A guide to travel in Peru
Peru is a majestically beautiful country which boasts both an ancient culture and a striking atmosphere. Here are 10 DO's and 10 don'ts that will help keep you prepared and safe as you explore this fascinating country.Do "sDo expect to pay more than locals for the same item. Unless you are fluent and confident in the languages of Spanish or Quechua, the local suppliers is likely to take advantage of you. On the bright side, even if you are overcharged for handmade items such as Alpaca blankets or scarves, you'll still save a bundle over what you would pay for them in States.Do change your currency at the airport while you are still in the United States. If you wait until you are in Peru to exchange your dollars for soles, you get stuck with paying a percentage of the money you transfer in fees. This fee varies from 50-20% or more.Do get your vaccinations. Especially if you plan to travel outside of Lima and Cuzco to the more primitive areas you need vaccinations against typhoid fever, malaria, yellow fever, and maybe more. Please visit Cuzco and Macchu Picchu. Cuzco is the heart of Indian heritage in Peru. Inner City center is a lot of cobbled streets and courts, and vendors pushing wooden carts. There are enough attractions to keep you busy for weeks. Macchu Picchu is also a must-see if you are in the area. Group Tours leave from Cusco and head up to the ancient city through narrow Andean mountain passes and many Indian villages. Expect to spend four hours or more on the bus or train from Cuzco.Do carry a credit card. Because of the exorbitant fees you pay to transfer money, to have a credit card, there is a must. Also sent money to you from the U.S. is meaningless. A letter with the addresses with American names and a U.S. postal stamp makes a perfect target for thieves in the Peruvian postal system.Do bring your own toilet paper. Toilet paper is often not delivered in public toilets in Peru. If you do not want to pack it in your luggage, be sure to fill it as soon as you enter the country.Do carry phone cards. An international calling card is important to do anytime you are in a foreign country. Peru's government is normally very unstable with government strikes and riots that occurred on a fairly regular basis. Make sure you have a means of contacting home, in case you need to count it.Do pay to use a toilet. Especially in tourist attractions, such as Macchu Picchu. You will need to pay to use a toilet, or find a distant shrub or bush! Do pack light. Amenities such as elevators and escalators are usually available or out of order in Peru. This fact means that you pull all your luggage up and down stairs during your travels. The less you pack, the better.Do expect culture shock. Together with beauties and picturesque shade of an ancient culture, you also get Baser, more primitive facts that come with being in the Third World. After a week or so, the things you found fascinating first can be annoying or downright annoying. Be patient and be thankful for the modern conveniences you have home.Don "ts Do not wear expensive jewelry. Crime rates in towns and villages in Peru is high. Before my month-long stint in Peru, I heard more than a story about women having their hands cut off for the clocks, cut off or fingers for rings, etc. Although I never experienced any threat to my property, it is still wise to use discernment when display of your American wealth.Don not dependent on public transport. Vehicles in Third World countries are unpredictable and unreliable. This is also often the case with tour buses and convoys. Do not plan to keep a strict itinerary while Peru.Don not be offended by the word "Gringo". It is true that you probably will hear the word "gringo" (white) said to you in a particular offensive manner while in Peru. Many of the citizens believe that the U.S. takes ruthless advantage of the countries in South America and will openly show their disgust. Shrug it off and not respond in kind.Don not just take a ride offered at the airport. As you leave an airport in Peru, you get multiple offers for rides to your destination, some of the young men who are totally serious about his cajoling. Be sure that the driver is legitimate (he has a vehicle designated as a taxi) before accepting a ride. Also, ask about prices before getting in the car. You will probably be over-charged either way, but that the issue is still a good idea.Don not worried by armed guards. I learned to take comfort in the sight of a man armed with an automatic weapon, especially after all the crime stories I had heard. Whether you are in a bank, shopping district or airport guns will be commonplace. Do not drink the water. Good advice when you are in the Third World: Buy bottle water.Don not expect a hot shower. There are two extremes to the water in the surrounding areas in Peru: Freezing cold and boiling hot. Generally there is no happy medium if you are not in a nice hotel in Lima.Don not flush the toilet. In a country of under-developed septic tanks, flushing anything other than human waste is taboo. Was not the one that backs up drains for your hostel, hotel, or host. Do not show impatience. Peruvians and Quechuan Indians already have a stereotype of Americans firmly ingrained in them: The Americans are rich, impatient, rude, fat people who like to push others around. Not exacerbate this perception by proving them right. Do not eat food from street vendors. Your best bet is to buy packaged, canned, or exclusive food restaurant. Often tourists buying foods prepared by street vendors have been victims of bad upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and worse: parasites. Your sterile American body probably can not tolerate the practice of cooking by the locals.
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