Suggestions re OAT Peru Tours (some may be helpful to others)
Oct 20th, 2006, 10:06 AM
#21
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Polly - part 2 - Cuy and Sea sickness
Our Home hosted lunch in Peru was in Cusco and we all (15 of us) had lunch in one house - they served lunch family style and we had maybe six dishes of vegetables, potatoes, etc. -- the Cuy (Guinea Pig) was served already sliced and passed around the table by us - not by our host. I think probably half of us took some and tried it - no one from the family noticed who took it or who "passed" -- similar situation in the Galapagos where we all ate together at one house and it was buffet style - you took what you wanted - (no Cuy there- mostly potatoes, vegetables and fish)-- the family would not have noticed what you took and no offense would have been taken.
Sea sickness - I understand that the daily island visits will vary depending on weather and if the park service has closed a particular island - so our itinerary may not be yours-- we motored maybe 2 hours at night (usually 3-4 am til about 6 am) for three nights and one night we started at dinner and went about 12 hours-- that night was a bit rougher - everyone of our group did fine - most took bonine. A couple did the patch -- I don't think any of us were sea sick although the boat did bounce around at times -- really depends on your tolerance I suppose.
enjoy your trip - let us know if you have any other questions. Peter
Our Home hosted lunch in Peru was in Cusco and we all (15 of us) had lunch in one house - they served lunch family style and we had maybe six dishes of vegetables, potatoes, etc. -- the Cuy (Guinea Pig) was served already sliced and passed around the table by us - not by our host. I think probably half of us took some and tried it - no one from the family noticed who took it or who "passed" -- similar situation in the Galapagos where we all ate together at one house and it was buffet style - you took what you wanted - (no Cuy there- mostly potatoes, vegetables and fish)-- the family would not have noticed what you took and no offense would have been taken.
Sea sickness - I understand that the daily island visits will vary depending on weather and if the park service has closed a particular island - so our itinerary may not be yours-- we motored maybe 2 hours at night (usually 3-4 am til about 6 am) for three nights and one night we started at dinner and went about 12 hours-- that night was a bit rougher - everyone of our group did fine - most took bonine. A couple did the patch -- I don't think any of us were sea sick although the boat did bounce around at times -- really depends on your tolerance I suppose.
enjoy your trip - let us know if you have any other questions. Peter
Oct 20th, 2006, 06:48 PM
#22
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We would like to plan a trip combining Cusco, MP and the Galapagos. What is the best time of year to visit these locations? Also, can we do this on our own or is an organized tour best? Your suggestions are appreciated.
Oct 27th, 2006, 10:33 AM
#23
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We returned from our October OAT trip to Peru with the Amazon extension. I agree with all of what RCLCOLPB, the original posted, had said and will try not to be repetitive.
Luggage: we used semi-soft ballistic nylon luggage, the usual kind, without any problems. We did need one small bag for the overnight at Machu Pichu and our large carry-on duffle was sufficient for the both of us. We were able to leave one suitcase in Lima when we went on the pre-trip to the Amazon which was helpful.
Laundry: We used laundry services twice. First, when we returned to Lima from the Amazon as our sweaty clothes were still wet and we had used up a lot of shirts and underwear. The second time was in Cuzco as we just want to get rid of our laundry and have a good supply of clean clothes. If I had know this was so convenient, I would have packed less.
Clothing: The only shoes I ever wore were low hiking boots, walking sneakers and Tevas. I used 5 pairs of pants, two light-weight hiking cargo pants, jeans and two chino-type pants. Some people used even fewer. We wore fleece jackets and rain jackets as outer wear. Plastic ponchos are available everywhere and either they were $1 or less. Never, ever, got dressed up and neither did anyone in our group, even when we went to nice restaurants on our own. It was easy to tell who was on tour as we were all dressed alike.
Amazon Weather: In the Amazon, the heat and humidity were even worse than I expected, plus there was no breeze. The temperature and the humity were each 100 degrees. It was not a pleasant experience. Nothing ever dried and we returned with wet clothes. Even unworn items picked up the moisture. Our group agreed that we were happy we went and happy it was over, and would never do it ever again. The jungle lodges were fun, but up to a point. Not having electricity, warm water, or flush toilets was fine, but having no air conditioning or fans was not. It was an adventure.
Other weather: It was much warmer than I expected. Only twice did I need to wear a fleece plus a jacket. The sun was really strong and we used sun glasses and wide-brimmed hats often. The only time we wore shorts was in the Amazon when we were in screened facilities. In the evenings in Cuzco and Lima it did cool off, but we never needed warm clothes.
Our OAT guides were outstanding. We had two guides, one for the Amazon and the other for the base trip. Raul, our base trip guide, was the most accommodating leader I have ever had. The local guides often talked way too much and gave more information than needed so it was often boring. We opted out of going to the home-hosted dinner without a problem and had a yummy meal in the hotel. We have gone to them on other trips and they just don’t appeal to us. Even though most of the food was satisfactory, some of it was mediocre. I lost 5 pounds on the trip and wonder if that was result of the Diamox which reduces water retention.
I think that two nights in Cuzco would have been sufficient as the shopping gets very repetitive and I am not into buying trinkets. I did buy some really nice big hand-carved gourds in the Amazon for $5 each which I never saw again and an expensive hand-woven wool tapestry at a place where we went to see the different types of llamas and alpacas which I am happy I did as I never saw anything like it in quality again.
I thought that the last long day in Lima waiting for a midnight flight was going to be a drag but was I ever mistaken. OAT had booked a day room in a 4* hotel which was just the pampering we were ready to have. We walked to the shopping mall overlooking the sea, had lunch overlooking the water and watched the surfers, returned to the hotel to shower, nap and have dinner. It was a great way to wind down and return home not being exhausted and needing a vacation from a vacation.
Luggage: we used semi-soft ballistic nylon luggage, the usual kind, without any problems. We did need one small bag for the overnight at Machu Pichu and our large carry-on duffle was sufficient for the both of us. We were able to leave one suitcase in Lima when we went on the pre-trip to the Amazon which was helpful.
Laundry: We used laundry services twice. First, when we returned to Lima from the Amazon as our sweaty clothes were still wet and we had used up a lot of shirts and underwear. The second time was in Cuzco as we just want to get rid of our laundry and have a good supply of clean clothes. If I had know this was so convenient, I would have packed less.
Clothing: The only shoes I ever wore were low hiking boots, walking sneakers and Tevas. I used 5 pairs of pants, two light-weight hiking cargo pants, jeans and two chino-type pants. Some people used even fewer. We wore fleece jackets and rain jackets as outer wear. Plastic ponchos are available everywhere and either they were $1 or less. Never, ever, got dressed up and neither did anyone in our group, even when we went to nice restaurants on our own. It was easy to tell who was on tour as we were all dressed alike.
Amazon Weather: In the Amazon, the heat and humidity were even worse than I expected, plus there was no breeze. The temperature and the humity were each 100 degrees. It was not a pleasant experience. Nothing ever dried and we returned with wet clothes. Even unworn items picked up the moisture. Our group agreed that we were happy we went and happy it was over, and would never do it ever again. The jungle lodges were fun, but up to a point. Not having electricity, warm water, or flush toilets was fine, but having no air conditioning or fans was not. It was an adventure.
Other weather: It was much warmer than I expected. Only twice did I need to wear a fleece plus a jacket. The sun was really strong and we used sun glasses and wide-brimmed hats often. The only time we wore shorts was in the Amazon when we were in screened facilities. In the evenings in Cuzco and Lima it did cool off, but we never needed warm clothes.
Our OAT guides were outstanding. We had two guides, one for the Amazon and the other for the base trip. Raul, our base trip guide, was the most accommodating leader I have ever had. The local guides often talked way too much and gave more information than needed so it was often boring. We opted out of going to the home-hosted dinner without a problem and had a yummy meal in the hotel. We have gone to them on other trips and they just don’t appeal to us. Even though most of the food was satisfactory, some of it was mediocre. I lost 5 pounds on the trip and wonder if that was result of the Diamox which reduces water retention.
I think that two nights in Cuzco would have been sufficient as the shopping gets very repetitive and I am not into buying trinkets. I did buy some really nice big hand-carved gourds in the Amazon for $5 each which I never saw again and an expensive hand-woven wool tapestry at a place where we went to see the different types of llamas and alpacas which I am happy I did as I never saw anything like it in quality again.
I thought that the last long day in Lima waiting for a midnight flight was going to be a drag but was I ever mistaken. OAT had booked a day room in a 4* hotel which was just the pampering we were ready to have. We walked to the shopping mall overlooking the sea, had lunch overlooking the water and watched the surfers, returned to the hotel to shower, nap and have dinner. It was a great way to wind down and return home not being exhausted and needing a vacation from a vacation.
Nov 3rd, 2006, 07:37 PM
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Many thanks, Peter_Wendy and Evelyntrav. E-mailed my questions shortly before leaving for CA for a couple of weeks and just got around to checking back on this forum.
Maybe if the cuy is sliced, I could manage a small bite. After all, we used to have pet ducks and I've tried duck (though don't much like it). Good to know no one really notices, though. Cuy I saw on the Travel Channel and read about in "My Father's Island" was served whole and in unmistakably rodent form. Undoubtedly people in other countries might be as disturbed by "guinea pig and donkey hugging" as many Americans are at the way animals are treated in their countries. (Not that I equate eating animals, even relatives of former pets, with the kinds of cruelty and neglect I find so disturbing.)
After changing my base trip date to a less convenient one because the Amazon pre-trip was cancelled, I'm beginning to have some heat anxiety as we approach departure. (Still almost 5 weeks - plenty of time to brood.) Either OAT descriptions were somewhat less detailed or I got caught up in the idea of the Amazon and failed to read carefully, because only in the last couple of months have I done some internet research and become aware of some of the impending hardships that await. And, indeed, it's the heat and humidity that concern me, not the cold showers. I recall my mother using the expression "stew in your own juice" to mean suffering the consequences of your own actions, and I suppose that's exactly what I'm going to do. Only more so than you did, Evelyn, since it will likely be hotter in Dec. than in Oct. Since I've lived in FL for almost 30 years, I shouldn't be whining about this, but the older I get, the more the heat bothers me and I certainly can't sleep in it.
Happy to hear we can leave a bag in Lima. At least we'll have some dry clothes when we get back. I gather you had laundry done in the hotel and it was relatively quick, which is good to know.
Meds are at Costco awaiting pickup, and since we've got more Diamox than we should need, I guess we'll try it in the next week or two. Got the impression from the OAT info that maybe we should take the Malarone on the whole trip, but when I checked CDC, they indicate that the only malaria risk is in the Amazon, not in the Highlands, Lima or the Galapagos. So we've just got enough for two days before, the Amazon portion, and a week after. I'm assuming that's okay. Does anyone know something I don't know?
Now I think I'll do an internet search for a battery operated electric fan.
Maybe if the cuy is sliced, I could manage a small bite. After all, we used to have pet ducks and I've tried duck (though don't much like it). Good to know no one really notices, though. Cuy I saw on the Travel Channel and read about in "My Father's Island" was served whole and in unmistakably rodent form. Undoubtedly people in other countries might be as disturbed by "guinea pig and donkey hugging" as many Americans are at the way animals are treated in their countries. (Not that I equate eating animals, even relatives of former pets, with the kinds of cruelty and neglect I find so disturbing.)
After changing my base trip date to a less convenient one because the Amazon pre-trip was cancelled, I'm beginning to have some heat anxiety as we approach departure. (Still almost 5 weeks - plenty of time to brood.) Either OAT descriptions were somewhat less detailed or I got caught up in the idea of the Amazon and failed to read carefully, because only in the last couple of months have I done some internet research and become aware of some of the impending hardships that await. And, indeed, it's the heat and humidity that concern me, not the cold showers. I recall my mother using the expression "stew in your own juice" to mean suffering the consequences of your own actions, and I suppose that's exactly what I'm going to do. Only more so than you did, Evelyn, since it will likely be hotter in Dec. than in Oct. Since I've lived in FL for almost 30 years, I shouldn't be whining about this, but the older I get, the more the heat bothers me and I certainly can't sleep in it.
Happy to hear we can leave a bag in Lima. At least we'll have some dry clothes when we get back. I gather you had laundry done in the hotel and it was relatively quick, which is good to know.
Meds are at Costco awaiting pickup, and since we've got more Diamox than we should need, I guess we'll try it in the next week or two. Got the impression from the OAT info that maybe we should take the Malarone on the whole trip, but when I checked CDC, they indicate that the only malaria risk is in the Amazon, not in the Highlands, Lima or the Galapagos. So we've just got enough for two days before, the Amazon portion, and a week after. I'm assuming that's okay. Does anyone know something I don't know?
Now I think I'll do an internet search for a battery operated electric fan.
Nov 6th, 2006, 02:10 PM
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Polly,
According to our Amazon guide, there are two seasons in the Amazon, the wet season and the dry one. The temperature and humidity don't vary very much. Since my return, I spoke with a friend who was on a different Amazon trip and she said her experience with the climate was not as bad as ours. Perhaps, we just had a particulary bad spell of weather. I hope you have better luck. When I look at the photos, I forget the discomfort.
Guy is always an option on the menu so you can avoid this meal.
We took Malerone only for the Amazon portion, plus 5 days after (if I remember correctly).
Laundry service was returned in the evening of the same day and was both clean and nicely folded. It was a pleasure to have this convenience.
Have fun
According to our Amazon guide, there are two seasons in the Amazon, the wet season and the dry one. The temperature and humidity don't vary very much. Since my return, I spoke with a friend who was on a different Amazon trip and she said her experience with the climate was not as bad as ours. Perhaps, we just had a particulary bad spell of weather. I hope you have better luck. When I look at the photos, I forget the discomfort.
Guy is always an option on the menu so you can avoid this meal.
We took Malerone only for the Amazon portion, plus 5 days after (if I remember correctly).
Laundry service was returned in the evening of the same day and was both clean and nicely folded. It was a pleasure to have this convenience.
Have fun
Dec 24th, 2006, 09:42 AM
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This is a great post! Very helpful information.
I have been thinking of taking the OAT trip to Peru also. Has anyone heard, any feedback, about the Amazon cruise, Peru trip, that OAT has? It sounds like you won't see as much wildlife, but the rooms on the boat are air conditioned.
I have been thinking of taking the OAT trip to Peru also. Has anyone heard, any feedback, about the Amazon cruise, Peru trip, that OAT has? It sounds like you won't see as much wildlife, but the rooms on the boat are air conditioned.
Dec 31st, 2006, 09:18 PM
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This thread has been so interesting...just returned from OAT's trip to Thailand, and want to do Peru next December. Can anyone tell me how the weather is in Peru and Machu Picchu in December? I'm afraid it will be too hot and rainy...always suspicious when the prices are at their lowest!
Jan 5th, 2007, 05:32 PM
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Just got back from OAT Machu Picchu/Galapagos with Amazon pre-trip last Sat. Will try to do a trip report soon. Did have more rain than we would have liked in the highlands - Cuzco in particular but one beautiful afternoon in Machu Picchu and rain the next day. Amazon and Galapagos were okay as far as rain was concerned. Will always have some rain in the rainforest but it was brief rains, then cleared up. No rain in the Galapagos. Cold not a factor. Slightly chilly at night in Cuzco, less so at Machu Picchu but a sweat shirt or long sleeves and light jacket will be enough.
Feb 13th, 2007, 02:51 PM
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We are planning another OAT trip to South America in November - apparently a new trip called "The Wilderness Beyond: Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords" - we enjoyed our Macchu Picchu trip so much we are hoping for the same experience- anyone out there have experience with the far southern tip?
