THINGS TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO!      

TIPS for TRAVEL

• time
  Time is the same for the United States
  and Peru, except when the United sTates
  goes to Daylight Savings Time.  Peru time
  stays the same all year round, which is
  Central Standard Time. 

• money  
  You might want to exchange some U.S. dollars
  into Spanish Peruvian money before leaving. 
  Go to your bank to ask to purchase currency of Peru. 
  The service charge is nominal. All major American
  credit cards are accepted in Peru. Increasingly
  common in Peru are ATMs outside banks, the quickest
  way to exchange money; also, you can exchange dollars
  in "cambios" at airports and large hotels.

• spending money
  The best way to travel is with traveler's checks kept safely tucked away in a money belt or pouch at all times.

• passport
  Carry your passport with you at all times in a safe location, like a security pouch worn around neck or a money belt. You will need it to cash traveler's checks. It's good to make copies of the data page of your passport. Then, leave one at home and keep another separate from you on the trip. If you lose the passport, you must call the embassy or consulate and the local police, promptly. Replacement is speeded up with a copy of the data page.

• travel gear
  Use a sturdy backpack, luggage with tags.

• air travel
  If you want to know about space limitations, air sickness, noise, food, temperature, jet lag, fear of flying and more, check out TRAVELING BY AIR. Also, ear plugs are a good idea for the often noisy plane trip.

• luggage
  Pack only essential items. You are allowed only one suitcase and one carry-on. You will have to manage your luggage on and off of busses and through airports and hotels - you'll be glad you packed light! For tips on luggage, try SELECTING LUGGAGE. Put your medicine, personal items, etc in carry on if you might need them during the long flight.? Carry your bag (packed) on a walk through your neighborhood to see how you'll get along overseas . . . then lay out the items again and see what you can do without. Another good site, HOW TO PUT YOUR STUFF IN YOUR LUGGAGE! Whether you're traveling for three weeks or three months in Europe, you'll pack exactly the same things. Rather than take a huge supply of toiletries, bring just enough to get started. You can find anything you need in Europe. If you can't, ask yourself how 370 million Europeans have gotten by without it.  Need help packing for an international trip? Try PACKING FOR A TRIP.

• hotels
  The hotel in Iquitos is a 5 Star Hotel.

• telephones
  It's usually best on international calls to go the local telephone office where you will sit in a quiet cubicle and be charged according to a meter.

• restrooms
  "Los servicios" or rest rooms can be hard to find. The best chance is in a large department store, some museums or places of interest. Bars and restaurants have facilities for customers.

• tipping in general
  Most bills in hotels and restaurants include a service charge, but it is customary to leave a 5% to 10% gratuity. Small tips are often given in bars and to taxi drivers.

• arrival at the destination
  We go first to baggage claim, then through customs. Our tour contact will be waiting for us on the other side of customs gate.

• medical problems
  If you have ear/sinus trouble, take sinus medicine before you board the plane. It will open your tubes and keep you from feeling bad on the plane. If you have or anticipate motion sickness, take a supply of Dramamine.

• crime
  Like in any large city, being extra careful is a must. As tourists, you are often a target, so use they same caution that you would anywhere: avoid dark and lonely areas; keep your eye on your luggage; purse and backpack; carry wallets in your front pants pocket; don't wear handbags, cameras, over one shoulder-try putting it over your head, next to your chest; buy a money belt or a neck pouch to keep traveler's checks, passport, cash in. Be careful with valuables, as there are pickpockets living all over the globe. Never set your purse/travel backpack on the table and turn away to chat; keep your arm through it, just in case. In other words, never relax too, too much. You will obviously a tourist, assumed to have money! NOTE: petty crime is the norm, the risk of violence or personal injury is small.

• temperature
  Iquitos and Amazon - hot and humid, like Mississippi
  Lima - a little cool at night - it's winter in the southern hemisphere!

It's time to get excited about our tour of the Amazon!

Return to home page Peru's Amazon Rainforest Tour