3. Taxis as Transportation:
It is recommended that you have your hotel call a taxi for you when
you plan to leave for several reasons. First, all reputable hotels,
such as The Orquidea, have a working relationship with at least one
radio dispatched taxi company. They know the taxi company and will
set the rate for you before you leave. This leaves little chance of
being overcharged. Secondly, it is not uncommon, when you just hail
a taxi from the street, to have one rate agreed upon, only to find
that the rate has changed when you reach your destination, or the
driver doesn't have enough change when you get there. Some street
taxis may also try to pick up other fares during your trip which you
didn't bargain for. While this is not the general rule, it does
happen, so let your hotel arrange for your taxi service.
4. Medications and Hygiene:
Assuming that you are not going into the Amazon tributaries, the
altitudes experienced in the Andes may have an adverse effect on you
if you are not used to such heights. A visit to your physician prior
to coming to Perú is recommended. Diamox is a good medication for
altitude sickness. You may also want to discuss with your physician
other medications such as antibiotics to take along with you. One
recommendation for visitors is to drink bottled water only even for
things such as brushing your teeth. One observation regarding Perú
is the unavailability of toilet paper in almost all public places.
Major hotels and most restaurants will have some, but do not be
surprised to go into a public bathroom, such as at Machu Picchu, and
find that toilet paper is either unavailable or available only for
sale. Bring an ample amount of tissues that you can take around with
you on your journeys. If you are going into the Amazon tributaries,
it is recommended that you let your physician know beforehand. A
current yellow fever vaccination, and anti malarial medications
should be discussed. And bring plenty of D.E.E.T. with you. It is
probably best to call your State Board of Health for recommendations
on medications for the Amazon.
5. Passports and Intra National Flights:
It will not be unusual for you to be asked for your passport when
you are flying even within Perú if you are not a Peruvian national.
Even when you check into hotels you will be asked for your passport
number. It is a good idea to make a copy of your passport before
arriving in Perú just in case. Carry your passport anytime you fly
within Perú and of course when you leave. Whether you have tickets
in hand or not, it is necessary to have all of your flights
reconfirmed prior to going to the airport. The Orquidea, or other
reputable hotels will gladly perform this service at no charge. But
do not just show up at a Peruvian airport thinking that you will get
on a flight that you have a ticket for if it is not reconfirmed in
advance. Also be aware that every flight has to be taxed. You will
get your boarding pass and then go to a tax booth to pay the airport
tax, usually 24 Soles per ticket. Do not try to do this any other
way or you may run into trouble, or at least miss your flight.
6. Street Safety:
One of the things that are immediately apparent upon arrival to
Cuzco and other major cities in Perú is the plethora of cabs and
mini buses. They are small by western standards but can still hurt
you if you are not careful. There are some traffic lights and stop
signs, but don't expect everyone to use them. These little guys have
the right of way at all times and sorry will be the traveler that
doesn't recognize it at once. In fact, horns will blow at you if you
are just walking down the street on the sidewalk for no apparent
reason. When strolling around, especially in the evening, always be
very careful at intersections. Many of the headlights don't work and
not very many drivers have figured out what a turn signal is or how
to use it. It is kind of quirky and adds to the charm of Perú. While
we have never experienced anything even resembling a troublesome
situation, you cannot help but feel for the little children on the
street. When we go to Perú, we bring with us pencils, writing
tablets, and little toys such as bubbles, troll dolls, and matchbox
cars to give to the children. These gifts are much appreciated and
will draw a crowd faster than anything I have ever seen. There is
nothing quite so priceless as the face of a child with a new toy
they have never seen before. This is preferable to just handing out
a few Soles, and will give you something to remember forever.
7. Internet and E-Mail:
Times have really changed in Perú regarding the ability to
communicate with folks back home. 1 year ago, you could find a few
internet places with 28.8 modems that would work but would seem to
take forever to transmit data out of the country. Today, internet
cafes are common and they all seem to have DSL or ADSL fast
connections. Explorer, Netscape, and Hotmail are readily available
at every internet stop. Expect to pay about 2 1/2 Soles for 1/2 hour
of internet time, more than enough to keep in touch with the folks
back home on a daily basis if you wish.
First time visitors to Perú will be intoxicated by its beauty and
diversity. I have seen no other place in the world with as many
natural wonders and treasures as I have found in Perú. From the
amazing Amazon and its countless numbers of birds and natural
wildlife, to Andean pre colonial cities like Cuzco and Arequipa, to
the ancient temples of Machu Picchu, to the pristine waters of Lake
Titicaca near Puno, to the largest canyon in the world, I can think
of no other country that contains as much to see in so small a
geographic area. Perú gets into your blood, and once there, you will
go back. The people at
Orquidea
will ensure that your visit to Perú will be customized to your
liking and truly unforgettable.
Until next time!
Regards,
Carl & Paula D'Angio
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