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Lima, Peru
<div>Notes from Sara's friend:</div><ul class="ul1" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo-Regular; font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">absolutely gorgeous city, loads of stuff to see here and amazing food.</span></li></ul><ul class="ul2" style="list-style-type: "— "; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We stayed in the Kokopelli Hostel in Barranco, Rainbow Hostel in Miraflores and Alpes in Miraflores too. Both nice but Rainbow Hostel or Alpes were better and had less corporate vibes/nicer people and Miraflores is a bit busier and closer to the centre. Barranco is a v pretty neighborhood though and well worth an explore, really good food there too</span></li><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Walk along the Malecon de Miraflores - parks running along the cliff, very pretty, nice spot for a picnic</span></li><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Park Kennedy - loads of wild cats live in this park and just chill there</span></li><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Dada Bar and Restaurant - really good food and cocktails next to the Kokopelli</span></li><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>La Bodega Verde - amazing food, cute leafy cafe</span></li><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Night of Barranco - live music</span></li><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pasaje San Ramon/Pizza Street - lots of bars and clubs along here. Trashy but fun. Right next to Park Kennedy</span></li><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Centro Historico/head to the main square and explore the old town. Go on a Sunday evening if you can because the old people all come out and dance in the street, it's so cute</span></li></ul><div><br></div>
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Huacachina, Peru
<div>South America's only natural Oasis - only need a night or two here.</div><div>This is one of the best sunset locations you will ever see. Sandboarding and desert buggies are the main thing to do here!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Notes from Sara:</div><div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">oasis in the desert south of Lima. Wild Rover is the classic party hostel to stay in but we also stayed in this little Irattoria lol that had rooms out the back and was super nice and chill, and just opposite the Wild Rover. You have to do the sand buggy tour with the sand boarding, it's SICK. Make sure you do the sand boarding where you go on your belly instead of stood up because you go way faster down the dunes. Don't try and hike up the dune it's hell</span></li></ul></div>
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Arequipa, Peru
<ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><ul class="ul2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">AREQUIPA</span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); list-style-type: "— ";"><li class="li1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> Another very pretty city to wander round in and explore. We stayed in Arequipay Hostel and this was great. Nice vibes, nice people and it has a pool table.</span></li></ul><p class="p1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">They're very helpful with booking tours and stuff too.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">- Do the Colca Canyon hike - you don't need a guide for this one, but definitely try and do it in a largeish group, we did it in a group of 6 with people we met in the hostel. I wouldn't try and do it on your own. The hostel people who work there should be able to explain how it all works.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It is a tough hike I can't lie - it's basically in the desert mountains/kind of a Wild West, grand canyon vibe, so super hot, cactuses, and slippery scraggy ground.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">But the scenery is once again so beautiful. You stay at a place the first night with amazing natural springs by the river and the second night you stay in an oasis. It's so beautiful. You get to see condors as well which is amazing - we were lucky and saw about 30 which was crazy !! The last day is really tough - you have to get up as early as possible while its dark and cooler, and hike straight up 1000m out of the canyon before the sun rises most of the way and it starts to get too hot. There's only one bus that leaves at half 9 in the morning I think so you have to get there by then or you'll be stuck in the little town at the top for another night. It's a hard hike, especially that last morning, but so worth it</span></p></ul>
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Puno, Peru
<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-8e271d5b-2f51-9898-a710-4bc060ee2a39" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-8e271d5b-2f51-9898-a710-4bc060ee2a39" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px;">Lake Titicaca - has to be arranged through a tour</span><br></p><p></p>
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Cusco, Peru
Got to stay in Cusco as it’s where all the main hiking excursions are. It’s high altitude so it’s not recommended to do a big hike straight away: let your body get aclimitised to the altitude first so relax for a few days. Take medication if needed- they sell in in all the pharmacies.
Get cash out at BCP- they don’t charge a withdrawal fee.
You can use Uber or only go for a taxi organsied by your hostel (can be super dodge)
Best area to stay is in Centro Historico (try and be within 10 minute walk of the plaza de armas) Hostel recommendations: Selina Plaza de Armas (more spenny than others but incredibly nice if you even want to do a night there) ; Kokopelli (best to book in advance) ; Nao Victoria hostel (best located hostel next to loads of good bars and restaurants); Supertramp hostel (up a hill but good for parties).
Excursions from Cusco:
Macchu Picchu is a MUST. Tickets to here sell out weeks in advance so this is the place you absolutely have to book- do not book circuit 4 as it does not give you access to the viewpoint. 1,2 or 3 are all good options and the same price.
If you have the option to add on Huayna Picchu as well, you should go for it.
Popular alternative to over-priced inca trail (which sells out 6 months in advance so not one for us) go for the Salkantay trek instead. Book at least a month in advance, 5 day trek that costs around $300 USD. Book with Macchu picchu reservations as highly recommended.
Pisac is another recommended excursion that you can do as a day trip, around 1 hour from Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain(Vinicunca) - This is the one it’s not recommended to do straight away because of the altitude. More cost efficient to arrange as a tour, it’s a 3 hour journey from Cusco but is a 2 hour hike to the top of the mountain. It’s cold so bring layers. On the way back make sure to walk through the red valley (costs extra but is worth it)
Things to do in the city of Cuso (on a chill day):
Saqsaywaman (big jesus on the hill)
Free walking tour of the city (most hostels offer them)
Massage or a beauty treatment: affordable and needed after loads of hiking.
Peruvian cooking class
Inca museum, chocolate museum, etc etc. Loaaads of options.
Where to eat:
Cusco has so much great food so know where to go to make the most of it!
Mardu - Italian style place
Chicharra sushi
Morena: traditional Peruvian food (treat, pricier but gotta go once)
Per.UK
San Pedro market
Wado Sushi
Yokomo (best Ramen)
Carpe Diem Cucina Italiana (Italian food when we crave it)
La Bodega 138
Incanto
Greenpoint (for a lighter lunchtime eat) Vegan
Avocado toast & more
Green falafel
Qura (best wifi in town)
Jack’s cafe
Limbus restobar (best views while eating)
Three monkeys coffee Cusco (best place for Peruvian coffee)
Cafe D’wasi
La casa de los crepes organicos (for Crepes-duh)
Picarones ruinas (for traditional peruvian desert)
Cusco nightlife:
Republica del Pisco (for the best Pisco Sour which is the drink of Peru - gotta try it)
Berlin (good for live Salsa music)
La Chupiteria (best place for pre-drinks- strong cocktails, free shots)
Los Perros (nextdoor to La Chupiteria and a bit more low-key)
Rosso Bar (cheese and wine bar for a classy night)
Chango Club Cusco (biggest club in Cusco)
Notes from Sara:
* CUSCO - the best bit ngl. The whole city is so pretty and great to wander around in. More touristy for sure but still lovely
- MACHU PICCHU - absolutely the number one thing you have to do in Peru.
Do it through the company Machu Picchu Reservations, best value for money. Me and Anna had the time of our lives and had such an amazing group and guide, non stop laffs and just such beautiful landscapes. Food was amazing and donkeys carry your bags again. If you do Huayhuash first this will be a walk in the park in terms of altitude. Or vice versa actually. Do the SALKANTAY 5 DAY TREK, do NOT do the inca trail - It's way more expensive, less people, less pretty, you have to stay in tents the whole way.
On Salkantay you get to stay in these little glass mountain huts, the group is massive which is way more fun. If you do the 5 day option you get to go to hot springs as well. On day 4 of Salkantay you also get to walk part of the Inca trail anyway! Also book the train back for the end - it's a lot more expensive than the bus option but trust me you will be knackered by the end of the trek and will want to get back to Cusco easily and quickly. We took the bus and it was sooo long and if I did it again I'd get the train for sure, definitely worth the money.
Machu Picchu itself is very touristy but still so amazing to see and such cool history, but its the hike there that really makes it
- Lots of hostel options in Cusco, they're Lots of hostel options in Cusco, they're all nice and pretty central
- Green Point - unreal food, all vegan but some of the best food we had the whole trip. Such a cute setting as well, very leafy nicely lit etc etc
- Mollys and Paddys Irish pubs - the highest Irish pubs in the world! Classic cheesy Irish pub vibes, Molly's has a dartboard and shows the football as well
- Los Perros - fun bar, nice food. On a street with lots of fun little bars and clubs
- Changos - the club everyone ends up at. Obviously crap but lots of fun
- San Pedro market - amazing labyrinth of a market with super cheap veg and honestly everything else. Anna got her shoes fixed here and I got a pair of very cunty little sunglasses for a fiver. Has a supermarket right next to it as well
- Sacred Valley - do a tour of this, you get to see incredible Inca ruins and towns
- Rainbow Mountain/Montana de Colores
- unbelievable. Definitely go and see this it was so so beautiful, like being on another planet
- can do the Amazon from here: Tambopata Peruvian jungle tour