I didn't realize I had any responses to this because, for whatever reason, the "subscription" service here sucks beyond belief.

At any rate, I did not have travel insurance - the total I paid for this excursion was only a little over $300. I used the debit card because I had some extra money in my checking account, and I get miles for use of the card. If I this had been a substantial amount of money, I would certainly have used a credit card. Of course, then I laid out a couple of hundred more on the hotel I had to pay for myself. If I don't get anything back, it's not that big a deal. I'm still waiting to hear from the "aunt."

I enjoyed the spectacle - I have seen some of the amazing sites in South America (including the Amazon, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands), but this went right to the top of the list. I can't wait to go again in the hot weather and take one of those boats that get up close and you end up drenched!