Girl of Pisaq adorned
in traditional attire and cantuta flowers, Sacred Valley.
Photo: Mylene
d'Auriol Stoessel.
Topics are is it safe?, passports and visas, health, airline flights, baggage, arrival and departure in South America, help on your tour, climate, clothing, money, textiles and other crafts, music, suggested reading, tipping and standards.
Is it safe?
"The general information in the travel books about our neighbors to the south, coupled with State Department Bulletins, CDC warnings, and general gossip, would easily convince you that you should never stray from your living room. For the very intrepid, maybe south Florida -- but South America? We were warned about nefarious taxi drivers, malaria, pickpockets, yellow fever, the Shining Path, drug smugglers, corrupt police, 27 types of gastrointestinal disorders, dangerous roads, rickety buses, high winds, lost luggage, medical evacuations, rabid dogs, and tropical diseases with unpronounceable names.
What we found instead was a beautiful and incredibly varied country; warm, friendly and highly industrious people who were very solicitous of tourists; buses, trains and planes that ran precisely on time; delicious food (and drinks), frequently accompanied by spirited music and dancing; exotic wildlife; a system of terracing and hydraulic engineering that is unequalled in the world; and a fascinating cultural and political history that reaches back for thousands of years."
-- Marcia Brandes, Adventures in Peru, 2002
Consult the U.S. State Department for any Current Travel Warnings.
Passports & visas
A passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry and proof of onward passage are required. Citizens from the United States, European Union, Canada and Australia do not need a visa to enter Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador or Chile. However, beginning December 1, 2007, citizens of the United States must have a visa to enter Bolivia. The cost will be $134. Citizens of countries not mentioned above should check requirements with the nearest consulate of each country they intend to visit.
All visitors fill out and receive a copy of a tourist card. These short applications are provided on your flight into each country or at border crossings. Keep your copy with your passport and present it to authorities upon departure.
To apply for a U.S. passport, you can contact either your local passport office, designated federal or state clerk of court, or selected post offices. For detailed information about passport and visa requirements, please contact your local passport office or visit the U.S. State Department web site.
Health
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador or Chile unless you are going to the Amazon Rainforest or other jungle areas. Following is advice for Peru and Ecuador, where all of our jungle lodges are located.
Preventing mosquito bites
It is important to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and applying to exposed skin an insect repellent that contains 30% to 35% DEET. If you prefer a natural repellent, one possibility is TheraNeem Leaf & Oil Herbal Outdoor Spray by Organix South, Inc. We further recommend a cap or a hat with mosquito netting to keep insects away from your face. Such items are available at outfitters and should be purchased before leaving home.
Yellow fever
Peru currently does not require a yellow fever vaccination, but the lodges advise it, especially during the rainy season (November through April), when there are more insects. This vaccination, which is valid for 10 years, must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in the rainforest. Ecuador does not require a vaccination and the lodges do not advise it. For definitive advice, consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine.
Malaria
Malaria is only a concern for travel to the jungle areas and there is no official requirement for preventive treatment. In Peru, the lodges state that their guides and staff do not take anti-malarial medication and that there are no recorded cases of malaria in their areas. Therefore, they do not advise treatment. However, the lodges in Ecuador do. Again, consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine for definitive advice.
Further health information
Further health information for travelers to South America is available from the Centers for Disease Control.
Prescription medications
Take an ample supply of your medications with you and your doctor's prescription for each, in case you need refills.
Altitude sickness
On arrival in Andean cities, which are at elevations of 11,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level, your body must adapt to the lesser amount of oxygen. During the first day or two, avoid strenuous activity and alcohol. Eat lightly but drink plenty of water and "mate de coca" (fresh coca-leaf tea). Most visitors are only mildly affected. If so (symptoms are an insignificant headache that disappears with one to two ordinary headache tablets, nausea and general malaise, or slight dizziness), you can continue on your excursions.
However, other visitors (a few percent) are severely affected. Symptoms are a severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by a couple of ordinary painkillers; marked nausea and repeated vomiting; irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction; regular visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance; pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate, crackles in breathing and shortness of breath; swelling beneath the skin, typically around the eyes and in some cases swollen ankles and hands; confusion; or convulsions. If you experience any of these symptoms, ask your guide to give you the emegency oxygen and take you to the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley, where your hotel is located. If symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention. If you have reason to believe you are or may be susceptible to altitude sickness, it is important to consult your physician about Diamox and Paracetamol.
Inka's protects its guests by providing an emergency cannister of oxygen in your vehicle during every excursion at high altitude. Additionally, our guides have been trained to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and to properly administer the oxygen if needed.
Source: netdoctor.co.uk
For details, see Avoiding Altitude Sickness.
Sunburn
The sun can be intense at high elevation and near the equator. Watch out for sunburn: use High Protection Factor (HPF) sunscreen.
Tupac Amaru's Revenge
Cipro, a prescription medication, is recommended in case of traveler's diarrhea, as is NSF, an extract from the sap of the Croton lechleri tree that has been used for centuries by shamans, or traditional healers, in the Amazon rainforest. However, if you adhere to our food and drink advice, you shouldn't have a problem.
Food & drink
Our hotels and restaurants take great care in preparing their food and drinks. Fresh fruits and vegetables are safe to eat. The water served is either bottled or purified, and you may drink it, including ice cubes, without risk. In any of our hotels and restaurants, you can confidently eat and drink anything they serve. Outside our hotels and restaurants, avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, water that is not bottled or purified, and ice cubes. Never drink tap water, anywhere. In Lima, never eat food from street vendors; however, in provincial areas it is relatively safe to do so. See Frommer's Favorites for their and our restaurant recommendations.
Airline flights
Flight itinerary & record locator number
We request a copy of your international flight itinerary, including the record locator number, a code assigned by the airline to uniquely identify your reservation. This "number" usually consists of six letters or a combination of six letters and numbers. Passengers of Continental Airlines should also provide their ticket numbers. We need this information to verify that you are actually aboard the anticipated arrival flight and to reconfirm your international departure. If not reconfirmed 72 hours in advance, the carrier could cancel your return reservation. Be sure to advise us of any changes in your flight schedule.
When should I arrive at the airport?
Allow two hours prior to flight time for an international departure from the U.S. or South America (for example, a direct flight from New York to Lima). If the first segment of your flight is not international (for example, New York to Miami), allow 90 minutes. For national flights (within Peru, Ecuador or Chile) allow one hour.
Security
Assume that whatever security restrictions exist in the U.S. and Europe will exist in South America. Consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site for current regulations.
National flights
Except in rare circumstances, we use LAN Airlines S.A. (operating as Lan Chile and Lan Peru), widely considered to be South America's safest and most reliable airline. This carrier has the newest planes and the best maintenance. Their planes are Airbus 320s, preferred by 57% of airline passengers (far higher than the second choice), according to a 2003 survey by Skytrax, a London based aviation research organization. Within Peru, Ecuador and Chile, there is only one class of service on any of the airlines except for the flight from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island, which offers First Class.
Flights are typically about one hour from Lima to just about anywhere in Peru: to Cuzco is 1 hour and 15 minutes, to Arequipa is 1 hours and 25 minutes, to Trujillo is 1 hour and 5 minutes and to Chiclayo is 1 hour and 25 minutes. Another common flight, from Arequipa to Cuzco is 55 minutes. Since weather conditions in the Andes can sometimes prevent scheduled take-offs and landings, we book our guests on early flights to minimize the chance of an overnight delay.
Safety & reliability
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Governments of Peru,
Ecuador and Chile as being in compliance with ICAO international
aviation safety standards for oversight of their country's air
carrier operations. Additionally, the Aviation Safety Network
database shows no safety occurrences for Lan Chile since 1991
and none at all for Lan Peru. Since LAN Airlines, S.A. does not
operate between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, we
use Aerogal (Aerolineas Galapagos) or Icaro. Aerogal had one
safety occurence in 1997. There were no fatalities. Icaro had
one safety occurence in 2005. Again, there were no fatalities.
South American airport departure taxes
In the United States, all taxes are included in the ticket price; but in South America, passengers are required to pay the airport tax in cash, prior to departure. First, check in at the airline ticket counter and ask the representative where to pay the tax. Upon payment, a stamp will be affixed to your ticket, and only then will you be allowed to proceed into the boarding area. Following are the taxes for each of our destination countries, all of which may be paid in U.S. dollars:
Peru: $30.25 for international flights, $6.05 for flights within Peru
Bolivia: $25 for international flights outside of South America, $10 for international flights within South America, $1.25 for flights within Bolivia
Ecuador: $27.15 for international flights, included in the ticket price for flights within Ecuador
Chile: $30 for international flights, $8 for flights within Chile. Note that Chile imposes a one-time entry fee for the residents of some countries. For U.S. residents, it is $100.
Baggage
We recommend that each person bring one or two suitcases (not exceeding the maximum size and weight shown below), one carry-on bag (not exceeding the maximum size and weight shown below) and a day pack for the excursions. This variety of baggage will allow for the flexibility in packing needed to make travel to Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest the most convenient.
Free airline baggage allowance per person is one carry-on bag and two checked bags per person. Extra charges may apply to items that exceed size or weight limitations or are in excess of the free allowance.
Free baggage allowance on international flights
As an example, Lan Chile allows the following. Excess baggage charges will be assessed by the airline for items that exceed the number, size or weight of the free allowance. Please note that other airlines may have different free allowances and excess baggage charges. Please check directly with your carrier.
Carry-on: 1
Size allowed (length + width + height): 45.27 in/115
cm
Maximum free weight allowed: 17.63 lbs/8 kgs
Checked: 2
Size allowed (length + width + height): 62.2 in/158
cm each
Maximum free weight allowed: 50.7 lbs/23
kgs each
Excess weight charge: $3.97 per lb/$1.80
per kg plus applicable taxes.
Free baggage allowance on national flights
Lan Peru, our usual carrier within Peru, allows the following. Please note that the weight allowance for checked-in bags on national flights is only one-half of that on international flights. Excess baggage charges will be assessed by the airline for items that exceed the number, size or weight of the free allowance
Carry-on: 1
Size allowed (length + width + height): 45.27 in/115
cm
Maximum free weight allowed: 17.63 lbs/8 kgs
Checked: any number
Total size allowed (length +
width + height): 62.2 in/158 cm each
Total maximum
free weight allowed: 55.11 lbs/25 kgs
Excess weight
charge: $3.97 per lb/$1.80 per kg plus applicable taxes (19%
in Peru)
Packing for Machu Picchu
On the train to Machu Picchu, PeruRail allows only one carry-on bag, as specified below. Note that the maximum weight is significantly less than that allowed by the airlines. We'll take care of everything else until your return to Cuzco. Upon your morning arrival at the hotel, you'll check in and be able to use your room. Check-out time on the following day is early -- 9 am -- but you can store any items you wish and use the facilities until you depart for the train station at mid-afternoon.
Carry-on: 1
Size allowed (length + width + height): 62 in/157
cm
Maximum free weight allowed: 11 lbs/5 kgs.
Packing for the Manu Wildlife Center
It's not necessary to bring all of your baggage with you. You'll enjoy your expedition more if you bring only the essentials. We recommend that you prepare an overnight bag the day before your flight. There is a limit of 22 pounds/10 kilograms per person. If you have excess weight and space is available, you'll be charged directly in Cuzco. However, you can safely store excess baggage at your hotel or our office in Cuzco. Manu Wildlife Center Pre-Departure Information.
Number and type of baggage allowed:
1 carry-on (camera, film, binoculars and other small items you'll
need during the half-hour flight).
Size allowed:
No specified dimensions, but must fit underneath seat, which
typically can accommodate 21.6 in x 9.8 in x 13.7 in/55 cm x
25 cm x 35 cm
Maximum free weight allowed: Not
specified
Number and type of baggage allowed:
1 checked (clothes and all other items you won't need during
the flight)
Size allowed: No specified dimensions
Maximum free weight allowed: 22 lbs/10 kgs
Excess
weight: $.50 per lb/$1 per kg, if space is available
Packing for the Sandoval Lake Lodge & Heath River Wildlife Center
It's not necessary to bring all of your baggage with you. You'll enjoy your expedition more if you bring only the essentials. We recommend that you prepare an overnight bag the day before your flight. While the allowance on the flight to Puerto Maldonado is that shown in Free baggage allowance on national flights, the weight limit on the riverboat is considerably less: 5.5 kilograms (12.1 pounds). However, you can safely store excess baggage at your hotel in Cuzco, our office in that city or our office in Puerto Maldonado. Sandoval Lake & Heath River Pre-Departure Information.
Arrival & departure in South America
After your international arrival at the Lima airport, you'll pass through immigration, the baggage claim area and customs. Upon leaving customs, look toward the right side of the hall. Your guide will be waiting with a sign bearing your name. You'll then join the chauffeur, who will drive you to your hotel. During the trip, your guide will provide your travel vouchers, brief you on the city and review your excursons with you. Upon your international departure from Lima (we'll reconfirm your flights and advise you when to be ready), your chauffeur will take you to the airport and your guide will help you check-in. The procedure for destinations within Peru is similar but easier, since the immigration and customs inspections occur only for international flights. The international arrival and departure process for Ecuador is the same but considerably simpler because the Quito airport is small. After passing through immigration, the baggage claim area and customs; continue to the exit, where your guide will be waiting with a sign bearing your name. Passengers must pay an airport tax on departing flights. Please note our advice, above.
While we have never failed to meet a guest, we do have a contingency plan. If you are unable to locate our representative within 15 minutes of your scheduled arrival time (flights sometimes arrive early), please take a taxi to your hotel, check in and ask the receptionist to notify our local office of your arrival (your hotel's name and our emergency phone numbers appear near the top of your Tour Itinerary). To get the taxi, ask any airport employee to help you locate a certified service before you leave the building. The fare must be agreed upon in advance with the driver (there are no meters) and should not exceed $20 for two people. For additional passengers, add $5 each. Tipping isn't customary. We'll reimburse you upon your return.
Help on your tour
Emergency phone numbers
Inka's maintains a vigilant watch over your tour through contact with our local representatives. Those representatives and your guides will be able to provide immediate assistance in most circumstances. For further help, call:
+001-212-787-0500. Inka's day and night number
+001-715-345-0505. Travel Guard international emergency medical and travel hotline
Collect calls will be accepted.
Sending an e-mail
You also can contact us at tours@inkas.com from any of your hotels.
Speak up!
We don't want your experience to be diminished in any way. Don't hesitate to speak up if things aren't going as you wish. For example, if you aren't satisfied with your hotel room, ask for another one. If you want less time in one place and more time in another, tell your guide. Likewise, inquire about any change in the itinerary from what you were expecting. If your guide can't solve the problem, please contact our local representative or Inka's as soon as possible. Later on, it may be too late.
You have "Carte Blanche" to handle problems
Our goal is to provide all of the services promised in your itinerary and to avoid any disruption of your tranquility and enjoyment during the tour. However, despite our best efforts, glitches can occur because of mechanical failure or human error. Most can be solved by your guide, our local representative or Inka's. Others are most readily solved "on-the-spot" by you. To correct such problems, we authorize you to expend the necessary sums.
Climate in Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador
Each of the geographical zones in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador has its own climate. The temperatures within each zone vary little over the course of the year, because the countries are close to the Equator; however, rainfall varies significantly in the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest.
The Andes
April through November is the recommended time to visit. The climate is relatively mild all year round with sporadic, heavy rains from January through March, dry and hot weather from April through November, and temperate with occasional rains in December. At all times of year, temperatures during the day are from 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Temperatures at night in April through November are cold, often below freezing; but in December through March, they are warmer, around 15 degrees C (59 degrees F).
Average rainfall in Cuzco by month
Jan: 6.3, Feb: 5.2, Mar: 4.3, Apr: 1.8, May: 0.3, Jun: 0.1, Jul: 0.2, Aug: 0.3, Sep: 0.9, Oct: 1.9, Nov: 3.1, Dec: 4.7
Rainy days in Cuzco by month
Jan: 16, Feb: 12, Mar: 10, Apr: 7, May: 4, Jun: 3, Jul: 2, Aug: 2, Sep: 6, Oct: 8, Nov: 10, Dec: 14
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Due to the high, surrounding mountains, sunrise does not occur until around 7:00 am.
The coast
The coast has a very mild weather and it hardly ever rains, so the climate doesn't affect when to go.
Summer is from January through March, with temperatures during the day from 25 to 29 degrees C (77 to 84 degrees F) and around 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) at night.
Autumn is from April through June, with temperatures during the day from 19 to 24 degrees C (66 to 75 degrees F) and around 14 degrees C (57 degrees F) at night.
Winter is from July through September, with temperatures during the day from 13 to 19 degrees C (55 to 66 degrees F) and around 13 degrees C (55 degrees F) at night. During this period, you need a sweater and a medium-weight jacket
Spring is from October through December, with temperatures the same as in Autumn.
The Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest is hot, with temperatures from 30 to 35 degrees C (86 to 95 degrees F) during the day and around 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) at night.
Dry season is from May through October, but it rains in brief showers the whole year round.
Avoid the rainy season, from November through April. It is humid and hot, with heavy rainfall at any time.
Climate in Chile
In contrast to the Equatorial countries of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, Chile is uncomplicated: the season is September through March, corresponding to spring and summer weather in the northern hemisphere.
Clothing
Casual clothing, including T-shirts, jeans and sports shoes, will be the most comfortable and suitable for your tour. Nobody wears a coat at any time of year. A sweater and a medium-weight jacket are sufficient, even at night in the Andes.
However, to go to a fancy restaurant, dressing up is customary although not obligatory. For men, we recommend a long- or short-sleeved dress shirt, dress pants (anything but jeans) and dress shoes; a coat and tie are not necessary. Women can go as they wish, but usually wear pants and a blouse, a dress or a suit; dress shoes; makeup and jewelry.
For advice about clothing on ecological tours, see our Inca Trail, Manu, Tambopata-Madidi and Galapagos Islands Pre-Departure Information.
Laundry service
All of our hotels and Amazon lodges have laundry service, except the Amazonia Lodge (one of the lodges on our Amazon Bio-Trip). In the hotels, if you provide the laundry to be washed in the morning, it will be ready the same evening. In the Amazon lodges; however, inclement weather may cause a delay because laundry is washed by hand and dried in the sun.
Money
Local currencies
The Nuevo Sol is the Peruvian currency. Its abbreviated form is S/ and currently three soles (S/3) is equal to about one U.S. dollar. Bolivia uses the Boliviano, about 8 per dollar; Ecuador uses the dollar itself; and Chile uses the Chilean Peso, about 570 per dollar.
Exchanging currency
In the cities, you can use dollars to purchase anything and take the change in U.S. or the local currency. The exception is buying textiles or other crafts in the countryside. Artisans may only be able to accept small-denomination bills of the local currency (equivalent to no more than $5 or $10). If you have reason to do so, you can change your dollars at the airport, in most banks and in casas de cambio (private money exchange offices), but the most competitive rates are offered by traders on the street, a fine example of the free market at work. Ask your guide for assistance to avoid the rare possibility of being cheated or given counterfeit bills.
Cash
Start your tour with $30 per day per
person. Use cash machines and credit cards to supplement those
funds as necessary.
Cash machines
You will be able to get cash with your bank or credit card at automated teller machines in cities throughout Peru. Look for machines that function with one of the electronic systems indicated on your card. Take out dollars to avoid your bank's currency conversion fees.
Credit cards
"Plastic" is accepted by most restaurants, hotels and major stores. The currency conversion fee charged by your credit card company will be high, but you are on vacation and the convenience may be worth it.
Traveler's checks
Avoid traveler's checks. While offering maximum security, they are costly and inconvenient to cash.
