Sooo Many Questions!

Many of you have been emailing an FBing me with the same questions, so I thot I would answer as many as possible (plus a few others) here....

(1)  What form of $$ do I need to take to Peru for this trip?

A - You don't have to "bring" $$ because you can use any ATM in Peru to just access your account and fees are similar to ATMs in USA. The only thing is that they limit you to $400/day which is not a problem for the likes of us "shoestring" travelers!

(2) How much $$ will I need for food?

A - Well, some hotels will give us breakfast with our rooms. During the day we will only snack (it is much better to travel at altitude with a not-so-full stomach).  Our only big meal will be supper. So about $15 per day for food should be plenty.

(3) Any other $$ needs?

A - Well, besides any purchases you want to make, or entry into parks, museums, etc. during our "rest" days, the only other thing should be airport exit taxes.. There will be a $7 airport tax for each flight WITHIN the country. When you fly Lima to the States, there will be an airport exit tax of about $30. These are NOT included in the airfare or the "cost" of the trip.

(4)  Do I need any shots or a visa for Peru?

A - Nope.  Neither.  Only turists traveling to the Northern jungle around Iquitos need a Yellow Fever shot.  You SHOULD be up on your tetnus tho... just in case (NOT required by Peru, but a good idea!)  When you arrive at the airport in Lima they will automatically give you up to a 90 day tourist visa.

(5)  What about my tickets?

A - I sent you email copies of your tickets if I purchased them for you.  I will also have printout copies waiting for you at the hotel in Lima. Pick them up before you leave the hotel.  Humberto will see you to the airport and help you check in every time..

(6) Any other "words to the wise"?

A - YES.  You scanned a copy of your passport and sent it to me.  I printed off 2 copies and sealed them in plastic.  That is good enough to carry when you are shopping or touring around should you have to show any identification.  If you get something stolen, I would rather them not get your passport.  We will keep them in a safe place and move around with only the copy.  We will only have to show the ACTUAL passport at the airport and MAYBE at a police checkpoint along the route.  For your trip down to Peru it would be good to have a simple photocopy IN CASE something happens before you get to Peru.  At least you will have the important info to show a consulate!

Also, DO NOT use a purse or a wallet.  I carry an 79 cent(from Walmart) credit card wallet insert deep in my right front pocket for my cards, and a small clip of cash deep in my left front pocket with my passport.  The rest of my personal things go in a small kangaroo pouch IN FRONT of me with tickets, meds, small camera, etc.  I only carry in my small backpack (my carry-on) what I can afford to lose (video camera, reading book, pillow, extra set of clothes).  You will often get out of your pack or set down your carry-on and it COULD get left behind or stolen.  Why do I carry an extra set of clothes in my carry-on?  Very possibly your bags may not catch up to you for another day or two... so be prepared to NOT MAKE IT AN EMERGENCY. 

BE prepared, NOT worried.
BE careful, NOT suspicious.
BE friendly, NOT gullible.
and as President Reagan would say:  TRUST, BUT VERIFY.

Toby