas, fresh fruits, fried plantains, and other vegetables are also common. Though vegetarians can be easily accommodated in all areas, options typically leave out the meat rather than adding vegetarian mainstays such as tofu, beans, or nuts.
What time zone is Peru?
Peru is five hours behind GMT (same as EST). They do not observe daylight-savings time so during these months (April-October), Peru is on CST.
Is travel Insurance included in the program fee?
Yes. The price of it will vary depending on the length of your visit and the activities you decide to do.
Will I be working with other volunteers?
We usually work in small teams at the projects so you might be working with two to three other volunteers. However, if you wish to be placed by yourself in a project we can arrange this for you.
How far in advance should I register and pay?
We do not have a deadline for volunteer applications and registrations, but the sooner you can do it the better.
Can someone under the age of 18 volunteer with Into Peru?
If a person is under the age of 18, they can volunteer as long as they are going as part of a group (with adult minders) or with a parent, guardian or family member (18 years or over). When applying for a volunteering program with Into Peru, it is important that he/she advises us of the name of the person they are volunteering with.
What hours am I expected to do during the program?
The schedule for each project is different but most volunteers help 5 days a week, for no longer than 8 hours per day (sometimes it can be less). This might vary depending on the project you choose.
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Childcare in an orphanage, teaching English in an orphanage, sports teaching and construction and renovation projects in Lima.
Do I need to be able to speak the local language?
Generally, volunteers are only required to speak English to participate on an Into Peru program. Into Peru offers volunteers the opportunity to take a basic 20 hours Spanish course for a small additional fee before or during the volunteering program. The more you can speak the local language, the more you will be able to immerse yourself into the program and local culture.
Does Into Peru accept groups?
Into Peru does accept volunteer groups and if a group has 8 or more members, we can even arrange special projects and itineraries for groups.
Can I volunteer with a friend (s) or partner?
Into Peru accepts friends and couples who want to volunteer together. We can make sure that you are placed in the same accommodation and project as a friend or partner, as long as this is requested before your departure. On your online application, make a note of your friend’s name stating you wish to go together.
When can I go?
For most of our projects you can choose when your placement starts and finishes. Placements run all year. There are no definitive deadlines for application. We do generally need at least 3 months to comfortably process an application, but we like to receive your application form as far in advance as possible – so please apply as soon as you’ve decided what you want to do. The longer the notice, the more we can tailor a programme. If you decide last minute, give us a call to see how quickly we can arrange it for you.
What qualifications do I need?
No qualifications are necessary for our projects, just reasonable spoken English. No TEFL or teaching qualifications are needed for our teaching. If you do happen to have qualifications, even better!
How are you chosen for a volunteering program?
When you apply we ask you for the name and address of a referee. This will be someone who knows you well – such as a school tutor or an employer. We then get in touch with them and ask for a reference. You will also need to provide a DBS check.
In addition to this, all volunteers aged 18 and over who will participate in a project that involves working with children are required to provide a criminal record check as part of the application process.
How long do placements last?
We offer programs from 2 weeks to 8 weeks. If you wish to stay longer, we can make the arrangements needed but you need to let us know in advance.
What if I have paid a deposit for the trip and I can no longer go?
If you can no longer go, it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person, provided that written notice is given at least 30 days prior to departure. An administration fee of £50 will be charged plus any costs imposed by Into Peru for its suppliers.
How will I be identified once I arrive at the airport?
A uniformed and identified Into Peru representative will be waiting for you at the international terminal reception area where you will be directed to go after collecting your luggage. Our representative will be holding up a sign with your name or the group’s.
Once we have been contacted by the representative, will we have to show a coupon or voucher?
No, all you have to do is identify yourself. Our personnel will have the necessary documents on hand that list the services you have purchased, which helps avoid any uncomfortable situation and streamlines your arrival.
What type of assistance will I receive upon arrival?
An Into Peru representative will help you with your luggage, check to see if your entrance papers are in order, and hand you a document pack with a detailed itinerary, luggage tags, and other useful forms. Additionally, our representative will give you a brief introduction of the city, provide a concise summary of the program, and provide useful tips that will make your stay more comfortable.
Will I need to show a coupon or voucher for each service?
No. In order to serve you more efficiently, we have coordinated all services in advance, having sent all necessary coupons electronically to our suppliers as a means of avoiding loss, reducing unneeded printing (which is part of our environmental protection policy), and maximizing your experience by relieving you of that concern. So, just relax and enjoy the trip.
Why do I have to show my identification and immigration form when registering at the hotel?
When registering, you need to show your identification card or passport with the immigration stamp on it as well as your Andean Immigration Card so the hotel can make a copy of them; these will be used as supporting documentation to exonerate you from paying the 19% general sales tax. Our quotes do not include this tax to non-resident foreigners whose stay does not exceed 60 consecutive days.
What type of transportation is used?
We use a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses, flights, canoes, etc. We use a mix of private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?
Yes! Our Peru tours tend to attract a great mix of solo travelers, families, friends, etc. We can often match you with a roommate if desired, to save on single supplement costs or you can request a private room if you prefer.
Do tour rates include international flights?
Tour rates do not include international flights. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately and this also allows you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. You can purchase international flights on your own, or we can certainly help you arrange these flights with an airfare consolidator who specializes in international flights to South America.
How far in advance should I book?
You can book your Peru tour at any time and generally the earlier you book, the better. Booking early (4 months or more recommended) is especially important for travelers visiting during the height of the dry season, June to August, as many of these departures fill up months in advance. Travelers visiting outside of these busy months can often book a bit more last minute, though 2-3 months notice is still recommended. We are often able to accommodate last minute travelers as well (some even departing in less than one week!!), so give us a call and we will do our best!
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About our Intensive and Super Intensive courses:
You can start an Intensive or Super Intensive Spanish course for your level every Monday, all year round (except if Monday is a public non-working holiday)
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