HOW TO GET THE BEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IN PERU
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVELREAL AFFORDABLE PERU - By your trip leader Boris Cardenas
Dear OAT traveller,
Greetings! glad you opened this blog, I have writen it for you to be informed about some details you want to know in order to have a great travel experience during our trip in Peru.
Let´s start with PASSPORTS AND IMMIGRATION DOCUMENT:
-Make sure your Passport is valid for the whole trip until your return to the United States. Make photocopies of your passport, travel protection plan and airline electronic tickets or air codes that show up in your OAT itinerary booklet and keep separately from originals.
AIRPORT ARRIVAL:
Upon landing in Lima on Day 1 or 2 of itinerary (Depending on the date and time of your flight) you will be going out through inmigration formalities, luggage claim room and customs, then you will be exiting to the public area.
Once in the public area, look for the OAT representative with the bright yellow OAT sign displayed, , aproach this person and introduce yourself, he or she will check your name on the list and tell you where you should stand and wait for the rest of the group to get toghether and gather. (there can be more than one other OAT groups arriving in the same flight)
Our group might arrive in different flights (you may not see me at the airport) once everybody is toghether, the OAT representative will walk you to the motorcoach or introduce you the driver who will be transferring you to the hotel.
HOTELS:
Accomodation is in basic regular standard double bedrooms, rooms come with twin beds.
There are limitations in services or infrastructure, room size varies, most of them with no view, beds can be quite small you may want to request for a double bed according to availability and ahead of time as most of the hotels are small and do not have many rooms with double beds.
Water temperature and pressure vary, water shortages occur,
Some hotels don’t have elevators, others don´t have safety boxes in the rooms, only at the front desk.
Some hotels have no heating (bring your warm pijamas) nor air conditioning (toss the blankets).
Internet wi-fi service is limited or slow in some towns or hotels.
Power cuts occur, have a little flashlight handy, especially at nights.
Most hotels are noisy, you hear cars roaring, horns blowing, car alarms wailing and people talking, in small towns cows mooing, dogs barking, roosters crowing, children playing or screaming, so if you are sensitive to noise bring your ear plugs.
Bring eye masks in case curtains of hotels have no blinds.
Most hotels do not provide wash clothes.
Some hotels provide us modest breakfasts or continental type breakfast.
Most of the hotels and restaurants are family owned.
When going out of the hotel, take always the name, address and phone number of it.
If you consume anything from the Mini bar it will be billed to you.
Checked luggage shall be out of the room by the door half an hour before departure time from hotel.
When checking out the hotel turn room keys and safe keys back at the front desk.
SAFETY :
When visiting Peru use your common sense, do not carry expensive jewelry or valuables (passports and cards) along the streets. Leave valuables at the safety box of the hotel room or at the front desk safe, some safes are electronic others need a key, request safe key at the front desk, do not leave your daypacks unattended, there are no official lost and found offices in Peru, there are pick pockets at crowded areas, have always in mind there is poverty and hungry people. Take always a photocopy of your passport.
TRANSPORTATION:
Ground transportation for tour and transfers are in motorcoaches or minibuses, domestic flights are in 319 or 320 Airbuses, train to Machupicchu is small, the ride is one hour and a half.
In Cusco City and the Sacred Valley most motorcoaches do not have air condition we just open the windows. Most motorcoaches do not have heating either, we close the windows (if it is cold put on your warm clothes) bring always your layers, this is an adventure! Most public transportation is precarious. Rotate seats during our tours on our motorcoach please.
TAXI CABS:
Taxi cabs may not be safe in Lima, radio taxi cabs ordered by the hotel are safe, there is also two applications you can download, "Easy Taxy" and "Taxibeat" like Uber to order a taxy cab on line, from your smart cell phone or internet gadgets that have GPS, you can get a taxi cab within a few minutes, you can see the photo of the taxy driver, his mobile phone number, his location in the map and info about the model of vehicle, time of arrival to where you are, negotiate fare before you get on the cab.
DEPARTURE TAXES:
Nowadays all departure taxes are included in the air fare (with Lan airlines we fly), if there is any changes we or they will let you know.
CURRENCY - MONEY:
Peru´s currency name is SOL (singular) pronounced "soul" (sun in Spanish), plural SOLES (S/.) and the rate varies, now aprox. USD $1 = S/.3.30 Soles ( Suns), Banks and hotels have the lower rates and in Machupicchu even lower. There are Peruvian coins of 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1, 2 and 5 Soles. 1 sol equals 0.30 USD cents aprox.
MONEY ISSUES :
A single USD $ 1 one-dollar note by itself is exchanged at a lower rate, they are exchanged at around 2.5 soles.
In Urubamba and Machupicchu you get even a lower rate
USD $ notes that are a little deteriorated or with a little torn at the edges are neither accepted nor exchanged at banks, hotels or restaurants.
USD $ notes you bring must be in good condition, (better crispy new), lately people in Peru and banks are more choosy and fuzzy about them,
Money exchange shops or money exchange people on the streets may exchange deteriorated USD $ notes at a very low exchange rate.
American USD $ metal coins are not accepted anywhere.
ATM machines are available in most of the places we will be staying and usually they provide a maximum withdrawal of USD 200 per day. ATM’s dispense either in American money USD$ or Peruvian Soles (S/.) at your choice, ATMs charge bank commissions. About Peruvian money here you are two links where you can see our coins and notes so you can get familiar with the currency: http://www.limaeasy.com/money/peruvian_money.php
http://www.google.com.pe/search?q=peruvian+money&hl=es&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Np9PT8rZLomftwfziMjFDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDEQsAQ&biw=894&bih=449
And here is a link to learn how to identify and tell the difference between the good bills from the fake:
http://howtoperu.com/2011/02/26/fake-money-in-peru/
About credit cards, the most accepted cards in Peru are VISA and Master Card. Make sure you bring emergency phone numbers in case of lost cards. Personal checks are not accepted in Peru.
BANKS and ATM machines
You can click on the link below to see a map, there are
money exchange shops near our hotel in Miraflores where you can get a better
change, you need your passports for doing money exchange operations.
If you click on the link down below, you can see the banks
that are near our hotel, you can do also money exchange in them and use ATMs, most banks open Mo-Fri from 9 am to 6pm and Sat 9 am to 1 pm, (some banks close at 12:30 pm on Saturdays) you need your Passports
for all kinds of banking operations.
ATMs are open 24/7
American money USD$ cash
USD$ cash is accepted in hotels we are staying, most
restaurants accept USD$, At souvenir shops, handcraft markets you can use
american cash
Credit cards
They are accepted in Hotels, most restaurants and most shops
accept credit cards
Peruvian money Soles S/. cash
Use soles S/. for
taxi cabs, at grocery shops, for paying fees at museums & atractions that
you may want to go on your own, at post office for mailing letters or postcards
If you get soles, ask for smaller denominations, small
change “sencillo” peruvian coins since it is
difficult to get change in small towns.
PACING, TERRAIN and STEPS:
We´ll be staying 03 three or 02 two nights in Lima (depending on your arrival date), two nights in the Sacred Valley, one night in Machupicchu and four nights in Cusco City; The earliest wake up call shall be at around 5:00 am. leaving at 6:00 am. (if there is no changes), Breakfasts will be between 5 and 8:30 am, our tours start between 8:00 am and 9:00 am., we make stops along the roads, lunches will be starting between 12 m. and 1:30 pm., dinners between 6:30 and 7:30 pm., Lima is at sea level and at the sites we visit in the Andes Mountains we walk and/or climb for about three miles a day at altitudes between 8000 ft. and 12000 ft., at those altitudes the walks may feel longer or more strenous, we´ll make stops for you to catch your breath, watch and enjoy the scenery, take pictures, and listen to narrations.
DIFFICULTY
If you are in good physical condition, our walks are easy, if you are not, our walks are hard work and very strenous. In the altitud it is harder because the air is thin.(according to our clients this is the most physically demanding OAT trip)
TERRAIN
The Andes mountains are jagged, there are some steep gradients along the trails, we walk up and down, there is no handrails, some of the alternative paths are steep and uneven, some sections are treacherous and challenging for the ones with fear of heights and very hard for the travelers with physical limitations.
STEPS along our hikes have irregular shapes and sizes, some steps are small and little, others are tall, motorcoaches have tall steps to get on.
A WALKING STICK is very useful to keep a good balance, it is a third leg!
FRIGHTENING STREET TRAFFIC and how to be ready to face it:
Along roads and streets, traffic is chaotic, drivers hardly ever stop to yield for pedestrians, be very careful to cross roads, check traffic lights although they can be confusing for there are also pedestrian lights that may not be coordinated or syncronized, watch in every direction, if it is a two way street, cross the streets half way, then watch in the other direction and when there is no cars coming, continue on to the other side, some drivers may scare you but eventually they stop, you will get used to it. Along the roads and sidewalks watch your steps, there are pot holes, some sewers have no lids.
FLOAT TRIP:
Float trip is easy white water rafting, there is only one little rapid class 1 (in the scale of 1 to 5), your feet get wet, wear good walking sandals or water shoes to walk on top over river boulders or doing little climbs to get down to the river and up. You can get a little wet, you do not need special clothes to stay dry, it can be warm or chilly. Before you get on the boat and according to temperature you dress warm or light, if it is warm you can wear short sleeves and shorts or can even use bathing suits, bring a change of clothes just in case. Provided by the boat captains you will be wearing life vests, we change clothes and leave things on the motor coach, take your cameras, there is a dry bag on the boat, enjoy the scenery. For the entire trip the dress code is practical and casual.
SCHOOL VISIT:
We visit a school supported by GCF from April to November, (we do not visit a school on a Saturday or Sunday but we can make changes in our itinerary to visit one on a school day and from December through March) Suggested gifts: Text books or educational books in Spanish, educational toys, materials to do handcrafts or artwork, paper, scissors, compasses, red markers, red ink pens, rulers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soccer or volley balls...
HOME HOSTED MEAL:
Our whole group will be visiting only one house, that way, we will experience the comunal spirit of the people and interact with the family. Suggestions for gifts: Kitchen utensils, place mats, mugs, spoons, knifes, bowls, canned foods, scissors, soaps, shampoo, etc..., little toys for kids, as they have children and nephews or nices that come along or they live with them. No need to dress up.
WATER, RESTAURANTS: FOOD and DIGESTION:
-Water in most cities and towns of Peru is potable, safe to brush your teeth but do not drink it, you are not used to Peruvian water, for drinking you must use bottled water. -There are water shortages and sometimes outages
-A bottle of water is provided per day, some days there will be two.
-At our included meals, bottled water is included.
-At restaurants on your own water is not included, you order and pay for it.
-In most restaurants of Peru they don´t provide bread or butter, you have to order also.
-Vegetarian food options are very limited in most restaurants.
-At restaurants and at home hosted meal no need to dress up.
-At meals on your own tipping is between 10 and 15 percent.
-At restaurants we go most personnell don´t know what vegan nor kosher food is.
Food is mild but as you are not used to some different ingredients or spices (garlic, onions, cumin, peppers of different kinds, oregano, parsley, marigold, ginger...) it can upset your stomach so in order to keep your GI system healthy, eat light in order to be healthy the whole trip, added to that, digestion is very slow at high elevations and we will be most of the time in the Andes Mountains.
Food portions are moderate and small (that is relative) for some travellers say, it is a lot. For stomach upset or diarrhea drink lots of water or any electrolyte drink to avoid dehydration, bring ELECTROLITES in powder and DIGESTIVE PILLS like enzimes or peptobismol.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS AND DEHYDRATION FACTS:
-At high altitudes there is less pressure of the atmosphere so bodies expand, the brain expands and it pushes against the skull, that pressure produces a headache, the altitude sickness pills usually diamox ( a diuretic and antibiotic) releases the water in your brain so the pressure goes down and your headache diminishes.
-Most people get sick from taking diamox or any other altitude sickness pills, they can cause dehydration or an allergy to the chemicals like sulpha. People taking high blood pressure pills do not need to take altitude sickness pills unless your doctor says so then you can take them.
-Altitude sickness specialized doctors do not recommend taking the altitude sickness pills, unless you have a splitting headache, any way the decision is yours and your doctor´s.
-Coca tea is an alternative medicine that prevents altitude sickness, it is a vase constrictor, available in most places.
-Drinking lots of water washes away your electrolites and you can get dehidrated, water is a diuretic also, so watch your consumption of water and the color of your urine. (Water by itself doesn´t re-hydrate you) -Drinking the enaugh amount of water will keep yourself healthy and you will be fine.
-Alcohol is a vase dilator, it can trigger altitude sickness, not recommended in excess.
-Eating light prevents from altitude sickness, the stomach and gastrointestinal system become very sensitive with altitude and with new food, digestion is very slow. (bring peptobismol and digestive pills like enzymes to take after meals).
-OVEREATING in the altitude is bad, it is the worst thing to do, it produces lots of gas, reduces lung capacity to breathe (so you get less oxigen) and causes diarrhea.
-Keep your GI system healthy.
-If you eat light there is no need to take any medicines and
NOTE: According to experience, aproximately 80 % of travellers adjust to the altitude right away , 15% adjust in two or three days, 4% in seven days and 1% that adjust in 15 days.
IMPORTANT: Do not wait until you get very sick to see a doctor, the sooner the better to prevent it so you won´t miss any of our tours and adventures.
TOILET FACILITIES:
Restrooms are found in the atraction sites, some of them charge one sol, others are for free. most of the free ones do not provide toilet paper so have always your toilet paper or tissues handy, you can bring along some toilet paper from our hotels, most of public toilets do not have toilet seats, others are just holes in the ground, in places where there are no toilets be ready to use nature : behind a rock, tree or bush and practice hovering!, this is an adventure. Do not throw toilet paper in the toilet basin, (they get stuck) use the bins provided.
WEATHER:
Weather in Peru is diverse depending on the region. We mostly do not have weather patterns nor four seasons, Lima is nice in fall (April, May) and also in spring (October and November), temperature is around 75 F. Chilly in winter (June to September) 67 F; and hot in summer (December to March) 80 F, average humidity is 90%, and it hardly ever rains, sometimes a drizzle or a mist.
In Cusco and Sacred Valley anual average temperature is 64°F, weather temperature is changeable during the day, warm in the sun and cold in the shade, if it is cloudy and rainy it can get very cold, dress in layers, bring rain gear for all tours, even in the dry season, temperature is between 45 and 72 F, humidity is between 15% to 50%. Nights and early mornings are always chilly or cold.
In Machupicchu you never know, it is unpredictable and humid, so during the day it can be very hot if the sun shines or damp cold if it rains, temperature ranges between 50 and 82 F Dress in layers, bring your rain gear all the time.
LUGGAGE ISSUES:
Extra weight is expensive, check weight limits for domestic flights: Checked-luggage allowance is 23 Kilos (50 pounds) One piece of carry on luggage not exceeding 8 kilos(17 pounds) You can lock checked luggage for domestic flights in Peru. Use your OAT luggage tags attached to your bags please and write or print your names on them.
SUGGESTED BAGS : It is recommended for you to bring 3 bags for your trip to Peru:
1.-One (1) main luggage to check: a soft case suitcase or a duffle bag with wheels.
2.-One (1) extra small overnight packable bag for one night in Machu Picchu where you carry your toiletries, a change of clothes, your pijamas and remedies... .
3.-One (1) day pack (a backpack) to take to every tour to carry essencials you will probably need during the tours like camera, water, sunscreen, rain gear...
LUGGAGE FOR MACHUPICCHU.
We take only carry-ons and bring them along on the motorcoach, (Cheched luggage doesn´t go to Machupicchu it goes to our next hotel in Cusco), for Machupicchu bring what you need for two days, (one night), you may need a day pack and an overnight bag or just one bag, (it is up to you), the lighter you travel the better, you have to carry your own bags from bus parking lot to Ollantaytambo train station 1500 ft, and viceversa and at the other end upon arrival in Machupicchu, from train station till meeting the bellboys and viceversa too, upon exiting the train station at the public area in Machupicchu village (Aguas Calientes) we drop overnight bags at bellboys station, then we will proceed and walk to bus station taking only a day pack for our tour of Machupicchu site.
WHAT TO BRING for Machupicchu: - your toiletteries; - comfortable walking shoes with good grip/track; - a walking stick (they require rubber tips to be allowed in Machupicchu); - A hat or cap (and wear it during the tour); - Rain gear is a must (bring it even if the sun shines and the sky is clear); - Sun screen, sun block or sun lotion (and wear it during the tour); - Sun glasses; Insect repellent (and wear it during the tour) - A little flashlight.(sometimes there are black outs); - Ear plugs and eye mask; - A change of clothes
ABOUT OUR TOURS and OAT INITIATIVES
“LEARNING EXPERIENCES” are in history, ancient civilizations, culture, geography, geology, archaeology, anthropology that our local guides and I will be narrating in Lima, Machupicchu, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Cusco City.
“CONTROVERSIAL NON-DISCUSSIBLE TOPICS” are issues matter of debate and tabooes we will be talking about.
“DISCOVERIES” are unscheduled stops to see any interesting things along the road about the local culture, scenery or people.
“DAY IN THE LIFE” is a day to experience a typical day of local people in the area we will be visiting like going to a local market place, going to a school (if they are in session), have a home hosted meal, meet a family.
INCLUDED TIPPING:
Airport porterage, (except for flying to Peru on your own), if porters are unavailable, you can use carts for free,
Hotel porterage at hotels we are staying.
Restaurant waiters whenever our meals are included.
Local Guide in Lima and in Machupicchu.
Boat captains for our float trip.
Drivers' tips for tours in Lima, Cusco and Sacred Valley
NOT INCLUDED :
Bottled beverages, room maid service, laundry service, minibar, gratuities to Trip Leader, (refer to tipping guidelines by OAT) laundry and personal items, internal and international airport taxes if aplicable.
IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PERU
The history of Peru can be traced to at least 20,000 years ago. During the last Ice Age, it is believed that people crossed the Bering Strait and migrated into North, Central, and South America.
Between 12,000 and 2000 BC, tribes of these people further migrated and settled throughout Peru. Between 3000 BC and 1200 AD people settling down in villages created ceramics and weavings. Temples and pyramids began to be constructed of carved stone and in adobe bricks, these special buildings were used for the worship of their gods.
The Inca Empire called Tawantinsuyo “Four Quarters” established by the year 1200 AD unified the people of the coast with the fertile lowlands. Cusco the capital became the centre of trade for the civilization. Public buildings, temples, canals and roads were build.
The Inca Civilization reached Cundinamarca in Colombia, the Bio Bio River in Chile, it spanned one third of the South American continent and achieved a level of general material wellbeing and cultural sophistication that rivalled and surpassed many of the great empires in world history.
The empire ended with the arrival of the Conquistadors in 1532, who had superior weaponry and brought many diseases that the Incas had no immunity against, among them influenza, smallpox, chicken pox, whooping cough, and measles. The native population went from about 32 million down to 5 million people. Additionally, two Inca Emperor brothers went on a war which weakened the empire.
Peru, a gene bank for humanity is due to the 84 life zones or ecosystems of flora and fauna, it has the biggest biodiversity and has developed more food plants for people's use than any other country, and no other country has as many edible fruits as Peru. In the days of the Inca, the farming terraces were agricultural gene banks, just as they are today. Protected areas such as Machupicchu are life insurance for us for they support many medicinal plants and wild plants which could be developed into food plants for humanity.
GEOGRAPHY.- 84 life zones out of 103 that exist in the world are found in Peru like green hills on the coastal lands, cold mountain ranges in the Andes and tropical rainforests in the Amazon, The coastal desert lies on the west at the Pacific Ocean, sea life provides a source of food. Along the region of the Andes, the high mountains are cold, and often snowy, food grows on hillsides and valleys mostly in the rainy season. Animals, plants and fruits are harvested in the Amazon rain forest, rivers and its tributaries.
LANGUAGE.- Spanish is the official language, but many people speak Quechua, some of its words are used in other languages like puma, llama and condor. At Lake Titicaca people speak Aymara. People in the rainforests speak over 30 different languages.
ECONOMY.- Peru’s estimated gross domestic product (GDP) in 2002 was $54.8 billion, in 2005, $72.5 billion and in 2008 it has come up to 127.43 billions of US dollars. Although the economy has been primarily agricultural, the mining and fishing industries have become increasingly important. In 2010 the economy grew in 8.8 % Peru relies primarily on the export of raw materials chiefly minerals, farm products, and fish meal. lately the manufacture industry of clothing and shoes is growing substancially. During the late 1980s, terrorist violence, rampant inflation, chronic budget deficits, and drought combined to drive the country to the brink of fiscal insolvency. However, in 1990 the government imposed an austerity program that removed price controls and ended subsidies on many basic items and allowed the inti, the national currency at that time, to float against the United States dollar. Perú is one of the world's leading fishing countries and ranks among the largest producers of gold, bismuth, silver, and copper. In recent decades, the country has struggled to modernize its economy by developing non-traditional export industries as well as the manufacture of consumer items to meet local needs.The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Peru was worth 197 billion US dollars in 2012. The GDP value of Peru represents 0.32 percent of the world economy. GDP in Peru averaged 41.12 USD Billion from 1960 until 2012, reaching an all time high of 197 USD Billion in 2012 and a record low of 2.50 USD Billion in 1960. GDP in Peru is reported by the World Bank Group. In 2013 the growth was 5,3% reaching 210.349 billion US.
To remedy economic deficiencies the government nationalized the petroleum and other industries in the late 1960s and early 1970s and made extensive efforts at agrarian reform. Nationalization, however, created additional economic problems, including massive government debt and a large trade deficit. This caused successive Peruvian governments to reassess the role of the state in the economy by privatization.
The Peruvian economy has become increasingly market-oriented in the mining, electricity, and telecommunications industries. Thanks to strong foreign investment and the cooperation between the FUJIMORI government and the IMF and World Bank. In 1998, El Nino's impact on agriculture, the financial crisis in Asia, and instability in Brazilian markets undercut growth. And 1999 was another lean year for Peru, with the aftermath of El Nino and the Asian financial crisis working its way through the economy.
The area of Peru, including several offshore islands, is 1,285,216 sq km (496,225 sq mi), making it the third-largest South American country. Lima has 9 million people, the whole country 29 million Life Expectancy is 69 years for men and 73 years for women. Largest Cities are Arequipa (725,838) Chiclayo (668,066) Trujillo (627,553 Official Religion : Roman Catholicism, Currency : Nuevo sol. Government: Republic.
The LEGAL system is based on civil law; Peru has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. Suffrage is at 18 years old and on.
The EXECUTIVE BRANCH: chief of state is Ollanta Humala (from 28 July 2011 to 27 July 2016); elected in runoff election; note the president is both the chief of state and head of government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by the Constitution, First Vice President ,Second Vice President, Council of Ministers appointed by the president´s election, president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term.
LEGISLATIVE BRANH: unicameral Democratic Constituent Congress (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-years)
JUDICIAL BRANCH: Supreme Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary).
POLITICAL DIVISION: Peru is divided in 24 departments; Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali. and 1 constitucional province: El Callao; Departments are divided in Provinces and subdivided in Districts.
BOTANICS.- The Andes' major contribution to humanity is the potato (Solanum tuberosum), which in Peru alone has about 3000 different varieties. The totora reed is also an important product for the local economy of mountain dwellers. Growing in lakes, up to 12 species of this reed can be found in the Lake Titicaca National Reserve in the department of Puno. Other plants exist which are appreciated for their medicinal value, such as the yacón (Smallantus sonchifolius), a tuber recommended for diabetics, or those suffering from high cholesterol or obesity, maca (Lepidium peruvianum) has become internationally renowned, due to its high-energy value and as a fertility stimulant. It is in the jungle where the largest variety of plants and trees grow like quinine or cascarilla (Cinchona micrantha), the bark of which has been used since colonial times to cure yellow fever, and the chonta (Euterpe precatoria), a palm leaf which grows in the lower jungle and which has been used since time immemorial as a foodstuff. The best known of all amazonian plants is "cat's claw" (Uncaria tomentosa), used as a traditional remedy to combat inflammatory illnesses, such as arthritis, as well as gastritis, rheumatism, dysentery and other illnesses, this plant which grows in the centre of the Amazon forest has properties which stimulate the immune system, thus leading to its use in the treatment of cancer and AIDS. Finally, many delicious native fruits grow in the jungle. Coca is a plant native to the eastern slopes of the Andes, coca thrives in warm, moist valleys between 1500 and 6000 ft. above sea level it grows to a height of up to eight feet. Chewing coca leaves counters the symptoms of 'mountain sickness' and oxygen-deprivation. Chewing coca leaves with a dash of active lime promote the separation of the leaf's active alkaloids and it is a nutritious and energizing way to induce healthy mood without causing an unsustainable high, the leaves aren't actually chewed, the dried coca leaf is moistened with saliva the wad is placed between the gum and cheek and it is gently sucked, the juice is swallowed. The leaves are rich in vitamins, protein, calcium, iron and fiber. Coca leaves have been used in Peru for 4,000 years, Shamans chew coca leaves for magical purposes, to enter the world of spirits and activate his magical powers, coca is a nutritional supplement and gives energy endurance and it is used in religious and fortune-telling rituals. One of the14 alkaloids in the leaf separated by chemical processes is a main ingredient of cocaine.
The national Peruvian cocktail is Pisco Sour and here you are with the recipe.
Pisco sour recipe:
2 ounces Pisco, (Peruvian brandy)
1 ounce Lime Juice,
1/4 ounce Simple Syrup,
1/2 Egg White,
1 dash Angostura Bitters.
Shake hard with ice. Strain into a Champagne Flute Use the bitters as aromatic garnish to the top of the finished drink.
CHEERS !
And please, visit our OAT website for detailed information about our itinerary, information on local currency, weather and packing tips.
Interesting books to read about Peru:
“INDIAN GIVERS” Jack Weatherford; “THE HISTORY OF THE INCAS” Alfred Metraux.;“THE CONQUEST OF THE INCAS” John Hemming; “DAYLY LIFE OF THE INCAS” Louis Baudin; “KINGDOMS OF GOLD, KINGDOMS OF JADE” Brian M. Fagan.; “INCA ARQUITECTURE” Jean Pierre Protzen; “ANCESTORS OF THE INCAS” Federico Kauffmann Doig.; “LOST CITIES OF ANCIENT PACIFIC & LEMURIA” David Hatcher Childress; “RELIGION IN THE ANDES” Sabine MacCormack; “THE ECOTRAVELLERS WILDLIFE GUIDE – PERU” David L. Pearson, Les Beletsky.; “THE INCAS – EMPIRE OF GOLD AND BLOOD” Thames & Hudson.; “ART OF THE ANDES FROM CHAVIN TO INCA” Rebeca Stone Miller.; “THE INCAS AND THEIR ANCESTORS” Michael E. Moseley,“THE SECRETS OF THE INCAS” William Sullivan. Novels And Poetry: “THE SECRET OF THE ANDES” Brother Philip; “THE MAPMAKER`S WIFE” Robert Whitaker, “THE HEIGHTS OF MACHUPICCHU” Pablo Neruda.; “INCA GOLD” Clive Cussler.; “INCAS – THE GOLD OF CUSCO” A.B. Daniel.;“OUT ON A LIMB” Shirley Mac Laine.; “CELESTINE PROPHESY” James Redfield; “THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY” Thornton Wilder. “BEL CANTO” Ann Patchett.
This is a fun documentary to promote Peru that was made in Peru, Nebraska:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_xBZcVEH1I
With my best wishes for you to enjoy this trip I will be looking forward to meeting you in Lima, feel free to tell me your expectations for this trip so I can help you and you can fulfill them, so again, do not hesitate to contacting me through my mobile phone or e-mails.
Sincerely yours,
BORIS.
Mobile phones:
51- 1- 992 771 063
51- 84- 984 741 692
E-mail address:
bcarden@gctpd.com
