Talk to Me about Peru

[philipaloft]

So talk to me about Peru.

So talk to me about Peru.

Let me also suggest a book.
The bible amongst travelers years ago was The South American Handbook. It's constantly updated - devotees notify the publisher.
I've since looked at other guide books, but when I updated my old copy 15yrs. ago, it still seemed the most useful.
It's been in print since 1924 ( yes, 24 ) and I see that it's still available as an 89th or 90th edition for around $30. I wouldn't be surprised if it's not available as an app. or a PDF at least.

It's strength is explanations on history, market days, festival dates,new roads being opened, etc.
While they all have recommendations on lodging and meals, you'll find that it's best to ask folks you meet on the road who've come from the town to which you're planning to go.
Have fun, and if you're invited into a family's home, that'll be one of your longest lasting memories, so think hard before declining such an invitation.
Philip Barlow

 

[nightfly]

Another book to read "Conquest of the Incas". Big heavy tome but very interesting history.

 

[ktmrider]

Gear?

Gear?

So, thinking M6 with 35 and 90 and X100. May throw in a 21 as well.

 

[goo0h]

Will be going back in August with my Peruvian little lady. We went in 2011 and I had a blast. Love that place. That trip saw Machu Picchu, stayed 6 days in Cusco, and saw a bunch of the Sacred Valley. My favorite place was Chincheros up in the mountains. The light up there is just breathtaking. I so wish we took a driver up there on our own, and spent the entire day there. Really beautiful and peaceful. I'd love to go back, but not this time.

 

[goo0h]

Although I will take some from here, I assume film will be available in Lima and Cuzco. Am I correct?

There's a shop that used to sell film near Lima as of last year, but stock somewhat limited. This info may still be valid:

Av. Benavides 1171, Miraflores, Peru.
Telephone: 241-1015
E-mail: tfprosa@tfprosa.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1900, Saturday 0930-1300

They were able to develop both color and b/w film.

In Cuzco I saw a Kodak shop, but didn't go into it. Honestly, I brought with me way more film than I needed, and just took it home with me to process. Though, I know folks who had film processed at that shop in Miraflores and looks like they did a pretty good job.

 

[KenR]

I did the 4 day Inca Trail with a group about 5 years ago. I had no concerns about crime on the Trail, but in Cuzco and Lima you have to be alert and aware - that said our group had no incidents. I used B&W exclusively and my wife used a digital P&S. Some shots better in monochrome, some in color. The local Quecha speakers dress very colorfully with lots of reds in their costume. We happened upon 2 festivals in Cuzco and one nearby, so having a local who knows what is scheduled may be helpful. Machu Pichu was fabulous in B&W - we got there early in a morning fog and stayed late as the sun was setting. Good luck.

 

[ktmrider]

Made It to Cuzco

Made It to Cuzco

Well, we made it to Cuzco a few hours ago. Began walking around the city and I will say just carrying the X100 is great. The M6 may stay at the hotel. Unfortunately, the 11000 ft altitude has laid my daughter low. Surprisingly, her 60 year old dad feels great. Perhaps because I live at 4200 msl in El Paso.

 

[Clark.EE]

Go to the Market.
Some great sights. fast lens required.
Aji de Gallina.

Spicy chicken, still craving now.

 

[ktmrider]

Thanks, will do

Thanks, will do

Thanks for the suggestion. Have about 4 full days here so will make the market fot sure. Traveling with M6 with TriX and 35f1.2 and X100 so I think the low light stuff is covered pretty well.

 

[Finglas]

I did a holiday there in 2008, brought my Nikon FE and 50mm series E lens, and fuji 100 asa reala film. 10 plane trips - customs checks, x-rays etc all the time even back in Dublin. The photographs were developed here in Dublin - all came out very well.

I have friends in Peru - hope to visit again this year 2014 - will bring the RF this time.
Film availability in central Peru seems to be gone, my friends tell me its all digital there now. In Lima there is a shop that Paterson supply with B&W developing gear it is supposed to have Illford film too - I don't know the name, but will certainly double check on this and I will call in too.

It will be interesting to see what 6 years of change has done to 35mm film/camera users.

 

[Finglas]

sorry, I know its a 7 month old thread,
but today I was just catching up in RFF
reading a lot of posts and threads for first time
I must remind myself to watch the date of previous postings more carefully.

 

[lawrence]

sorry, I know its a 7 month old thread,
but today I was just catching up in RFF
reading a lot of posts and threads for first time
I must remind myself to watch the date of previous postings more carefully.

No problem I'm sure -- don't think Peru's going anywhere. I'm toying with the idea of going to Ecuador this year, it's a while since I went to South America and it's such a wonderful place!

 

[ktmrider]

Had a great trip with my daughter in July. Cuzco was amazing. I am leaving for a month in SE Asia in a few days including two weeks of motorcycling in Laos. Am debating the camera mix as I have recently added the M9.

For my trip to Peru, I ended up taking the X100 and an M6.

 

[Finglas]

For my 2014 Peru trup I think I'll bring my MP, I haven't brought the RF outside of Ireland as yet. Time to leave the SLR at home for a change.

I have the 50mm f2 lens, 75mm f2.5 lens, I don't use wide angles.
However I am considering a 40mm instead of the 50.

I have some slide film in bottom of the fridge, will also bring 35mm color negative film
(just noticed I spelled colour the North American way) RFF seems to be infecting me today.

 

[cz23]

I especially enjoyed Iquitos, a rainforest town up in the NE corner, in the Amazon basin. The way people adapt to life along water is amazing to me. Enjoy your trip!

John

 

[ktmrider]

We really enjoyed Cuzco and Macchu Picchu. Lake Titicaca not so much and only spent one night in Lima.

Used the X100 a whole lot. It is a great size and weight for trekking and did not find the 35mm field of view limiting. If I went again, I would take a 35 and 90 which would cover everything and spend more time in Cuzco.

 

[jpa66]

Heading to Peru in Nov

Heading to Peru in Nov

Hey all.

My wife and I (and two friends) are going to Peru in November. The itinerary is pretty much set, so I just wanted to get any pointers on what to wear, the best film speed to use (I'm planning on Tri-X and hopefully some slower speed film - including some Ektachrome iI still have left), and just some general suggestions about what to expect.

I've never been to South America before, and am looking forward to this trip. We'll be going to Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Lima.

Thanks in advance,
Jan

 

[Michalm]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130819

 

[Bob Michaels]

Pack light when out walking about, which you will do a lot, in places like Cusco where there is just not much oxygen in the air because of the 10,000' altitude.

 

[kzphoto]

I went in November of last year and packed Ektar 100 and Acros 100, in a Fuji GF670. I'd recommend a longer lens, like a 90 for large spaces and a 35 or 50 for everything else. I didn't find a wide angle lens very helpful.