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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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