Although there was a postal strike whilst we were in Peru, my friends and I all dared to post cards. The postage wasn't cheap. Some of my cards were posted into a very dodgy looking little square box which was just attached to a chair by a stall in the street market at Paracas. Between the three of us we must have posted from various locations over 30 cards. Everyone arrived albeit a few weeks later, We were impressed.

I hope that these comments come in useful for future Peru travellers.

Di

I have just been reflecting on my wonderful holiday last September to Peru.If you are visiting Peru it may be helpful to know how to count from one to ten in Spanish. Apart from the obvious "hello" , "please" and "thank yous" in Spanish, knowing the numbers is helpful for trading purposes. On more than one occasion I had to get someone to help me when haggling or buying fruit from street vendors because I didn't know any numbers.

Although there was a postal strike whilst we were in Peru, my friends and I all dared to post cards. The postage wasn't cheap. Some of my cards were posted into a very dodgy looking little square box which was just attached to a chair by a stall in the street market at Paracas. Between the three of us we must have posted from various locations over 30 cards. Everyone arrived albeit a few weeks later, We were impressed.

I hope that these comments come in useful for future Peru travellers.

Di

Thank you for the information Di I'm booked to go in October and I have a couple of questions.

Would you recommend walking boots or would walking shoes be adequate.

Should I bring walking poles.

Typical female question what should I bring to wear in the evenings is it casual or smart.

Approximately how much spending money would you advise.

Lastly is there anything that you wished you had brought that would have been beneficial that you didn't

Regards Xhex

I was on this wonderful tour with Di and i'm sure she'll reply soon but here's a few of my recommendations without stealing Di's thunder lol or I will be in trouble:

walking shoes are ok evenings just casual really, I took £400 in Peruvian currency and it was plenty plus I did the amazon so I say 300 is ample to take, a brolly or rain mac, something warm to wear for early evenings and for the time you get off the coach at high altitude for photos etc can be quite chilly, a fleece, cardigan, drink the cocoa tea when it's available it helps, and the walking pole Di took came in very useful especially for macchu picchu and the ollantaytambo site if visiting, a hat and rain mac needed for Ballestas islands, Lima can be wet Cusco cold

have a great time

Dave

Walking shoes will be fine. I either wore my trainers or sandals.

My walking pole was actually a "dodgy fold up" walking stick. Walking poles aren't necessary although traders did sell them at the base of the fortress at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. There were hundreds of stone steps there to ascend the fortress.

I was the only person in our group of 38 who used a stick and no-one used poles.

The only reason I used a stick was because I had two full knee replacements 4 years ago and I was scared of falling and damaging them, being not the lightest of weight either doesn't help me.

Clothing wise Dave is spot on. Don't let the weather in Lima surprise you, it is foggy and damp there.

The ladies did tend to go for smart/casual in the evenings, when we had time to get changed after long days. I stuck to trousers and a nicer blouse in the evenings but one or two ladies wore dresses.

Food is very reasonably priced. I spent about £500, but I bought loads of souvenirs and gifts.Every photo opportunity for us was a trading opportunity for the Peruvians..

A shopper's paradise. Lowish prices and you had to haggle.

The exception was the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. The handicrafts on sale such as replica reed boats and cushion covers were quite expensive. The absolutely beautiful and colourful hand embroidered cushion covers were almost £50 each.

Children in traditional clothing, with alpacas or llamas in tow expected a sole each if you took a photo. One sole equals approx 25p.

So the amount of spending money is quite an individual thing.

There was nothing I didn't take which I wished I had.

I did take my travel kettle and some coffee sachets, which I found useful.

Anything else you wish to ask, I will try to answer.

Have a super holiday!!

Kind regards Di

Sharon

Rise at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding crowds.

Instead of a visa, you will get an andean migration card a little white slip of paper that will be handed to you,at the airport.

The sun in Peru is intense, even when it is cloudy. Be sure to wear sunscreen.

Watch your bag.Keep tight eyes on your bags.

Every place accepts U.S. dollars in Peru.

If you are desperate for food, there are a few chains in Peru that are great – one is Pardo’s chicken, which is surprisingly authentic and yummy, and the other is Bembo’s, which is less fantastic but not bad in a pinch.

Carry tissues with you, and hand sanitizer or wet wipes, if you can get some.

In many villages, bakeries are denoted by these hanging baskets.