Peru

rockchick113

benjus wrote: »

For money, I'd just use a fee-free card (e.g. Halifax Clarity) to withdraw cash at ATMs (and to pay for things directly where possible). Even when I went to Peru in 1999 there were quite a lot of ATMs around.

Peruvian food can be really great - if you're spending any time in Lima there are some top restaurants there.

I have the Halifax clarity card, I've been told to take US dollors to exchange to local money when no ATM !!!!

benjus

saxonman wrote: »

I have the Halifax clarity card, I've been told to take US dollors to exchange to local money when no ATM !!!!

Some people do. I've never bothered taking dollars to Latin America (with the exception of Argentina while Cristina Kirchner's currency controls were in force). You shouldn't have a problem finding an ATM in cities - just remember to stock up on cash when going to more remote areas.

Peccary

I went to Peru alone (i'm female) and was fine. I went out there independently and spent the first week by myself before joining my Inca Trail group. About half of the group were solo travellers and it was really friendly.
I bought insect repellent for the jungle there (you won't need it for the IT) both cheaper and stronger!
I have never suffered from altitude sickness in several trips to the Andes, lucky I guess. Just stay hydrated and take it easy and have insurance that covers going to altitude just in case. I also never got sick from the water, the trail porters provide plenty, It is very cold at night though!
There are plenty of day trips around Cuzco to look at the closer ruins, worth it to get a feel for MP in context. It s a town set up for everyone from backpackers to luxury travellers so there are plenty of places to drink and eat (and dance if that's your thing!) whatever your budget.

thebigbosh

Soles all the way. We just bought loads of bottled water and had no issues. But seriously we drank loads of water. We acclimatised in Puno for a day before Cusco and think that helped although I had a massive headache and felt very lethargic in Puno. A handle on some Spanish helps - some people will speak English and you can get by but I got some really good interaction by throwing my basic Spanish out there.

rockchick113

Thanks for the replys, some good info.
1 more question Mobile phones, if I take a cheap handset out to Peru and buy a local sim will it work or will I have to buy cheap phone there ? . Its for calling home.
Are any networks better coverage then others.

Loupinz

Hi, I just stumbled across this thread while looking for some advice for my trip to Peru. I'm also travelling in October and also visiting the jungle and walking the Inca trail.

Saxonman - did you decide if you are going to take any dollars? I've read that it's advisable to take dollars as a backup. I'm still undecided.

I'm packing deet insect repellent. I'm not a fan of deet but I've decided that I would rather use that on my skin for the few days I'm in the jungle than catch anything nasty that will spoil my trip.

I thought about taking a Steripen for water purification but I'm just going to buy bottled water and take some purification tablets as a backup.

Thanks everyone for the really helpful advice. Saxonman, I hope you have an amazing trip.

Jimmithecat

It was 25 years ago I did this trip and I agree about the coca leaves - the locals will tell you how to use them - and drinking plenty of water. It's an amazing sight seeing the sun rise over Machu Picchu. Regarding mosquitos we chewed raw garlic - apparently when you sweat it repels them and never had a problem.

rockchick113

Loupinz wrote: »

Hi, I just stumbled across this thread while looking for some advice for my trip to Peru. I'm also travelling in October and also visiting the jungle and walking the Inca trail.

Saxonman - did you decide if you are going to take any dollars? I've read that it's advisable to take dollars as a backup. I'm still undecided.

I'm packing deet insect repellent. I'm not a fan of deet but I've decided that I would rather use that on my skin for the few days I'm in the jungle than catch anything nasty that will spoil my trip.

I thought about taking a Steripen for water purification but I'm just going to buy bottled water and take some purification tablets as a backup.

Thanks everyone for the really helpful advice. Saxonman, I hope you have an amazing trip.

Sorry for not replying sooner.
Which company are you traveling with ?
I've decided to take Peru sols and use Halifax card.
Also gone with the deet for same reason.
Bottle water is ok, the porters provide plenty of water on the trail.
Getting nervous now only a week to go before I travel out there.

Jimmithecat

Have a great trip:beer:

Loupinz

I've booked two separate trips with Intrepid. One to the Amazon and one from Lima to La Paz which includes the Inca trail.

I've decided to get some dollars. I can't get any Bolivianos until I get to Bolivia so the dollars will be my backup.

I fly out a week Wednesday. I'm feeling pretty nervous too. How long are you staying in Peru for?