Hi, I am booked for 8 days guided trip (just 2 of us on the tour) in Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima in a few weeks. I am getting very scared about security and health. I welcome any hints about not getting diarrhea - plan to only drink bottled water, eat only cooked foods but I wonder if that is practical? Our trip includes 2 picnics on days we hike. Taking Imodium. One doctor suggested chewing 2 Pepto Bismols a day to line the stomach as a preventive, have Rx for levaquin just in case. Also Rx for Diamox but we spend 4 days in Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before heading to Cusco for 2 days so I more concerned about diuretic issues with Diamox than I am about altitude sickness ruining the trip.

Also worried about toilet facilities. I am a flush-only kind of girl! We're going on 6-hour hike to Machu Picchu, starting at km 104, so I know that day will be a challenge and I will have to deal with it (grin). Going with a guide on most of the 8-day trip and I assume in towns, we should have (clean, flush?) potty facilities available?

Read other posts about not changing US currency into soles. That is great to know. Do you advise bringing lots of US cash into Peru, or hitting some ATMs along the way? I usually just do ATMs and don't worry about travelers checks. Plan not to bring jewelry, husband will have money belt, I will have tote bag for water bottles, guidebooks, etc. but no purse. He has 35mm camera with lots of lenses so we're worried about his camera case but have to have it - can't go on trip of lifetime and not have photos! Do restaurants and shops accept credit cards? Know we need cash for tips and small shops.

I am excited but scared so any hints and tips will help - thank you! This is the most adventurous trip I've ever taken.

Texas,

Your fears are, for the most part, unwarrented. Tourism is big business in Peru, and there is security in place to assure that it remains so. To address your various points:

- I used soles and had no problems. However, if you exchange, look at the condition of the bills before you step away from the window. Request that any bills that are very worn or torn be replaced (vendors may not accept them).
- I didn't get sick but my wife did, probably from eating lettuce.
- As in Texas or anywhere, bathroom facilities are varied. Take your own toilet tissue. Be prepared to tip an attendant (not common, but possible).
- Diamox works, but to be effective it must be taken before you reach altitude.
- Get some coca leaves as soon as possible. Chewing leaves will alieve altitude, as well as GI related discomfort.
- I took lots of cash and two money belts. Cann't advise about ATMs.
- Your husband's SR camera will not be noticed among the digital toys now being brandished.
- Bring wet-naps.
- Credit cards are accepted, but not universally. Cash is always preferred.
- As anywhere, pickpockets are usually found in crowds. Therefore, be wary at the Pisac market.

Peru is very user friendly. You're going to have a blast.

Thanks, ncanavan! I am getting a little less nervous, and more excited about the upcoming trip. In 3 weeks, I will be in the Sacred Valley! Anyone else have any hints or tips?

Texas Girl-
I just got back from Peru yesterday. I did a small-group hike on the Inca Trail...27 miles over 4 days! It was grueling. But if you're starting at km 104, you've got it easy. You will be going downhill almost the whole way. However, if you have ANY knee problems whatsoever, get yourself a walking stick (you can buy a bamboo one for about $1). The trail is often steep.

I was very careful with food and water the whole time but still wound up with a bout of stomach cramps/diarrhea by day #9. Just about everyone on the trip got hit at one time or another. Those chewable Immodiums are fast acting and work really well to stop you up...but don't help all that much with stomach pain. I noticed other people on my trip took daily Pepto tablets. I'm not sure how well this worked for them. But it can't hurt.

Definitely bring Diamox. I was glad that others on the trip gave me some of theirs as I started to feel really faint hiking uphill over 13,000 ft. Drink coca tea while in Cusco...it can really help with those excruciating high-altitude headaches.

Also - bring some serious insect repellent or you will get eaten alive. Deep Woods Off (~35% DEET) worked very well for me. My boyfriend got about 100 bites on his legs because he was way behind me one day and didn't have his own repellent.

As for toilet facilities, don't expect much. Along your hike you will encounter maybe 1 place with flush toilets. I don't think they have seats though...seats were a rarity outside hotels. Prepare to squat! Forget about cleanliness. When you've gotta go, you've gotta go, LOL! Bring your own toilet paper...none is provided.

ATMs are easy to find in Cusco (there is one street that has a ton of banks), I don't know about anywhere else. Everyone seemed to take both US$ and soles. My credit card didn't work the one time I tried to use it because it was late at night (US banks were closed...this was a problem for some reason). The good thing is...everything's really cheap there!

Don't keep your money anywhere where someone can easily steal it. I kept everything in the buttoned pockets of my cargo pants. Don't pack anything important in your checked luggage. The charger for my camera battery was stolen right from my suitcase (I believe at one of the airports), along with an extra memory card and a box of granola bars(!). Use the safe in your hotel and keep the luggage in your room locked up.

Another tip: Dress in layers! It can be very cold during the morning and night and hot during the day. I have pants that zip off into shorts and wore them every day...they were perfect for this trip. Also I recommend "Smartwool" socks which you can get at most camping stores. When I wore anything else I got blisters. That reminds me...bring moleskin, bandaids, or anything you would typically use for blisters!

Also, if you tend to get motion sickness, bring Dramamine. Some of the roads have serious switchbacks that made my boyfriend very ill.

Let me know if you have any more questions! Don't let any of my cautions deter you...it's a fantastic, beautiful trip, like nothing else in the world!

Suzanne, thank you for the info - you answered my remaining questions - this makes me feel a lot better, and now I am going to buy some kind of locks for my luggage, get the Diamox Rx filled, bring insect repellent. I was hoping the mosquitoes wouldn't be a problem since it is winter. Oh, well. I am packing a lot of snacks and bottled water - I can't believe someone stole granola bars from your luggage!

From Km 104 down to Machu Picchu (I guess I assumed we'd be going UP, not DOWN) - is there a serious risk of falling and dying? We don't have to do the hike - it is optional on our tour. I am better at going up than down, and I trip a lot. I just thought it would be awesome to approach Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. I am in excellent physical condition right now so the hiking itself doesn't bother me but I am scared of a mis-step that would be 'the end'.

I appreciate the advice about the coca leaves and tea that you and ncanavan gave me but I don't think I can drink it. I have cancer (in remission) and I'm still on a lot of drugs and I'd be worried about an interaction. That's why we're doing this trip - in case I am not physically able to do a trip like this ever again. So there's another reason why I am kind of scared. My doctor cleared me for the trip but wasn't thrilled about it.

Any places you recommend for eating in Cusco? Thanks!

Like I said, get a walking stick...it will help with stability. You won't kill yourself but you may trip over a rock or two. If you are in good physical shape you should definitely do the hike!

Don't bother to lug bottles of water over there, because it is available EVERYWHERE...every few feet there is a cart or a store or a person on the street trying to sell you water. The bottles are sealed...it's safe. It typically costs 35 cents (1 sole) for a one liter bottle.

I tried lots of restaurants in Cusco. My favorites were Inka Grill, right on the square, which specialized in Peruvian food of course; Chez Maggy in Gringo Alley for Pizza - diferent from home but very good; and Fallen Angel for good food in a super-funky setting (the tables were glass-covered bathtub/fishtanks. Something you've got to see to believe).

By the way, if you love mangoes and avocados (like I do), Cusco may have the best I've ever tried! These are often served in the breakfast buffets at hotels.

My favorite restaurant in Cusco is Granja Heidi. It's fairly new (open a little over a year) and run by a charming German couple who use a lot of the produce from their farm in the items on the menu. Service is great, and the place is friendly and cozy. You'll find it halfway up the Cuesta San Blas, the pedestrian "street" -- really a stairway -- leading up from from the Plaza de Armas to San Blas.

I wish you safe and healthy journey!

Thank you Suzanne and Jeff for the additional advice and restaurant suggestions - yum! I love mangoes and avocadoes but I thought you weren't supposed to eat fruit unless you washed it in your bottled water and then peeled it yourself? We're staying at really nice hotels - Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu, Miraflores Park in Lima, Monasterio in Cusco, Posada del Incay in Sacred Valley. Would you consider their fruits and veggies to be safe? I was planning on a week of eating cooked food only while in Peru but I'd love to eat fresh produce instead.

Also good to know bottled water is everywhere for reasonable price. I was worried that it would be jacked up like they do in US airports and tourist places,and I was bringing my own bottles just in case we ended up spending $100 a day on water! <grin>

Get my final traveldocs next week - time to get excited and stop being so nervous and scared! I really want to do that hike from km 104, just to have a bit of the Inca Trail experience and opportunity for some amazing photographs.

Maybe this should be posted as a separate question - any recommendations on best place to buy alpaca sweaters? And I have my heart set on petting a llama or at least getting a photo of one, preferably with me in it.

WOW! You are in for a trip of a lifetime. My family went in 1999, so my information is a bit dated.

Before we went we had our doctor prescribe Lomotil and Bactrim for the traveler's diarrhea. This was great insurance. I ended up with a terrible bout of traveler's diarrhea. These drugs keep you going when you are traveling. I also packed soda crackers and some powdered gatorade and was quite grateful to have them. One thing I learned after the fact was to start to take these meds just as soon as you have any signs of a problem. I waited too long, thinking I could just treat it like an upset stomach. Consequently, I was bad off for much longer. (My bowels were messed up for three weeks or so.)

Before leaving Cusco, be sure to have all of your spending money in soles. You can change it at Aguas Calientes/MP, but the exchange rates are much more favorable in Cusco. We brought US dollar traveler's checks and cashed them in banks.

Also, it's a good idea to always keep small change. This will give you an upper hand in bargaining. I always asked for small bills and coins in the banks.

When we were there, everything was cash only. Some of the shops in Cusco would accept credit cards, but charge an additional 8%. The high dollar hotel restuarants will probably also accept credit cards, but it's much more fun and less expensive to eat at other places.

We were at Machu Picchu for winter soltice (June 21) and there were misquitos. I suspect you'll see them. So, do bring bug spray.

And, be prepared to squat. Toilets are not always available when you are out in the sticks.

Where will you be going in the Sacred Valley?

You will find a market in Cusco around the main plaza that will sell all sorts of goods: ceramics, textiles, sweaters, etc. Here you will be able to buy from the person who made the object. There will also be people selling their wares at Tambomachay, Pisac and Aguas Calientes. There is wonderful textile shopping in Ollantaytambo.

As you take the road from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, you will pass a co-op of sorts with loads and loads of good quality sweaters. (Not cheap by Peru standards, but a bargain for US standards.) Be aware that they might quote prices in US dollars rather than soles. Across from this shop you will probably also see some lamas and alpaca's, children and families waiting to pose for a photo... very cute. Please ask before taking their pictures and give them a tip. This is their work. They'll ask for a propino (tip).

A terrific place in Lima to buy exquisite sweaters is outside the Gold Museum in one of the little shops. (Again, expensive.)

There is a good market in Lima with lots of variety and good prices. You'll find items from all over Peru at this market.

Also, check out the state department's website for traveler's warnings and medical info for travelers.

Check out the South American Explorer's Club. http://www.samexplo.org/ They have some great travel packets available. Check out http://www.samexplo.org/cusearch.htm under Traveler's info... loads of tips.

I'll try to have another think on this and post some more.

PS. I've heard people swear by avoiding traveller's diarreah by gargling a little mouthwash when they travel to third world countries.

- Sharon

The mouthwash gargling trick is for when showering. Mouth closed, no bad water in... and it will kill germs. I'm trying this on my next third world trip!

My guide said the best quality alpaca sweaters are at Alpaca 111 stores. They are pricey though...about $75 for a sweater. Most places that advertise alpaca goods and cost significantly less are not 100% alpaca, according to my guide.

I think that the peeled fruits in the hotels are safe. They even peel the tomatoes (also excellent there)! I didn't have any stomach trouble until eating at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes at the end of the trip. But we all ate the same thing and I was the only one with any ill effects. Maybe some water got into my mouth during my hour-long shower that evening? (My 1st in 4 days)

It's true about credit cards - they often charge you extra for using them! I bought some artwork and the store was going to charge me 10% extra. However, my card didn't work so I ran out to a cash machine and got the cheaper price.

You will find llamas at Machu Picchu! There are about 5 of them that live there. In the morning, they're right in the middle of the place, among the ruins, and in the afternoon they go up on the hill above the terraces. I have a great photo of me with one!

I've had salads at the Monasterio and the Sanctuary Lodge with no problems at all. Top-notch hotels like the ones you're staying at take proper precautions with food preparation.

I have an alpaca sweater I treasure from one of the Alpaca 111 stores. It was a bit of a splurge, but I agree that they have high-quality things.

Yeah, the Alpaca 111 are the easiest way to insure you're getting the real thing, and the quality is terrific. I got a sweater, hat, and gloves for $50 - but that was in Arequipa - Cusco might be more.
If you really want bragging rights, buy vicuna. That's REALLY expensive.

Texas girl: I will be in Cusco/Machu Picchu the 14th of June. I read your message, and really respect your willingness to travel despite your cancer. You are brave. I hope you have a wonderful trip, and I hope you will post when you return. I share the concerns you have, and thank those who responded as I found the responses very helpful. I will keep you in my prayers for your safety and good health.

Thanks for the additional tips -loved the mouthwash idea and will definitely be using that trick. Will try to visit all the recommended markets / coops, and Alpaca 111. I am starting to worry even more but I know this will be a fantastic trip. Birder57, I will be ending my trip on June 14 - I hope you have a fantastic time and thanks for the prayers. I have a scan and 4 weeks of maintenance chemo waiting for me in July, so I really need this trip! I should be at peak energy level so as long as I watch what I eat and watch my step on the hikes, I should be fine.

I will definitely post a trip report when I get back!

The baby wipes can be used to wipe done everything..Try a container of Purex too..The toiletpaper I carry crushed down (the end of the rolls)..and if you can find toilet seat tissues. My only travel problem was there when I mistakenly drank from the magic water fall....yipes.. what was I thinking..lol Haen't been to Machu Picchu and Cusco for many years.. I think 1988 and I see it's changed.. I still have the gold pin I bought at the Gold Museum in Lima.. As for the camera at the time my husband had a Minolta and I walked next to the camera and if I saw anybody eying us..I just said "heads up".... We now both travel with our own digital.. mine is in a bag that looks like a change purse..and yes...drink the coca tea... Wish we were going back...it was/is a magical country. Read the Celestine Prophecy

Just back rom MP and Cusco. My sister got very ill the night we spent at the Sanctuary Lodge. We are still unsure of the cause. There is a very helpful doctor in an office outside of the entrance to the MP site. Have a great trip. It's a magical place.

Jdbird, so sorry to hear about your sister- was she ill with tummy problems or altitude sickness? Hope she recovered quickly and that it didn't mess up your vacation. Still haven't gotten my travel docs - I leave June 6. Getting more nervous and excited both. Hope I can relax while feeling on guard all the time.

Texas Girl,
Once you are there, you will find yourself so relaxed and amazed at everything you see. You will also forget about the cancer and have a great trip. Enjoy!

Funny thing about the granola bars, had all mine stolen out of a zipper pocket on my backpack in the airport.

Also, take the advise on checking valuables. I only had a backpack but both ways, the luggage was held up and and most people had to leave the airport without. I never did receive my box of souveniers on my return. That was Group Taca.