Common Q&A
This is my first time traveling internationally and I am traveling alone. Any advice?
Without a buddy, My suggestion is to fly to Cusco, which is safer and easier to get around. Many people speak English in Cusco. Versus flying to Lima and trying to navigate the busy city without the ability to communicate clearly. Some people love the thrill of this type of challenge, but it can be stressful. If you really wanted to experience Lima, you could find a hotel or even hostel that has an airport pick up option.
How much spending money should I bring and can I exchange it there?
IMO you shouldn't need more than $600-$800 for spending money. You probably won't use that much, unless you like to shop. There are a lot of great authentic goods and they are cheaper there than they would be here. If you plan to shop bring yourself an extra cu$hion of cash, and possible extra bag. Money is best exchanged in the little "cambio" shops there in Cusco. If you exchange at the airport they will charge you more. Most Taxis straight out of airport will accept USD$. The drive from the airport will not cost more than $15-$20. You can befriend someone at the airport and share a taxi for ultimate savings! Most people are going to the same general area, so taxi has no problem with this.
When exchanging money:
Make sure your bills do not have any tears. The currency exchange shops will not accept bills with tears.
Request 20s and 50s. They will usually give 100s and many places do not accept 100s.
Do people speak English or do I need to learn some things so I can find a ride from the airport to wherever we are meeting in Cusco?
Taxi drivers at the airport in Cusco will speak enough english to communicate with you.. Your first words should be "Voy a Plaza de Armas" OR "Voy a (place you are going)". Once that is clearly communicated You will ask how much? Always ask how much, so you can be clear what you are agreeing to before you get in the car. "How much?" is "Cuanto cuesta?"
Do you have a specific address for the hotel in Cusco? If I arrive Friday but noted we are not meeting up until Saturday, do you have suggestions for what I should do the rest of that day?
If you arrive a day early you can go to the hotel and check in early. The additional night will be charged to you. OR you can book another hotel or hoste. I usually stay in a hostel before the retreat, althought I haven’t booked one yet. We can coordinate our schedules to meet up when you arrive.
Do I need a hiking pack or can I bring a rolling suitcase?
The trip is split into 2 journeys (one to Lake Titicaca, one to Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu) with a stop through Cusco in between. If you don't have a hiking pack, a regular backpack and/or duffel bag will do. We will have a safe place to leave unnecessary items for a couple of days at a time. For example, of you bring a rolling suitcase, then pack for the first 3 day adventure to Lake Titicaca in the duffel bag and back pack, leave the rolling suitcase in Cusco. Then on the way back through Cusco, you can switch out your clothes and leave the rest of your stuff in Cusco. If you bring a rolling suit case, you will be able to pack more stuff, but you will not be able to bring it on the road (due to space constrains). Please pack minimally, details about what to pack and weather still to come. FYI Anything you don't bring is available for rent or purchase in Cusco.
Should I fly to Lima or Cusco?
Our final destination and meeting place is Cusco. If you have extra time and you want to experience Lima (shopping and city life), you may decide to stop in Lima and sight see at the beginning or end of your trip. Currently, I noticed that it seems cheapest to book a round trip to Lima and then a roundtrip from Lima-Cusco separately.
Note: Transportation and accommodations are more expensive in Lima, while souvenirs and market products are cheaper. I recommend having a travel buddy in Lima. If you are alone and do not speak Spanish, navigating the city and the people can be very challenging and possibly dangerous. Peru is a developing country and the city (like most) brings together the wealthy and the impoverished. This combination leads to crime and tourists are targets.
When should I fly out (departure date) and return?
We are meeting in Cusco on Saturday June 15th at 12pm. I recommend arriving in Cusco Friday night, if possible, to allow time for your body to acclimate to the elevation. This will allow you time to fully arrive and be ready to join the group on Saturday. If you can’t arrive before Saturday, it will be OK.
Arrival Flight Date: NO LATER THAN
Saturday June 15 (12pm Noon)
Friday departure is recommended.
Our adventure ends in Cusco on Sunday, June 23rd. Those of you who have more time are welcomed to join me for further adventures through the Sacred Valley, or get lost on your own adventure!
Departure Flight Date: NO EARLIER THAN
Sunday June 23rd 5pm