Here are some answers from Mary Ann to questions asked about her travels to Peru ...
Money Questions
- Exit taxes:
To exit the country it costs $50.00 in American dollars. I usually tuck this money in my passport so I don’t spend it.
- What is the best way to get money? Should I get it ahead of time?
It is cheaper to exchange money in Peru. There are ATMs in the airports and the cities we will be traveling through. In the past, we have received a higher rate using our ATM cards.
- Should I get American Express travelers checks?
They do take traveler’s checks at the exchange center, but we’ve received a lower rate using the checks. However, you should travel with what is comfortable for you
- How much spending money should I plan on having?
This is a tough one because if you like to shop and you like bargains, I would say factor that into your spending. There are markets that sell woven rugs, pottery, crystals, sweaters and a whole lot of other things with very reasonable rates.
However, the only real costs are for meals. Full dinners (soup, dinner and dessert) in the past have ranged from $12.00 - $20.00.
I have gone over with $500.00 for spending and I limited what I brought home. I have also spent up to $1000.00 on purchases, but I love to shop!
- Tips for the rooms and drivers. Single dollar bills…
I suggest that you come over with $50.00 – $100.00 in one dollar bills. This will allow you to buy small purchases easily as well as tipping the room staff.
- What is the best way to carry my passport and money?
I strongly recommend money belts.
- Do the stores accept credit cards?
Most stores accept credit cards
Food/Meals
- Should I bring any food with me? If so, what do you recommend?
Breakfast is included at our hotels. So the two meals to be concerned about are lunch and dinner. Every evening we will be stopping somewhere for dinner.
Lunch is the more flexible meal, depending on our travel schedule; we may be eating snacks for lunch.
I usually bring over power bars of some type, nuts, raisins, chocolate bars (for the shaman… they love sweets), dried fruit, Almond butter and rice cakes and whatever other snack items I like. In the past, on the busses, people tend to share their snacks with each other.
- Can I buy food/snacks there?
Yes, sometimes….still I recommend you bring over what you like to eat
- What kind of food will there be?
They have delicious fish, chicken and beef dishes. There is also lots of great pizza and homemade pastas. I recommend you only eat cooked vegatables and fruit that has a skin on it.
- Do I need to bring a water purifying system?
No it is easy to buy water everywhere we will go.
Contact Information
- How would someone get in contact with me if there is an emergency at home?
I will supply Ernesto’s Cell phone and hotel contact information as soon as it is finalized.
- How can I keep in contact with people at home? Are there phones in the hotels?
There are phones at the hotel, there are also phone booths, where it is much cheaper to call home on. You buy a calling card in Peru and use it. Do not purchase the international calling cards from here. They don’t typically work in Peru. Also, it is a cheaper rate in Peru. Some people have their cell phones programmed for international calls. There are also internet cafes where you can send and receive mail.
- What is the name of our guide?
We are traveling with Ernesto Algreio. He owns the Little Point of Light travel agency.
Medicines/Health
- What sort of medications should I plan on bringing? (prescription and OTC)
I highly recommend Cipro incase of food poising and high altitude sickness pills. Also, Immodium Ad, Tylenol and any other over the counter drugs you may want.
- What shots do I need to have?
You should visit a travel clinic and get their recommendations. I know I have had Hepitatis A and B, and a tetnus shot. You will not need malaria or yellow fever unless you are planning on going into the jungle. The 2007 and 2008 excursions will not be visiting the jungle area.
- Do I need to do anything to prepare for the high altitudes?
Yes work out!
- Do I need to bring insect repellant with DEET?
Yes
What to Bring
- Wipes. I always bring a package or two of wipes for my hands and water bottles. I usually recommend washing all bottles on the outside with the wipes and all silverware. This way you can ensure you are not picking up any germs unnescecarily. I also recommend a small roll of toilet paper and tissues. Public baths, and roadside stops usually do not have toilet paper.
- What type of clothes should I bring?
I suggest layers. Have one set of clothes that will keep you comfortable in 30 degree weather. The night and early mornings are cold. Also, we will be out on the open water for two days. If the sun is not out, it will be cold. I usually pack a fleece coat, a shawl and silk underwear. I have a couple pairs of pants, one pair of shorts and a tee shirt. I love the material that wicks away sweat and are fast drying. This allows me to rinse my clothes and wear them again.
We will be moving around a lot. It is helpful to travel light. So whatever clothes you bring… love them! You will be in them a lot.
I know a few people are planning on bringing small sleeping bags or sleeping bag liners or crushable blankets for when we stay in the host families houses. This is up to you.
- Should I bring my hairdryer?
Some hotels have outlets some do not. Again up to you.
- Should I bring any “dress up” clothes? Will we be going to non-casual restaurants?
This is up to you. In the past, I have only brought my hiking gear clothes.
- Do I need to bring shampoo or can I get it at the hotels?
I would suggest you bring toiletries.
- I’ve heard I shouldn’t bring a watch, is that true?
No, you can bring a watch, just not a very good one. In the past, people’s watches have stopped working and have broken. I travel with a cheap one.
Please leave your good jewelry at home. There are pickpocketers in the larger cities and Ernesto asks that women do not wear earrings that can be pulled from your ears.
- If I bring my IPOD, is there a way to charge it?
Sometimes the busses have the cigarette jacks. You can also bring your adapter and ask at the hotel if you can charge it using their computers… we have had mixed results with this.
- Do I need to bring any gifts for the Shaman?
In the past we have taken gifts such as pencils and pens, paper, hard candy, and crayons for the villages and the shaman.
Miscellaneous:
- Are there any size/weight limits on the suitcases.
I believe there is a weight limit of 50lb. and two suitcases. I usually try to pack one large suitcase on rollers and I bring along an expandable bag for the purchases I make.
- Is there a way to do laundry?
Yes, in the sink at the hotel, you will need to bring laundry detergent if you plan to wash your clothes. Travel stores often have single use packets.
- Are there any other tips you can give us?
Go with an open mind and be flexible…. Makes it a lot easier.
