BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
ALTITUDE CONSIDERATIONS
Cusco is at an altitude of 11,200 feet. It is impossible to predict how you will adapt to the altitude. Physical fitness does not confer any protection or facilitate acclimatization. Altitude acclimatization is a slow process that takes place over the course of a few days or longer. Individuals vary widely in their ability to acclimatize. Normal physiological changes at altitude include shortness of breath, changed breathing pattern at night, awakening frequently, and increased urination.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is not uncommon at the altitudes reached in the high Andes. Symptoms of AMS include a headache plus one or more of the following: nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and lightheadedness following a recent ascent above 8,000 feet. These symptoms result primarily from insufficient oxygen in the blood (hypoxia). You may experience some of the symptoms of AMS when you first arrive at high altitude. Improvement usually occurs in one or two days, but may take as long as three or four days.
While acclimatizing, avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. Pace yourself comfortably, rest often. You may find that you walk more slowly than you are used to. Proper hydration is essential at high altitude. You need to drink much more fluid than you are used to. Try to drink even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Avoid caffeine, which is a diuretic, and avoid alcohol, which is dehydrating. Cut down on salt. Your appetite will probably decrease, but it is still important to eat well (especially carbohydrates), even if you’re not feeling well. Sleeping pills and narcotic painkillers (such as codeine) should not be used at altitude because they depress respiration
Medical conditions aggravated or complicated by high altitude include: heart diseases, lung diseases, pregnancy, anemia, and sickle cell disease. Anyone with these conditions should discuss participation on the trip with their physician.
Diamox (Acetazolamide)
The prescription drug Diamox can be used to accelerate the normal process of acclimatization. The standard dose is 250 mg tablet every 12 hours, usually starting the day before the coming to a high altitude (such as Cusco) and discontinuing
after the second or third night at the maximum altitude. Common side effects include more frequent urination as well as numbness, tingling, or vibrating sensations in hands, feet, and lips. Diamox does not protect against worsening symptoms
of AMS with continued ascent. Diamox is a sulfa drug and should not be taken by people allergic to sulfa drugs.
FITNESS
In high altitude locations like Cusco and Lake Titicaca, even just a walk up a flight of Inca stone step can make you feel a bit breathless. Remember that the better physical condition you are in, the more you will enjoy your experience at these altitudes. Make an effort to get in good physical condition with some exercise beyond your normal routine. A brisk of 30-45 minutes walk every other day over moderately steep terrain can do wonders for your conditioning. Also be sure to drink plenty of water when you’re at altitude, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Peru. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say “Visas” at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say “Amendments and Endorsements,” and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport’s photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.
MONEY
The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. We suggest you bring most of your funds in US cash because travelers’ checks can be difficult to cash. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at major hotels and stores. There are ATMs in the Lima airport and in Cusco; check with your bank before you depart to make sure that your card will work in Peru. We suggest that you bring along about $30 in $1 or $5 bills to use for tips for baggage porterage, etc. Bills should be new and clean with no tears or marks since banks don’t accept torn ones.
If you plan to use your credit cards abroad, it is a good idea to call your credit card company before you depart and advise them that you will be using the card in the country or countries you are visiting. This will let them know that your card is not being used in a fraudulent way by someone else. You will need to budget spending money for gratuities, any meals listed as “on your own” in the trip itinerary (approx. $8-15 for lunches and $15-25 for dinners), and personal items such as beverages.
TIPPING
Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward outstanding service:
For luggage porters, $1 USD per bag on check in and check out. For transfer agents, $5 USD per couple, for drivers $5USD per couple per day, for a full-day tour guide, $20 per couple. Note: You’ll be advised on arrival whether you will have the same drivers and tour guide with you the whole week, and if so, you can tip at the complete end of the services.
PACKING LIST
THE ESSENTIALS
Air tickets (or E-tickets)
Passport
One other picture ID, such as a driver’s license
Expense money
LUGGAGE
Note: On internal flights, you are allowed one checked bag with a total weight of 50 lbs, plus a small carry-on with a 17 lb maximum.
Important Packing Note: The train to Machu Picchu has no overhead bins for luggage storage, so any luggage you bring on this segment of your trip may be sharing your seat with you! For the one night that you will spend at Machu Picchu, we recommend a small overnight bag, or possibly your daypack, with minimal clothing and toiletries. Small bags, backpacks, and duffels are readily available for purchase in Cusco, including many made with colorful local fabric Daypack, large enough for a fleece jacket, rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want with you during the day.
CLOTHING
The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only. Try to keep your clothing and gear to a minimum. Dress on the trip is very informal, laundry service is available at most of the hotels.
Rain gear
Fleece jacket for warmth
Fleece or wool sweater
Down or fleece vest if you easily get chilled
Lightweight long pants. Synthetic “travel” fabrics.
Long-sleeved shirts; T-shirts
Shade hats, sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion (use it even in cloudy days)
Walking shoes, Running shoes
Underwear/ socks; synthetics dry faster
Sleepwear
ELECTRICITY
220 Volts / 60 Hz / American Style two-pin plugs, some hotels have electricity adapters, some devices like laptops support 110v and 220v, also some cell phone chargers, please check before traveling.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Do not drink tap water. Bring a refillable water bottle. When you’re on your own, purchase a large bottle of water and use it to fill your water bottle. This will cut down on waste. In Machu Picchu it’s not allowed to use plastic bottles. We recommend eating lightly the first day you arrive in Cusco. Due to altitude you might suffer some digestive problems
About safety Peru is very safe but Be vigilant with your possessions, use a money belt, hook your rucksack through your leg whilst sitting at tables and checking in and do not carry expensive items of value on display late at night in busy markets and stations. Ensure any taxi you take is an official taxi, recommended at the hotel.
About travel insurance You MUST purchase adequate travel insurance covering these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights, and any other factors beyond the control of your trip operator.
WEATHER
Despite the sharp divide between the dry season (May to November) and the wet season (December to April), Andean weather can be unpredictable. It is cold at nights specially from June to September. Rain-jackets and rain-paints are essential gear and should always be handy in your daypack. Daytime temperatures can vary greatly, from about 10ºC/50ºF to 28ºC/82ºF with nighttime temperatures from 10ºC/50ºF down to around 0ºC/32ºF, though seldom much lower.
PERUVIAN FOOD
One of the exciting parts of travel is getting to try all sorts of new foods. And you’re in luck! Peru has some amazing food. With the ocean, mountains, and tropical rainforest all so close together, Peru has a huge variety of ingredients and food. Here are a few of our favorites that you shouldn’t miss!
Ceviche: Chunks of fish marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, and onions.
Chirimoya: aka Custard Apple, aka Ice Cream Fruit. This is a delicious tropical fruit about the size of a grapefruit that looks like an artichoke if all the leaves were stuck together. The inside is white, creamy, and it has the same texture as sorbet. Trust us, it may be the most delicious fruit you’ll ever taste!
Alpaca: If you want to try some traditional meat, alpaca is the way to go. You may have heard that guinea pigs are regular fare in the Andes, but their meat is quite greasy and not very good. Alpaca is must tastier.
Pisco Sour: Pisco is a grape brandy produced in Peru, and the best way to drink it is in the cocktail Pisco Sour. The drink is a mix of Pisco, lime juice, sugar, whipped egg white, and bitters. You will become extremely popular with your guide and your fellow travelers if you buy a round!
LIMA AIRPORT
On arrival at Lima airport, please pass through immigration to the baggage reclaim area. Here is an ATM (VISA) cash-machine and a change-house for any Peruvian Soles. Please keep your luggage tickets handy as in all Peruvian airports you may be asked to show these to prove it is your luggage you are removing from the baggage hall. You will pass through customs where you must press the customs ‘button’. This is a random counter and if the red light shows then customs will ask to look in your baggage. Note you must collect your bag and pass through customs even if it checked all the way to your final destination – you then must then re-check it at the relevant desk if you are continuing on to another city.
Overall, we want you to enjoy your visit to Peru, and share with us your good will and happiness of traveling to this lovely land.