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Lima, Peru
Pretty much any trip to Peru starts in Lima. Try the world-class gastronomy,
learn more about Peru in the country’s best museums, and do a surfing lesson.
Some visitors unfairly ignore Lima. It can seem like a sprawling, chaotic city.
And it’s covered depressing grey clouds most of the year. But it’s an excellent
jumping-off point for lovers of food, adventure, and history. WHERE TO STAY
Check out Kaminu Backpackers in the artsy, seaside neighborhood of Barranco.
Kaminu follow sustainable water practices. This is even more important in Lima,
since it’s the world’s 2nd largest desert city! Kaminu also has a bbq area and
bike rentals. I also recommend Kokopelli Hostel if you have to stay in Lima for
a night. Kokopelli is also in Barranco. This hotel has fun options for guests
(bar, game room, free walking tour) and provides volunteering opportunities.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN LIMA * Surfing the Costa Verde * Renting a bike to tour the
Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco * Parasailing over the ocean at Miraflores *
Visiting the creepy catacombs at San Francisco Cathedral * Get your history on
at Museo Larco (including the famous sala erotica!) * Eating the local fruits
and dishes at Mercado Surquillo in Miraflores * Ceviche…. obvi
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Huacachina, Peru
Hop on a bus (I recommend Cruz del Sur) and take the 4.5 hour ride to Ica. From
the bus stop, find a taxi to take you to the oasis of Huacachina . Huacachina
offers pools, discotecas, and is in the middle of Pisco country. But in the
afternoon take a dune buggy and sandboarding tour instead. That’s why people
really come here, anyway. For a more eco friendly option, rent a board for only
S/ 10 (aka $3!) and hike up the dunes yourself. WHERE TO STAY 10 days isn’t a
lot for visiting Peru. For this reason, you should take the 11 hour bus to
Arequipa overnight. This way you’ll save time on travel (and money on lodging!).
But if you do have more time to stay in Huacachina, the most popular backpacker
option is Banana’s Adventure. I love it for the name alone. I also love The
Upcycled Hostel for its overall vibe and because it’s made of recycled
materials! TOP EXPERIENCES IN HUACACHINA * Dune buggy + Sandboarding tour * Or…
hike the dunes and sandboard down! * Nearby Pisco makers and vineyards (check
out Tacama) * Chillin at your hotel pool or bar * The desert at sunset
- Huacachina
- Dunas de Huacachina
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Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa’s altitude is 7,661 feet (2,361 meters) above sea level. So take it
easy for a day. Take advantage of the food scene (even other Peruvians say
Arequipa has amazing food!). Spend the next two days exploring the stunning
treks of Colca Canyon.You’ll be able to see the famous Andean condor and soak in
hot springs in addition to doing unforgettable hikes. Base yourself in the Colca
town of Chivay, or in Arequipa itself. TOP EXPERIENCES IN AREQUIPA * Condor
watching at the break of dawn in Colca Canyon * Taking the 1.5 day hike to
summit the El Misti or Chachani volcanoes * Hiking the various trails of Colca
Canyon * Take the mesmerizing 1-day “Ruta de Sillar“ * Visit the city’s historic
center (make sure to get a pie from the Santa Catalina Monastery- those nuns
know baking!!) WHERE TO STAY Casa Andina‘s hotel in Chivay has a planetarium on
premises (the sky is amazing at night!). Every Casa Andina location has the best
breakfast buffet options in Peru IMHO. The chain has a good social
responsibility program, too. If you stay here you’ll get discounts on adventure
tour options. Chivay lays between the Cruz del Condor viewing spot and the hot
springs of La Calera. And the best budget option in the city is Vallecito
Backpacker.
- Monasterio de Santa Catalina
- Volcan Misti
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Cusco, Peru
6 hours from Arequipa is the Inca’s ancient capital of Cuzco. You can spend
weeks in and around Cuzco because there is so much history and culture to
explore. But since you only have a few days, I’d prioritize Sacsayhuaman, the
Qoricancha temple, San Blas neighborhood, and the San Pedro market. Make sure to
get a tourist ticket (boleto turitisco), or you won’t be able to see many of the
sites. The official website for the ticket is here. Keep in mind Cuzco is even
higher than Arequipa (11,521 feet above sea level, or 3,400 meters). You’ll
likely need time to acclimatize. Because of this I DO NOT recommend intense day
hikes such as the Rainbow Mountain. Take the train on Day 9 to Aguas Calientes.
This way you will make it to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning! Buy
tickets ahead of time, including the return trip to Cusco. TOP EXPERIENCES IN
CUSCO * A half day hike to the archaeological wonders of Tambomachay, Puka
Pukara, Q’enko and Sacsayhuaman * The Incan Sun Temple, Qoricancha * Explore the
San Pedro Market * Explore the artsy district of San Blas * Day trip to a Sacred
Valley town like Pisac or Chinchero for epic hike and souvenir options *
CHOCOMUSEO!! WHERE TO STAY I’ve stayed at Niños hotel twice and love it both
times. Niños is a “Green Leader” recognized by TripAdvisor, and also funds
childcare for underserved children in Cusco. It’s walking distance to the main
plaza. The classic backpacker option is Pariwana.
- Plaza de San Blas
- Mirador de San Blas
- Pisac - Vale Sagrado De Cusco
- Plazoleta San Pedro
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Aguas Calientes, Peru
The #1 visited destination in Peru has earned this distinction. But that also
means Machu Picchu gets very crowded. Therefore, take the earliest bus at 6AM to
enjoy the Incan citadel to yourself (at least, as much as is possible!). You can
buy a ticket at the bus station the day of or the day before (recommended, since
the line can be long). Make sure to have already bought your ticket to Machu
Picchu, in case they run out. Include Huaynu Picchu for the ultimate adventure
experience! Finally, plan your time accordingly so you make it on the train back
to Cusco from Aguas Calientes. From Cusco, go back to Lima or your next
destination.