The Human Body exhibit has been seen around the world, and right now it is here in Lima. Although this has nothing to do with the culture of Peru, it is an amazing exhibit that should most definitely be seen. And who knows, seeing it in Lima might be the only chance you get!

The exhibit displays real bodies, complete and partial, that have been preserved using polymerization. This liquid silicone preserves the human tissue, leaving the body completely plasticized at a molecular level. You can see the complexity of the bones, nerves, organs, and blood vessels.

This is a cool way to really see how the body works. The exhibit is open to people of all ages, although it may not be suitable for squemish children, or adults for that matter.

It is open now until September 20th, daily at 10 am in the Gallery of the Centro Comercial Plaza Camacho, Av. Javier Prado Este 5193, La Molina. Tickets for entry are s/.60  Friday through Sunday for adults and s/.30 for kids. They can be purchased through Teleticket.

If you go from Monday to Thursday, tickets are only s/.48 for adults, s/.24 for kids and s/.30 for students.

Mondays to Wednesdays the exhibit is open until 8 pm and Thursdays through Sundays it is open until 9 pm.

Exciting news if you are planning a trip to Cusco-Machu Picchu… you now will have more choices as to what railway you take there. The Transandino Train (Fetransa), concessionaire of the railroad routes, has officially informed Andean Railways and Inca Rail that starting in September they will be able to offer service to these historic sites.

It is a fantastic development for tourits, points out José Daniel Amado, the executive president of Andean railways. He says, “The big winners will be the national and foreign tourists who will soon have new alternatives to reach the Sacred Valley.”

Both railways are currently working to comply with all the legal steps and procedures required of them by the Inversión en Infraestructura de Transporte de Uso Público (Ositran), the agency responsible for supervisting public transportation in Peru.

The goal is to have all the needed steps completed in about 2 months, which put the opening for the two new companies in about mid-September.

If you are interested in reading the story in its entirety, visit the Diario Gestión site (full article is in Spanish).

Good news if you are thinking of traveling to Peru: you might be able to afford to stay at a nicer hotel than you once thought. Jose Koechlin, the President of Peru’s hotel Society (SHP), made a statement saying that many of the country’s 5 star hotels have been reducing their rates from between 30% and 50% with the goal of attracting more tourists.

Although there have been reductions on the cost of a night at one of these fancy hotels in Peru in the past, Koechlin states that never has he seen the rate be reduced so much, and during peak seasons at that.

Hotel owners know that internationally the tourism industry is not doing as well as it has in the past, and with no idea when the global market will get better, they have decided to take matters into their own hands by increasing the appeal of staying in Peru.

Afterall, when you only have so little to spend, you are going to want to make ever dollar go as far as it can, something that is easier done in Peru than in Ecuador, Costa Rica or Panama.

Koechlin notes, “This allows Peru to grow as a touristic destination, and many more foreign tourists could come to Peru in preference to other countries.”

If you are interested in escaping to the Andes mountains, or anywhere else in Peru, then let the Gringo help you. Sign up for more information and we will put you in touch with our favorite people in Peru.

A reliable, safe taxi service in Lima? That’s what Taxi Excel is all about. Owner Guillermo Quintana is attempting to fill the void and provide customers with a top notch transportation service. Currently taxis in Lima are known for being late, unprofessional and sometimes even dangerous, although very cheap.

Taxi Excel puts professionalism above price, although they are still a far cry from what a New Yorker would be used to paying. The company manages a group of drivers who all own their own cars, complete with GPS tracking. They are an organized and technologically advanced company, and the next big thing among those who find reliable, quality service to be of higher value than a cheap taxi ride.

Drivers are required to put down a down payment of $3000 upon which they are given their vehicle. Then, every time they fill up their tank they pay a surcharge towards the balance on the car. If the tank is filled twice a day the car will be paid off in about 60 months. The government has set a fixed price for fuel during this promotion, which will last until 2012, and will pay the difference.

The nice thing is that drivers really feel a sense of pride as they are working for themselves, and working to completely own their own car. All the cars are the same, and drivers are required to dress in uniform, adding to the professional feel of the whole thing.

Currently there are about 40 cars on the fleet, but Guilllermo Quintana has higher goals, hoping to have as many as 150 drivers. He says, “Our motto is security, confidence, punctuality and comfort. Our drivers even open the doors for you.”

You can even reserve your service online through www.taxiexcel.com!

Prices are of course a bit more than standard street taxis, but well worth it for the extra security and the professionalism.

Taxi Excel offices are located at Av. Paseo del Bosque 527, San Borja. The phone number is 302–7770 or via Nextel at 105*4907.

Taxis in Lima are one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around; that is what makes them so popular. You can’t beat a 25 minute, 15 kilometer taxi ride for S/.10 (about $3) practically anywhere! If you are new to taking taxis in Lima, however, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

For the most part, taxi robbery is not too common, but it does happen, and foreigners are oftentimes the prey. Here are three rules to live by:

1. If anything about the taxi makes you suspicious – the car itself, the driver… anything! – don’t get in. It’s like they always say, “Better safe than sorry!”

2. When taking a cab always sit in the back seat, and try to sit behind the driver if possible. This makes it very difficult for him to snatch anything out of your hands or your bag.

3. Pick a taxi that looks half decent, with a driver to match. Although looks can be deceiving, its better to avoid the ones who look like they are waiting to rob you.

Really, just stay on guard for any strange behaviour. Sometimes drivers will try and tell you the back doors don’t work to make you get in the front seat, sometimes they will tell you the money you have is counterfeit and that you have to get out a bigger bill from your wallet, or go to an ATM to withdraw funds. They may even try to get you to pull out your passport.

If you feel suspicious and you are already in a cab driving, ask the driver to pull over, and if he doesn’t, demand so firmly. Usually these aren’t big time crooks, they are just looking for some quick, easy cash, and they aren’t going to rob you if it is too much work for them.

If you are nervous about taking a taxi in Lima, you can call private taxi companies instead of just hailing a cab on the street. More on those to come!

The DoubleTree El Pardo by Hilton in Lima is raising the bar for hotels in Lima. As part of the Hilton brand the DoubleTree promises everything you would expect out of a quality hotel.

General manager Ricardo Bracale says, “The Hilton brand means we are now operating according to international standards, and are part of a global booking system, which has strengthened our position considerably.” It is that kind of dependability that most travelers look for in a hotel.

With Peru’s economic market having an incredible year last year, the DoubleTree has decided to invade Peru in hopes of being the first chain of major hotels to enter Peru, as well as setting the standard for hotels throughout the country. Outside of Lima, DoubleTree plans to build hotels in Paracas, Mancora, Punta Sal, and Cusco.

Lima’s DoubleTree is located in the cosmopolitan Miraflores district, close to the financial and commercial centers, 10 minutes from Lima’s historical and colonial downtown, and only 30 minutes away from the Lima International Airport.

Great shopping is only 3 blocks away at the Miraflores’ Central Square, home to the open air crafts market and Kennedy Park’s outdoor activities. It is also right beside the Pacific Ocean and the Larcomar Entertainment Center where you can find some amazing restaurants and happening bars.

The DoubleTree by Hilton in Lima is located at Jr.Independencia 141, Miraflores. For reservations call (511) 617–1000, email pardohot@doubletreeelpardo.com.pe or visit www.doubletree.com.

If you are planning on moving to Peru either permanently or temporarily it is important to think about health insurance. Many expatriates get health insurance that is specifically tailored for those living or working abroad from private international health care providers.

Policies generally include medical insurance, emergency medial evaluation, and repatriation services. The most basic of plans include standard emergency medial insurance, but that is about it.  Many expats choose more classic plans that include special medical treatments, diagnostic procedures, and other routine medical and dental needs. Premium plans obviously include more coverage for the family and prescription coverage. Most private insurance companies offer a variety of plans and are used to tailoring plans to fit the needs of expats.

In recent years some countries are requiring expats to have health insurance, although Peru does not. Private health policies are recommended though, as Peru’s open state hospitals do not always have the needed resources, have long waiting lists and poor levels of hygiene.

Two of the best health insurance providers in Peru are Pacifico Peruano Suiza and La Positiva. They provide a number of options that are appealing to expats and affordable.

Other insurance companies in Peru include:

• Mapfre Peru Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros 
• Ace Seguros
• Invita Seguros de Vida
• Cardif del Perú Compañía de Seguros
• El Pacífico Vida Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros 
• Superintendencia de Banca y Seguros SBS
• Interseguro Compañía de Seguros de Vida.
• Rimac Internacional Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros
• La Positiva Vida 
• Protecta Compañía de Seguros
• Secrex Compañía de Seguros de Crédito y Garantías 

Looking for some work, other than teaching English in Peru? These job postings were added to ExpatPeru the morning of Saturday, February 7^th:

Casino Peru is now online at www.casinoperu.com.

The online casino accepts major credit cards and debit cards, and does not invite players under the age of 18 or US players.

It is, however, available to players in other countries, making it a hotspot for internet gamblers in Central and South America.

There is no cost for registering at Casino Peru, whether you play or not is up to you. Special offers, bonuses, and tournaments are available to those who register.

Casino Peru offers a number of games: Blackjack, Video Poker, Pai Gow, Caribbean, Roulette, Baccarat, Let em Ride, Slots, and Red Dog. if you don’t know how to play you can read mini-tutorials on the web-site explaining how each game works. New games are constantly being developed and added to the site.

Downloading the software is a one time thing and absolutely free. From there you deposit cash into your Casino Peru bank account and use that to play. Once you have completed the deposit you can fax your deposit slip or email it directly to the accounting department so that they can credit your account. Your winnings are conversely automatically transferred into your bank account.

Check out Casino Peru and start gaming online now. Right now they are offering a special 500% bonus on your first deposit… pretty hard to believe, but it’s true!

If you are looking to set up your TV programming in Peru, many chose to go with DirecTV, although there are some things to take into account when deciding how to go about getting all the programs you really want.

Some questions have arisen about whether or not you can use a receiver and an access card from the States to connect to your DirecTV packaging from Peru.

I am by no means an expert in this area, but from what I have read/been told there are a couple of problems with doing this; mainly that the DirecTV Latin America and the DirecTV USA run off of different satellites. This means that even if you used a USA card/receiver in a Latin American dish, it would need to be picking up its signal from the USA satellite, which is much farther away than the Latin American satellite. Again, not an expert, but I have heard of people getting a larger dish and doing some modification work to make it pick up the signal of the USA satellite. This option, is pretty much crazy because it would require such a huge dish, and even then you won’t get all the channels, nor will you get any local programs.