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Frequently Asked Questions
Are any inoculations required?
Inoculations are only required for visits to the Amazon. Inoculations for
travel to the coast, mountains, or Galapagos Islands are generally not required.
Conditions do change however. Check with you private physician, your local
county health department, and the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.
What precautions do I
need to take for traveling at high altitudes?
Everyone reacts differently to high altitudes and most of the tours do
visit mountain elevations in excess of 8,000 feet. The elevation of Cusco
is 11,000 feet and Lake Titicaca and La Paz, Bolivia, 12,500 feet. If
you have any concerns check with your doctor and take altitude medication
with you. The general rule is to take the first couple of days at high
altitude easy.
Is it safe to drink the
water?
No. Bottled water is available everywhere.
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Is the food included
on the tours?
Food is only included on portions of some tours; tours in the jungle and
onboard ship for the Galapagos cruises. Some of the hotels include breakfast.
Lunch and dinners are purchased individually. It is fun to look for different
restaurants that offer typical foods and specialties.
Do I have to buy my own
airline tickets?
Although the cost of airline tickets is not included in the price of the
tours, it is not necessary for you to buy your own tickets. I generally
purchase all the tickets at competitive prices with the added advantage
that everyone is on the same international flights. However, if you prefer
you may purchase your own airline tickets. In this case I would either
meet you at the foreign destination or give you explicit instructions
on how to find the hotel.
Do I need a visa?
A visa is not required for any of the three countries I currently take
tours to; Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. All you need is a valid US passport.
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Do I need to exchange
US dollars to the local currency before I leave the US?
No! US dollars are easily exchanged for nuevo soles in Peru and bolivianos
in Bolivia at many locations. The US dollar is now the official currency
of Ecuador. Cash or debit cards are very useful as more and more banks
have cash machines.
How physically difficult
are the tours?
Each traveler should be reasonably fit as walking is an essential component
to all of the tours. Most hotels do not have elevators and you will most
often be required to handle your own luggage.
How much should I pack?
The key is to pack light. Take one suitcase that converts into a backpack
and one day pack. Public transportation is often used and it is much better
to have your bags attached to your body to prevent theft. The day pack
can be used on the plane as a carry-on and on day trips for carrying water,
camera, and guide book. You should only take enough clothing to last one
week. Laundry facilities are available in all of the cities.
Are money belts really necessary?
Yes! The preferred belt is one that fits inside your clothing and it has
to be big enough to hold cash, tickets, and credit cards. I also use a
small money pouch that attaches to my belt or a loop in a pocket for carrying
sufficient cash for routine daily expenditures. If this cash gets stolen
I only lose a small percentage of the total.
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Do I need
travel insurance?
Although not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. The ProtectAssist
plan by Travel Guard is excellent. Check their web site at http://www.travelguard.com/.
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