Some friends of mine just got back from a trip to Machu Picchu, which, if any of you have made the trip know, can either be a very awesome experience, or somewhat of a disaster. They had a great time, but did come back with one tip, that I thought was necessary to pass on to you.

Most tour companies offer package deals that take you down the Inca Trail and into Machu Picchu. They almost all converge in one stop: Aguas Caliente. In my friends case their tour included a two night stay here, as the launch and landing pad for Machu Picchu. The place they stayed was a dirty, dingy, hostel, and since they arrived so Read more

Chris Guillebeau is the mastermind behind “The Art of Non-Conformity,” an online blog that touches on unconventional strategies for life, work, and travel. He is also a friend of this traveling gringo. Chris is an amazing character who has spent time the last ten years self-employed, four of them in West Africa as a volunteer aid worker.

Chris’ most recent project is a series of Unconventional Guides and other informational products. These will be available for purchase and expound upon the topics he regularly tackles on his blog: Life, Work and Travel.

The Unconventional Guide to Working for Yourself is an authoritative look at being self-employed. It explains how you can make money and spend Read more

Although a trip to Peru no matter what time of year is enjoyable, knowing what the weather patterns are can help you to pick the best time to visit. Peru’s two seasons are wet and dry, or summer and winter. The dry months (winter season) runs from May until October, and the months of July and August in particular see a lot of tourism traffic.

From November/December on to April marks the rainy season, and hotter temperatures. During this time the coast is extremely hot and very humid, making it a little less than pleasant. Although the temperatures in the mountains are considerably cooler during this time, the heavy rainfalls throughout the Andes can be dangerous.

cFares.com – Read more

There is no need to worry about being able to stay in touch with friends and family back home while you’re in Peru. Every town has a Telefonica del Peru with several private phone booths. All you do is give the operator the number you would like to call and they put the call through for you.

Larger towns have street telephone kiosks, and many hotels offering long distance calling as well. These are best to use if available, because the Telefonica offices tend to be more crowded. Internet cafes often double as call centers, enabling you to kill two birds with one stone.

If you prefer to have a cell phone, you can Read more

Before traveling to Peru it is a good idea to check with the embassy or a trustworthy travel agent in regards to health matters. Although there are currently no required health precautions to enter the country, some chose to have typhoid, cholera, and yellow fever shots before going, just to be extra careful. Doctors may also recommend immunization against hepatitis A.

The developed cities in Peru are at less of a risk for disease than the Amazon regions. Oftentimes entrance into the Amazon requires proof of inoculation for yellow fever. If you have not been treated, they will administer the shot right there at the checkpoint. In the jungle malaria is also an issue, so either wear long Read more

Visiting Peru is definitely cheaper than Europe or the United States, but the amount you spend depends greatly on where you are and when you go. Low budget travelers can spend about 10 – 20 US dollars per person per day, if they take extra care to do so. For those who plan on staying in mid-range hotels, enjoying reasonable restaurants, and using taxis now and again should be able to get by on 40 US a day. For those who wish to enjoy your stay in comfort, eat the finest foods and completely avoid public transportation, 60 US is sufficient.

Budget meals cost between US $2-5, while budget lodging costs between US $5-10. Mid-range restaurants charge US Read more

Like most countries in Central and South American, United States citizens entering Peru do not need to apply for a special visa. Upon arriving in the country, the stamp in your passport is used as your entrance into the country, and is valid for a period of 90 days. Extensions can be obtained for US $20 per additional month, plus an administration fee of about 30 soles. You are limited to an additional 180 days, but may cross the border into any neighboring country an re-enter.

If you are traveling for business purposes you will need to apply for a special visa, which you can get here. You will also need a 2×2 photograph, a valid US Read more