My bs detector is real high on this one, way too many inconsistencies and elaborations... and besides, they have a US embassy contact who will help deal with everything including arranging money for these poor folks travelling with:

■Canon Rebel Ti1 DLSR camera, wide angle DSLR lens, two lens filters and three 8 or 16 GB photo cards = $2,000
■iPhone 5 = $600
■Alps Mountaineering Four Season two person backpacking tent = $250
■Women’s Patagonia Primaloft Nano Puff jacket = $200
■Women’s Outdoor Research rain jacket = $150
■Out Door Research snow gators = $120
■Big Agnes Dual Core Primaloft sleeping pad = $200
■700 Peruvian Soles = $350
■Women’s La Sportiva mountaineering boots = $400
■Princeton Tech Head Lamp = $40
■US Passport = $140
■Driver’s license = $25
■Camelback Cloud day back pack = $80
■Miscellaneous clothing = $200

Their story is not remotely believable to someone who travels Peru as I do.