Ask The Expert
In Iguazu falls, are there boat trips that take you to the base of the falls? Worth the price?
The boat tour under the falls is the great. It is a fantastic ride in the river that will give you a completely different perspective of the falls. Be prepared to get wet. Do not worry about your belongings: You will be given a bag to store your camera and things you want to protect from the water. Tip: take your shoes off and put them in the bag as well.
The tour costs around USD 15( 15minutes) per person and you can buy the tickets right there very easily. It is worth it!
Can I visit Machu Picchu in January?
Machu Picchu is open year round; however, January will be in the middle of the rainy season,
January last year had heavy rains caused mudslides that blocked the access to Machu Picchu, but this was extremely rare and it only happened once in the past 50 years.
As weather is unpredictable I will strongly recommend taking travel insurance.
Where can I get Machu Picchu centennial celebrations schedule and details July 2011?
Schedule of events for the Centennial Celebration of Machu Picchu
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PROGRAMME
What kind of electrical adapter do we need for charging our camera batteries in Peru & Ecuador?
Electricity in Peru & Ecuador (& Galapagos) & Argentina: 220 volts/110 volts. The plugs are either two pronged round or flat pins; you should be able to find Universal Adapters in any electronics store. Otherwise, you can always buy an adapter at the airport.
About O2, what if the altitude gets to us before we get acclimated do the hotels have O2?
Oxygen
Each hotel at altitude offers oxygen in cases of emergency. The price varies from US$30-60 for 15-30min.
“Oxyshot” is compressed oxygen in a small canister dispenser available at most pharmacies in Cusco.
Note that “Oxyshot” canisters are available at the airport in Cusco and at pharmacies throughout the region. This is an inhaler containing pure oxygen which is inexpensive (about US$6) and lightweight.
Otherwise, there is a local medicine called “sorojche” whose main components are paracetamol, ibuprofen and caffeine, said to reduce effects of altitude. Coca tea is ever-present in your hotel lobbies/bars and restaurants and alleviates the effects of altitude.
Do you have any suggestions for restaurants in Cuzco?
There are some wonderful restaurants in Cuzco which are within the Colonial Center and while at least a 15min walk from your hotel, a 5min taxi-ride will cost 3 PEN = US$1 approx.
Chicha, located on Plaza Regocijo, is run by the acclaimed Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio. His “new-Andean” dishes put a cosmopolitan spin on traditional Andean foods. Highly recommended.
PachaPapa, located on Plazoleta San Blas. Offers locals dishes prepared for the foreign palate served in a delightfully atmospheric courtyard.
When we leave Lima and all other flights – how does that work? We have to pay airport taxes? How much and how does it work? Is it time consuming? cash only?
National airport taxes in Peru are currently in a transitional stage: for many domestic Peru flights taxes are now included in the ticket price. However, we have experienced some situations where passengers have been asked to pay the taxes. You will be informed at the check-in counter as to whether you need to pay any tax. This usually would take about 10min and the sum would be approximately :
Peru:
1. International flights: USD 30.25,- or equivalent in local currency, to be paid only in cash.
2. Domestic flights: USD 6.15.- or equivalent in local currency.
Ecuador:
- Civil Aviation Tax: is levied on all passengers departing on international flights from Quito (to be paid in cash): USD 40.80.
- Airport tax: is levied on all passengers embarking on domestic flights: USD 2.
