Peru: Overland Peru,
and The Border Crossing from Chile
Border Crossing from Chile to Peru: Arica to Tacna
Vehicle Import:
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1. Joined the immigration que and waited for our turn.
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2. At the counter we were told that we need to buy a form.
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3. This immigration form you get from the restaurant on the first floor of the casino, to the right...crazy system. Cost P$500 (US$ 0.80)
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4. The form is called “ Relacion del Vehiculo”
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5.Filled out the all spanish form out with the help of the immigration officer.
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6.Note: ‘Conductor’ = vehicle driver.
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7.Then to Aduanas window where they cancelled the Vehicle Import Papers.
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8. Then drive to the Peru building.
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9. In the new white building the immigration guy kindly filled out the immigration papers.
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10. We then showed passports and vehicle papers to the vehicle control booth and were directed to drive to the right hand side of the white building.
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11. Here the vehicle was inspected loosely by 3 customs officers.
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12. Then we were directed to park the vehicle on the northern side of the building and report to CIT. Some just call it ‘sit’ which is confusing.
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13. CIT is on the left (western) side of the building and is a one room office where the temporary Import vehicle papers are done.
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14. We had a new guy or trainee and he took over an hour to do our paperwork. he also spoke no english... In the end we got the required paperwork.
3rd Party Insurance:
It was not asked for, nor was it offered.
Travel in Peru:
Very easy, drivers are good but the watch the small 3 wheeler and mini taxis they think they own the road and will push through the smallest of spaces.
Quite a few police checks but as soon as they saw we were a foreign vehicle we were waved on. We were never stopped.
On the open roads drive with lights on. Trucks indicate with a right hand signal it is OK to pass. ( but always check)
The main north/south road is a toll road but only when travelling away from the capital.
Camping:
We free camped most places.
In Arequipa we camped in the grounds of the Hostel las Mercedes for Sol22/person (US$8). Free internet, clean semi hot showers and toilets. Only 3 blocks from the centre of town.
In Colca Canyon we a great camp at the Colca Lodge car park. For Sol90/person ( US$30) it included day use of the Thermal pool (very nice) towels and robes, a visit to their on site Alpaca farm, and a really great 3 course dinner. Internet also available. It was a bit of luxury for us and really very nice.
Other night we free camped above the Colca Canyon so we could be up early to watch the Condors and be there before all the bus loads of tourists arrived.
See Blog for details.
Nazca, we camped at the big sand dune 10kms out of town but with all the desert around there are many places.
Outside of Ica is the tourist oasis of Huacachina, we stayed in a car park. Could not find anyone to ask if OK, but all was good. GPS co-ordinate details in the blog.
Food:
Supermarkets ( Plaza Via ) in bigger towns and local markets in smaller towns. Pork and chicken is cheaper than beef.
Fuel:
More expensive than Chile and sold per gallon. Sol 15 ( US$5.3/gallon or US$1.33/.litre)
Water:
Available from the service stations
Internet:
Available in some shopping centres, but not easy to find.
For our actual Travel Diary through Peru see: Part 11 - Peru
Return to: DIY Kit For Overland Travel