Banks Several local and national banks are located in Huaraz as well as 24/7 ATM's - these are all located close to the Plaza del Armas and downtown area. We've used a variety of ATM cards during our trips to Huaraz and never had any problems with the ATM's in town. Money Many of the trekking agencies only accept cash. All convenience stores only accept cash. Pharmacies and some restaurants accept major credit cards. As in other parts of … [Read more...]
Iquitos, Peru – Eco Vagabond Lodge
UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY THIS LODGE IS NOW CLOSED If it reopens under new ownership we will post the update here. One jungle lodge you will NEVER find in a travel guidebook is the Eco Vagabond Lodge located about 1 hour from Iquitos by fast boat. This rustic lodge sits mere meters from the great Amazon River. It is owned by an Argentine and a Peruvian - they no longer live at the lodge, but a fabulous bilingual guide Carmina who is in her … [Read more...]
Saigon, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, (HCMC) or Saigon (District 1), was founded about 300 years ago. This is Vietnam's largest city with around 9 million people. For comparison, the roots of Hanoi in the north date back to the 3rd century BC and that city was founded more then 1000 ago. Ho Chi Minh City can be explored on bike or foot. However be aware that traffic conditions can be horrific at times - Ho Chi Minh City features thousands of motor bikes - they … [Read more...]
Saigon, Vietnam – Attractions
Many of Saigon's primary attractions are located in District 1 or 3 and often are within walking distance of each other. Tours outside of the city are usually reached by bus. Here are a few attractions that we have visited during multiple trips to Saigon. Ben Thanh Market is located in District 1 and houses numerous vendors selling a wide variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, fruits and vegetables. This market was first built in 1914. Large … [Read more...]
Saigon, Vietnam – More Information
In addition to the below websites additional information about Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) can be received by either writing, calling or visiting: Official Vietnam Office of Tourism Address: 80 Quan Su, Hanoi Telephone: (84-4) 9437072-21/ 8223651 Most international visitors will arrive at the primary airport, (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) located about an hour or more from central Saigon with traffic (or less then 30 minutes without … [Read more...]
Cuzco, Peru – Other Activities
Ruins - purchasing a Boleto Turistico (ticket) provides one-time only admission to any of 16 different tourist attractions in the region including Incan ruins and historical buildings and museums in Cuzco. One of the most popular ruins outside of Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, is located just above Cuzco. A bloody battle was fought here between the Spanish and the Incas. It is amazing the size of the huge stone walls that surround these ruins. … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Colca Canyon
For those who are in decent shape, a trek in Colca Canyon is one of the highlights of visiting Arequipa. Choose from a variety of trekking itineraries ranging from 1 to 2 to 3+ days. The actual canyon is about 4-5 hours by bus from Arequipa (depending on which trailhead you use). We do not recommend doing this as a day trip - as the distances are to great, with very limited time at the canyon and extremely early departure and late arrival times. … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Other Activities
All listings on this page are alphabetized. We visited or participated in all the activities listed on this page. Colca Canyon - view our description here El Misti - towers above Arequipa at 5,822 M or 19,101 feet. Visitors to the city can't miss it; it dominates the skyline. Several options are available for hiking in its vicinity or climbing to the top. A normal climb is 2 to 3 days but those who have problems with altitude or are not … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – More Information
Banks are plentiful especially around the center of town and Plaza del Armas. Unlike most other cities, there are some banks in Arequipa that actually are open on Sundays! ATM machines are abundant in the center of town and are open 24/7. Taxi Drivers - in Arequipa do not use meters. You need to decide on a price before you get into the car. Typically trips around town will cost merely several soles. We used Alberto Loayza, a taxi driver … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is known worldwide and is certainly the most famous attraction in Cambodia; it is located only 6km from the old market in Siem Reap - take Charles DeGaulle Blvd to reach the main Angkor Wat temples. Tourists used to be denied access to rent motor bikes for personal use (because of the danger of landmines) but now one can rent a bike for use around Siem Reap. You can either rent a taxi, tuk-tuk, regular bicycle, or go with someone on … [Read more...]