Frequently Asked Questions when Visiting the Colca Canyon

If someone tells you that traveling abroad is as easy as booking a flight and seeing where life takes you, they are lying. Although we, as tour operators, make it sound that easy, there are some special things you need to consider before you head out on your trip.

Don't worry, it's okay, we don't want to scare you with this. On the contrary, we would like to highlight this reality so that you can optimize your time and experience during your vacation. Our goal here is to help you with frequently asked questions about traveling in Peru and Colca Canyon.

Peru is one of the most demanded travel destinations in South America, recognized for its vast cultural and natural diversity, without forgetting all the history that encloses our territory. The so-called Country of the Incas receives more than 4.5 million tourists a year, making it the fourth most visited region in the continent.

For this reason, the country has a great tourist infrastructure with security measures and worldwide protocols that guarantee the integrity of each passenger. However, there are some things you should do on your own, and here we tell you all about them.

Is the Colca Canyon safe?

In terms of security, the Colca Canyon has a controlled tourist infrastructure, with guards and even police. You are more likely to be robbed in any other city in Peru or in your country than in the Colca Canyon.

If you are concerned about your integrity along the way, you should know that the Colca Canyon is a physically demanding hike and will take you to altitudes of over 4,000 meters above sea level.

Most travelers visiting the Colca Canyon also stay in the town of Chivay, considered one of the safest in the valley, although that doesn't mean you can walk around with your guard down, as petty crime is unfortunately common throughout Peru.

Pickpockets and robberies are a frequent occurrence, be on your guard in crowds, as thieves may create distractions to attack you. However, we do not want to scare you by highlighting this, but to show you an unfortunate reality when traveling abroad.

This does not mean that it can happen to you or that you are traveling to a highly unsafe country, on the contrary, they are just precautions. In the event of such an inconvenience, there are government agencies specialized in tourism, which will be ready to assist you in case of any eventuality.

The Tourist Police is another branch of national security that assists foreign travelers, although they are more likely to be found in the larger cities than in the more rural and remote areas of the country.

What are the emergency numbers in Peru?

In case of any emergency or eventuality, remember that if you are traveling with us, you will have a travel assistant assigned to you who can help you 24/7. However, it is absolutely valuable to know the national emergency numbers:

- Emergency and security line: 911

- Police station: 105

- Highway Police: 110

- Civil defense: 115

- Fire department: 116

- Red Cross: 01 266 0481

Is it necessary to purchase travel insurance?

It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Although most travelers choose not to purchase travel insurance, we believe that it should be mandatory for anyone planning to travel outside their country.

Travel insurance not only covers medical problems, depending on your plan of choice, it could also include lost luggage, trip cancellations, stolen documents and bank cards, and even repatriation costs.

Local Currency and Money Exchange

Nuevo Soles is Peru's local currency, bills come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. While coins come in units of 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20 and 0.10.

You can change money almost anywhere in Peru, but we recommend that you do so at a reputable money exchange (ask your travel agent) and avoid street money changers as it is not advisable to handle money on the streets.

You can use any ATM in Peru, they all accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express, being Visa the most used card in the country. Withdrawing money in Peru is very easy, some ATMs allow withdrawing US Dollars and even Soles.

Keep in mind that the exchange rate may vary according to the banks in Peru and those in your country of residence (transaction fees may apply). Dollars and Euros are accepted in all exchange houses and banks in the country. However, other currencies may not be accepted, although it is not impossible.

If you want to exchange a different currency, be sure to do it in Lima or Cusco where there is more affluence of foreign travelers. However, we recommend you bring Dollars or Euros for your trip as they are easier to exchange here.