Pisac INN, sacred valley, cusco, hotel in cusco, hostal in sacred valley of the incas

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1. What are the accommodations like?

Pisac Inn offers newly renovated, comfortable and charming accommodations with 12 immaculate guest rooms, most with private baths. Hot water at all times. Pisac Inn’s atmosphere celebrates the local traditional culture. It can best be compared to small, family run bed and breakfasts rather than international chain hotels. It is located in the town center on the plaza and the reception generally speaks English.

2. Meals available in Pisac?

There are a wide variety of restaurants in Pisac. Our small café offers light healthy snacks. Enjoy authentic and original food from the wealth of andean cuisine in our restaurant Cuchara de Palo. Thin crust Italian style pizza prepared in our wood burning oven on Sundays or with previous notice for groups any day. We can prepare traditional menus for groups with advance notice, celebrating the abundant diversity of products, flavors, colors and aromas that have won special recognition for Peruvian Culinary Art as one of the most exquisite and sophisticated of the planet.

3. What is the staff like?

All of our staff is exceptional! They are all very friendly and enjoy taking care of your needs as travelers. Most speak English. All of our staff treat our guests like friends, making you feel comfortable and at home.

4. What type of transportation is available?

Peru offers a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses, public buses, motor taxis, flights, trains, canoes, etc. There is private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. Motor taxis are fun to try for short distances to give travelers a sense of local flavor.

5. What type of food is typical of Peru?

Staple foods in the highlands include potatoes, quinoa, fava beans, lupin beans, corn, rice, and for special occasion's guinea pig, hen, pork and lamb dishes are prepared. The trout is exceptional. There is a wide variety of aromatic herbs and spicy peppers used in many dishes and sauces.. In jungle areas, fresh fruits, cocoa, coffee, fried plantains, and other vegetables are also common. You can find many of these products in the highlands due to proximity of the rainforest. 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.

6. What types of planes are used for internal flights?

Most internal flights use 727s or similar size jet planes with a capacity of 80-120 passengers. Manu tours use smaller 10-15 passenger propeller planes typically.

7. When is the best time to go?

Travelers can visit Peru any time of the year. Dry season runs from May to November and this is typically the time that is most recommended. However, this is also the cooler time of year. Nighttime temperatures can drop to below freezing at the height of the dry season. June, July and August are the most popular months to visit so you will tend to encounter much larger crowds during these months.

In the wet season (December to April), you can expect showers three to four afternoons a week. For travelers that don't mind a little drizzle and muddy trails, this time of year offers smaller crowds and greener hillsides, with wildflowers and orchids often in bloom.

The shoulder seasons, April to June or September to November can often provide the best of both worlds. They typically have fewer crowds and warmer temperatures than the height of the dry season, but still tend to have relatively little rain.

8. Is traveling in Peru suitable for kids?

Absolutely! We feel that traveling with children and exposing them to different cultures is an enriching and invaluable experience. They will absorb all of the subtle details which will influence their formation for life. Peruvians love children: you will find that many doors will be opened when traveling with children and you will receive special attention.

9. What is the typical age range for travelers in Peru?

All ages are suitable for traveling conditions in Peru. You can easily make choices that work for your needs. If you prefer hiking, there are plenty of options, and if you prefer easy driving explorations, that is easy to arrange as well.

10. Is Peru a good choice for solo travelers?

Absolutely!! It is safe and easy to manage on your own. Peruvians are very warm and friendly.

11. Is it easy to book international and domestic flights in Peru?

There are abundant travel agencies in Peru that are friendly and efficient that can especially help arrange travel plans once in Peru. However, for booking international and even domestic flights we recommend using your preferred travel agent from your country of destination. Prices are comparable, and it is generally easier form there.

12. How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?

We can arrange an airport transfer for you or you can take a local taxi. There is a transportation desk inside the airport that can help you arrange an official taxi when you arrive if desired.

13. Are there any discounts available?

We offer a discount for South American Explores Club members.

14. How much should I budget for tips?

Many guide books express that tipping is not customary or expected in Peru. We have a different approach. Though it may not be expected, tips are a special way of showing ones appreciation. We strongly encourage tipping, as we know the economic reality of Peru is one of the most difficult aspects of life here. We feel that one way to support the culture and economy is by leaving a sign of affection via tipping. Tips bring such joy to staff……….. That little extra makes a huge difference in the conditions of this country. Tipping amounts vary widely, though some travelers report that ~$2-$10/ day for staff and ~$1-$3/ day for your driver is common. Again, we encourage travelers to leave the greatest amount you feel moved to. Other travelers also like to bring small gifts from their home to give to special service providers.

15. How far in advance should I book?

You can book 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.

16. Stomach problems?

It is very common to experience stomach irregularities. The best way to avoid this is by drinking boiled or battled water, and avoiding fruit or vegetables that have not been peeled or properly cleaned. We suggest avoiding fried foods where the oil may be used over and over. Try to eat in places that can provide clean meal preparation. Even if you are cautious it is common to have problems all the same. In this case, you can either take herbal tea remedies of the area, or depending on your situation, seek medical help. This is very easy to find. Many visitors bring a dose of Cipro just in case!

17. Is medical assistance available if I have problems?

There is a new fully equipped mini hospital in Pisac with a doctor on call 24 hours a day. There are several drug stores in the town of Pisac that have medications. If you have a problem that can not be attended to in Pisac, they will transfer you to Cusco where there are many recommended medical services with specialists on call.

18. What should I pack?

Since the Peruvian climate varies dramatically depending upon elevation and season, it is difficult to offer many generalizations. Comfort is the rule and fancy clothes are not necessary. Peruvians are used to seeing travelers so shorts, sandals, and jeans are perfectly acceptable. Layers are key as the temperature shifts the minute the sun goes down or clouds roll in. Just about anything you forget is now available in Peru, so no worries!

19. How concerned should I be about the altitude?

Altitude affects each traveler differently and until you have visited an area with high altitude, it is impossible to predict how your body will react. For this reason, Pisac is ideal as a base because of the lower altitude.

Commonly, travelers report mild altitude symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or light-headedness during their first day or two at elevation.

Severe altitude sickness is rare. In this case, the best treatment is to go down in elevation as soon as possible. We have never had a guest that had to be evacuated to low altitude. Many severe cases of altitude sickness are the result of a pre-existing condition that is aggravated by the altitude. It is important to ask your doctor whether or not travel to high altitude is advised, especially if you have a pre-existing heart or lung condition such as high blood pressure, asthma, angina, etc. You might also want to ask your doctor about prescription Diamox, a diuretic that many travelers swear by to help them adjust to the altitude more readily.

Drinking lots of water and resting the first day helps tremendously. Coca tea is very helpful. Avoid alcohol in excess.

20. How safe is Peru?

Peru has a stable government and tourism has boomed in recent years. With the added tourist dollars, the government has made a concerted effort to keep travelers and their valuables safe. There have been no terrorist attacks in Peruvian tourist areas in over a decade and the activities of the Shining Path are generally assumed to be isolated to a remote area of the Department of Ayacucho that most travelers would never visit.

Travelers should take the same precautions that they would in a major city in the US. Take common-sense precautions such as not going into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night. Pisac is very safe. There have been no reports of theft here.

Petty theft is common in busy tourist areas such as airports, markets, and other tourist sites so be aware of your valuables and don't leave them unattended. Monetary scams also sprout up occasionally so beware of any offers that sound too good to be true. Check out the US State Department travel advisories for the latest information at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_998.html

21. 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.

22. Do I need a converter/ adaptor for the electricity?

Peru uses 220 volt, 60 cycle electricity. Travelers will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type found in the US, though some facilities have been noted to use the 2 rounded prongs instead.

23. Is the water safe to drink?

The tap water is not safe to drink in Peru. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. Don't forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well! Ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. Order your beverages without ice ("sin hielo").

24. Can I use US dollars, or do I need local currency? What is the local currency, exchange rate, etc.?

Most restaurants, markets, and other service providers readily accept US dollars as long as they don't have any rips. They will generally give you change in local currency. The local currency is the Sol. It is handy to use local currency in markets as you will have smaller denominations to bargain/ tip with and don't need to worry about your currency looking pristine (ripped Soles are common and readily accepted). Check out our Currency Converter for the latest exchange rates. We recommend changing money “casas de cambio” rather than the bank or directly on the street.

Most restaurants, markets, and other service providers readily accept US dollars as long as they don't have any rips. They will generally give you change in local currency. The local currency is the Sol. It is handy to use local currency in markets as you will have smaller denominations to bargain/ tip with and don't need to worry about your currency looking pristine (ripped Soles are common and readily accepted). We recommend changing money in “casas de cambio” rather than the bank or directly on the street.

25. Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?

Most travelers bring a small amount of US cash with them and withdraw from ATMs as they need it along they way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities. Pisac has an ATM machine. Travelers can withdraw US dollars or local currency at fair exchange rates. Traveler's checks are fine, but they can be more difficult to exchange and you will usually receive a poorer rate or be charged an additional fee. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger restaurants and stores. Although it is helpful to bring a credit card along for emergencies, don't count on using it for most purchases.

26. Can I use my cell phone?

Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information.

27. What immunizations are recommended/ required?

No immunizations are currently required for visiting Peru. For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or check out the Center for Disease Control web-site at www.cdc.gov.

28. Do I need a visa/passport?

Travelers will all need a passport valid for at least 6 months after they depart. Currently, citizens from the US, Canada, Scandinavia, Western Europe, Japan, Latin America, South Africa, South Korea, and the Caribbean (except Cuba) do not need a visa. Australians and New Zealanders do need a visa. Travelers from other nationalities should check with the Peruvian Embassy for visa information. Entry requirements change with surprising frequency. It is each traveler's responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

29. Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes. We suggest insurance that includes trip cancellation, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost bags, etc. Your own preference is recommended. Travel Guard is one suggestion.

30. Is internet available? Phone services?

Yes, there is internet service available in Pisac. There are several intenet cafes. They usually open in the afternoon. Phone calling cards are recommended. You can purchase them in local stores in Pisac.

31. Are heaters available?

We do not have any heating in our Inn. Pisac is considerably warmer than Cusco, and due to the thick adobe walls and small rooms, heat is retained, and very few guests comment on the cold. We have warm alpaca blankets and down comforters, and we have extra blankets if needed.

Adress: Plaza de Armas PISAC - SACRED VALLEY (Cusco - Peru)
Phone/ Fax: +51- 84 - 203062