Below are a few random facts about Peru and the city of Cusco:
- The Peruvian currency is the Sole. One U.S. dollar is equal to about three Peruvian Soles.
- The time in Peru is two hours ahead of California time.
- My program (IVHQ) partners with a local NGO called Maximo Nivel. The organization assists local Peruvian communities to develop through the establishment of programs nationwide that benefit the most number of people.
- Lonely Planet fact: Cusco was once the foremost city of the Inca empire and is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
- Temperatures in Cusco will be mild, with the lows in the 30s and the highs in the 60s. May-October is the dry season.
- The altitude in Cusco is at 11,000 feet. People often get altitude sickness when they come here. Mate de coca (coca -leaf tea) is said to help curb the syptoms of altitude sickness. No, you do not get high from it. I have altitude sickness pills on hand in case I get sick.
- I’ll be in Peru for three of their holidays:
- June 29: St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Day
- July 28-29: Independence Day Celebrations
- August 30: St. Rosa of Lima Day
The first day of their Independence Day celebrations is on my birthday. Neat.
Nice and useful information. Well, may I suggest SouthAmerica.Travel if anyone is looking for more info on traveling Peru.