1) rather than taking hiking poles, buy one or two sticks in Ollantaytambo. I lost the tips somewhere on day 1 so they were not much help on the rocks.
2) learn more Spanish
3) train more for the Trail by using the Stairmaster as well as some aerobic exercises
4) catch a later flight out of Cusco so can have a lovely morning there and less time in Lima airport
Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Things I was glad I took
1) good, worn-in hiking boots - day-hikers would be sufficient - but especially needed where we went downhill to support ankles
2) woolly long underwear, fleece and wool hat - it starts to cool around 4pm
3) pants that converted to shorts - by 10am I was unzippping
4) mosquito repellant - you can't see or feel them but I omitted to spray my legs the first day and was covered in red bumps by camp
5) toilet paper always
6) money exchange sheet from Oanda.com - helped me on the fly to work out my maximum price
7) some idea of an itinerary for the 4 days in Cusco of places I wanted to see - gave me a starting point as tour operators are on every corner
8) large ziploc bags for sorting clothes and supplies to find easily later - ie I put my night gear in one: woolly underwear and head lamp in one, and my toiletries and medications in another.
9) head lamp - it gets dark at 6pm and it is useful to have both hands free
10) bucket hat and sunscreen - everyone looks dorky in their hats but the sun is much stronger in the Andes than in Canada
2) woolly long underwear, fleece and wool hat - it starts to cool around 4pm
3) pants that converted to shorts - by 10am I was unzippping
4) mosquito repellant - you can't see or feel them but I omitted to spray my legs the first day and was covered in red bumps by camp
5) toilet paper always
6) money exchange sheet from Oanda.com - helped me on the fly to work out my maximum price
7) some idea of an itinerary for the 4 days in Cusco of places I wanted to see - gave me a starting point as tour operators are on every corner
8) large ziploc bags for sorting clothes and supplies to find easily later - ie I put my night gear in one: woolly underwear and head lamp in one, and my toiletries and medications in another.
9) head lamp - it gets dark at 6pm and it is useful to have both hands free
10) bucket hat and sunscreen - everyone looks dorky in their hats but the sun is much stronger in the Andes than in Canada
Sunday, August 17, 2008
money issues
"It's a good idea to call your bank and let them know where you'll be and when. First, you don't want to get stuck with a card that won't work because your bank is suspicious of the activity (your card being used in Peru will look a little weird and may raise some red flags)." GAP Watering Hole post
I called my VISA and they took down my travel dates. I'm doing the same with my bank for Interac later this week.
No need for Travellers' cheques as ATMs are readily available. Someone suggested only using swipe-type machines instead of the ones where you insert the full card, in case your card gets eaten. I'm also making sure I can use my VISA as an Interac card just in case!
"Bring in US $$ the amount that is required for "local payment" plus $100 - you'll give the local payment to your tour guide the first day. Otherwise, local currency will be the best currency to use wherever credit cards are not taken. Bring 2 Visa or Mastercards if you're afraid one might not work. (Though I have very rarely found that a card may not work in one ATM, but even if it doesn't in one, it'll almost always work in another).
1. At the airport hit an ATM and take out about $50-100 in Soles for taxi and food and peace of mind.
2. Hit another ATM downtown after you've dropped your luggage off at the hotel and get around $200-$300 more in Soles. If you're on a GAP tour, it should take awhile to burn through that much dough.
3. Anytime you dip near $50 in Soles and see an ATM, go for it. And make sure you use your coins as often as possible - if you don't use them, you WILL not get that money back - they'll just be pretty pieces of metal turned souvenirs. Be sure to use a money belt and put your credit cards, most of your money and your Passport in it for safe keeping when in cities, especially bigger ones. " GAP Watering hole post
I called my VISA and they took down my travel dates. I'm doing the same with my bank for Interac later this week.
No need for Travellers' cheques as ATMs are readily available. Someone suggested only using swipe-type machines instead of the ones where you insert the full card, in case your card gets eaten. I'm also making sure I can use my VISA as an Interac card just in case!
"Bring in US $$ the amount that is required for "local payment" plus $100 - you'll give the local payment to your tour guide the first day. Otherwise, local currency will be the best currency to use wherever credit cards are not taken. Bring 2 Visa or Mastercards if you're afraid one might not work. (Though I have very rarely found that a card may not work in one ATM, but even if it doesn't in one, it'll almost always work in another).
1. At the airport hit an ATM and take out about $50-100 in Soles for taxi and food and peace of mind.
2. Hit another ATM downtown after you've dropped your luggage off at the hotel and get around $200-$300 more in Soles. If you're on a GAP tour, it should take awhile to burn through that much dough.
3. Anytime you dip near $50 in Soles and see an ATM, go for it. And make sure you use your coins as often as possible - if you don't use them, you WILL not get that money back - they'll just be pretty pieces of metal turned souvenirs. Be sure to use a money belt and put your credit cards, most of your money and your Passport in it for safe keeping when in cities, especially bigger ones. " GAP Watering hole post
Thursday, July 24, 2008
money issues
Here's a few tips I've gleaned from other travellers' websites:
When you arrive in Perú, it is best to do so with U.S. dollars. While most western currency can be exchanged for Peruvian Soles rather easily, any shop, restaurant, or business will take U.S. dollars as payment. This cannot be said readily of all other western currency. Be prepared however to receive your change in Soles. It is a good idea not to use bills in excess of $10-$20 U.S., as you might find it difficult for the merchant to change anything larger. There are money changing booths almost everywhere in every major Peruvian city in the Plaza de Armas and their hours and rates are usually better than the local banks. (Source: Orquidea Tours)
It's wise to exchange American dollars in the smallest notes you can get and horde as many small notes and coins as possible throughout your holiday travel in Peru. Change is often scarce and it's cheaper to provide small notes to the many people who expect a tip in Peru. Make sure the American dollars you carry with you don't have rips or other damage, and hide/guard your money closely. (Source: Peru Holiday Advice)
When you travel you need to look at every bill and coin that you exchange. Whether it be on the street, in banks, change from your meal at a restaurant, or buying souvenirs, you must examine the money. Not only is there counterfeit in circulation, but many countries will not accept bills that are torn or excessively wrinkled.
To protect yourself from bad exchanges, you need to know what a good bill looks like. These days bills all over the world have a thin strip hidden inside them, often with the bill's denomination. Also a watermark is included of the person's face that is on the bill. The strip and watermark can be seen by holding the bill up to the light. For example, in Peru a good bill of one hundred soles has a strip that says "Peru 100" and a watermark of the face of Jorge Grohmann, which also appears on the face of the bill. The surface of the bill is a little rough. Other bills have a different watermark, such as "Peru 50" or "Peru 20", depending on the bill's value.
Once you know how to spot bad money, you can make exchanges. Look at every bill and coin handed to you, and if you don't like what you see, ask the person to exchange it. This is a common practice. (Source: Protect your money: Tips for travelling in Peru)
When you arrive in Perú, it is best to do so with U.S. dollars. While most western currency can be exchanged for Peruvian Soles rather easily, any shop, restaurant, or business will take U.S. dollars as payment. This cannot be said readily of all other western currency. Be prepared however to receive your change in Soles. It is a good idea not to use bills in excess of $10-$20 U.S., as you might find it difficult for the merchant to change anything larger. There are money changing booths almost everywhere in every major Peruvian city in the Plaza de Armas and their hours and rates are usually better than the local banks. (Source: Orquidea Tours)
It's wise to exchange American dollars in the smallest notes you can get and horde as many small notes and coins as possible throughout your holiday travel in Peru. Change is often scarce and it's cheaper to provide small notes to the many people who expect a tip in Peru. Make sure the American dollars you carry with you don't have rips or other damage, and hide/guard your money closely. (Source: Peru Holiday Advice)
When you travel you need to look at every bill and coin that you exchange. Whether it be on the street, in banks, change from your meal at a restaurant, or buying souvenirs, you must examine the money. Not only is there counterfeit in circulation, but many countries will not accept bills that are torn or excessively wrinkled.
To protect yourself from bad exchanges, you need to know what a good bill looks like. These days bills all over the world have a thin strip hidden inside them, often with the bill's denomination. Also a watermark is included of the person's face that is on the bill. The strip and watermark can be seen by holding the bill up to the light. For example, in Peru a good bill of one hundred soles has a strip that says "Peru 100" and a watermark of the face of Jorge Grohmann, which also appears on the face of the bill. The surface of the bill is a little rough. Other bills have a different watermark, such as "Peru 50" or "Peru 20", depending on the bill's value.
Once you know how to spot bad money, you can make exchanges. Look at every bill and coin handed to you, and if you don't like what you see, ask the person to exchange it. This is a common practice. (Source: Protect your money: Tips for travelling in Peru)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
vaccinations
I didn't rush out to get the Hepatitis A & B shot (recommended for travel within Peru - if going to the Amazon, need yellow fever as well) but apparently I should have. I had presumed it was one shot but it turns out to be 2 or 3 shots over 6 months. Oops. Maybe they should mention that in the tv ad.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Lima - in between flights
The biggest problem I am facing in my planning is trying to arrange something to do while in between return flights in Lima. I expect tours will be available with every wheezing breath in Cusco so am going a bit free in terms of pre-organzing there but Lima is tricky. Most of the tours I find start at 9:00 or 10:00am from your hotel (which of course, I don't have) - I won't land until 10:40am. Then I am stuck until my 1:30AM flight home.
The tour I really want to do is a boat "cruise" to Palomino Island which leaves from Callao, the port, which is actually not too far from the airport. I am unclear as to whether one can just go there by taxi and there will be many boats going in the afternoon, actually make that any boats. If I could just get that information, I would be satisfied. However the few tours that have websites are out of date and 3/7 have not responded at all to my emails. I am really wishing I had kept my Spanish up so I could be certain of the answers I'm getting.
I also note that I am running into some problems as a solo traveller - of course they would be willing to do a tour or hike or horseback riding for two, three, six people but not for just me, or at a very high cost. I understand that but it's a little frustrating. Hopefully I'll meet some people in Cusco to tag along with.
I did hear back from Monica, a recommended independent Lima guide. I told her please, no museums - hopefully she will understand that I would like to see what she loves about her hometown. I asked her to think where she would take a friend from another city. I think I will try to go with her regardless even if she insists on shepherding me around the major tourist places - she is $12/hour and will pick me up at the airport, drop me off again. She answered my email quickly and says she can help me with the boat tour.
The tour I really want to do is a boat "cruise" to Palomino Island which leaves from Callao, the port, which is actually not too far from the airport. I am unclear as to whether one can just go there by taxi and there will be many boats going in the afternoon, actually make that any boats. If I could just get that information, I would be satisfied. However the few tours that have websites are out of date and 3/7 have not responded at all to my emails. I am really wishing I had kept my Spanish up so I could be certain of the answers I'm getting.
I also note that I am running into some problems as a solo traveller - of course they would be willing to do a tour or hike or horseback riding for two, three, six people but not for just me, or at a very high cost. I understand that but it's a little frustrating. Hopefully I'll meet some people in Cusco to tag along with.
I did hear back from Monica, a recommended independent Lima guide. I told her please, no museums - hopefully she will understand that I would like to see what she loves about her hometown. I asked her to think where she would take a friend from another city. I think I will try to go with her regardless even if she insists on shepherding me around the major tourist places - she is $12/hour and will pick me up at the airport, drop me off again. She answered my email quickly and says she can help me with the boat tour.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
the overall itinerary
Wednesday, August 27: fly to Lima, arrive midnight, try to check in luggage early for Cusco flight or use the Left luggage service at the airport, camp out by the food court with all the other backpackers overnight. (travel day)
Thursday, August 28: fly to Cusco (5:40am), try to check-in to hotel early; sleep, drink cocoa tea (to acclimatize); eat; go to Tourist office and get Tourist ticket, maps, etc.; go to South American Explorers' clubhouse; maybe take trolley tour around city; generally get oriented (easy day)
Friday, August 29: tour
Saturday, August 30: tour
Places I'd like to see: Maras & Moray (organized tour), Sacsayhuaman (on horseback?)
Things I'd like to do: watch a live soccer game; get a massage or two or three; eat at the Hare Krishna restaurant; wander around the San Blas district; ride a local bus
Sunday, August 31: Pisac on own - public bus, taxi; trek packing/orientation (1 hour bus ride for $1)
Monday, September 1 - Thursday, September 4: Inca Trail; return to Cusco early evening
Friday, September 5: fly to Lima (9:40am); leave luggage at airport; either go to Port for boat tour of Las Islas Palomino or hire private tour guide; flight home 1:30am (travel, tour day)
This is just a rough outline so I have some structure to fall back on but also to make sure I see what I consider the essentials.
A note: I don't consider eating cuy or guinea pig an essential experience, especially after reading it arrives on the plate, head attached and feet in the air. Ugh. I have drilled that Spanish word into my head so I don't order it accidentally.
Thursday, August 28: fly to Cusco (5:40am), try to check-in to hotel early; sleep, drink cocoa tea (to acclimatize); eat; go to Tourist office and get Tourist ticket, maps, etc.; go to South American Explorers' clubhouse; maybe take trolley tour around city; generally get oriented (easy day)
Friday, August 29: tour
Saturday, August 30: tour
Places I'd like to see: Maras & Moray (organized tour), Sacsayhuaman (on horseback?)
Things I'd like to do: watch a live soccer game; get a massage or two or three; eat at the Hare Krishna restaurant; wander around the San Blas district; ride a local bus
Sunday, August 31: Pisac on own - public bus, taxi; trek packing/orientation (1 hour bus ride for $1)
Monday, September 1 - Thursday, September 4: Inca Trail; return to Cusco early evening
Friday, September 5: fly to Lima (9:40am); leave luggage at airport; either go to Port for boat tour of Las Islas Palomino or hire private tour guide; flight home 1:30am (travel, tour day)
This is just a rough outline so I have some structure to fall back on but also to make sure I see what I consider the essentials.
A note: I don't consider eating cuy or guinea pig an essential experience, especially after reading it arrives on the plate, head attached and feet in the air. Ugh. I have drilled that Spanish word into my head so I don't order it accidentally.
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