How To Haggle Like A Pro In Any Latin American Market

Roll your sleeves up, it’s time to make some purchases on your Latin American vacation! It could be a market stall, back-street shop or wandering vendor. Whatever the custom in your country, you are practically expected to haggle for prices or pay much more than you should. Here are some tips to help you have fun and get a good price.

Getting your haggling head on

First of all, expect prices to be flexible and don’t feel worried about asking for a discount.

• Vendors will try their luck and ask for a much higher price than normal, so you should try your luck and ask for a much lower one!
• Remember that negotiating is not arguing; you’re not aiming to get into a screaming match, but trying to find a fair price for the item that is acceptable to both parties.
• Don't be embarrassed about asking for money off! Being price savvy is not being cheap.

Preparation

As with any good negotiation, you shouldn’t walk into things cold.

• Work out how much you want to spend; haggling is the process of getting the best possible value for that amount of money.
• Research the product you want to buy - typically Latin America markets and shops are full of the same items, so you can do a price survey in a couple of other locations.
• If you can, bring someone with you who speaks the language.
• If not, bring a calculator to show numbers (the universal language) and do conversions if you are not totally familiar with the local currency
• Dress down and don’t give the impression of someone with a lot of money to spend.

Beginning the negotiation

A much as you may want to discuss price, never jump straight into it...

• Build rapport with vendor, and show an interest in their business, life and country whilst remaining polite and positive.
• If you notice something you like, never show interest. During the haggling process never appear needy and be prepared to walk away empty handed (sometimes this even helps as part of the negotiation).
• Price-wise, what is good for one is good for all - out of respect for the vendor negotiate quietly so no-one else can hear and don’t shoot off at the mouth about the deal that you just got.
• Allow the vendor to sell their product - this will relax them.
• Make sure the vendor makes the first offer, no matter how much they ask you for the opening price!

Getting down to business

OK, the first move has been made. Now comes the fun part!

• Establish their baseline price - go as low as possible in your counter-offer! Expect a dramatic response, as it’s all part of the haggling game...
• At no point in the negotiation should you mention your budget!
• Have an excuse to walk away if the haggling gets too intense - maybe you’ve got to meet friends or your tour group is waiting.
• Don’t say anything after your counter-offer until the vendor replies - silence is awkward, but golden.
• Check the quality of the product - if you can see any flaws, angle for an extra discount!

Closing the deal

It’s all agreed - counter-offers have gone back and forth and you’re both finally set

• At this point you should really commit to purchasing to honor your verbal contract. Many Latin America vendors are poor and it is unfair to commit to a price without purchasing.
• However, when the final price is fixed, there’s no reason not to try and go for low-value extras or accessories to throw in with your purchase. You should try to do some research into these before you begin your negotiation as well.

Do you have any other tips for haggling in Latin America? What are some of your haggling experiences?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

 

10 Reasons You Need A Latin American Vacation Right Now

If you’re reading this, you are struggling with a decision. You want a vacation, probably to Latin America, but there seem to be a hundred reasons not to go. Maybe you are worried that there’s not enough money in the bank, or you are concerned about losing your job in the current economic climate if you “slack off”.

At a time like this, you need a motivator! Instead of focusing on reasons not to travel, turn things on their head. Lets look at ten great reasons to book your Latin American vacation and start getting excited!

1) For starters...having something to look forward to
It’s good to be excited in anticipation of something. Preparations, speculating what will happen, the impending freedom and escape...it will make the last couple of weeks as work so much easier!

2) Be able to step back and look at the bigger picture
A vacation is a break - a pause from routine, a chance to get away from regular life. If you leave on vacation with a problem or decision that has been bothering you for ages, you won’t have the distractions that normally prevent you from getting some head-space. With time for yourself, the decision or solution to your problem will come much easier.

3) Get the health benefits
Countless studies have proved that people who use their vacation time enjoy the benefits; reduced chances of heart attack, depression, mental fatigue...the list goes on. Think of it as a more pleasant alternative to a grinding gym routine or chewing salad for the rest of your life.

4) Come back from your vacation a different person
On vacation you’ll be exposed to countless new experiences, places and people. If you open yourself up to Latin America, it has the potential to change your world perspective. From spiritual retreats in the Sacred Valley of Peru to fireside discussions with indigenous Guatemalans, you’ll see a side of life you’d never get close to in an office cubicle.

5) Challenge yourself and become tougher for it
Travel is hard. Well, as hard as you want it to be. Everyone has their own comfort level, and travel helps you push that - maybe you never knew you could dance the tango, or could do a four day trek. You’ll come back from vacation a stronger person for the challenges that you’ve faced.

6) Put your Spanish lessons to good use
Been struggling with Spanish for a while? There’s no better motivation to practice than using your language skills in a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak English...

7) Be the envy of your friends
Don’t deny it; there’s always a kick of satisfaction when people ask you about your vacation...and you have some incredible stories to tell them. It also helps that while you were away exploring Latin America, not a great deal changed at home!

8) Get closer to the friends or family that you travel with
Real life sometimes takes away the time that we’d otherwise spend with friends and family. If you decide to travel with other people, it’ll be a wonderful opportunity to re-establish a bond. The relationship will grow from your shared experiences.

9) Discover the beauty, ridiculousness, surprise and variety of the world
Be inspired, get creative, laugh at the craziness of Latino life that you’ll encounter. Things certainly won’t be the same as your home country...

10) Return to everyday life refreshed
With all the things that your vacation has to offer, you’ll be going back to life at home feeling refreshed, energized, ready to take on the coming months - quite different from the person who left a few weeks previously!

Are you struggling with the idea of cutting loose and booking a vacation? What are your concers? What other benefits have you got from vacations in the past?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

 

 

 

Stories from the Escape Artists - The Hall Family's Inca Adventures

Altitude and children in Cusco!  A heady mix…

“It’s not altitude its attitude,” my youngest says, as he runs up the narrow streets with me out of breath lagging behind.  Both Him and his sister have been quite taken with the people and culture of the Andes. Their sheer excitement for adventure has made the trip varied and memorable for us all, particularly our stay at Machu Picchu.

It is as magical and captivating as I imagined, although my mental image never featured the steep terracing around the site with no barriers! Nonetheless the children were smart and cautious with a little encouragement from the grown ups.

On the second day at the site the children wanted desperately to walk to the Sun Gate steps, the entrance to the city from the Inca Trail. My son with boundless energy at 7 years led the way, followed closely by his 9-year-old sister. Towards the top of the trail many people passed us surprised to see the children let alone on this high path that clings to the mountain. It was only a matter of time when we realized why, the last section being precariously narrow with steep steps and a handrail!

“Stick to the wall and slow down!” I shouted, ever the voice of parental control.  Meanwhile under my breath it was a different story.  A constant muttering of, “Easy girl, you can do it” calmed my jangling nerves until we reached the top.

Our reward was a spectacular view and a gratifying sense of achievement, the children mesmerized whilst sitting on the edge of the high terrace and asking a million questions about this ancient city and civilization.  If only they took this much interest in history classes at school…

Travelling with a family can be a challenge at times, but the benefits that I know the kids will get from our experiences make the effort worthwhile.  I have to say that things would have been much harder without the assistance of Escaped to Latin America – they took care of all the logistics, leaving us to enjoy our vacation.

5 Latin America Visa Nightmares And How To Avoid Them

 

 

There’s nothing like a pile of paperwork to take the joy out of a dream Latin American vacation.  

No, correction - there’s nothing like realizing that you haven’t completed a pile of paperwork, too late on to do anything about it.  No-one likes having to do it, but you need to make sure that you’ve got your visas covered.  Take heed of the 5 nightmare scenarios below to make sure you don’t get caught out at the airport before your Latin American vacation has even started.

Wait, what’s a visa?
A visa, if you’re not sure, is a stamp that goes in your passport (yes, you’ll need a passport...) which allows you to visit a country for a specific duration with a specific purpose.  Like tourism, for example.

Nightmare scenario number 1
You’re an American that wants to visit Brazil.  Surprise!  The Brazilian Government doesn’t like you...speaking in paperwork terms.

How to avoid the nightmare: Some countries will make you jump through flaming hoops in order to be able to get a simple tourist visa, whilst others will just let you show up at the airport.  The rules are changing all the time, so your only option is to check out requirements for your specific vacation destination on your government’s website.  It is also worth getting in touch with the embassy of your vacation country to check the latest requirements.  A call or email should do it.

Nightmare scenario number 2
You’re leaving in a week - your tickets are booked and everything is arranged.  That should be enough time to sort out your visa, right?  Oh.  It isn’t.  And you can’t get a refund on those tickets, or re-book your holiday...

How to avoid the nightmare: Check the requirements for your destination country before you book anything!  Time-frames vary for applications, and with thousands of people applying each week in some cases, your application could be delayed in a paper-storm.  Avoid the stress, and simply apply for the visa in good time.

Nightmare scenario number 3
You’re at the airport with a nice fresh visa pasted into your passport.  But they won’t let you board the aircraft because your passport is about to expire...in a few months?!

How to avoid the nightmare: Believe it or not, you need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return from your trip. If the expiry date is too close to your vacation date, apply for a new passport.  Make sure that you allow a few weeks for that application as well.

Nightmare scenario number 4
Ok, all set for that Brazil vacation again.  You’ve got the visa, a good passport...and the accompanying paperwork?  Sorry Sir/Madam, for a one-way flight you need some other proof that you’ll leave the country.  We’re going to have to keep you in custody until you can produce it.

How to avoid the nightmare: Some countries go beyond needing a visa. Check requirements for all accompanying paperwork with the relevant foreign embassy.  Hot topics to affect your entry could include:

• requiring an onward flight ticket from the country you are entering
• stamps from previous visits abroad affecting travel to new countries
• medical conditions and taking medicines into a country
• previous criminal convictions affecting entry eligibility
• travelling with children of whom you are not the legal guardians

Nightmare scenario number 5
What a great vacation!  Until you return to the airport...and a very large fee for an expired visa.

How to avoid the nightmare: Get the absolute maximum duration for your visa to avoid any problems - you can check this maximum with the relevant foreign embassy before applying.  Make sure that the visa fits with your dates of travel!

Do you have any nightmare visa stories?  Does any visa advice for Latin American vacationers come to mind?

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

How Your Latin American Vacation Could Change Your Life

With the global economy forcing us all to cut back on spending, it’s often vacations that are the first thing on the chopping block.  This is a huge shame - travel is a life changing experience, recognized as one of the best ways to spend your time.  Especially if you are escaping from the doom and gloom of home!  

If you need a little nudge to be convinced that booking that next Latin American vacation is a worthy investment, check out the following stories of some previous clients that I’ve arranged trips for.

Realizing what is really possible
David was a nervous person, but in a moment of madness his friends persuaded him to book a mountain biking tour on Bolivia’s infamous ‘Death Road’, a couple of thousand meters descent around narrow perilous switchbacks overlooking sheer drops.  

Egged on by his speedy companions and the reassurance of his bike guide, David actually ended up really pushing himself even though he was trembling like a leaf from the adrenaline.  By the end of the ride he realized that the only thing holding him back was his own attitude.  

I received an email from David after his return home, telling me that his trip had finally given him the boost he needed to quit his job and start a business - inspiring stuff!

Getting in touch with your spirituality
Sandra and Mark had both been struggling with their lives since their kids left home, and decided to book onto a  spiritual retreat in the Sacred Valley near Cusco.  The retreat was a challenging 10 day experience in an isolated setting, and both of them confronted tough personal issues as a result of the process.  

However, it turned out to be worth the effort - they left the meditation centre with a much clearer idea of what they wanted from the next stage of their lives.

A journey that you finish as a different person
Pilgrimage has been around as a religious journey of self-discovery for thousands of years, but you don’t have to commit to a religion to get the benefits.  

Carlos and three of his friends booked a cycle tour around the vineyards of Argentina.  They had a great time travelling between some of the best vineyards in South America, but also got to know much more about themselves as a result of reflective thinking time on the road.  

Friends and family were quick to notice the difference when the guys got back, and the group has since booked onto another cycle tour to allow for time away in reflection every year.

Seeing another side of life
The favelas of Rio De Janiero are known as some of the worst areas of poverty in Latin America.  Julie was determined to give her time and effort to help out some of the families in the slum areas, and I arranged for her to volunteer as an English teacher as part of her vacation to Brazil.  

“It was incredible,” she told me afterwards, “They were living in the worst conditions I’ve ever seen, and had nothing, but they were so happy and contented with life.”  

The experience changed her perspective dramatically.  “Even though it was a challenging experience for me, it made me think hard about what is important to me in life, and to be more grateful for what I have.”

What do you think is the common factor for life changing vacations?  Do you remember a vacation that changed your life, and what happened?

 

 Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

How to Get The Most From Your Luggage Allowance and Avoid Sneaky Charges

Ever been left fuming when the smarmy check-in assistant at the airport slaps you with an excess baggage charge?  You’re not alone.  According to research, one in five travellers get caught out on vacation with their luggage.  However, all is not lost - not only can you easily avoid paying top dollar for your cases, you can play the system at its own game.   Here’s how.

1) Find out the luggage allowance rules
This will take a little bit of preparation on your part.  Each airline has its own unique and frequently-changing set of rules.  If you have any hope of avoiding a nasty surprise at the check-in desk, you’ll have to go to the airline’s website and find out what they are.

• Check weight and size limits for check-in baggage and carry-on items.
• Find out which items are prohibited and in what quantities (for example, 50ml of specific liquids).
• Some airlines also permit you to check extra bags for a relatively low fixed fee.  Find out restrictions and costs for this

2) Break the luggage allowance rules!
Ok, you’re up to speed with the airline restrictions and all the cunning ways that they will try and squeeze you for money.  Have you considered any of the following hacks to get around the charges?

• Pick some of your biggest and heaviest clothes, and put them all on.  If you’ve got a jacket with lots of pockets, fill them to bursting; you don’t even have to wear it!
• Family outing?  Everyone has a baggage allowance, and if you check with the airline you’ll see that parents can normally combine luggage allowances with their kids.
• Check in people are not always unbending - if you are a little over the weight limit, and know you are, a nice smile and an apology often gets you checked in charge free!
• Some items of specialist sports equipment can enjoy free check-in (for example, golf clubs on a couple of airlines), so try stuffing other items into the equipment cases.  If there are no equipment exceptions with your airline, it’s probably best to pay up-front as showing up to the airport unannounced with your specialist kit could result in some much larger fees.
• Most airlines allow you a “personal item”, which can include a briefcase, camera, handbag/purse, laptop (in carry bag) or a multitude of other items.  Instead of stuffing a bulky SLR camera into your case, why not just carry it on-board?

3) Avoid the luggage allowance rules
If the airline has been too cunning in planning out its rules, you’ll just have to avoid them. Preparation is key here, so take a little time to run through the following steps.

• Weigh your bags to check if you are within limits.  Use electric scales as manual scales can be a little inaccurate.
• Avoid the whole debacle by sending your luggage ahead by courier to your destination.
• Don’t pack anything that you can buy at your destination - toothpaste does exist in other parts of the world...
• Leave out non-essential items by checking the weather where you are headed - maybe you don’t need that ski-jacket after all.
• Prepare for the return journey - you’ll inevitably want to bring some things back from your vacation, so make some space!  Pack your bags and then take out 5 items that, on brutal reflection, you really don’t need.  If you need help, get someone else to pack with you and ask if you really need each item that you’re trying to cram into your suitcase.

Have you ever been caught out by luggage charges?  Do you have any other advice or tips for air-travellers?

 

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

7 Tips And Tricks To Make The Most Of Your Money On A Latin America Vacation

The last thing you want after returning from a relaxing Latin American vacation is to feel the veins throbbing on your forehead when you see your bank statement.

Hidden travel costs and charges are around every corner waiting to slap you, but with a bit of preparation you can breathe a sigh of relief when you check your post-vacation account balance.

Here are 7 easy to implement money-wise tips that will save you hundreds on your next vacation.

1) Credit and Debit Cards - your plastic best friends
Credit cards are widely accepted to make payments in larger hotels, better restaurants, souvenir shops and stores, and to obtain cash advances. They are also acceptable as ‘proof of funds’ at borders. There’s also an ever-growing network of ATM machines that make it very easy to withdraw cash in local currency.

Visa is the most widely accepted for both purchases and cash advances, followed by MasterCard. American Express is not as widely accepted but also a good option.

Advances are increasingly available using ATMs (cajeros electronicos), for which Cirrus, Maestro, Plus and Delta cards may also be used, plus you can walk into many banks and arrange a higher cash advance in certain countries (Peru and Colombia for example). The rate of exchange is often the most favorable, and long bank queues can be avoided.

2) Check to see if your bank is sneaky
Before leaving you should check with your bank or credit card company whether they impose any handling charges. Make sure you have a separate note of the number and validity of your cards, as well as the phone numbers to call should they be lost or stolen.

It may also be worthwhile advising your bank that you intend to use your card abroad (and in which countries). Some banks, if they detect an irregular spending pattern, assume the card to be stolen and suspend the account. Barclays in the UK have very tight controls on its cards for example, Barclays customers beware!

Check your account carefully on return from Latin America to ascertain that payments for the card are legitimate.

3) Get the right ‘balance’ of local currency vs US dollars
It is not advisable to try to acquire Latin American currency before travelling. If a currency is
available in High Street banks or foreign exchange outlets the exchange rate is usually very
poor (nor will they be interested in buying any Latin American currency back when you return).
Strikes notwithstanding, you should be able to change dollars and / or travelers checks at the
airport or border upon arrival but try to avoid changing in the actual airport itself as the rate will be very poor. A good option would be to take a small amount of local currency from the airport ATM.

In Latin America, small denominations of US $ cash are often as readily accepted as the local currency, so keep a bundle of small bills as backup. If travelling between neighboring countries in Latin America any surplus local currencies can usually be exchanged into the next local currency, but normally only at border posts, the next big town across the border or airports, and nearly always at a loss.

To avoid getting scammed on your currency exchanges, check the Internet for the latest update on rates and write down how much to expect back in the new currency when you hand your money over.

4) Travelers Checks? Nope.
Traveler´s checks are increasingly less favored by travelers who find their use cumbersome in
comparison with bank cards. Traveler´s checks are becoming harder to cash and the charges are creeping higher.

There are a lots of alternatives, so if you you want to be smart with your money, this probably is not your best option.

5) Eat, sleep and travel local
Even though the cost of living in Latin America differs enormously between countries and can fluctuate wildly over time within a single country or region, services directed at tourists (e.g. hotels and restaurants) are more expensive.

The price of restaurant meals in Latin America varies as much as it does in Europe. At the bottom end of the scale, cheap, filling and often none-too hygienic meals can be obtained in markets, often for just a couple of dollars. This is usually the best source of regional food, but be aware of the high risk of stomach upsets. Modern snack bars, often of the fast-food variety, are much safer and cheaper, if uninspiring. A bit more up-market, you will find restaurants with pleasant decor, uniformed waiters, and menus offering both international and local dishes, but you will pay accordingly. Ask your tour operator for their suggestions.

6) Tipping - A little goes a long way (but sometimes too far)
It is impossible to give firm guidelines regarding how much to tip a provider of services in Latin
America, as the cost of living varies widely from country to country. However, it’s extremely uncomfortable to be caught out in a situation where you should or shouldn’t be tipping, especially as it is the major source of income in some jobs. But you don’t want to be taken for a ride by a crafty local - there’s nothing worse than getting scammed.

Be sure to get some advice on tipping situations in your destination - your travel agent / tour operator or a good guide book will provide you with suggestions for situations in which tipping is expected, and how much.

Whatever the amounts and situations, be sure to have to have small-denomination coins in local currency. You’re not likely to get change from tipping a large note, and foreign currency won’t be much use to the majority of people.

7) Bargaining - fight for your discount
Bargaining is normal procedure in most street and indoor markets, though no fair generalization can be made about the amount by which the price can be reduced. Shed any inhibitions you had about a pricing debate, and enjoy the negotiation!

Tourists can usually expect to have to pay more than locals. In Peru, the asking price is often 50% more than the vendor is prepared to accept, while the Otavalo Indians in Ecuador and street traders in Bolivia rarely come down more than 10%. In Guatemala, some traders will reduce their prices by 30% and others hardly at all.

Many street vendors are extremely poor, so respectfully bear this in mind when relentlessly hammering down prices.

Have you got any money-saving tips for travelling in Latin America? Do you remember when you ended up spending way too much money, or you avoided spending anything?

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

6 Options For Contacting Home When Travelling Latin America - For eGeniuses And Technophobes Alike

So, the Latin America vacation plans are set. Tickets are booked, packing is done, dog has been left with the neighbours. All the vaccinations have been injected (ouch), visas are arranged and there’s no sign of political unrest on the television. What have you forgotten?

Oh, that’s right - you’re leaving Mum behind, and she’s worried that you’ll never come back. And all your friends keep asking you to let them know about your adventures. How are you going to keep everyone updated?

You may be escaping the country for a well-earned Latin America vacation, but you’ll probably still need to send word back home. Here are 6 options for keeping in contact when travelling, no matter if you’re a iWhiz or you have trouble finding the on-switch on a computer.

Low-tech options for staying in contact while travelling
Get confused working a microwave? These are for you...

1) Postcards
Ahhh, postcards; the classic option. Who really needs more than a couple of sentences to say that you’re still alive and wishing that the recipient was there? You should be able to find postcards all over the place on your travels, but you can always take some with you just in case. If you’re really organized, you can even pre-fill the addresses.

Another option is to get a couple of your travel photos printed as a postcard alternative - try taking the memory card of your digital camera to a printing shop, and then scribble a message and a sending address on the back with a postage stamp!

Remember that in most places it costs more to send something in an envelope; postcards are your cheapest option.

2) Pay phones/Call centres
A long time ago in a galaxy far away, people used landlines to talk to each other. Believe it or not, this still happens and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a payphone.

To get the best possible deal with land line calls, you should probably buy an international calling-card. Post offices, call centres or even your hotel will sell cards that give you a better rate when phoning home.

Medium-tech options for staying in contact while travelling
You’re not afraid of a couple of gadgets. Bring it on!

3) Cell phones
Most of us know how to work a cell phone these days, and probably have our own. You’ve got a couple of options for using it abroad; get an international talk plan from your current network provider, or pick up a SIM card in your destination country.

If you go down the talk-plan route, be wary of excessive call fees, and find out if you can get a tariff that allows you to call a limited selection of numbers for cheap. Also check out other network providers - now might be a good time to switch for a better deal.

To get a calling plan in your destination country, you’ll have much cheaper options for calls within the country that you’re visiting, and quite possibly when calling home. You can even use your current cell phone in some cases, but most likely you’ll need to get it unblocked. Ask your tour operator for advice on this, or any local vacation friends that you make.

Either way, text messaging will cost you a lot less than calls, so get those thumbs warmed up and practise communicating in 140 characters!

4) Email
If you don’t have an email account already, it’s easy and free to open one with companies like Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail; a Google search will give you the link to get started.

Gather email addresses from friends and family to get your mailing list ready and send them all a test message before you leave to check that all the addresses work.

If you really want to make life easier for yourself, try making a group on your email program to avoid typing all the addresses in every time; the program help files should provide instructions on how to do this.

High-tech options for staying in contact while travelling
You’re reading this on the internet after running a search for it - these options should be no problem!

5) Blogging
Blogging is an alternative to email. Instead of sending a message to someone, you post stories, photos and videos on a unique page on the internet and your friends and family can visit it to see what you’re up to.

Here are the simplest options to get a travel blog set up. All these options are free. If you’d like to be handed a travel blogging program on a plate, try websites like Matador.com or Travelblog.org.

If you’d rather choose a more personal looking blog but don’t feel like writing an essay every time you post, Tumblr is an attractive, simple option for short posting. If you’d like the whole shebang for longer posting in an easy to setup format, try Blogger.

6) Skype
You want to make free calls to anyone anywhere in the world. So what’s stopping you?

Skype is a revolutionary program that allows users to make calls over the internet completely free between computers, or very cheaply to landlines or cell phones internationally. You’ll find the program installed in most computers in Internet cafes around the globe.

You can register for a free account on the website www.skype.com but to be able to make completely free calls the person that you want to contact must have a computer with the program installed as well. Clear, simple instructions are on Skype’s website to help get you started.

What do you think is the best way to stay in touch with friends and family from abroad? What are your experiences with these options? Are there any options missing from this list?

Author: Steve Mellor - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Nicknames To Listen Out For On A Peru Vacation

Did you have a nickname in school or college, or even one that has stayed with you to the present day?

In Peru people are very fond of using nicknames which will often follow them throughout life, not just at school or college. Known as ‘apodos’ or ‘motes’, nicknames may be based on where someone is from, a physical characteristic, a play on their name, a term of affection or any other number of sources.

Oy, Fatty!
Some nicknames based on physical characteristics may be seen as derogatory or even offensive in the west, but in Latin America it is often just a case of “say what you see”.

Therefore nicknames such as “gordo” (fatty or chubby), “flaco” (skinny), “negro” (black), “chino” (Chinese), "Chancho" (piggy) and “peludo” (hairy), are fairly commonplace, and do not have the same negative connotations as elsewhere. Another common example is that someone with green eyes will often be known as “El gato” meaning “The cat” due to the fact that green eyes are unusual in Latin America.

These nicknames are also often softened by using the diminutive which is done by adding “ito” or “ita” depending on whether the target is male or female, so gordo becomes gordito, flaco becomes flaquito, and so on.

Eeey, Gringo!
There are a number of nicknames based on where someone comes from in wide use in Latin America, and these can be derogatory or not. Some of these relate to people from a certain country, others for people from a certain city. Probably the best known of these is the term originally used by Mexicans for North Americans, but now widely used throughout Latin America for almost anyone from both North America and Europe which is of course “Gringo”, or the feminine version “Gringa”.

What do Latinos call other Latinos?
Others widely used in Latin America are “Porteño” for someone who hails from Buenos Aires, “Chilango” for residents of Mexico City used mainly by people from Northern Mexico. “Carioca” is for those born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, whilst "Chapin" refers to someone from Guatemala. Boricua is a term for Puerto Ricans (also called Puerto-Riqueños), whilst in Costa Rica they call each other "Ticos" and "Ticas" for men and women respectively.

On a side note, people in the United States refer to themselves as Americans but in Latin America that term can be used for anyone in the New World as of course it is all “the Americas” in both the northern and southern parts of the continent. A little care needs to be excercised with the term as well, given that it is really the indigenous peoples who were the original “Americans”.

A particularly famous nickname is that of “Che” given to the Argentine revolutionary icon Ernesto Guevara by his Cuban counterparts. This comes from an expression commonly used by Argentines in their speech. You too can be a revolutionary if you hang out in Buenos Aires for long enough...

Other commonly used terms amongst Peruvians for girls include: chulita, mamita, mamisonga, mami, bebota, nenita and nena. For boys common terms are: papito, bebo, chulito, nene, nenito and machito.

Finally there is the wonderfully inventive art form of nicknaming soccer players. Try “La pulga” (the flea), “Buitre” (vulture), “Polilla” (moth), “El Brujo” (the wizard) and “Tulipano Negro” (black tulip).

What did you just call me?
Whilst on a vacation to Latin America you may well be referred to by one or more of the nicknames described above. Whilst some are less flattering than others, the best solution is not to take offence but just go with it, as these are commonplace and most likely not meant to offend.

Have you heard any other nicknames on a Peru vacation? What would your Peruvian nickname be? Leave your comments below!

Author: Steve Mellor - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

4 Ways to Ensure a Unique Peru Vacation

If you want to find out how native Peruvians live and what is important to them, you'll have to look off the beaten track. Here are some suggestions for places and activities for tourists who want to encounter the native or 'indigenous' side of the country on their Peru tour or vacation.

Ollantaytambo, a unique town in the Sacred Valley of Peru
A town in the Sacred Valley of Peru where you may come in contact with indigenous people going about their daily business is Ollantaytambo (called Ollanta by the locals). The town is laid out much the same way as it was during the time of the Incas. You travel for one and a half hours by a min-van which runs between the town and Cusco or you can take a combi from Urubamba’s bus station. Ollantaytambo is one of the rare examples of a well-touristed town which still maintains a focus on its indigenous community. Once there, you can visit the ruins which have great religious significance, as they were the last and largest structures for defense where the Incas defeated the Spaniards in battle. Tours can be led by guide or self-guided with a book that can be purchased in the market below the ruins. The tours concentrate not on the battles but on the architectural significance of the canyon and temple walls and the fountains that still function. You can also hike the hill known as Pinkullyuna which has Inca storehouses and overlooks the main ruins. The views are spectacular and the hike, climbing steeply up the valley sides, will be a workout that you won't regret.

Vicos in the central Andes of Peru
Living in ten neighborhoods in the central Andes of Peru near the city of Huarez in the community of Vicos is a group of 800 Quecha families. These families live along the highest
mountain range in Peru and use its natural reserves for their subsistence. An ecotourism project supported by the Mountain Institute has seven guesthouses next to the farmer’s houses, which were selected for their panoramic views and the diversity of the crops produced. Visitors to the area are rotated among the guesthouses with no more than three days at one site. Other attractions in this area include agro-ecotourism, hot springs and mountain climbing with Quecha guides.

Native villages near Iquitos
Near the town of Iquitos can be found several villages that remain untouched by modern development, including San Andrés, Santo Tomás and Santa Clara. Any of these towns can be reached by taxi from Iquitos. San Andrés is home to a National Park that is mostly forests in the high altitude, with high jungle, caves, rivers, reed beds and swamps. Aside from the local indigenous population, visitors will have no shortage of options to get in touch with nature. The vegetation that is predominant includes palms, cedars, mountain walnut trees, miniatures willows, ishpingos, choloques and quinas while the fauna features armadillos, vampire bats, spectacled bears, turkey hens, mountain tapir, deer, pumas, jaguars and the cavern catfish.

Helping children, a social project
Another way to meet Peruvians is through a social project. One of these is the “Casa Hogar Villa Martha” that is located in the Pacahacamc district of Lima and gives a new home of hope of a new life to physically and emotionally abandoned children. The purpose of the home is to give needy children education, protection, love and spiritual and moral support so that these children can become responsible human beings capable of taking care of themselves in the real world once they leave the home. The Villa Martha open its doors to volunteers and provides food and lodging for those who want to spend some time there helping out with the children. Peru has no shortage of social and development projects in all parts of the country - if you're visiting through a Peru tours company and you'd like to get involved, speak to your Peru tours operator for options.

When considering options for your next Peru vacation, try something different and visit a town more remote than the typical tourist locations or consider getting involved in a social project. Any of these will make your visit more unique than vacationing in the typical tourist spots.

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

How To Fall In Love On Your Chile Vacation

Chile is an amazing, diverse, beautiful, mind-blowing, thought-provoking country. If Chile was a person, you’d really, really want the chance to get chatting to it in a bar. However, just like breaking the ice in a bar conversation, it’s difficult to get to take the plunge and get to know a country properly. Most people make do with being a spectator, rushing between different tourist sites to take photos. But there is another way. You can end your Chile vacation knowing that you’re a different person for your travel experiences, that you’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with the country. How do you do it?

The key lies in getting to know the Chilean people as much as possible before you leave. The more that you can strike up a connection with it’s people, the more Chile will deliver. Try the following four steps before you get on a plane.

1) Break down the language barriers
Spanish is the most widely-spoken language in Chile, and you won’t have much hope of connecting with people if you don’t speak it. Tapes, books and videos are good, but no substitute for real conversation. Book yourself onto an evening or weekend class a month or two before your trip, roll your sleeves up and get chatting pronto!

2) Get some background on the Chilean mentality
A great way to get in touch with social themes and the attitude of a population as a whole is through its art. Try reading; books by some well known Chile authors such as Isabel Allende or poems by poets like Pablo Neruda are a good start. You could also get your head around some lyrics by listening to musicians such as Violeta Parra. In many examples of these people’s work you can see representations of a national mind-set that transcends words and will give you a greater affinity for Chileans.

3) Do some digging on what Chileans like
We’ve all got points of national pride and beloved topics of conversation, and the people of Chile are no different. Try subscribing to a Chilean news website - you’ll be able to find sites that discuss articles and features in English. Armed with a clear picture of what’s holding people’s attention in Chile and what Chileans love to talk about, you’ll find yourself getting into a lot more conversations.

4) Try to meet a Chilean before you leave
This can be tricky, but you’ll be able to cover all three points above at once if you can meet a Chilean living in your local spot. Try searching for international associations, language schools in which Chileans might work, or clubs and societies related to Latin America. It’ll be a great opportunity to try and bend your ear around the notoriously difficult Chilean accent...

Imagine getting into an enthusiastic conversation with a Chilean about their local history, or the state of their national football team. It’s not as hard as you think, and more rewarding than you can imagine! Chileans will open up to you if you take an interest in them and their country, and have the courage to break the ice in conversation. Tour companies can provide you with great destination opportunities on your Chile vacation, but only you can make the difference between being a sightseer and falling in love with Chile and Chileans for the rest of your life.

How do you prepare for a Chile vacation? Do you have any amazing experiences to share?

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

5 Things You Must do In Medellin, Colombia

If you’re either looking for options for a Colombia vacation or are trying to decide where to go for a Latin America vacation, you’ll be delighted with your decision to visit Medellin.

However, Medellin is a Colombia destination that is commonly know for a lack of tourist things to do, so why should you visit? For the lack of tourists, of course! For an opportunity to get to know a Colombian city that isn’t over-run by sightseers and where you can get a genuine feel for the country and its population, Medellin is a great option.

You’ll have a great few days in the city, which could include any of the following activities:

1) Watching a world record-sized flower parade
Medellin is known with its temperate climate as the City of Eternal Spring, making any time of year good for a visit. However, you can see the best of Medellin in early August, when the Festival of the Flowers (Fería de las Flores) is scheduled; a series of parades, concerts, speeches, craft sales and impromptu parties.

2) Rock climbing the easy (or hard) way at El Penol
A two-hour drive from Medellin is the imposing free-standing rock of El Penol. A breathless climb up some steep steps carved into the giant stone face will take you to the top, presenting some spectacular views. More adventurous types can arrange for the equipment to attempt a rock-climb.

3) Get a dose of internationally-renowned art
An internationally-known sculptor from Medellin, Fernando Botero is famous for his over-sized human figures. Visitors to Plaza Botero can see and interact with his sculptures, as well as seeing other works in the more formal setting of Museo de Antioquia.

4) Get to know the world’s biggest drug dealer
If you don’t know who Pablo Escobar is, then you probably aren’t aware that people sell illegal drugs for money. Tour operators give visitors an opportunity to get to know the hometown of the infamous Colombian, who was killed in a shootout with police in 1992. The tour will include a visit to Escobar’s grave at the local cemetery, passing by the former headquarters of his cartel (now ironically a drug rehab unit), the roof where he was shot and the collection of private planes that still litter the local airport, part of his $20 billion legacy that was eventually seized by the Colombia government.

5) Taking to the skies
If seeing Medellin and the surrounding area at street level just isn’t your thing, then tour operators offer the opportunity for paragliding flights. Those without the necessary know-how to pull strings and ride thermals can take a tandem flight, sitting back and enjoying the view while their pilot does the hard work.

A city with an interesting mix of culture, history and influences, Medellin will be the destination to give you an insight into a real working city on your Colombia vacation.

Have you visited Medellin, or done any of these activities? What were your experiences?

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Latin America / Escaped to Peru

Peru Vacation Horror Stories and How To Avoid Them

To paraphrase, "It Happens". If you are traveling independently things won't always go according to plan on your Peru vacation and often the best you can hope for is that the disaster happens to someone else. However, you can always reduce your chances of being the unwilling star of an unfolding travel nightmare by learning from other people's experiences or by having a Tour Operator take the strain. If you decide to go DIY here are 4 classics horror stories and advice to help you avoid a similar fate.

Please remember that 99% of people never encounter problems but as with any foreign country, forewarned is forearmed!

Horror story #1: Peru moto-taxis - vehicles from hell
If a force of evil was ever represented through vehicles, it would probably look a lot like a moto-taxi. Many people think that the whole experience is thrilling and funny but for others it may not be. Speeding recklessly through traffic and polluting the air as much as four to five real cars, there is very little reason for their existence. To add to the fun, one unlucky traveller fell foul of a scheme where drivers partner up with thieves. A taxi drove past him slowly with two people inside; one hopped out and robbed him, afterwards jumping back into the moto-taxi which sped off.

How to avoid the horror: Tourists can avoid problems like these by traveling in authorized taxis taken from your hotel or the airport, having taxis pre-organised by your restuarants, staying clear of bad neighbourhoods and keeping valuables hidden in transit.

Horror story #2: Peru Border crossings - from the frying pan into the fire
Another classic location for scams is when crossing between countries. In a common example, one couple was scammed crossing the border from Peru to Ecuador. They were told by someone who said he was from the only bus company that could take them across the border. He added that he could help them get the bus and the company was sending people to pick up travellers from the bus stations. Instead they were led on a merry dance to a market, then to a car park. Finally the scammers were 'picked up by the police', after which the couple had to pay the scammers several hundred dollars in order to 'cover fines'.

How to avoid the horror: With the benefit of hindsight, the advice is to never trust or follow a stranger in a border area, and to make all decisions at a border slowly and cautiously, asking for opinions of multiple people. Better still have an organized crossing with a guide and your own transport.

Horror story #3: Peru Hotel Experiences - the fine art of Peruvian customer service
Arriving late one night at the bus station an arranging to stay at a hotel with a double room, private bath and toilet, a couple were treated to a fine example of the dark side of Peruvian service. They arrived at the hotel and there was no room for them. They were forced to sleep on the floor of the common area with no privacy, take showers in the filthy workers room, and use the public restroom that had no mirror, soap, or light. They complained to the management, but it was no use. The owner said she did not speak English but during the conversation hid behind her associate and translated the conversation, saying in English at the end, “You are only two, millions come here.”

How to avoid the horror: Use websites such as tripadvisor.com to check out the real stories behind the glossy hotel brochures or select a travel agent to do the work for you. If you end up having a bad experience, you can take your revenge on the same pages to warn the "millions of others". If you choose to book through a tour company that has well-established relationships with hotels, you will add that extra level of guarantee.

Horror story #4: Climbing mountains the unpleasant way
One couple hired a guide to climb the volcano Chachani near Arequipa along with two other people. The mountain has a height of 6,000 meters and people need to acclimate themselves. The guide claimed to be of an international standard. However, the climb, which should have taken eight hours took them fourteen as the guide climbed extremely slowly and did not pay attention to the two other people who were not trained to climb such a height. He did not listen to the explanation of their struggles, and was very rude. This will definately ruin your holiday!

How to avoid the horror: Ask other travellers for recommendations when selecting guides, or only hire guides from respected agencies. Also try to avoid the temptation to cut costs, especially if you are undertaking a potentially dangerous activity such as mountaineering or remote trekking. A better-paid guide will generally provide a better level of service.

Many of these problems come from independent travel, trying to move around too quickly with little preparation and trying to bring costs down to accommodate a small travel budget. A good alternative if you're short on time is to book through a tour agency with a good level of local knowledge and a strong network of trusted tourism contacts. This way, you'll only be reading Peru vacation horror stories, instead of writing them.

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

5 Quirky Traditions To Watch Out For On Your Peru Vacation

Random. Surprising. Frustrating. Strange.

If you've ever taken a Peru Vacation, one or all of these of these words will float into your mind sooner or later. If you were expecting to encounter life in the same form as back home, you'll be in for a shock. Why is Peru so different?

It could be thousands of years of civilizations steam-rollering over each other, each leaving their own mark on the population and its behaviours. Peru today is an anthropological melting pot with modern and colonial Spanish influence in towns and cities while in the countryside Inca and pre-Inca cultures dominate day-to-day life.

As a result of this cultural mega-mix you'll bear witness to some quirky, and often disturbing, practices on a Peru vacation. Here are 5 common ones to watch out for.

1. Two Bulls, a ladder and a cross on the roof
Something that is very common in the highlands is the placing of two ceramic bulls on the roof of the house. The roofs of traditional houses are covered with red clay tiles and as you wander the streets of cities like Cusco, Pisaq and Ollantaytambo look up and you will see many pairs of bulls sitting side by side.

The most traditional bulls come from Pukara on the altiplano between Cusco and Puno and two bulls side by side (male and female) are said to signify various things; they keep the house safe with a blessing to the “Apus” (the Inca mountain gods) and ensure wealth, health and unity of the occupants. The bulls may be combined with a ladder and a cross allowing an easy passage to heaven when the time comes. This is a curious mixture of Inca and Catholic symbology, but one that is typical of many things Peruvian.

2. Red plastic bags on sticks
As you drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco you will see lots of red plastic bags on the end a very long bamboo sticks projecting from houses. These are signs! They say, "We sell Chicha," a maize or corn based alcoholic drink which is very (and in some cases, a little too) popular in the countryside.

On Sundays you will not only see the red signs but the effects on the people drinking Chicha as they stagger around small towns and villages mumbling and being overly friendly or abusive to tourists depending on what sort of week they have had.

It is said that, as yeast is expensive, people spit into the brew to make it ferment. To add to the fun, it is said that in some parts of Peru and Bolivia a severed dead baby´s hand is thrown in too for good measure. Make mine a double...

3. Babies shoes hanging inside or underneath the car
When you are taking a taxi, public bus or even some private cars in Peru you may notice a small shoe hanging by its laces. This is mostly done within the car, which makes sense (who wouldn't want a memento of their kid when on the job?), but sometimes logic is stretched when people hang the shoes underneath the car. This shoe is from the first born in the family and is said to bring wealth and luck to the family and aid family unity (a recurring theme it seems!).

4. Chewing Coca leaves
This is a very common habit in the countryside but you will see it in town markets too when country people come in to sell their goods. It is an Inca tradition where people build up a ball of Coca leaves in one of their cheeks and allow the resultant liquid to seep into the blood stream. The alkaloid ingredients of the Coca plant, containing around 1% actual cocaine, allow the fanatical chewers to fight fatigue, hunger and cold more easily and therefore work harder in the fields.

Many people will chew the leaves when they are not working hard, maybe when they are just sitting around chatting, and while it is not necessarily an addiction many people will go through 300 to 400 grams a week. Is that bulge in your cheek coca leaves, or are you just pleased to see me?

5. Decorating graves
When you are traveling by road you will inevitably see graveyards in nearby fields and often there are shrines at the side of the road where people have died in traffic accidents. Around special public holidays such as Todo Santos these graves are decorated by family members with many articles that the deceased used to enjoy. This ritual often happens on the birthday of the deceased person too. Things are placed on and around the grave like football related objects, model cars or dolls, photos, beer or rum bottles, favorite clothing, families may play favorite music etc.

Have you seen any of these traditions on your Peru vacation? Are there any others that you can think of? Just send us your comments in the form below:

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

The Colombian Myth Exposed - No Longer A Vacation Danger

Johnny Depp waits, nervously sweating in the mid-day heat of the Colombian jungle. Hovering behind each shoulder is a heavily armed guard, ready to put a bullet in him. Across the square where he’s standing two men are talking. One of them gestures in desperation, and the other one responds by putting a gun to his head, pulling the trigger and leaving a red stain on the wall behind him as the body crumples to the ground. Depp flinches as Pablo Escobar, the most powerful drug lord in the history of the world calmly turns away from the execution and strides towards him.

It’s a scene from the popular Hollywood movie, Blow, but it could be any one of a number of films featuring Colombia. Drugs, violence, corruption. Any time Colombia comes up, it always seems to be a dangerous place that the main character of the story must brave to achieve his goal. A steady stream of TV shows like Miami Vice and movies like Scarface in popular culture have repeatedly kept us under the impression that the country is run by the main players of the international drug trade and their business. Added to the mix the history of terrorism, violence and crime that has bubbled up into the news seeming every month up until the present day, and you find yourself thinking about Colombia as the last place that you’d want to visit.

Is this a true picture of Colombia? Certainly not. Lets have a look at a couple of events over the last couple of decades that can break Colombia’s unfair reputation.

• On December 2nd, 1992 Pablo Escobar was killed in a fire-fight with Colombian police. Within a couple of years all the leaders of rival cartels were either killed or imprisoned.

• Colombia's homicide rate, for many years one of the highest in the world, has almost halved since 2002.

• In the recent decade violence in Colombia has decreased significantly. Many paramilitary groups have demobilized as part of a controversial peace process with the government, and guerrilla groups have lost control in many areas where they once dominated.

• There has been a steep decrease in reported kidnappings - from 3,700 in the year 2000 to 172 in 2009. That’s a decrease of over two thousand percent.

• Lonely Planet picked Colombia as one of their top ten world destinations for 2006. When the most popular guidebook in the world encourages you to go, it should give you a bit of confidence.

• According to the Colombia Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Colombia received 2,348,948 visitors in 2008. They say there’s safety in numbers.
Plenty of signs show that thanks to a savvy government, the dangers of Colombia are diminishing and tourists are flocking to the country to sample its diverse and beautiful attractions. If you finally kiss goodbye to the scare-stories, you could soon be enjoying the beaches and walled city of Cartagena, Medellin’s Festival of the Flowers, or any one of the country’s national parks, including the Tayrona National Nature Park on the Caribbean coast.

Nevertheless, the problems that do exist in Colombia can serve to sour your holiday if you don’t take a well-informed approach to the up-to-date state of the country. You certainly don’t want to end up in a bad place or situation through ignorance. Make sure you check your Government’s website for the latest information, or if you’re going to Colombia with a tour company, ask them what to expect or avoid to keep safe and have a happy, fulfilling Colombia vacation.

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Latin America / Escaped to Peru

Mining In Chile - The Pros And Cons

On 13th October 2010, the last of 33 miners trapped by an accident at the San Jose copper-gold mine near Copiapo, Chile was winched to safety. He had been at a depth of 2,300 feet below ground level. He had spent 69 days trapped underground with his companions after a shaft collapsed at the notoriously dangerous mine where the deaths of 8 miners had been reported over the last 12 years.

This high publicity incident was a catalyst for Chile’s mining regulation agency to bring the hammer down, closing 18 mines within days and scheduling a further 300 for closure. It’s easy to condemn Chilean mining as unsafe and exploitative, but what are the real pros and cons of the industry?

Pros
1) Mining is a great source of income for Chilean workers
Chilean copper mine workers are among the highest-paid miners in South America. However, inflated wages are used to entice workers to mines with poor safety records, as in the case of San Jose; mine workers were paid around 20% more for their troubles.

2) Generally Chilean mines have a good safety record
San Jose is an example of a smaller mine at which standards are known to slip. However, the larger mines generally owned by multi-nationals or the state copper mining company, Codelco, run a tighter ship.

3) Mining brings the benefits of a strong economy to Chileans
Currently enjoying a strong economic status, the population of Chile have good reason to be thankful for the mining industry. Over a third of government income due to exports come from copper alone. One notable benefit of the economic surplus from copper mining is the use of government funds to pay for reconstruction after the 2010 Chilean earthquake.

Cons
1) Inadequate government resources are available to monitor the industry
Between 2004 and 2010, the San Esteban Mining Company (owner of the San Jose mine) received 42 fines for breaching safety regulations. Why was the San Jose accident allowed to happen? Due to budget constraints, there were only three inspectors for the Atacama Region's 884 mines. Despite a very immediate public response to correct the problems that led to the San Jose disaster, the government still has much to do to bring the industry under control.

2) It isn’t all wine and roses economically
Copper is a highly volatile commodity on the international markets, experiencing increases and decreases in value of up to 50% during the 1980’s. The Chilean government have established a Stabilization Fund to put aside the surpluses of good years to cover the shortfall of others, but the unpredictability of such a core element of the entire country’s economy is a great source of risk.

3) Environmental concerns
Copper mining produces 99 tons of waste for every ton of usable material. When you consider the usable copper output of Chile, that’s a lot of waste.

It isn’t often that Latin American countries get to reap the benefits of their natural resources, and Chile is a good example of a country that turns it’s rich mineral deposits into benefits that reach the population. However, in the rush to make the most of what it’s got, Chile has lost control of the smaller players in the mining industry, and it’s any one’s guess if they will be able to rein things in to the point where accidents like San Jose are a distant memory.

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

4 Peru Souvenier Ideas To Delight Your Friends and Family

 

A Peru vacation may seem like a nice time, but really it's a high pressure situation. Waiting for you back at home are your loved ones; you know if you return empty-handed you'll be confronted by ill-concealed looks of disappointment. Friends and family need souvenirs. Fact. But they don't just want something to put down amongst all the other foreign trinkets that they've been given, they are after something special. Something that they proudly show every time they invite guests over.

You're in luck; Peru has some incredible treasures waiting to be plundered, and you can take heart that your approach will be much nicer than the Spanish 500 years ago. Here are some of your options for impressive Peru souvenirs to delight your friends and family.

Peru pottery souvenirs
One of the most popular products in the world of crafts is pottery. Pottery is the main activity of Quinua, a town that is found 25 miles from Ayacucho. The uniqueness of these works is in the quality of the red and cream colored clay that makes for highly expressive pieces. The best-known pieces are small churches, houses, chapels and bulls called the Toro de Quinua. You can also find pieces that are figures of peasant farmers or have a variety of religious themes.

The 'Chulucana' pieces of the northern jungles by the Arabelas communities are created using particular methods such as beating the clay with a paddle that give it a special appeal. They make heavy use of the black color in their jars and also create characters such as dancers and magicians as well as animals that come alive in the hand-worked clay.

Another area of Peru that is famous for its pottery is Puno, known for its pottery bull figures (toritos de Pucara). The figures were originally used during cattle branding ceremonies as a ritual element, a flask that was used by the high priest to drink a special mixture made with the blood of the cattle. Churches, country chapels and homes are also feature items made by the potters of Puno, and pieces feature images of dancers, musicians and various types of flora and fauna from the area of Lake Titicaca.

Peru stone carving souvenirs
Materials found in Puno such as basalt, granite and andesite are used for stone carvings as well as a white alabaster more commonly called Piedra de Huamanga which is found in Ayacucho. A shortage of marble and porcelain caused the birth of the Huamanga stone carvings in colonial times. At that time, the carvings were mostly of the infant Christ and other religious themes but later on, artisans found the stone to be an excellent material for carving and started creating other religious motifs as well as Nativity scenes. Figures that are rougher in nature are carved primarily as souvenirs for visitors.

Peru mask souvenirs
Masks can be purchased from the southern Andes where they are created and are used in conjunction with a dancer’ s costume. They are used primarily during festivals and depict angels, demons, Spaniards and various kinds of animals. Plaster, leather, wood, wire sheeting and tin make up the materials of masks and are as varied as their place of origin.

Peru wood carving souvenirs
The town of Molinos near Huancayo is one of the Peru’ s current wood carving centers. The primary products include utensils, decorative pieces and toys as well as animals such as dusks, horses, roosters, lions and a variety of mythical beasts.

Bring back one of these from your Peru vacation, and you'll be greeted with squeals of delight. Happy hunting!

Author: Jackie Masloff - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

 

Peruvian Soap Operas - 3 Of The Worst

 

Televised soap operas are popular in Peru, even though they are often not produced there. Shown in the evening, they come primarily from Venezuela, Mexico and India and attract a wide following. Get in touch with the trashy side of Peru - pick up a remote control and start flicking channels for one of these three Peru soap operas.

Popular Peru soap opera #1 - Winter Sonata
A Korean soap opera, “ Winter Sonata” , whose story line is almost as complex as a Shakespearean play but nowhere near as well written, follows the blossoming of the relationship of former childhood sweethearts Joon-Sang and Yu-Jin.

Joon-Sang began his life as an introverted music student who was born out of wedlock which causes him great distress. However, one day, Joon-Sang and Yu-Jin meet on a bus to school and Joon-Sang quickly falls in love with Yu-Jin, who opens up her heart to Joon-Sang. He then gets into a car accident which causes him to suffer amnesia and erase his memory of Yu-Jin (of course). He moves to the United States with his mother and changes his name (as one would). In the meantime, everyone in South Korea is, including Yu-Jin has been told that he died.

The story (unfortunately) continues ten years later when Joon-Sang returns to Korea as a successful architect. It turns out that he works for the same firm as Yu-Jin, who is now engaged to someone else. Yu-Jim notices him and decides to postpone her engagement. The plot deepens as she tried to find out if Joon-Sang is really her lost lover...

Popular Peru soap opera #2 - Amores de Barrio Adentro
“Amores de Barrio Adentro” which is translated as “ Love Inside the Neighborhood” is a popular Venezuelan soap opera which portrays the life and political reality in a poor neighborhood.

The plot is basically a love story between a young pro-Chávez woman and a young man who is politically neutral, that is he is neither with the government nor its opposition, in a Venezuela that is highly polarized. The story depicts on the screen what has become popular in Venezuela, which is the lies of the opposition and the truth of the about the revolution, which refers to the peaceful social movement that Chávez has brought about and the opposition movement that has worked hard to remove him. The title of the program is similar to the name of the Barrio Adentro plan that Chávez undertook in 2003 to bring primary health care to the slums and poor neighborhoods of the country. In this program, close to 10,000 Cuban doctors have played a role in tending to the patients in Venezuela’ s shanty-towns.

If you want to see some creaky acting combined with shameless political propaganda, here's your winner.

Peru soap opera #3 - King of Baking, Kim Tak Goo
Inexplicably, Peruvians go potty for Korean media. This other offering, otherwise known as “ Bread, Love and Dreams”, this is South Korean drama that tells the story of how a determined young baker decides to become the best baker in all of Korea. The dreams of youth, eh?

As the eldest son of Goo Il Jong, the chairman of Geosung Food Enterprise, a company well known in the baking industry, Kim Tak Goo finds himself to be a talented baker and to be destined to succeed his father as President of the company. However, because he was the son of Il Jong’s mistress, the family plots against him so he cannot rightfully take over his inheritance. The story revolves around Tak Goo’ s resolve to become the best in the industry as he has to start his career from the beginning. Naturally, he has to overcome many trials blah blah blah.

So there you have it - 3 of the best options for watching hours of your life slide by as Korean bakers, politically indifferent (and thus probably evil) Venezuelans and conveniently forgetful architects wander in improbable and highly dramatic circles. Don't say I didn't warn you...

Author: Jackie Masloff - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Traveling Checklist - 7 Things To Do Before A Vacation To Colombia

The tickets are booked; you’re finally going to Colombia! Who knows what lies in wait, but make sure you’ve done all those niggling preparations before you leave. Avoid that sinking feeling at the start of your vacation and use this useful checklist with tips to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

Vaccinations ( )
Colombia vaccination requirements may vary from person to person depending on age, allergies and other medical conditions so contact your doctor or travel clinic for the most up to date advice. If visiting the Colombian jungle you will also need a course of medication for malaria prophylaxis.

Visas ( )
Colombia visa requirements can, and do, change at short notice, so check with your National Government’s website after booking and then a couple of weeks before travelling to make sure nothing has changed.

Travel Insurance ( )
This should be included with your Colombia tour operator, but if you are travelling independently your best option is to visit an insurance comparison website to find the best deal that covers your destination and holiday requirements. Check the small print thoroughly to make sure you’ll be covered for all aspects of your holiday for the duration.

Local currency in cash ( )
It is a good idea to carry as many US dollars cash as your insurance limit will allow - it is easier to change into Colombian pesos than travelers checks and you will receive better rates of exchange. Small denominations are easier to change. Don’t get caught out by money changers, and write down or memorize a couple of simple conversions to make sure your transactions are in the right ball park and you aren’t getting ripped off.

Country safety ( )
Colombia is, contrary to popular myth, a very safe country. However, just as for anywhere in the world problems can happen, so stay informed up until your departure date by checking the US State Department or UK Foreign office websites.

Language preparation ( )
A few choice phrases will go a long way in Colombia to providing you with a unique travelling experience, so purchase a phrasebook and memorise a couple of phrases, attend a few weeks of language Spanish courses or search the Internet for a few suggestions.

Confirming your flights ( )
You’re almost ready to leave home, but don’t turn up to the airport without checking the flight to Colombia that you booked months ago! Changes happen all the time, and you can’t expect your airline to notify you. Make sure you call them 48 hours before departure to avoid a disappointed trip to the airport. If you’re travelling on various connecting flights, make sure you get confirmations for all flights to avoid being stranded mid-passage.

Done? Excellent! Pick up those suitcases and head out of the door, confident that you are prepared; next stop Colombia!

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Latin America / Escaped to Peru

4 Ways To Impress A Peruvian In A Cultural Conversation

With the recent award of a Nobel Prize to Mario Vargas Llosa, a Peruvian writer, the arts and culture of Peru are now getting more attention than ever. If you are going for a vacation in Peru, there's never been a better time to impress the locals with your knowledge of Peru’s modern culture, so here are 4 of Peru’s more well-known photographers, writers and painters to get the conversation flowing.

The celebrity portrait photographer
A famous Peruvian fashion photographer is Mario Testino, who was born in 1954. Testino has done a great variety of photography including fashion narratives for Vogue, Gucci and Vanity Fair as well as celebrity shots of such people as Diana Princess of Wales along with her sons; actresses including Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Platrow; models such as Elizabeth Hurley and Kate Moss and performers including Madonna, Lady Gaga and Janet Jackson. Since 1982, Testino has been living in London and frequently photographs the British Royal Family in addition to his work being exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London as well as in many galleries and museums around the world. Most recently his work is being shown in London at the Phillips de Pury & Co auction house.

The indigenous photographer
Considered the only major indigenous Latin America photographer of his time, Martín Chambi Jiménez lived from 1891 until 1973. His photographs were prolific and covered the towns and countryside of the Peruvian Andes revealing their social complexity and giving his photographs profound historic and ethnic documentary value. He photographed almost anything from weddings and fiestas to the poverty of the poor along with the public events shared by both. He was a major portrait photographer in Cusco as well as a photographer of many Peruvian landscapes which he sold primarily as postcards, a format he pioneered in Peru. The New York Museum of Modern Art held a retrospective of his work in 1979 and it later traveled to other locations around the world and inspired more international exhibitions of his work.

The Nobel Prize winning author
Born in 1936, Jorge Mario Pedro Vargas Llosa, recent winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, is a Peruvian writer, journalist, essayist and politician. He is one of the leading authors of his generation and one of Latin America’s most significant novelists and essayists. He gained international recognition as a writer in the 1960s with his novels such as “The Time of the Hero”, “The Green House” and “Conversation in the Cathedral”. He not only writes novels but across other literary genres such as journalism and literary criticism. Themes for his novels include comedies, murder mysteries, political thriller and historical novels. Several of his novels have also been made into feature films.

The painter famous for "pin-up" ladies
Famous for his paintings of pin-up girls is Alberto Vargas who lived from 1896 until 1982. He was born in Arequipa, Peru but moved to the United States in 1916, after studying art in Europe before the First World War. Early in his career he worked as an artist for the Ziegfeld Follies as well as many Hollywood studios. His fame as an artist of pin-up girls came during the Second World War when his pictures for Esquire magazine became known as the “Varga Girls”. Many World War II aircraft adapted their nose art from those Esquire pin-ups. The “Varga Girls” reappeared in Playboy magazine in the 1960s, leading to a flourishing career with major exhibitions all over the world. Vargas painted mostly with watercolor and airbrush and is considered as one of the finest artists in his genre.

You're ready! Get out there and let your Peruvian hosts know about your appreciation for their culture. Mario Vargas Llosa's Nobel Prize has created a huge amount of national pride, and your knowledge is bound to make you a few foreign friends.

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

7 Things To Avoid On a Chile Vacation

A Chile vacation is a good idea. The long, thin country stretches through an incredible range of variety from the bone-dry desert region of Atacama in the North to the blue-white glacial walls of Patagonia in the South. You’ll be guaranteed a wonderful, memorable experience if you take a Chile tour, or travel independently. But just like anywhere in the world, Chile’s got a couple of things that you should stay clear of. Here are some Chilean warning flags.

Mentioning where Pisco sour came from
If you’re in a Pisco growing region like the Elqui Valley, be careful what you say to proud nationalistic Chile vineyard owners. There’s been a bitter feud between Chile and its neighbour Peru for centuries as to the origins of the drink, with each country claiming that the other stole it. In fact, history indicates that Peru was the first to begin Pisco production when vines were brought over by the Spanish viceroy, but you’d do well to avoid mentioning this.

Talking about Pinochet
Ruling Chile with an iron fist in a dictatorship that ran between 1973 and 1990, General Augosto Pinochet replaced the democratically elected Salvador Allende. Human rights violations on a terrified population ensued for decades. According to Thor Halvorssen, President of the Human Rights Foundation;

“He shut down parliament, suffocated political life, banned trade unions, and made Chile his sultanate. His government disappeared 3,200 opponents, arrested 30,000 (torturing thousands of them) ... Pinochet’s name will forever be linked to the Desaparecidos, the Caravan of Death, and the institutionalized torture that took place in the Villa Grimaldi complex."

The Chilean population is still in shock from what happened only a couple of decades ago. If you want to talk about it, it may be best to wait for them to broach the topic.

Mining
An excellent prop for the strong Chile economy, mining is bringing home the bread to many tables around the country. However before you rush down a mine shaft to see what it is all about, you should check out the safety record of the mining company. On August 5th 2010, the Copiapo gold-copper mine collapsed, leaving 33 Chilean miners trapped 700 metres (2,300 feet) from the surface. The miners were eventually reached by a 624 metre drilling operation into a side-shaft, but this incident served to illustrate the poor safety record in Chilean mining, which on average costs the lives of 34 people a year, according to state regulatory agency SERNAGEOMIN.

Surfing at El Buey, Arica
Unless you are an expert, stay watching from the shore at Chile big-wave surfing break El Buey. Surfers deem it one of the most dangerous waves in the world, breaking onto an exposed sharp rock reef with strong rip-tides ready to pull you out to sea.

Avalanches at the 3 Valleys ski resort outside Santiago
Chile Skiing enthusiasts will love making fresh tracks in the back-country slopes around La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado in the 3 Valleys resort network a couple of hours outside the capital. However, there is a drawback to the Chilean Andes’ great snow record; large quantities of snow bring thundering avalanches. To avoid getting trapped, check out the avalanche-prone areas with resort staff and if you are going out of bounds, always ski in a group in which everyone has their own avalanche detector and rescue equipment.

Tap Water
A welcome change from other Latin American countries, tap water in may locations in Chile is actually drinkable! However, it doesn’t taste too good and is not recommended as it is heavily chlorinated. Added to this the fact that in some rural areas the water is untreated, and you’re probably best sticking to bottled water, and avoiding ice and foods probably washed in tap water such as salads and un-skinned fruit. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the locals what to do using either your Spanish or your best miming skills.

Earthquakes
On February 7th, 2010 the central region of Chile was shaken by an earthquake that measured a massive 8.9 on the Richter Scale. However, before you get too worried about Chile perpetually shaking, such extreme phenomena are rare. The last big quake before 2010 was 50 years previous.

If you are unlucky enough to be caught in an urban area during an earthquake, the following advice is issued by the US Department of Homeland Security website:

“DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. If outdoors, stay away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.”

None of these things should be reason to put you off your Chile vacation. When you step off the plane or cross the border, you’ll be starting the adventure of a lifetime. With a bit of awareness and planning you can avoid these 7 things, or at least be ready to deal with them when they happen.

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America