Things To Do
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
We recommend the Inka Trail, although there are other options to visit Machu Picchu.
Cusco
Drink té de coca upon arrival for the altitude. To help adjusting, spend the first day taking it easy. If you have 2-3 days in Cuzco (aside from visiting Macchu Picchu), you could spend a day or two exploring the ruins around Cuzco (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras) and a day touring the city itself (cathedral/churches) and the ruins just outside, Sacsayhuaman. Sacsayhuaman is just outside cusco so you can walk or take a quick cab. Different sites further out will require you to arrange transportation: - Moray - Maras (salt flats) - Pisac - Chinchero - Ollantaytambo - Urubamba There are group tours that can take you in a van over one dayto all of the above sites with a guide, for around 50 soles per person (negotiated). Ask about it at your hostel. Private tour guides are also an option (contact Sylvia Mendoza - see details at top of page). Cusco has great food and nightlife.
Lima
Lima is the second largest city in South America, and is the capital of Peru. It has rich history, great nightlife, and some of the best restaurants in the world! Itinerary ideas: Walk in Miraflores along the malecon, around/past the outdoor mall Larco Mar. Get a crepe at the Beso Frances food stand by the Parque del Amor. Walk around Barranco, cool bohemian area with nice old Spanish colonial style houses. Go to Ayahuasca for a cocktail. Other activities: - Paragliding – from the Malecon in Miraflores - Surf class: At Waikiki beach just below the Parque de Amor, only 30 soles for a class and you can stay as long as you want surfing, wetsuit and board provided. Museums: - LUM (Lugar de Memoria) - Museo de Oro, - MATE (museum of the famous Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino)
Eating in Lima
Recommended Lima Restaurants (thanks Giselle!) Listed in the Top 100 restaurants in the world: - Central (top 10!) - Maido (top 10!) - Astrid y Gaston - Isolina For Ceviche: - La Mar - Canta Rana (order the ceviche imperial!) - Punto Azul - La Picanteria (better w a larger group, Surquillo) - La Preferida Non ceviche (or at least not exclusively) - El Bodegon - Amoramar (in Barranco) - Panchita - Sibaris (brunch options) - La 73 de Barranco - Tanta Bars: - Ayahuasca - Dada - Barbarian (beer joint, one in miraflores or one in barranco)
Huacachina
Beautiful oasis in the dessert. Go sandboarding in the dunes!
Paracas
Desert beach town with nature reserve nearby. Windsurfing, paragliding. Visit Waiki Pizza Bar and ask if Stephanie is in. Shes a kiwi from Rotorua living in Paracas. Tell her Giselle (Denisse's sister) sent you!