Spirit of the Incas March 29 - April 6, 2014 TRAVEL TIPS The following is a list of useful information about travel to Peru. If you have any specific questions concerning your airline reservations or our Spirit of the Incas itinerary, please contact BenchMark Travel Services at (978) 792-5150 or toll-free at (866) 535-8600, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. You may also contact us via e-mail at tut@benchmarkin.com or by fax at (978) 834-6082. TRAVEL DATES If you re flying with the group from Miami, you will depart on American Airlines for Peru at 11:55 p.m on Saturday, March 29, 2014 and arrive in Lima at 4:30 a.m on March 30. You will then depart for Cusco on one of two LAN Air flights departing at 6:15 and 6:45 a.m. Your flight back to Miami departs at 10:40 p.m. on April 6th and arrives back in Miami at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2014. WHAT SHOULD I PACK? When planning your wardrobe, remember that less is more! Casual attire is fine for the entire trip. Some essentials we suggest: Walking shoes, sneakers or hiking boots Jeans, slacks, sweaters, warm shirts (plan to dress in layers) Jacket, gloves, a hat or cap and rain gear, if your jacket isn t water resistant Personal medications and prescription eyeglasses Small backpack Sunglasses and sunscreen Calculator or currency converter - if you have a smart phone, there s an app for that Camera with charger or extra batteries Travel Insurance certificate, if you ve purchased insurance (highly recommended) Passport and money Walking stick with rubber tip. Rubber tips are a requirement for use in Machu Picchu A copy of the picture page of your passport keep separate from your passport Important Note: When we travel via train from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, you will only be allowed to bring along a small bag or wheeled suitcase, no bigger than carry-on size. Your remaining luggage will be safely stored and waiting for you at the J.W. Marriott in Cusco. We suggest either packing a collapsible duffle bag in your larger suitcase or simply travel light and only take one small bag on the trip! AIRPORT CHECK IN Strict security measures at the airport may impact your travel plans and cause delays, which is why it is important that you allow plenty of time to get to the airport and check in at least two (2) hours prior to your flights departure time. Due to constant changes with flight schedules, it is highly recommended that you confirm your flight s status before you leave for the airport. CARRY-ON LUGGAGE Most airlines now limit carry-on luggage to one piece, plus a purse, backpack, briefcase or laptop. The approximate size of your carry-on should be no larger than: 10 x13 x23 and it should weigh no more than 40 pounds. Passengers with more than one carry-on, plus a personal item will be required to check the additional luggage. Be sure to pack the essentials in your carry-on bag, such as your airline tickets, passport, a light change of clothing, any valuables, medications, toiletries, and perhaps a book or a snack.
Although regulations have recently changed, the TSA still recommends that sharp objects be placed in your checked luggage. It s not just the obvious items, but includes such innocuous items as razors for shaving, nail files, Swiss army knives, and corkscrews. Lighters and matches, or any type of scissors (e.g., from a sewing kit or first aid kit) should also be packed in your checked luggage. Additionally liquids and gels are forbidden as carry-on items unless they are under three (3) ounces and declared by showing them in a plastic, 1 quart bag. CHECKED LUGGAGE American Airlines allows one checked bag at no charge. Maximum size is 62 inches and maximum weight to avoid extra weight charges is 50 pounds. The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height. Charges may apply for additional bags. If you are not flying with the group, please check with your carrier regarding their rules for checked baggage. LOST LUGGAGE In the event that one of your bags goes astray, you ll want to file a Baggage Claim Report before leaving the airport. Also, be sure to inform a member of the TUT Travel Staff so that they can work with the airlines to recover your lost luggage as quickly as possible. EMERGENCY TRAVEL SERVICE If Benchmark Travel Services has arranged your flights, and you are in need of assistance on your travel days, you may contact us at the numbers listed above. If you are traveling before or after normal business hours, you may contact Emergency Travel Services at the number listed on the back of your airline ticket jacket a representative will be available on a 24-hour basis to receive your call. If you have an emergency while in Peru, our TUT Travel Staff will be on-site with you throughout the trip to offer assistance. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Citizens from the USA, Canada and Western Europe do not need a visa to enter Peru. A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your intended return date is required to enter the country. For more information, contact the Peruvian diplomatic representative closest to you. To find the address or telephone number you may visit the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at: http://www.rree.gob.pe/sitepages/home.aspx UPON ARRIVAL IN PERU On board the aircraft you will receive a landing card (International Embarkation/ Disembarkation Card) which must be presented to immigration authorities at the airport upon arrival. This card must be also be presented when leaving the country. Please keep it in a safe place. Customs officials will also ask you to fill out a form declaring any taxable items. Tax exempt articles include personal clothes and belongings, portable computers and adventure sports gear. You must also declare any plant or animal species you may carry. If you are carrying either of these items, you must have the necessary sanitary permits from your home country or they may be seized by the authorities. TIME ZONE Peru is in the same time zone as the Central United States. CALLING HOME It is recommended that you call home collect or by using your telephone calling card. You can dial direct from your hotel room, however the hotels will add a surcharge to your personal account, which will still be less expensive than charging the entire cost of your call to your room. If you plan to use a cell phone be sure to confirm with your wireless provider that you have an international calling plan. If family and friends need to contact you during our Spirit of the Incas trip, they can reach you at: Evenings of March 30, 31 and April 1 Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Sacred Valley Phone: 011 (51)(84) 581-777
Evenings of April 2, 3 and 4 InkaTerra Hotel, Machu Picchu Phone: 011 (51)(84) 211 122 Evening of April 5 JW Marriott, Cusco Phone: 011 (51) (84)-582 200 011 is the US exit code for calling a foreign country TIPPING Tips vary and depend on the traveler s satisfaction with the quality of the service rendered. It is customary in many Indian populated areas to give a small tip to the subject of your photographs. Gratuities for all included meals and for maid services at the hotels are built in to the cost of your trip. We suggest the following tips for local guides and drivers per person per day: Tour Guide $5.00 - $10.00 Driver $3.00 - $5.00 Your American TUT Travel Staff will not expect or accept any tips. SHOPPING Peru is one of the top shopping destinations in Latin America, with some of the finest and most reasonably priced crafts you ll find anywhere. Most shops, malls and handicraft markets are open every day (including holidays) from 10 am to 8 pm. Bartering for prices is acceptable in most establishments. LANGUAGE Peru has two official languages: Spanish and Quechua. English is spoken at four and five star hotels and main tourist shops. CURRENCY Peru s official currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), divided in 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins and S/. 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 banknotes. At the time of this printing, the exchange rate to the US dollar is $1.00 US dollar = 2.78 Nuevo Sol. US dollars are welcome at most shops, restaurant and service stations at the current exchange rate. Please note: The Peruvians do not like to exchange any US currency that is ripped or mutilated! Please plan to bring crisp new bills. CREDIT CARDS Most establishments accept the main credit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express. The use of traveler s checks may be restricted. Ask the individual establishment if they are accepted. When using a credit card, make sure you are charged the right amount for your purchase. Visa is the most widely accepted card in Peru. The general information telephone numbers for these cards in Peru are: American Express 690-0900; MasterCard 442-0206; Diners Club 221-2050 and Visa 242-5253. ELECTRIC CURRENT AT YOUR HOTELS Both the Tambo del Inka and J.W. Marriott have US plugs in the rooms and Inkaterra provides adapters, so you will not need to pack any adapters or converters. WEATHER The first part of April is the end of the rainy season and the temperature averages are 67 high in the daytime and 43 low at night. Rain is always a possibility, so be sure to pack some rain gear.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS When visiting cities like Cuzco (11,000 feet above sea level), shortness of breath and heart palpitations are normal due to the scarcity of oxygen. Some people may experience headache, loss of appetite, fatigue and nausea. Most symptoms develop the first day at high altitude, though, occasionally, travelers have delayed reactions. The best advice is to avoid physical activity on your first day in the highlands, drink plenty of liquids, including the local remedy: coca - leaf tea. (It s perfectly legal). You should also avoid alcohol and heavy food intake. VACCINES Talk to your doctor about 4 to 6 weeks prior to the trip regarding recommended vaccines. If you are thinking of visiting the jungle, remember that a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. The Center for Disease Control encourages all international travelers to be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations and Hepatitis A/B shots prior to travel. Make sure you have enough of your prescription medications to last the length of the trip. SHAPING UP To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Your exploration of Peru will include some hiking and walking tours. These tours can last several hours and some are at higher than average altitude. HEALTH PRECAUTIONS Visitors to Peru should drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Do not drink tap water, even in major hotels. Agua con gas is carbonated; agua sin gas is plain. It is safer eating fruits you can peel. Avoid eating food from street vendors. FOR YOUR SAFETY While touring or shopping leave your passport and the bulk of your money in the hotel s safe. Take with you only the money you intend to spend. Carry a copy of the picture page of your passport with you as you may need it to exchange traveler s checks or in case your passport is lost. Do not change money with street changers. RECONFIRM YOUR FLIGHTS If you are flying locally you must reconfirm 48 hours in advance. For international flights, reconfirm 72 hours before your flight. If you are flying on the TUT group flights, we will reconfirm your flights for you. US CUSTOMS If you have a new and expensive camera, watch or piece of jewelry (we do not recommend traveling with expensive jewelry), you might want to consider filling out a Certificate of Registration prior to your departure. This certificate provides proof of ownership and will prevent you from having to pay duties on the item upon re-entry into the United States. The US Customs Service currently permits each returning resident of the United States up to U.S. dollar $800 worth of duty free articles acquired abroad provided your stay abroad was at least 48 hours and your duty free exemption was not used in the preceding 30 days. If you return home with more than $800 in purchased goods you will be charged duty on these items by customs officials at the first point of entry. TRAVEL INSURANCE BenchMark Travel Services strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance* before any TUT trip! Travel insurance offers travelers coverage for unforeseen problems, from a cancelled flight to a serious illness or in rare cases, even an act of terrorism or the financial default of a travel supplier. If you miss a travel connection, even for reasons beyond your control, you are NOT necessarily protected from financial loss unless you have travel insurance. For example, if you encounter mechanical problems, flight delays, or inclement weather that causes you to miss connections, the airline carrier might re-book you, although in many cases (such as bad weather) it is NOT guaranteed (in which case you may either have to purchase an entirely new round-trip ticket or forego the entire prepaid trip without any reimbursement). Travel insurance can cover new flights or provide trip cancellation coverage (for a covered loss), as well as emergency medical expenses and medical transportation. Travel insurance also provides 24 hour 911 emergency travel service, in case a traveler has to change a flight or a hotel room, in addition to assistance with emergency cash transfers, lost baggage, and pre-trip consultation services (travel advisories, passport requirements, inoculation information, etc.). *Please note that Travel Guard insurance is only available to US and Canadian residents at this time. If you live elsewhere, please check for such coverage within your home country from independent providers.
HOW TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE: You can obtain travel insurance from Travel Guard International. To view the various policies offered, log onto www.travelguard.com. You will have two options to purchase travel insurance: 1. US and Canadian residents may call Travel Guard directly at 1-800-826-1300. 2. Visit Travel Guard s website at www.travelguard.com to process the insurance yourself. In this case you will be asked for a travel agent code, please give Travel Guard the code 22735731 as this code will identify your booking with BenchMark Travel Services. Please be sure to read all policy information thoroughly and note that if you have a pre-existing condition you must apply for the insurance within 14 days of the trip deposit date. MORE QUESTIONS? If you have anh questions prior to traveling, please contact BenchMark Travel Services at the numbers below. We expect that questions will arise during your stay in Peru; therefore the TUT Travel Staff will be readily available at the Hospitality Desk, located in a convenient area at each fo the three hotels. If you need assistance, feel free to stop by or call the Hospitality Desk any day during the trip. Just dial the hotel operator and ask for the TUT Hospitality Desk. BenchMark Travel Services 21 Water Street, Suite 304 Amesbury, MA 01913 Tel: 978-792-5150 Fax: 978-834-6082 Toll Free: 866-535-8600 tut@benchmarkin.com