10 Days in Peru...Suggestions

DaddyTorgo · 01-22-2006, 02:27 PM

So I've just found out that I will be going to Peru for 10 days in late june/early july. Paying my own way of course, but I couldn't turn it down.

Obviously we're hiking the Inca Trail for 4 days, but does anyone else have any Peru-suggestions?

st.cronin · 01-22-2006, 02:56 PM

Bring a weapon. I once spent several months in Lima, and everybody I knew carried a gun. It was like the Wild West or something.

colt45 · 01-22-2006, 06:44 PM

Lived in Peru for a while. It's really not that bad. The American dollar goes far, so you have that going for you. I think that June/July is the rainy season there. And if you're hiking the Inca Trail, you'll be in climas ranging from desert to amazonian to high altitude mountain type stuff. Actually, if you want to PM me, I'd be happy to share the safe taxis to take, best money exchange locations, etc. But if anything, leave room in your luggage to bring back an incredible amount of souviners. The Incan culture is still alive and well and evident in the indigenous population, you can't help yourself in going overboard on the souviners...
Seriously, feel free to let me offer whatever knowlege I can. I've got numberrs to the American Embassy and know all the safe bus companies, etc. And if there's one piece of advice I can offer, it's this: DO NOT arrive at the airport in Lima without knowledge of 1) what taxi company to take (it's more common than not for taxistas to drive tourists to middle of ghettoville, rob them, and leave them stranded...) and I think it's only like $20 to already have a cab scheduled there to pick you up with your name on a placard. Oh, and 2) know what hotel/bus station you're going to. I believe most flights from the US arrive super late at night, so making those plans saves much trouble and anguish once you arrive. The Peruvians see a gringo and they go MAD swarming at ya. It can be very dangerous and intimidating.
Seriously, PM me if I can be of assistance.
Oh - and don't say "Adios". Peruvians say "Ciao."

DaddyTorgo · 01-22-2006, 06:53 PM

sweet. i definately will PM you. i think we're going with at least one other family, quite possibly more. and that other family is originally peruvian or at least hispanic i know for certain. not going for a while, but I'll definately solicit all manner of information from you before that.

colt45 · 01-22-2006, 07:02 PM

Sounds good. Having someone not obviously gringo with ya will definately help. Oh, and the fluency in Spanish doesn't hurt.
And just something quick in case I forget - In Lima you can pay for most things (reputable cab companies, hotels, restaurants...) with the good old greenback - American $. But most other places, you're gonna have to exchange for the 'nuevo sole'. And don't forget to check the Dept. of State's warnings - martial law is pretty common there, but as long as you know what's up, you're good to go.
Oh, and you might want to look into malaria medicine now. Call your doctor and check with them.
I guess that's the big stuff. I have to admit, I'm pretty jealous. I'd love to go back...

DaddyTorgo · 01-22-2006, 07:31 PM

what were you doing living there? i'm always interested in jobs that have overseas positions...

colt45 · 01-22-2006, 09:57 PM

Government...

DaddyTorgo · 06-26-2006, 12:44 AM

bump

I leave on Tuesday @ 11am for 15 days

tanglewood · 06-26-2006, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colt45

Government...

I know you were probably just working at the US embassy or something, but this comes off rather...... sinister.

LionsFan10 · 06-26-2006, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

So I've just found out that I will be going to Peru for 10 days in late june/early july. Paying my own way of course, but I couldn't turn it down.

Obviously we're hiking the Inca Trail for 4 days, but does anyone else have any Peru-suggestions?

Don't die

Bee · 06-26-2006, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanglewood

I know you were probably just working at the US embassy or something, but this comes off rather...... sinister.

He could go into more detail, but then he'd have to kill you.

Runtheball · 06-26-2006, 08:20 AM

Let us know how the tittie bars are there.

dixieflatline · 06-26-2006, 11:07 AM

I highly recommend Machu Picchu which are incan ruins. Best preserved ruins in the americas because they are so far up in the mountains. Several good tour groups running things there. A must see in Peru.

Young Drachma · 06-26-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

So I've just found out that I will be going to Peru for 10 days in late june/early july. Paying my own way of course, but I couldn't turn it down.

Obviously we're hiking the Inca Trail for 4 days, but does anyone else have any Peru-suggestions?

Avoid getting kidnapped. Sure, you'd have great stories to tell, but that'd be dependant on you making it back.

Have fun.

Bee · 06-26-2006, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixieflatline

I highly recommend Machu Picchu which are incan ruins. Best preserved ruins in the americas because they are so far up in the mountains. Several good tour groups running things there. A must see in Peru.

For what it's worth, my wife lived in South America for 5 years and her visit to Machu Picchu is one of her most favorite memories.

AlexB · 06-26-2006, 02:45 PM

If you're in Peru you have to try and find Paddington Bear's family

rkmsuf · 06-26-2006, 02:45 PM

I used to like conquering Peru and South America in Risk. Only two points to defend and you got like good value for that continent.

I would rule the Peruvians with an iron fist in that game.

DaddyTorgo · 06-26-2006, 02:56 PM

oh we're doing the 4-day hike to Machu Picchu. and a couple days of sightseeing in lima, and cuzco, and then also going up to Titicaca-ways for a couple days

Hurst2112 · 06-26-2006, 03:15 PM

i would suggest grabbin a big bag of uncut blow but that is too cliche

AlexB · 06-26-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

i would suggest grabbin a big bag of uncut blow but that is too cliche

To make it less cliched you could grad a big back of blow footballs - that would be different

DaddyTorgo · 06-26-2006, 03:21 PM

it's all about the coca-tea i hear. lookin forward to that!

moriarty · 06-26-2006, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colt45

Lived in Peru for a while. It's really not that bad ... it's more common than not for taxistas to drive tourists to middle of ghettoville, rob them, and leave them stranded...The Peruvians see a gringo and they go MAD swarming at ya. It can be very dangerous and intimidating.

Uh, yeah. I think I'll settle for taking the kids to the Grand Canyon this year. But thanks.

rkmsuf · 06-26-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moriarty

Uh, yeah. I think I'll settle for taking the kids to the Grand Canyon this year. But thanks.

I like how the overriding goal is to not get imprisoned, robbed or killed.

Is there like a Sandals over there or something.

DaddyTorgo · 06-26-2006, 03:25 PM

yeah...part of me is kinda wishing for various reasons that i had decided to just stay home and take vacation. much less stressful and hectic

Mustang · 06-26-2006, 03:41 PM

I usually try to scratch places off my list of vacation hot spots where the first bit of advice includes reading state warnings, malaria shots and worrying about being robbed.

Klinglerware · 06-26-2006, 03:54 PM

In my experience, the dangers surrounding traveling abroad are somewhat overstated. Naturally, you should be careful and do your research (as DaddyTorgo is doing here)--but you shouldn't let fear preclude you from considering what could be an amazing experience. Remember, bad things can happen to you on vacation in the US too...

DaddyTorgo · 06-26-2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klinglerware

In my experience, the dangers surrounding traveling abroad are somewhat overstated. Naturally, you should be careful and do your research (as DaddyTorgo is doing here)--but you shouldn't let fear preclude you from considering what could be an amazing experience. Remember, bad things can happen to you on vacation in the US too...

actually my mommy did all the research :cheesy: . yay for traveling with the parents.

st.cronin · 06-26-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klinglerware

In my experience, the dangers surrounding traveling abroad are somewhat overstated. Naturally, you should be careful and do your research (as DaddyTorgo is doing here)--but you shouldn't let fear preclude you from considering what could be an amazing experience. Remember, bad things can happen to you on vacation in the US too...

I think ALL dangers are overstated, whether travel-related or not. That said, Peru scared me a LOT when I was there (I was temporarily assigned to the embassy when I was in the service). It rates just slightly above Baghdad in terms of appealing travel locales.

colt45 · 06-26-2006, 05:49 PM

I gave the warning just because some Americans don't necessarily have their guard up - but if you know that it can be hectic, you'll be fine. As far as the government - it was the State Department. I lived in a suburb of Peru and then several small towns. I was only robbed once at gunpoint, and they just commandeered the bus I was on. And they robbed everybody, not just the gringo! =)

DaddyTorgo · 06-26-2006, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colt45

I gave the warning just because some Americans don't necessarily have their guard up - but if you know that it can be hectic, you'll be fine. As far as the government - it was the State Department. I lived in a suburb of Peru and then several small towns. I was only robbed once at gunpoint, and they just commandeered the bus I was on. And they robbed everybody, not just the gringo! =)

i would have PMed you colt, but mom has been all over the travel arrangements and the staying arrangements, we have #'s of cab companies and bus companies, and great hotels we're staying in everywhere and everything. i think we're totally good-to-go with all that stuff surprisingly.

colt45 · 06-26-2006, 06:07 PM

Excellent! Sounds good. And yeah, everywhere can be dangerous, but if you're just aware, things will be fine. You will fall in love with the culture, the people (they're short!), the ruins, the scenery.. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world! Have a Cusquena beer for me while you're there! Make sure you stop by the markets near Ovolo Gutierrez (near Miraflores) on your way back to the country to buy souvenirs - but negotiate the price! You can get great weavings and pottery and Te Amo Peru shirts!

DaddyTorgo · 06-26-2006, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colt45

Excellent! Sounds good. And yeah, everywhere can be dangerous, but if you're just aware, things will be fine. You will fall in love with the culture, the people (they're short!), the ruins, the scenery.. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world! Have a Cusquena beer for me while you're there! Make sure you stop by the markets near Ovolo Gutierrez (near Miraflores) on your way back to the country to buy souvenirs - but negotiate the price! You can get great weavings and pottery and Te Amo Peru shirts!

will do! double on the beer :-) hey...you want anything souvenier-wise?

sterlingice · 06-26-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I like how the overriding goal is to not get imprisoned, robbed or killed.

You noticed that, too?

SI

colt45 · 06-26-2006, 11:50 PM

Thanks, Daddy. But I got all I needed while I lived there. But definately try to pick yourself up some of the black and white pottery stuff made in the northern coast while you're there. You can pick it up at the central markets in Lima, but it's one of those things that look great and make you look like you know how to decorate. I've gotten several compliments on mine. The ladies love it.

stevew · 06-26-2006, 11:56 PM

Don't trust the local brand of condoms, if you run into some hot senorita.

Schmidty · 06-27-2006, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jari Rantanen's Shorts

If you're in Peru you have to try and find Paddington Bear's family

Hilarious.

None of these bozos even got it.

As an aside, marmalade really IS my favorite jam.

01-22-2006, 02:56 PM	#2
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	Bring a weapon. I once spent several months in Lima, and everybody I knew carried a gun. It was like the Wild West or something. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

06-26-2006, 08:20 AM	#12
Runtheball High School JV Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: outside of Atlanta, GA	Let us know how the tittie bars are there. __________________ Beware the beast "Man", for he is the Devil's pawn. Alone among God's primates he kills for sport, or lust, or greed. Yea, he will murder his brother to possess his brother's land. Let him not breed in great numbers, for he will make a desert of his home and yours. Shun him, for he is the harbinger of death. -- The Lawgiver

06-26-2006, 02:45 PM	#16
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	If you're in Peru you have to try and find Paddington Bear's family __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

06-26-2006, 02:45 PM	#17
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	I used to like conquering Peru and South America in Risk. Only two points to defend and you got like good value for that continent. I would rule the Peruvians with an iron fist in that game. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

06-26-2006, 03:15 PM	#19
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	i would suggest grabbin a big bag of uncut blow but that is too cliche __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog

01-22-2006, 06:44 PM	#3
colt45 n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dallas	Lived in Peru for a while. It's really not that bad. The American dollar goes far, so you have that going for you. I think that June/July is the rainy season there. And if you're hiking the Inca Trail, you'll be in climas ranging from desert to amazonian to high altitude mountain type stuff. Actually, if you want to PM me, I'd be happy to share the safe taxis to take, best money exchange locations, etc. But if anything, leave room in your luggage to bring back an incredible amount of souviners. The Incan culture is still alive and well and evident in the indigenous population, you can't help yourself in going overboard on the souviners... Seriously, feel free to let me offer whatever knowlege I can. I've got numberrs to the American Embassy and know all the safe bus companies, etc. And if there's one piece of advice I can offer, it's this: DO NOT arrive at the airport in Lima without knowledge of 1) what taxi company to take (it's more common than not for taxistas to drive tourists to middle of ghettoville, rob them, and leave them stranded...) and I think it's only like $20 to already have a cab scheduled there to pick you up with your name on a placard. Oh, and 2) know what hotel/bus station you're going to. I believe most flights from the US arrive super late at night, so making those plans saves much trouble and anguish once you arrive. The Peruvians see a gringo and they go MAD swarming at ya. It can be very dangerous and intimidating. Seriously, PM me if I can be of assistance. Oh - and don't say "Adios". Peruvians say "Ciao."

01-22-2006, 06:53 PM	#4
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	sweet. i definately will PM you. i think we're going with at least one other family, quite possibly more. and that other family is originally peruvian or at least hispanic i know for certain. not going for a while, but I'll definately solicit all manner of information from you before that.

01-22-2006, 07:02 PM	#5
colt45 n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dallas	Sounds good. Having someone not obviously gringo with ya will definately help. Oh, and the fluency in Spanish doesn't hurt. And just something quick in case I forget - In Lima you can pay for most things (reputable cab companies, hotels, restaurants...) with the good old greenback - American $. But most other places, you're gonna have to exchange for the 'nuevo sole'. And don't forget to check the Dept. of State's warnings - martial law is pretty common there, but as long as you know what's up, you're good to go. Oh, and you might want to look into malaria medicine now. Call your doctor and check with them. I guess that's the big stuff. I have to admit, I'm pretty jealous. I'd love to go back...

01-22-2006, 07:31 PM	#6
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	what were you doing living there? i'm always interested in jobs that have overseas positions...

01-22-2006, 09:57 PM	#7
colt45 n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dallas	Government...

06-26-2006, 12:44 AM	#8
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	bump I leave on Tuesday @ 11am for 15 days

06-26-2006, 11:07 AM	#13
dixieflatline High School Varsity Join Date: Sep 2003	I highly recommend Machu Picchu which are incan ruins. Best preserved ruins in the americas because they are so far up in the mountains. Several good tour groups running things there. A must see in Peru.

06-26-2006, 02:56 PM	#18
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	oh we're doing the 4-day hike to Machu Picchu. and a couple days of sightseeing in lima, and cuzco, and then also going up to Titicaca-ways for a couple days

06-26-2006, 03:21 PM	#21
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	it's all about the coca-tea i hear. lookin forward to that!

06-26-2006, 03:25 PM	#24
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	yeah...part of me is kinda wishing for various reasons that i had decided to just stay home and take vacation. much less stressful and hectic

06-26-2006, 03:41 PM	#25
Mustang Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wisconsin	I usually try to scratch places off my list of vacation hot spots where the first bit of advice includes reading state warnings, malaria shots and worrying about being robbed. __________________ You, you will regret what you have done this day. I will make you regret ever being born. Your going to wish you never left your mothers womb, where it was warm and safe... and wet. i am going to show you pain you never knew existed, you are going to see a whole new spectrum of pain, like a Rainboooow. But! This rainbow is not just like any other rainbow, its...

06-26-2006, 03:54 PM	#26
Klinglerware College Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The DMV	In my experience, the dangers surrounding traveling abroad are somewhat overstated. Naturally, you should be careful and do your research (as DaddyTorgo is doing here)--but you shouldn't let fear preclude you from considering what could be an amazing experience. Remember, bad things can happen to you on vacation in the US too...

06-26-2006, 05:49 PM	#29
colt45 n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dallas	I gave the warning just because some Americans don't necessarily have their guard up - but if you know that it can be hectic, you'll be fine. As far as the government - it was the State Department. I lived in a suburb of Peru and then several small towns. I was only robbed once at gunpoint, and they just commandeered the bus I was on. And they robbed everybody, not just the gringo! =)

06-26-2006, 06:07 PM	#31
colt45 n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dallas	Excellent! Sounds good. And yeah, everywhere can be dangerous, but if you're just aware, things will be fine. You will fall in love with the culture, the people (they're short!), the ruins, the scenery.. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world! Have a Cusquena beer for me while you're there! Make sure you stop by the markets near Ovolo Gutierrez (near Miraflores) on your way back to the country to buy souvenirs - but negotiate the price! You can get great weavings and pottery and Te Amo Peru shirts!

06-26-2006, 11:50 PM	#34
colt45 n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dallas	Thanks, Daddy. But I got all I needed while I lived there. But definately try to pick yourself up some of the black and white pottery stuff made in the northern coast while you're there. You can pick it up at the central markets in Lima, but it's one of those things that look great and make you look like you know how to decorate. I've gotten several compliments on mine. The ladies love it.

06-26-2006, 11:56 PM	#35
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Don't trust the local brand of condoms, if you run into some hot senorita.

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