General Students are responsible for meals and incidental expenses. Some meals are included in the lodging, provided by SEG, but not all breakfasts or lunches are covered, so students should plan expenses to include some meals. Students are responsible for all miscellaneous room charges such as phone calls (use a calling card). You will need a passport to enter Peru. In general your passport must be valid for 6 months after your expected return date. Most major credit cards are accepted most large cities; However, we will be traveling mostly through extremely small towns: Change money at the LIMA airport. In a large city you may find a "money exchanger" and these also give a good rate. Because banks charge a fee for changing money, the exchange rate can be quite poor for exchanging small amounts. The exchange rate in Peru is 2.62 Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN) per US dollar (August 3, 2012). Exchange Calculator Electrical appliances run on 220 V, 50 Hz. Electrical sockets accept two round pins-- converters from US to flat pins to Peruvian round pins can be found at the airport or local hardware stores.
Medical Bring with you all medicines that you think you might need including all prescriptions. Assume that you cannot obtain any medicines abroad (i.e. not available or not available when you need it). Be sure to check with your medical insurance for coverage in the destination country. Be sure to check with your life insurance company for coverage in the destination country. Check with your doctor regarding any shots that you may require. You might want to check the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov). IMPORTANT: Every participant must fill out the medical form (English .docx .pdf | Spanish .docx .pdf) and send it to SEG by August 30.
Transportation and Lodging We are planning to travel by charter bus and/or vans. We will use the least expensive and safe lodgings. To economize we will ask participants to share rooms (doubles, tripples, quadruples). The leaders will make the rooming assignments based on the number and types of rooms available. If there are issues with your room assignment, see below. You will receive your room assignment at the front desk. If any changes are needed, they must be made through Dr. Chavez or Petersen. International / National Terminal in Lima
Internet, Phone Calls & Laundry Internet access is available in all cities and most towns although Wi-Fi may not be available in the hotels. You might have to hunt down an internet cafe. Skype is commonly used by Peruvians. The best way for making phone calls back to your home country is by buying and using a phone card. Be sure to obtain an international calling card. Check with you cell phone provider whether service is available in Peru. Laundry facilities are limited. Send out service in a hotel, if it exists, may take more than one day.
Other Important Information When delcaring rock samples at customs be sure to state the rocks are from "underground"-- Never say "soil". Wash your boots and samples if you are stopping in the USA on your way back home. No alcohol is permitted at the mine sites-- Do not transport any alcohol into a mine; leave it at the hotel. Seatbelts use is mandatory at all times when the vehicle (bus, van, car, truck) is in motion. Mines have a "long sleves" policy even in hot weather. Photos: Do not take any pictures of the mine presentations without first asking mine personel or trip leaders. The reason is simple. The mines are willing to show us more than what is available for public consumption only if they are assured that the material is not later broadcast publicly. The surest way to get a "sanitized" geological presentation is to take unauthorized / unapproved pictures. Cell Phones: Most mines do NOT allow cell phones for visitors - keep yours well out of sight. We may be required to register any phones, cameras, and computing devices. In these cases we will circulate a sheet where you will record the item and its identification number. Copies of powerpoint presentations: Do not ask mine personel for copies of presentations as this can be a sensitive subject. The trip leaders may be able to request presentation materials informally and/or obtain permission to access and distribute any public information.
Climate Travel guides for Peru indicate daytime highs of 18oC and night-time lows of 15 oC degrees in Arequipa in September. Photo
What if problems arise? If you have significant questions please talk to the leaders at any time. If there are rooming or incompatability issues with anyone or anything, please speak with Dr. Chavez or Dr. Petersen. Do not make any changes in the rooming assignments on your own; we will make whatever adjustments that can be made or are warranted.
Contact information In case of emergency we need to know whom we should contact. Please fill out the form provided by SEG as soon as possible and return it to Vicky.
Disclaimer Participants will be traveling as a student tourist everywhere you go. Bring a student I.D. Participants are responsible for your own well being. Observe all safety instructions. Participants must be in top physical and mental condition. The trip will be rigorous on both counts. Participants will be expected to participate actively. Home | Welcome | Leaders | Participants | Itinerary | Student Information | Readings | Maps | Sponsors Revised: 08/08/2012 |
