Destination guide: Cuzco

Cuisine

Cuzco's cuisine stands out from the other Peruvian gastronomy for its flavor and aroma, but also because of the generous variety of dishes prepared with local products like lamb, suckling pig and a type of rodent similar to rabbit that is called "cuy". Tubers (such as potatoes) and corn are an important part of each meal, as are chilies and herbs for added flavor.

Currency

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (Sl.) which is comprised of 100 centimos. Bills are available in 10, 20, 50, 100 or 200 Nuevos Soles. Coins are available in 1, 2 or 5 Nuevos Soles and 1, 5, 10, 20 or 50 centimos.

Tax

An 18% General Sales Tax (GST) is applied to the purchase of all goods and services in the country except for vacation packages purchased overseas. Hotels and restaurants add an additional 10%.

By law, the tax must already be included in the end price.

Official language

The official language of Peru is Spanish. However, the Quechua and Aymara indigenous dialects are still spoken in several zones of the country.

Time zone

In your travels to Cuzco or other Peruvian cities, you should adjust your watch to GMT -5.

Electric current

Electrical outlets in Cuzco operate at 220 volts and 60 Hertz. If any of your electronic devices operate at a different voltage, you are encouraged to travel with a power adaptor.