Well, as a general rule Co is better than average by most US carriers...that being said, unfortunately they do sometimes fumble the football.

I recently had a lost bag IAH-LAS, spent the weekend in Vegas with no luggage, albeit not near as bad as Peru. Long story short, to date, I still don't have my bag either, so I understand.

As far as I know you are entitled to reimbursement for the contents of your luggage. If you go to continental.com under baggage, you can fill out the form, itemize your contents, etc. and send in the info.

Good luck to you!!