Hello,
In a few weeks I will be going to Peru, and I have a couple of questions :-)

1) In the Ica/Pisco area we would like to see the Ballestas islands, Paracas and the dunes (buggy ride or sandboarding maybe). However, I can't decide which would be the best place to stay in a hotel. Pisco seems a good option because it is closest to Paracas and the islands, but after the earthquake maybe it's better to go to Ica? Are there sufficient tourist companies in Ica to offer tours to Paracas/Ballestas islands?

2) As soon as we arrive in Cusco, we would like to book a 4 or 5 day trip to Manú national park. This would be around 5 days in advance. Should this be sufficient, or should we book more in advance? Also, would something like 600 dollars be a reasonable price for a 5 day tour? (it's what I can find on the internet, but maybe the price "on the streets" is different?)

3) My local currency is the euro. In Peru, I will carry a VISA card but I also want to take enough cash, to quickly get around the first week (or maybe a bit longer). Upon arrival in Lima airport, I will take a taxi to the bus station and drive to Ica or Pisco right away. About the cash, I think I've got 3 options:
3.a) I bring euros (or dollars?), and exchange them to Soles at the Lima airport (if possible).
3.b) I bring euros (or dollars?), pay the taxi and the bus in euros (or dollars) and exchange everything to Soles in Ica/Pisco.
3.c) I bring a minimum amount of euros (or dollars?) and get my Soles out of an ATM at the airport (if there is one) with VISA.
Any idea's of what might be the best option?

Thanks for any tips, they're greatly appreciated!

Wim

3. a. - My experience has been you get the best exchange rates at the airport. Some countries offer a better exchange for larger denomination bills - strange but true.

The worst option would be getting a cash advance on your Visa card. And if you were simply using an ATM card and withdraw money from your bank account, the international ATM fees could be at least 2%.

Based on personal experience, you may want to alert both your credit card company and your bank where you'll be and for how long, so they don't put a "fraud alert" on your accounts, which might make it impossible to get money from a machine.

1. It's no problem to stay in Pisco. I was there 6 weeks after the earthquake, and altho the city was largely in ruins I could find a decent accom which I can also recommend (Hostal San Isidro). The hostal can arrange Islas Ballestas tour for you.
You can also stay in Paracas but the place is much smaller.
2. Any tours can be bought locally, while you're there, and usually at much better prices. The only exception is Inca trail that needs to be booked months ahead.
3. Euro is just fine. Keep a small amount with you, just in case, €100 per person, in small bills and in prestine condition. That's your 3c option.
Use ATMs (also at the airport). They despense usually max 600 soles, some (only in Lima) upto 1200.
Even when paying with 100 soles bill you might find it difficult to get change. That's a much bigger amount that it'd be in Europe.

I just got back from Peru and one thing I will tell you about any cash you bring down there is make sure it hasn't been folded in your hidden leather money belt like mine was, or you have any rips in it, cause they will not like it at all. Your best bet is to exchange at the airport, not that the exchange rates are the best, that I don't know, but who knows when and where is a safe location for a bank. There are some ATM's which are located all over any place where tourist frequent. I didn't use. I'm mostly a cash man. The exchange rate right now is about 287 for US dollars. If you are waiting in line for a bus tickert to machu Pichu at Aguas Calientes, as an example(they only accept soles)the entreprenuerial lady with the handbag will exchange for 270, so you provide a little immediate philanthropy and that's not going to kill you, or you get out of line and look for an ATM.

rgds

charlie