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

Cusco restaurant reviews

How can one pass this up?

Moni Cafe... Pleasing oxygen starved customers since 2001

especially with the enticing phrase

We also use a natural disinfectant to ensure that our ingredients are completely safe for you.

and on another page:

Our toilet has often been described as the cleanest in Perú which we have chosen to take as a compliment.

I'll let you know.

Aquas Calientes

"You need to take at least 200 soles extra emergency money as there are no ATMs in Aguas Calientes and higher commission on Travellers Checks."

The "Hot" Springs cost 10 soles. Lunch won't be more than 30 even if I have a beer. A t-shirt costs about 15. That leaves a whole lot of extra soles. I have a weird picture of myself staggering up Dead Woman's Pass with a tire of small bills around my gut!

"When you pay your entrance fee you are given a receipt and on the back of receipt is listed all the minerals that are found in the water - interesting info. The springs offer locked lockers for 1 Sole each and they hand you a key on a metal bracelet. I also understand they rent towels too. There are separate men and women's changing rooms each with nice size private stalls with curtains." (more)

Good to know! I was wondering what I was going to do with my knapsack, sleeping bag and miscellanous shopping.

amusing bits

Of course, many people who do the Inca Trail are far younger than me. I am reminded of this when I research the Trail. Here is an example:

"Don't get drunk on the night before the walk to see sunrise at Machu Picchu and don't get drunk in Cusco before you start the trek!!! Don't take that Lonely Planet guide on the trail, you'll be too exhausted to read it..."

obsessing about fleece

I am someone who has a chill in her bones from November to April. Thus, watching the nightly temperature in Cusco hover about 0 and thinking the trail will be colder than that and I'll be in a tent, it's no wonder I am obsessing about fleece. Some say layers are best; others recommend a soft shell with a fleece lining. But then we have an 11 pound limit (including the sleeping bag and thermarest) to what we can ask our porter to carry -- the rest we have to carry. So here I am, with 2 weeks to go and at the height of summer when fleece selection is limited, madly trying to figure out what the lightest and warmest combination would be.

One tip I read on a forum: At night try to get some hot water from the porters to fill your drink bottle so you can have something hot at the foot of your sleeping bag.