INFO PERU - HUARAZ
The distance from Lima to Huaraz is around 400 km. The journey is by bus and lasts about 7- 8 hours, being the heist point the Conococha lake (4.100 m.). From there we come down to the city of Huaraz (3.100 m) driving along the beautiful Callejón de Huaylas, which is lined by the Cordillera Blanca (east) and the Cordillera Negra (west). That is why we recommend travelling by day. (Buses usually leave from Lima at 9 am an d a rrive in Huaraz at 4 p.m. )
In the evening departures are at 9 pm and 10 pm and the arrival time in Huaraz is 5 am and 5.30 am respectively.
The best time of the year to visit Huaraz is between May and August, when it is winter in Lima . During these months, the climate is most favourable at the Cordillera Blanca, temperatures are hot during the day, but a bit col d a t night and early in the morning.
The full moon plays a very important role in the region. It generally provokes a sudden change in the climate during 3 or 4 days an d a fter the moon changes. So we have to take into account this important detail when planning a trekking or an expedition.
Tourist Visas
This is not required for citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Peru. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities). Inquire with the Peruvian consular representation in your country if you need further information. Their addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the web site of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .
Transport Lima-Huaraz:
Empresa de transportes Móvil tours
Av. Paseo de la república, in front to estadio nacional
Av.- Paseo de la República Nº 646 Telf. 332-0004 / 332-0024
Approx. cost of the tickets: 60 soles ( US$ 25.00), except at Easter (around April) and "Fiestas Patrias" in Perú (July 27 - 30) when prices use to increase up to 50 - 60 % more.
web site
Jorge Chávez International Airport ( Lima ) Phones
(511) 575 - 1712 (international flights)
(511) 574 - 5529 (domestic flights)
(511) 575-0912 / 575 - 1434 (general information)
Information about departures - arrivals at Lima Airport
Although in Huaraz there is an airport (Anta), it is only used in exceptional or emergency occasions.
Accommodation:
In Lima one can find from the best 5 star hotels to youth hostels for backpackers.
In Huaraz there are also good quality hotels, as well as family lodgings which are safe and reasonably priced. If you are thinking about staying for some months here, it is even possible to rent a house.
Currency:
It is better to bring American dollars and travellers' cheques. Both in Lima and in Huaraz, there are "Casas de Cambio", where you can change money according to the exchange rate of the day (approx. US$ 1.00 = 2.59 "nuevos soles" / 1 € = 3,20"nuevos soles").
The mostly accepted credit cards are Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
Both in Lima and in Huaraz it is possible to change other international currency.
In Lima the euro can be change d a t the normal exchange rate in the international market, but in Huaraz the exchange rate is usually a bit lower.
Eating:
In Lima there are first class restaurants, which are completely recommendable, and the same applies for Huaraz. One can also go to the central market to get provisions for the trekking or expedition; there is a whole variety of products, specially of vegetables, cheese and local products, which are rich in vitamins and proteins (honey, kiwicha, "panes huaracinos", etc)
Peruvian National Police Rescue Unit
Headquarters: Yungay (Phone Numbers: +51.1. (0)43 493333 - (0)43 4793292)
The rescue unit of the Peruvian National Police has develope d a n important task in the Cordillera Blanca, and they are always ready for an emergency.
They act without asking for money in advance, if the accident victim has got an insurance which will cover the costs; otherwise, the accident victim will have to pay for the rescue costs afterwards.
usam@pnp.gob.pe
MOUNTAIN REFUGES.- Between the most important news of this season in the Cordillera Blanca it is worthy of notice the one on the construction and installation of three modern refuges. One of them is located near the Quebrada Ishinca, other one is in the Pisco mountain base camp and Huascaran moraine camp. They both had been builded by Italian congregations which are living in Peru as residents. The payment oscillates between 30 dollars every night (meal included) and 2 or 3 dollars for the economic dishes.
At the moment, comes preparing the construction refuge in the Alpamayo base camp.
ENTERING PAYMENT.- People have been paying a US$ 25.00 fee for the entrance to the Quebrada Llanganuco, Ishinca, and Musho village for three years (you need to pass this entrance is you want to climb the Huascaran)
The entrance to other quebradas is free of payment with the exception of the touristic places (U$ 2.00).
An important point to remember is to know that if you are going to take a tour by bus and you have contract it by yourself then be sure you had looked for and had talked to the "llavero" one day after your visit so that he will be waiting for you. You have to pay him $10.00 for this service.
There is no problem if you want to carry your packs by yourself. These quebradas are: Quilcayhuanca , Llaca , Rajucolta and Cojup.
Vaccinations
If you plan on traveling to the Jungle, the administration of a yellow fever vaccine 10 days in advance is recommended.
Places in Lima where the vaccine can be administered:
Jorge Chávez International Airport
First floor
Service Hours: Monday through Sunday, 04:30 am to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m to 11:00 pm.
Tel.: (01) 575-1745
International Vaccination Center
- Calle Yupanqui 1400, Lima
Service hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tel.: (01) 471-9920 / 471-3254
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Av. El Ejército 1756, San Isidro
Service hours: Monday to Friday 08 am to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m..to 2 p.m.
Tel. (01) 264-6889
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