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From Peru to Ecuador...
Piura, Peru is the ideal spot from which to enter Ecuador, especially
if you want to visit Vilcabamba. On the independent traveler circuit,
word is that the crossing via La Tina/Macará is less of
a hassle than at Tumbes (a more frequently trafficked border post).
Although no travel guidebooks that I have read mention this, there
is a bus run by Chiclayo Transportes (across from the Ippsa bus
terminal) that goes from Piura to Loja, Ecuador through La Tina/Macará.
I experienced no problems: I got off the bus on the Peruvian side
to get my passport stamped, then walked across a bridge to the
Ecuadorian side, where the bus was waiting for us to reboard.
There are a number of buses leaving from Piura daily, but times
vary, so check at the office for details.
Julia, London, England |
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Check out Chulucanas
If you end up having a day to kill in Piura, go out to Chulucanas
to see and maybe even buy some of its famous pottery. If you traveled
through Peru, no doubt you saw the dark-colored ceramics of roly-poly
people, dancing, playing, and selling chicha beer, among other
poses. Chulucanas is the home to these. A number of shops around
the main plaza sell this pottery. Sometimes, if you buy some pieces,
the potter himself will give you a personal demonstration of his
craft. Chulucanas is about 2 hours away from Piura and is accessible
by frequent bus service.
Julia, London, England |
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Perfect money in Peru...
Remember this when preparing cash for your trip. If your bills
look old, torn or damaged in any way, no one, not even banks will
accept them in Peru. So, ladies, make sure that you leave home
with "new" money only. |
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What she wore in Ecuador...
When I was in the Amazon lowlands in Ecuador, I wore grey long
tights to protect my legs from insect bites. These take no room
to pack, will not wrinkle, and double as sleepwear in the significantly
colder climate in Quito's high Andes. In the Amazon, count on
getting your clothes really dirty because of the daily rains and
all that mud. The mud was invisible on my heather-grey thighs.
I took old T-shirts and sneakers too and left all that behind.
(It is a good idea to pack old clothes and leave them behind or
you can trade them for crafts with the locals.) Also in the Amazon
be sure you've got a waterproof watch and Tevas or other sandals
that can get wet. For protection against the rain, a poncho will
always work better then a raincoat because it also covers up your
daypack and luggage (by the way this same clothing advice worked
very well for me in the Galapagos Islands).
Erika, Spokane, USA |
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What she wore in Peru...
On my visits to Peru I always try to fit in by wearing jeans,
tennis shoes and t-shirts (but no name brand stuff) and I don't
wear a lot of make up.....that's all I can say. People out there
were really nice to me and I never had any trouble with anyone.
I loved my visits to Peru.
Julie, Houston, USA |
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Best Black Forest Cake in
Peru
Feel like pampering yourself during the rigors of travel in northern
Peru? Make sure your journey takes you through the city of Trujillo,
and don't miss a visit to Cafe Romano. An oasis of fine food and
attentive service, it's almost worth the trip to Trujillo just
for their selection of deserts; including the best black forest
cake south of the Panama Canal!
Daisy Kunstaetter, Quito, Ecuador |
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Carry your passport in Ecuador...
This is an important piece of information for JourneyWomen travelling
to Ecuador. Did you know that you are required by Ecuadorean law
to carry your passport (not a photocopy) with you at all times?
Failure to do so can result in imprisonment and/or deportation.
Don't take any chances.
Footprint South American Handbook 2002 |
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Women Take Taxis in Peru...
I enjoyed my time in Peru but I want to pass this important tip
along to other JourneyWomen. Whether you're travelling solo or
with a friend, my advice is never to walk anywhere in Peru after
dark. To avoid being mugged, take taxis even when the distances
are very, very short. Ask your driver to watch that you make it
safely into your hotel, restaurant or anywhere else you're going.
I walked (with a man friend) and we were both mugged!
Rhona W., Toronto, Canada |
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Women-only "Sleeps" in Quito,
Ecuador...
If you're looking for economical hassle-free accommodations in
Quito, Ecuador, check out 'Hostel Eva Luna' on Calle Roca 630
near Avenida Amazonas, Tel: 234-799. This hostel is for women
only and the modest price of US$5/night includes use of kitchen
and laundry facilities. It might be worth looking in to!
Daisy Kunstaetter, Quito, Ecuador |
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