Welcome Again!

Thank you for your registration - we look forward to saying hello to you in person at our school. You will receive confirmation of your registration by e-mail within the next 48 hours.

It is one of our desires to provide you with competent and reliable support in your travel preparations. Please study the following information carefully (you might have seen some of it on our page “Hints and How To Get There”) and try to adhere to it. In doing so, you will save yourself possible complications and inconveniences.

We recommend that you print out this document, either in its entirety or at least the most important sections:

• When departing from your home airport • Arriving at International Airport (LIM) (first paragraph) • Missing Luggage • ... what you should know upon arrival in

Please have these printouts always at hand during your entire journey (i.e. between your departing airport and your arrival in Arequipa) and consult them if necessary.

Planning your travel to / in Peru

Reservations and prepayments We would recommend not making (too many) reservations (and prepayments), e.g. for your Colca Canyon Tour, your visit to Puno/Lake Titicaca and to the Cuzco region (incl. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley). You can make the corresponding reservations for accommodations, transport, tours, trekking etc. on the spot, i.e. when you are here in Arequipa, and later in Puno, Cuzco, etc. – Why is this more recommendable?

1. Most likely you will find, once here in Peru, less expensive options, and we can also provide pertinent advice.

2. Our experience says that travellers of all age groups and origins, once in Peru, tend to change their plans or would like to do so, i.e. changing the route/itinerary, or staying more time in one place and less in another. But having booked and prepaid services (accommodations, tours, flights, bus transports, car rentals) from home, it would be a difficult undertaking to cancel or change something and get a refund for something already paid. One of the exceptions in this respect is the EDEAQ: no pre-payment is required, and you can change, in principle, your arrival and/or departure dates, also at short notice. – Important: Should you plan to attend an event that normally attracts thousands of visitors (for example the Inti Raymi celebration in Cuzco/ Sacsayhuamán, every year between 21 and 24 June), or to visit Machu Picchu with or without Inca Trail (in particular during high season (i.e. July to October and December/January), then we recommend to make reservations (accommodations, tours, flights, bus tickets, car rentals, etc.) well in advance. The same applies to the “Semana Santa” (Easter Week), in particular Holy/ Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday.

From Lima to Arequipa by plane There are four airlines operating scheduled flights between Lima andArequipa: Peruvian Airlines, TACA, Star Peru and LAN. – Passengers from Europe arriving not later than approx. two and a half hours prior to the departures of the last flights to Arequipa (which leave between 19:00 h and 20:00 h). e.g. with Air France (arr 15:55 h), IBERIA (arr 18:05 h) or KLM (arr 18:10 h), can thus continue their journey to Arequipa on the same day.

From Lima to Arequipa by bus We recommend the bus company Cruz del Sur [www.cruzdelsur.com.pe]. There is one day-time connection (departing Lima at 06:30 h, travel time between 15 and 17 hours). There are six afternoon/ evening departures from 14:30 h to 21:00 h (travel time between 15 and 16 hours), arriving in Arequipa on the following day. – Fares: between USD 22.00 and USD 53.00, to be paid in Soles. – If you interrupt your bus journey in Parácas/Ica or Nazca, the staff of your hotel/hostel can advise you how to continue your journey to Arequipa.

Colca Canyon Tour and then to Puno Do not book your Colca Tour in advance: do it when you are here in Arequipa. On the last day of your Colca Canyon Tour, you do not have to return to Arequipa (of course you can, if you wish so) - you can travel directly to Puno. There is a daily bus connection from Chivay to Puno (dep 13:30 h/arr 19:30 h) [www.4m-express.com]. The Puno arrival time allows you to still make pertinent arrangements for the coming day (Lake Titicaca excursion), since the agencies/tour operators are open until about 21:00 h/21:30 h.

From Puno to Cuzco (or vice versa) A good alternative to the (fairly expensive) train [www.perurail.com/en] and to overcrowded public buses is the “Inka Express” [www.inkaexpress.com.pe].

How to get to Peru (Lima) and Arequipa? Quite a number of European, Latin-American and North American airlines offer regular flights to Peru’s capital city of Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport [LIM]). In principle, you will always get a flight to and from Lima at short notice - the question is at what price? Please be aware that intercontinental flights to and from Lima tend to be extremely well or often fully booked between July and October as well as in December/January. In the event that your travel plans fall into months other than those mentioned above, it is nevertheless highly advisable to make flight reservations as early as possible.

In particular, during the peak seasons (as mentioned above July to October and December/January), low cost airlines operate between European hubs (in particular Madrid and Paris) and Lima. Your travel agent and pertinent Internet brokers will be able to provide an overview on these options.

From Europe. For students from Europe, the best options are Air France [www.airfrance.com] (arr. 15:55 h), IBERIA [www.iberia.com] (arr 05:30 h and 18:05 h), KLM [www.klm.com] (arr 18:10 h) or LAN [www. lan.com] (arr 06:10 h). Another option is Lufthansa [www.lufthansa.com] from Frankfurt through Bogotá (Colombia) with good LAN or TACA connections, or through São Paulo (Brazil). Your travel agent and the pertinent Internet sites will be able to provide information on other options (American, Continental, Delta, Swiss, etc.), in particular those via the United States (Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, Newark, New York, etc.).

From the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. You can count on a series of direct flights or good connections through Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, Newark, Toronto, Bogotá (Colombia), Caracas (Venezuela), Mexico City, Quito (Ecuador), Panamá or San José de Costa Rica, operated by carriers such as American, Air Canada, Avianca, Continental, COPA, Delta, LAN, TACA, etc.

From Japan and the Far East. The best option are the services provided by Aerolíneas Argentinas, American, Continental, Delta, AeroMexico or LAN (possibly in connection with Japanese or other carriers based in the region) through Los Angeles, Houston, Sidney, Auckland or Mexico City.

From Australia and New Zealand. The best option is LAN from Sydney and Auckland to Santiago de Chile, with good connecting flights to Lima.

From South Africa. The best/only option is South African Airways from Johannesburg through São Paulo (Brazil) or Buenos Aires (Argentina), with good connecting flights to Lima. Flights Lima (LIM) - Arequipa (AQP). There are four airlines operating scheduled flights between Lima and Arequipa (flying time one hour and twenty minutes), LAN [www.lan.com], Peruvian Airlines [www.peruvianairlines.pe], TACA [www. taca.com], and Star Peru [www.starperu.com]. LAN is the largest and most reliable Peruvian airline (but also the most expensive one) and offers up to nine flights per day between Lima and Arequipa. In addition, it also operates internationally to and from the United States as well as to and from neighbouring Latin-American countries and Europe. – Passengers from Europe arriving approx. two and a half hours prior to the departures of the last flights to Arequipa (which leave between 19:00 h and 20:00 h). e.g. with Air France (arr 15:55 h), IBERIA (arr 17:35 h) or KLM (arr 18:10 h), can thus continue their journey to Arequipa on the same day. – Please note that for departing passengers on domestic flights, the Lima airport tax is approximately USD 6.00. Flights Arequipa (AQP) - Lima (LIM). There are four airlines operating scheduled flights between Arequipa and Lima (flying time one hour and ten minutes), LAN [www.lan.com]. Peruvian Airlines [www. peruvianairlines.pe], TACA [www.taca.com], and Star Peru [www.starperu.com]. LAN is the largest and most reliable Peruvian airline (but also the most expensive one) and offers up to nine flights per day between Lima and Arequipa. In addition, it also operates internationally to and from the United States as well as to and from neighbouring Latin-American countries and Europe.. – Please note that for departing passengers on domestic flights, the Lima airport tax is approximately USD 6.00.

For departing passengers on international flights, the Lima airport tax is approximately USD 30.00 (to be paid in cash, USD or Soles).

Change of timetables (domestic flights).Be aware that departure and arrival times of domestic flights in Peru can change at short or without notice, especially in the end of March and October, when most European countries change from winter to summer time and vice versa.

Your (airline) ticket(s) Note the address, telephone, and fax numbers as well as e-mail addresses of the travel agency where you bought your ticket, and if possible the name of your travel agent. When you purchase your ticket, be it through a travel agent or online, make sure that you will receive full information concerning reservation changes and applicable penalties, in case you would like to extend or shorten your stay, i.e. change the dates and/or your flight.

When departing from your home airport When checking-in your luggage, make sure that baggage tags are attached, indicating your name, your address and phone number in Peru (e.g. EDEAQ, 054 27 25 17 or 95 956 82 17 or 95 999 29 95). Secure your luggage properly with a small lock on each one. Always have a spare lock/spare locks available in your pocket, since airport security may open your luggage in your absence, particularly if you are a transit passenger in the United States or in Spain.

Important: At your departing airport (e.g. London, Sidney, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, etc.), you must check your luggage to Lima (LIM), even if you continue your journey the same day to Arequipa (or Cuzco, or Trujillo, etc.), and even if the staff at your departing airport tells you that you can check your luggage directly to Arequipa (or Cuzco, or Trujillo, etc.). This means: verify that the baggage tag shows Lima (LIM) as your final destination. For each piece of checked baggage, you will receive a claim tag as a receipt, which you must keep (please also refer to the section titled “Missing Luggage”). Again: even if you continue your journey to Arequipa (or Cuzco or Trujillo, etc.) immediately after your arrival in Lima (i.e. on the next available flight), or if you believe that you have a “through ticket” from your departing airport to Arequipa or to Cuzco or to Trujillo, etc. (such “tickets” do NOT exist), you must pick up your luggage to pass through customs at the Lima airport. Overnight in Lima In the event that your incoming flight does not allow you to catch a connecting flight toArequipa on the same day, or you prefer to rest in Lima after a long journey from Europe or Asia, we are more than happy to arrange a reservation for you in a Lima middle class hotel. We suggest two options:

1. Hotel Kamana (official rating: ***), located in the centre of Lima. – Special discount rates (the reservation must be made through the EDEAQ): single room USD 40.00, double room USD 54.00 (including breakfast, taxes and service charge). Transfer time from/to airport: approximately 45 minutes. – This option would enable you to spend the morning after your overnight in Lima downtown; the two main squares (Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martín) and some of the most remarkable sights of Peru’s capital (like the Torre Tagle Palace) are within walking distance. – The Hotel Kamaná can provide the arrival transfer from Lima International Airport: approx. USD 17.00 (payment in USD or the equivalent amount in Soles); this is slightly less expensive than the tariffs of the authorised taxi companies (e.g. “Taxi Green”). www.hotelkamana.com

2. Hotel Manhattan Inn (official rating: ***), located close to the airport. – Special discount rates (the reservation must be made through the EDEAQ): single room USD 38.00, double room USD 48.00 (including breakfast, taxes and service charge). Transfer time from/to airport: approx. 15 minutes. – The Hotel Manhattan Inn can provide the arrival transfer from Lima International Airport: USD 26.00 (payment in USD or the equivalent amount in Soles) and includes the transfer back to the airport; this corresponds exactly the tariffs of the authorised taxi companies (e.g. “Taxi Green”). www.perucontact.com/en_peru/ManhattanInnAirportHotel_305.html

Travel documents / Visa Passport validity. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months when you start your trip.

Entry permit regulations. Travellers from the United States, Canada, and most European countries (EU Member States plus Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and others), as well as Israel, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan plus most of the Latin American countries, do not need a visa to enter Peru. Upon arrival you will receive a stamp in your passport which entitles you to a stay of up to 180 days. – Recommendation: request explicitly 180 days [ciento ochenta días]). The so called tourist card (“Tarjeta de Embarque”) is a form you complete in the plane before arrival (if not, it will be available at Immigrations), and it must be surrendered when leaving the country. Check that the length of your stay (180 days) is indicated correctly. – Be informed that you cannot extend your stay, i.e. after 180 days you leave the country and re-enter Overdrafting your 180 days will cost you, when you leave the country, USD 1.00 per day (to be paid in Soles at the exchange rate of the day).

Second document. In addition to your passport, it is highly recommended that you carry a second document of identification, e.g. an ID card as well as photocopies of the most important pages of your passport, which you should keep separate from of your passport. We also recommend that you bring along two recent passport photos. Should you believe that you need a visa (which is highly unlikely) and before getting in touch with a Peruvian diplomatic representation (embassy, consulate), please contact the EDEAQ by e-mail (contact@ edeaq.com).

Money / Change / Credit Card(s) The Peruvian currency is the “Nuevo Sol,” abbreviated “S/.” or officially PEN (caution: the S/. or PEN are also often indicated by the dollar character [$]). Instead of talking about a “Nuevo Sol”, most Peruvians still use the term “Sol” (plural “Soles”). The denominations of the banknotes/bills are 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Soles. There are coins of 5, 2 and 1 Soles as well as of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 céntimos in current circulation (beware that 2- and 5-Sol coins look very much alike, the only difference being the size (5-Sol coins are slightly bigger). – The current rate of exchange of the US-Dollar (USD) and of other currencies against the PEN can be made with www.xe.com/ucc – Important: The 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 New Sol banknotes/bills have been redesigned, and are circulating along with the old currency. See the new banknotes/bills here.

Never change money with unlicensed money changers in the street, who will sometimes have rigged calculators. When you change money, check each banknote/bill carefully to see that it is not counterfeit. Hand back all banknotes/bills that have slight rips, have been repaired with tape, or have other imperfections. Insist on cash in 10-, 20- and 50-Soles banknotes/bills. Unless you are at a supermarket or a restaurant, the 100-Soles banknotes/bills are hard to change and you will end up waiting as someone runs across the street to find change for you.

You should carry a sufficient amount of USD in cash, in small denominations, i.e. banknotes/bills of USD 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 (no EUR, CHF, CAD, GBP etc., only USD). In the event that you do not have an ATM- card, bring enough USD, either in cash or in traveller’s cheques (but please be informed that changing traveller’s cheques into USD cash and/or Soles is a time consuming procedure, and the banks in Peru usually charge hefty commissions for cashing traveller’s cheques, and that they require you to have the receipt of the purchase of your traveller’s cheques). – Important: Do not bring damaged, stained, worn- out, torn, crinkled, etc. USD banknotes/bills, as they will not be accepted in Peru, and particularly not in Arequipa. – Be aware that changing currencies other than the USD (e.g. EUR, CHF, CAD, GBP, etc.) will result in exchange rate losses of approximately 10%.

Do not fully rely on your credit card(s) as your primary means of payment (except for car rentals). It is of course possible to pay with credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and - to a lesser extent - Diners Club and American Express) at many places in Peru (in cities and larger towns, but not in the countryside). However, you will often be charged somewhat higher prices than if you had paid cash. It is also quite likely that the discounted or special sales prices advertised are granted only to those who pay cash. In other words, do not be surprised to be told - for instance, in a hotel - that the promotion rate applies to cash payments only, or that the front desk manager has added a five percent “commission” on your bill because you paid by credit card instead of cash, etc.

Please note that the EDEAQ will not accept credit cards. Payments must be made in cash (USD or Soles). Driving licence / Car rental Do not forget to bring your driving licence (in case you would like to rent a car), and your credit card(s) for possible rental deposits. It is not necessary to have a so called “International Driving Licence”, your national (or EU) licence will do it.

Before you rent a car through a travel agency at home or online, we recommend that you contact the EDEAQ in order to get pertinent advice.

Your mobile phone / Internet Most likely, there is a roaming agreement between your mobile phone company at home and at least one of the providers in Peru such as Claro (Telmex) or Moviestar (Telefónica). This means that you will be able to use your mobile phone in Peru. Outgoing and incoming long distance calls will be quite expensive. When using your mobile phone for domestic calls, topped-up local rates will be applied, meaning that you can call from Arequipa to Lima or any other place in Peru (or vice versa) or within Arequipa at topped-up local rates, regardless whether you communicate with a landline or an other mobile number.

Our recommendation: bring your mobile/cell phone from home. It is likely that it will work here in Peru, unless you have a US or Canadian phone/number (+1 country code).

The country code for Peru is 51; the area code for Arequipa is 054 (calling from abroad, dial +5154). Other relevant area codes are: Ayacucho 066, Cajamarca 044, Callao 01, Chiclayo 074, Cuzco and Machu Picchu 084, Huaraz 043, Ica 056, Juliaca 051, Lambayeque 074, Lima 01, 065, 073, Pucalpa 065, Puno 051, 052, Trujillo 044.

In the event that you call a mobile phone, the area codes read as follows: Arequipa 05495, Ayacucho 0669, Cajamarca 0449, Callao 019, Chiclayo 0749, Cuzco und Machu Picchu 0849, Huaraz 0439, Ica 0569, Iquitos 0659, Juliaca 0519, Lambayeque 07497, Lima 019, Piura 07396, Pucalpa 0659, Puno 0519, Tacna 0529, Trujillo 04494.

Mobile phones are available for purchasing (in conjunction with the purchase of a prepaid SIM card) at the Lima International Airport and in all larger towns.

Your own computer (laptop/notebook). A computer is at your disposal, which means that you have access 24/7. You may also bring your personal laptop and use our wireless network (WiFi). Please note however, that (possible) (re)configuration of your laptop/notebook to be compatible with our network will be at your expense. – Internet cafes are plentiful in Arequipa and are very inexpensive (less than USD 0.50 per hour). Hours of operation are usually 09:00 h to 21:00 h.

Electricity Peru uses 220 volts, 60 cycles AC, except Arequipa, which is on 50 cycles. The major hotels provide 110/220 volt outlets in bathrooms for the use of shavers or hairdryers.

Climate As a result of its immense geographic diversity and significant differences in altitude, each region in Peru has more or less its own climate pattern, without mentioning a myriad of different microclimates. – The pattern for Arequipa (2330 m / 7,644 ft.) above sea level) reads as follows:

April to October: Winter. Cloudless sky and intensive solar insolation. Day-time temperatures at 14.00 h between 20 °C (68 F) and 25 °C (77 F). Night-time temperatures around 15 °C (59 F), between July and August occasionally lower, i.e. around 10 °C (50 F) or even lower.

November and December: beginning of Summer (“veranillo arequipeño”). The first occasional light rainfalls usually occur in the afternoon (less than 10% probability). In general cloudless sky and intensive solar insolation. Day-time temperatures at 14.00 h between 21 °C (69.8 F) and 26 °C (78.8 F). Night-time temperatures around 15 °C (59 F) or slightly lower.

January to March: Summer, characterised by some precipitation in the afternoons (less than 20% probability), although it is surprising how fast the skies clear up after some rainfall and the sun comes out again. Day-time temperatures at 14.00 h between 22 °C (71.6 F) and 27 °C (80.6 F). Night-time temperatures around 15 °C or slightly lower.

Clothing / Equipment Throughout any season one will need both warm and light clothing as well as good sturdy shoes and lighter, more urban footwear. Light head cover and rain gear are advisable, and do not forget your swimming suit. For more rustic excursions, e.g. hiking and trekking in the Andes, warm and solid clothing is indispensable, as are hiking boots, and a sleeping bag together with an isolating/sleeping mat (which is normally made available by the operators/outfitters). – Ascent of El Misti and Chachani: warm clothes (that includes thermo underwear with long sleeves, gloves, ski mask), plus a knapsack/backpack (min. 60 l), headlamp, electric torch/pocket lamp, binoculars, water bottle, Swiss Army Knife, your personal medical supplies, suntan lotion (with a high protection factor, and lip protection), sunglasses, possibly hiking sticks (hiking poles) (Chachani: the standard route requires crampons and ice axe).

Being a visitor to Arequipa, dressing like Arequipa middle class people is advisable, applying the “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” principle. At all costs, avoid at multi-coloured flashy clothes or typical (beach or backpacker) tourist outfits during your stay inArequipa. It is recommended that you dress discreetly and inconspicuously. In any case, please bring at least one elegant, formal dress with appropriate shoes, i.e. suitable for more formal events and surroundings.

Health / Vaccinations No vaccinations required. For those arriving directly from Europe, the United States, Canada, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, and most Latin-American countries, there are no vaccination requirements; although in general, vaccinations against tetanus, polio, typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended. If you are considering travelling to the Peruvian lowlands, you may consider being vaccinated against yellow fever and taking malaria tablets. – Your medical doctor or a clinic specialising in tropical medicine can advise which (additional) vaccinations and precautions might be required.

Altitude. Travellers who suffer heart or circulation problems are advised to consult their doctor regarding the high altitude, even though Arequipa’s location at 2330 m (7644 ft.) is not considered a critical zone. Usually the human body needs two or three days to get acclimatised to the altitude, meaning to the lower oxygen content in the air. For possible trouble such as “soroche”/altitude sickness (headache and nausea) which are common symptoms during the adjustment phase, there is effective, time-tested and well tolerated medication available at local pharmaceutical chemists. Especially good help is the so-called “mate de coca” (tea from coca leaves).

Jet lag. Students coming from Europe, Israel. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or the Far East will certainly suffer under the jet lag, i.e. they will feel a bit exhausted and sleepy during their first days in Arequipa until the “inner clock” will have made the necessary adjustments.

Digestive troubles. Please carry sufficient medicine with which you are familiar to cope with stomach/ intestinal irritation or digestive trouble in general. However, risks have, in this respect, decreased considerably within the last twenty years thanks to improved hygienic standards and practices.

A stay in Peru and in Arequipa in particular does not - from our point of view and applying elementary precautions - imply any particular health risks, apart from the AIDS-risk specifically existing in Third World countries. The most serious illnesses to guard against are yellow fever and malaria, which both occur in jungle areas of the north and south Amazon, and in a few parts of the coast.

Insurance Most private health insurance plans cover the expenses made overseas. If you do not have a private health insurance you should get an additional travel insurance. Insurance for your luggage is strongly recommended as well.

What to bring Arequipa offers quite well stocked supermarkets (food and non-food), department stores of respectable dimensions displaying a fair choice of quality (also international) goods, and small, but rather modern shopping centres, including a large number of specialised shops. In other words: there is actually a lot available (but the variety is less impressive than in Lima), with the exception of tricky, quite special little items, e.g. your particular contact lens solution, any peculiar battery you may need for your camera, etc. Some of these items can eventually be found in Arequipa, but to do so can be very difficult and a time- consuming process, and very often, you hear the phrase “in Lima yes, but not here.” In other words: it is very easy to buy a house or a car in Arequipa (not talking about clothes, shoes, home electronics, etc.), but trying to find the special battery charger for your digital camera that you forgot at home might be a difficult undertaking.

What you should bring along without question: your personal medical supplies (amongst others, diarrhoea tablets you are familiar with), suntan lotion (with a high protection factor, and lip protection), sunglasses, a small alarm clock, a sufficient supply of batteries for your battery-operated electrical devices, and possibly a plug adapter (in Peru, electric outlets correspond to US-American norms, but the voltage is “European”, i.e. 220 V). And do not forget your sports equipment (tennis racket, swimsuit, jogging shoes, etc.).

If you decide to travel with your own laptop/notebook, put it into your carry on luggage or a special computer bag, which will be your “second carry on piece” (airlines allow this). Carry all necessary accessories (external drive, memory stick, battery charger, etc.) together with your laptop/notebook, i.e. in the same piece of luggage. – Please note that (possible) configuration of your laptop/notebook to be compatible with the network (WiFi) of your host family or your hotel/hostel will be at your expense.

Travel Guide All the pertinent publishing houses offer travel guides about Peru. We would mention (in alphabetic order) the following: Adventure Guides (Hunter Publishing), Footprint Travel Guides (South American Handbook), Frommer’s Travel Guides, Let’s Go Travel Guides, Lonely Planet, Insight Guides, Rough Guides. – The leading travel guide in German/in Germany is the Reise Know-How.

Didactic/course material for your language classes You will receive all necessary didacticcourse material (except a dictionary) for your Spanish classes here in Arequipa, but it goes without saying that you need to supply your own notebooks, pencils, etc.

Your host family / Addresses The address of your host family or hotel/hostel will be forwarded to you a few days before you arrive in Arequipa. Please refrain from calling your host family or your hotel/hostel before you arrival. For any kind of questions that you might have, also related your host family or your hotel/hostel, please contact the EDEAQ, by e-mail or, if urgent, by phone (+51 54 956 82 17 or +51 54 27 25 17 or +51 54 934 26 60). ... what you should know upon arrival in Lima

Arriving at Lima International Airport (LIM)

Important: Even if you will continue your journey to Arequipa immediately after your arrival at Lima, or even if you were told to be holding a “through ticket” to Arequipa, you must nonetheless pick up your luggage at Lima to pass through customs. Your baggage tag and your claim tag may erroneously display Arequipa (AQP) as final destination, but customs will still require that you pick up your luggage at the Lima airport. After going through customs, you will proceed to the corresponding LAN counter to check your luggage for your flight to Arequipa (please also refer to the section titled “Travelling immediately on to Arequipa“).

Lima’s International Airport “Jorge Chávez” used to be a chaotic undertaking, particularly with respect to domestic departures early in the morning when most of the flights are bound to the numerous destinations all over Peru. In recent years however, things have changed dramatically, and these days (under German management), LIM has become a well organised airport and quite customer friendly. Ground staff, in general, is helpful, and English is widely spoken.

No matter whether you continue your journey the same day to Arequipa or you stay overnight in Lima, we recommend that you change at least USD 50.00 into “Nuevo Soles.” Make sure that the denomination of the banknotes/bills is small (request banknotes/bills of 10 and 20 S/. only), and that you get a sufficient supply of coins (some of 5 and 2 S/. and a lot of 1 S/. and 50 céntimos). – Whenever you change money, do this at an authorised changing booth or at a bank, but never in the street with individuals. There is virtually no “parallel market,” i.e. what you would get in the street is not even half a percent better than at a booth or bank, but you may in fact run the high risk of getting false banknotes/bills.

Missing luggage Once you have determined that you are missing a bag or bags, take your claim checks to the baggage service office of the airline with which you have arrived in Lima.You will need to provide an address (and phone numbers as well) to whom and where your missing luggage should be delivered.

In the event that you continue your journey to Arequipa within 36 hours after your arrival in Lima: indicate the exact address of your host family or your hotel/hostel in Arequipa (without mentioning the corresponding phone numbers), plus EDEAQ’s phone numbers (054 27 25 17 or 95 956 82 17 or 95 934 26 60).

In the event that you stay more than 36 hours in Lima before continuing your journey to Arequipa: indicate the name, the address and the phone number of your accommodation in Lima (and do not forget to inform your hosts, your hotel/hostel in Lima that you are expecting a phone call related to the delivery of your missing luggage). Then add the exact address of your host family or your hotel/hostel in Arequipa (without mentioning the corresponding phone numbers) plus EDEAQ’s phone numbers (054 27 25 17 or 95 956 82 17 or 95 934 26 60).

Travelling immediately on to Arequipa After having cleared immigration, while waiting for your luggage, you’ll find bank counters where you can change money; ATM cash machines are available as well. After having cleared customs, you find yourself in the international arrival area (South Wing). Turn left and proceed (but stay inside the terminal building) to the domestic departure section (North Wing). Proceed to the respective check-in counters where you can pick up your ticket/your boarding pass, after having identified yourself with your passport. – Domestic flights check-in is normally quite fast. Be aware that flights are closed approximately 45 minutes before scheduled departure time (etd). – Even though the Peruvian domestic airlines are generally good in terms of service reliability, delays of half an hour or one hour or even more may occasionally occur.

Commuting from the Airport to your Lima hotel Depending on your Lima accommodations arrangements, the EDEAQ will provide you with pertinent information about your transfer. In principle, the hotel where you will spend the night after your arrival will be in charge of your airport pick-up, hence you can be sure that your first contact with Peruvian reality will not end up in an unpleasant surprise (please refer to the above subtitle “Overnight in Lima”). A safe alternative is the “Taxi Green” company, one of the airport’s official taxi companies with fixed prices.

Hot water supply in your hotel and elsewhere Taps in bathrooms and showers, when it comes to hot water, are one of the great mysteries of Peru. In principle, the left tap (possibly marked red and/or with the letter c for “caliente”/hot) is the one, but not always (why? “c” could also stand for “cold” . !!!). With or without a colour and/or the letter “c”, it can also be the one on the right. Turning on a tap (left or right …) and getting cold water does not necessarily mean that there would not be hot water at all - it may take several minutes to get the hot water flowing. In other words: try, experiment and be patient!

... what you should know upon arrival in Arequipa Arequipa’s Airport “Alfredo Rodriguez Ballón” (AQP) is small and well organised, and since you have gone through immigration and customs in Lima, baggage claim is fast (you are most likely to be out ten to fifteen minutes after landing). A representative of the school or a driver with a signboard showing “EDEAQ” and/or your name will be waiting for you. This person will be responsible for your transfer from the airport to your accommodations.

Transfer from Arequipa airport to the accommodations (this information applies only to students who have booked a language course with accommodation and thus with arrival transfer included in the package price [refer to our mail with subject line “Confirmation ofYour Booking”]). A staff member or driver of the EDEAQ will be waiting for you, with a sign with your name. If you don’t see your airport pick-up, just wait outside the doors. Sometimes a traffic accident can cause a delay. In the event that your pick-up is not there within 20 minutes or so, make a phone call at the nearby booth or with your mobile phone to EDEAQ’s Managing Director (27 25 17 or 95 956 82 17 or 95 934 26 60) to receive further instructions. If you cannot reach us, please take a taxi, which will take you to your host family or to your hotel/hostel (from the airport, take an official “[dark] Blue Taxi” and do not pay more than the equivalent of USD 7.00). Your hosts (as well as your hostel or hotel) know about your expected time of arrival and are waiting for you. The EDEAQ will, of course, reimburse all your expenses in this respect.

Information for students who have booked a language course without accommodations and thus without arrival transfer included in the package price [refer to our mail with subject line “Confirmation of Your Booking”]): in the event that you have not organised your proper arrival transfer arrangements, we recommend an officially registered company taxi, i.e. a so-called “(dark) blue taxi”. You will seem them when you leave the arrival terminal building, behind the sign “Taxi”. Don not pay more than the equivalent of USD 6.00.

Delay. Should your flight to Arequipa be delayed and you know this before take-off, it is not necessary to inform us. However, if the delay is serious in nature (new arrival date and/or other airline/flight number, etc.), then please call EDEAQ’s Managing Director (from Lima, Cuzco, Puno, etc.: 054 27 25 17 or 054 95 956 82 17 or 054 95 934 26 60; from abroad, i.e. outside Peru: +51 54 27 25 17 or +51 54 95 956 82 17 or +51 54 95 934 26 60). If there is no answer, please send us an e-mail or an SMS (+41 79 352 21 52), indicating when (date/time), and with which carrier (airline, flight number) you will arrive (please note: it is not necessary to explain the reasons for your delay).

Missing Luggage. Once you have determined that you are missing a bag or bags, please leave the terminal building and inform the EDEAQ staff member/driver (who is waiting for you) that your luggage has not arrived and that he/she should keep waiting another 15 minutes. Then return to the baggage claim area and contact the baggage service office of the airline with which you have arrived inArequipa (you must have your claim check(s) at hand). You will need to provide an Arequipa address (and phone numbers as well) to whom and where your missing luggage should be delivered. Indicate the address of your host family or your hotel/hostel (without mentioning the corresponding phone numbers), plus EDEAQ’s phone numbers (95 956 82 17 or 27 25 17 or 95 934 26 60). You will receive the copy of the Missing Baggage Claim Form, which contains a reference number. This number is of highest importance, and you must have the copy of the Baggage Missing Tracer always at hand. – Most likely, you luggage will arrive in Arequipa not later than 24 hours after your arrival. – The EDEAQ will charge USD 10.00 for each extra transportation to the Airport and back, as a result of missing luggage.

______Arrival in Arequipa by bus from Lima, Nazca, Cuzco, Puno, Tacna, Arica, etc. You have already received pertinent transfer information, or you are going to receive it.

In the event that you commute on your own from the bus terminal to your accommodations: There are two bus terminals in Arequipa. – Arrival Terrapuerto: The authorised taxi company is named “Sur Quepay”, the official fare to the city centre is between 6 and 8 Soles. – Arrival Terminal Terrestre: The authorised taxi company is named “Sur Quepay”, the official fare to the city centre is between 6 and 8 Soles. ______Communication You can use our P.O. Box for incoming correspondence if necessary. Please inform your family and friends about the following co-ordinates:

Sra J. Lourdes Diaz Oviedo Attn. Your Name Calle Buena Vista 406 Urbanización Las Condes (C-5) Cayma Arequipa - Peru

Please refrain from having mail sent to the address of your host family or your hotel. You should use only the address indicated above.

Security As Peru’s urban centres have swollen, so has petty crime. Pickpockets and thieves have become more and more common in Lima and Cuzco (and recently in Arequipa too), and they are amazingly adept at slitting open shoulder bags, camera cases and backpacks.

Security is a relative concept. Given the proper precautions and basic common sense, personal security should not become an issue. The most important rules are: never exhibit values (money, jewellery, etc.) in public! Have your back protected! Concentrate on what you are doing and never do two things at a time! Do not allow yourself to be distracted by individuals telling you that your coat is spotted, that you have dropped your handkerchief, etc.! Avoid contacts with over friendly strangers or nationals who may want to get you involved in criminal deals! Be aware that buying, selling, trafficking or possessing drugs is a crime that may result in a long term prison sentence (up to ten years)!

Perhaps the decisive factor related to your personal security, after all, is you - your attitude and behaviour in public, and in particular the way you dress. In the event that you walk through Arequipa in shorts, sandals (possibly without stockings) and a sleeveless undershirt, you will be immediately recognised as a foreigner and thus an extremely visible target for pickpockets and thieves and surprising assaults. Our recommendation is to dress discretely (inconspicuously), i.e. “conservatively”, avoiding flashy colours as well as the typical backpacker-/leisure outfit.

Travelling by taxi at night. In particular at night-time and/or when you are alone, we would strongly recommend travelling by taxi, but not by any taxi you might find in the street.Taxis are very frequent in Arequipa and for visitors from Europe, North America or Japan of an extremely good value (one US-Dollar or less for the ride to your host family or hotel accommodation). Upon arrival in Arequipa, the EDEAQ will provide you with a list of reliable taxi companies and their phone numbers.

Valuables During your stay, please leave your valuables (passport, air ticket, traveller’s cheques, cash, etc.) in my safety deposit box. We hope that the information provided has been and will be useful to you. If you need further information, please contact us by e-mail: [email protected] – We are looking forward to saying hello to you in Arequipa in the not-too-distant future.

Juana Lourdes Diaz Oviedo de Seelhofer Acting Managing Director EDEAQ

P.S. And in the end, still what is most important .... Briefly said: the success of a language travel stay, in the long run, always depends on the student, on you. The school, the teachers, the host families, etc., are all essential and important factors. But the success of your stay in Peru is something that only you alone can determine - unexpected events and “force majeure” excluded.

No pain, no gain … With regard to your ambitions and goals, be realistic! A foreign language can never be learned “while sleeping,” If you hold a University Entrance Diploma in the European sense, i.e. with Latin, French and/ or Italian, or if you are bilingual (English - French or English - Italian), then even as a beginner, learning Spanish should not present too many difficulties. As a beginner, if you do not have the above mentioned advantages, you need to be patient and advance your skills through higher concentration, more discipline and diligence in learning, and by repeating the lessons and building up your vocabulary. It is definitely possible to learn and even master a new foreign language. A new world will be opened to you through your knowledge of Spanish. The staff of the EDEAQ is always ready to assist you and will support you in all your efforts.

Adaptation “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” and besides “Do not travel to Rome to verify whether it is correct or not, but visit Rome in order to experience and live how it is!” These two sentences describe well the scenario of a successful language stay in Arequipa.

During your stay in Arequipa, you will be living in a habitat full of people, who, under many aspects, differ from what and who you know at home. Also, the rhythm of public and social life is different. In particular people from the so-called developed Western Hemisphere are accustomed to clarity - (almost) everything is or should be clear-cut, and life is “calculable,” almost to a 100%. In Latin America, this is different - humans live here with and in ambiguous situations. The degree of predictability in both the public and social arena is substantially lower than in Western Europe, in North America, or Australia and New Zealand, or even in Japan.

In other words: in Arequipa and Peru, almost everything is a little or quite different from what you are used to at home (and it is also probably different from what you are expecting). People tick differently, the environment is different, the noise level is different, etc. The first two, three days may be perhaps somewhat stressful, or perhaps even boring. But - if you want - your stay can, and will, as a whole, be an interesting, instructive, beautiful and even unforgettable experience.

***** The EDEAQ does its utmost to provide correct information. However, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of this information, and all legal claims will be denied.