Travel Documents and Legal Considerations
Citizens of the Americas (except for Cuba), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the EU need only a valid passport for entry, and are typically given a 60 or 90 day visa which is stamped in their passport upon entry (no charge). Citizens of other countries should contact the nearest Peruvian embassy/consulate for requirements. If you are staying for more than 90 days, you may need to apply for a longer term visa at a Peruvian Embassy or Consulate before you travel to Peru. An alternative is to leave Peru for a short period every 90 days, and re-enter the country, receiving another 90 day visa in your passport in the process. Visa extensions can be obtained in country, but this process may take several days. Check your passport to ensure that it will be valid for the duration of your desired stay. US citizens can download passport application/renewal forms from the National Passport Information System at http://travel.state.gov
Customs & Import Restrictions
Upon entry into Peru, all visitors must clear customs. Visitors may bring in personal camera and recording gear, a personal laptop, and other "normal" items with no restrictions. Electronic and other items that are going to be left in Peru may be subject to customs duty (about 30% of the value of the item(s)). Firearms, ammunition and explosives may not be imported. Drug offenses are severely punished in Peru and luggage may be searched and sniffed by drug dogs upon arrival and departure. Domestic flights are subject to internal customs controls and drug searches as well.
Peru is a signatory to the CITES treaty, which regulates importation and export of endangered plants and animals, and wildlife trade in general. Peru also has its own laws regulating the sale and transportation of plants and animals, and most flora and fauna in Peru is protected from commercial trade. Purchase and export of wildlife or wildlife products and plants requires permits from INRENA, the Peruvian equivalent of Fish and Wildlife. Attempting to take such products out of Peru or into a third country without the necessary permits may result in confiscation, fines or worse. Help Peru protect its flora and fauna by respecting environmental laws and regulations. Observe, photograph, enjoy and tell your friends - but leave it in Peru!
Currency & Money Exchange
Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol. This currency has been very stable (vs. the US $) for several years. Money exchange is easily done in larger cities througout Peru, and US $$ are also widely accepted in stores and restaurants. There is no blackmarket, and banks and street changers offer similar rates of conversion. Exchange rates typically drop a point on days when banks are closed. Credit cards are accepted at some stores, restaurants and hotels. Cash machines are readily available in larger cities and dispense both Nuevo Sols and US $$ (daily limit of US $500).. Cash advances from credit cards are easy to make at some banks. Travelers checks can only be cashed at certain banks and are not widely accepted. US bills should be relatively unworn and free of rips, holes, tears, ink writing and other blemishes, or they may not be accepted.
What to Bring: A Generalized Packing List
Personal toiletry articles, soap, shampoo, disposable razors, personal hygiene items, etc. (all readily available in Peru)
Prescription medicines - sufficient for your trip plus a few days.
Malaria prophylaxis - to be fully effective, you will need to begin treatment prior to your trip, and continue for a short period after - consult your physician.
Other medications such as Tylenol/Aspirin or similar, antihistamine lotion (for insect bites), antiseptic ointment (Neosporin or similar), Pepto-Bismol or other similar medication for upset stomach and diarrhea, antibiotics, etc.
High SPF sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher is essential!).
Insect repellent with high DEET content. Citronella and other "natural" insect repellents are largely ineffective. Sulfur powder is effective against chiggers.
Flashlight (waterproof is best) with extra batteries and bulbs. Good batteries are expensive in Peru, and some sizes may not be locally available.
Tennis shoes or other canvas-topped shoes which dry quickly, with rubber soles. These should be broken in already, you don't want to get blisters on your Amazon trip! These are for wearing in town, on board boats, or on the plane home. An old pair that you don't plan on taking home can be useful for wading in water (for fishermen), or for slogging through mud on forest trails.
Hiking boots, jungle boots, or gum-rubber boots. Again, be sure these are well broken in! Be aware that if you are hiking on jungle trails, visiting villages, and having a real Amazon experience, your footwear will get wet and muddy. Gum-rubber boots (farmer boots, wellies, etc.), are popular with experienced jungle travelers, they are cheap, easy to put on and take off (no muddy laces), dry quickly, easy to clean, and provide excellent protection against snakes, insects and thorns, to say nothing of mud. They also have excellent tread for walking on slippery trails. Whatever you select, be sure that your footwear is comfortable and broken in. If you have relatively small feet, gum-rubber boots can be readily purchased in Peru. If you have large feet (size 10 and above), get your boots before you come!
Binoculars. Bring a good pair of lightweight binoculars that are water-resistant or water-proof (better). Nitrogen-filled lenses also prevent any fogging problems. Your experience will be enhanced if you have the ability to examine birds, treetop flowers, dolphins, monkeys, and miscellaneous happenings along the route up close!
Photographic equipment and film, etc. Don't stiff yourself.You will kick yourself if you don't have a good quality camera (that you know how to use). Don't forget extra batteries.
Hat with wide brim or bill (essential for the tropical sun, useful also for rain).
Fannypack or small backpack, weather proof.
Light poncho or rain jacket (essential for trips in small boats). This can be supplemented with a collapsible umbrella in town.
Lightweight shorts and pants (avoid jeans and other items of clothing which are heavy and take a long time to dry).
Lightweight shirts, both long/short sleeves.
Underwear (loose is better) and socks - cotton are best for keeping you dry and comfortable. Wool socks are great for padding your feet if you bring gum-rubber boots.
Swimsuit.
Lightweight jacket or windbreaker - in the dry season (northern summer), it can feel quite cool while traveling by boat at night. If you are going to be visiting other parts of Peru as well as the Amazon, you will need to add extra items of clothing - the highlands of Peru can be very cold!
Polarized sunglasses - great for river travel, the glare off the surface of the water can be intense.
Trade items: popular items in the past have included D-cell batteries (in their original packaging - proves that they are 'fresh'), flashlights, T-shirts, children's and women's clothing, sheets, towels, candy, ceramic busts of Elvis (OK, just a joke, but you never know!), knives, scissors, toys, fish hooks and fishing line, bottles of aspirin, baseball caps, etc. If you bring clothing, remember that most Peruvians are smaller than the average North American - small sizes are better!
Books in Spanish and various school supplies make a great donation to the schools of some of the remote villages that we visit.