Travel Tips

Language

Spanish is spoken throughout; in some small villages Quechua will be spoken, however most people know Spanish. If you are traveling alone you will want to have a smattering of useful phrases at a minimum. Most tourist facilities normally have one or more staff members who speak English, including the airlines, larger hotels, and car rental agencies.

Weather and Clothing

You may well encounter a wide variety of weather during this trip. Rain gear (including rubber boots or the equivalent) as well as T-shirts is necessary. One warm fleece type sweater is also worth having. Layer!. Remember you will be high in the Andes and all the way down to the Amazon. Don’t forget enough Sun block and mosquito repellent, a hat is always good to have. A wooly hat and gloves may be needed for Abra Malaga.

Food

The cuisine of Peru is spectacular and there are great places to eat in Cusco in particular. Unless indicated otherwise by an experienced guide, stick to cooked foods and avoid water and ice. You are not allowed to take food into the archeological site at Machu Picchu. But if you're planning to stay the whole day, bring some snacks and plenty of water (just be sure not to litter). Most of the places you will visit in the Amazon do not have stores, so if you like candies or any type of specific products buy these in the last big town which will likely be Cusco or Puerto Maldanado.

Transport

If you are traveling independently, we suggest that you hire a car or small van. Some roads may need 4WD especially during the rains. Bus transport is available, but not recommended unless you are a hardened backpacker potentially willing to wait for long periods in isolated areas. Road works are common e.g. to repair landslides. Once you reach the lowlands you will need to travel by motorized canoe and you will save money by joining a tour. You can also fly to Boca Manu by chartered plane, and from Cusco to Puerto Maladanado by scheduled commercial jet. 

Birding Needs

There are two good field guides to the birds of Peru, one published by Princeton and one by Ibis Publishing (which lacks range maps). If you can still obtain the mostly out-of-print Where to Watch Birds in Peru by Thomas Valqui, that can be a great help, especially if you are travelling independently. Waterproof binoculars are suggested, as well as at least one telescope per group, but not necessarily per individual. Bird recordings should be used sparingly and can be obtained from the Xeno Canto web site (though be sure to test the files before you leave, as we have found that some may temporarily jam your iPod). There is a full list of Peruvian Birds on Wikipedia, though the format is not field friendly.

Photography

Extra flash cards may be available in cities such as Cusco and Lima, but the general rule is to take everything you need. British birders may require electrical adapters for battery recharge. Most areas have sockets that are compatible with regular U.S. electrical plugs, but you may want to pick up an adapter anyway – just to be 100% sure. By the time you get to the Amazon make sure you ask your tour provider the chance of recharging your batteries at their facilities, otherwise do it before hand. Water proof bags for your electronic equipment are definitely recommended; remember you will be traveling by motor canoe in the Amazon for lengthy periods.

Passports and Visas

U.S. and British travelers do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days in Peru. A passport is required of course. Nationals of other countries should check with their Peruvian Embassy or consulate regarding visa requirements.

Health

Malaria can be a problem in the lowlands but is uncommon in the highlands. Yellow fever is also present. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel web site for up-to-date details as Malaria areas can shift, or with your doctor or vaccination center. Snakes are rarely encountered in the highlands, but be sure to follow all of your guide recommendations in the Amazon to avoid dangerous encounters. Altitude sickness can affect people at Abra Malaga, so take it very easy, ask if oxygen can be available in the vehicle, and make sure to acclimatize at least two nights at altitude before ascending. Make sure to tell your guide if you experience any unpleasant symptoms. Breathlessness and mild headaches are to be expected and are not necessarily indicative of serious problems however. Biting insects are rare in the highlands but very common in the lowlands, so make sure to have the right gear for each location. Don’t forget to pack a small first aid kit and if you have a specific medication make sure you have enough for the whole duration of you trip.
Make sure to check with your doctor and the CDC well before leaving on your trip to get specific vaccination and other health advice.


Security

The area is generally safe, but uses the usual level of caution in crowds, especially in Cuzco area or on isolated roads. Keep an eye on the media regarding any planned demonstrations, or talk to hoteliers to get the local information which is always the best.

In Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, prices can be double of what they are in Cuzco. Make sure you follow your tour provider directions especially in the Amazon to avoid any kind of unexpected problem with wildlife.