I was looking forward to Peru and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved Lima a lot. I was here in June 2012.

For Blog, click Pisco and Chifa.

For Travel Tips in Peru, check out the travel overview section below the pictures

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Peru: Country Doc

Visa for US citizens: None!

Visa for citizens of other countries: Check this link and see if you require a visa or not

Cost and Money

Currency: Nuevo Sol (soles for short). See Oando or XE for currency exchange

Cost: This will vary depending on your budget. For travelers with a tight budget, USD$25 for a dorm bed, street food and bus fare will do.

How to carry your money: ATMs are widely available in major cities. Credit cards are also accepted at some restaurants and stores. Inform your bank before you travel. Best to carry emergency cash

Language

Spanish is the official language but in tourist places, English will be fine in some places.

Getting to & from the Airport (Lima)

Taxi: 20 – 30 Soles to San Miguel part of town and 40 Soles to Miraflores                                             

You can also check out Lima Airport Taxi. I did not use them so I cannot comment on their service.

Getting Around

In Lima: buses and taxis. Taxis are cheap

Within Peru: Each bus terminal has a variety of bus companies going to the same destination. Walk around the terminal and pick your choice. Remember the cheapest bus might equal the most uncomfortable experience. You can buy the bus ticket a day before or on the same day. For trips to Machu Pichu from Cusco, a day before is advisable.

Sights:  

Lima:

1. Afro-Peruvian Museum: museonacionalafroperuano@gmail.com, (+511) 426-0689, Located in the Casa de las Trece Monedas, Street – Jr. Ancash 542. Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 09.15 am to 05.00 pm, Sun and Public Holiday 09.00 am to 01.00 pm. Afro-Peruvian FB Page.

Cusco:

1. Plaza de Armas                                       
2. Pisaq Market

Arequipa:

1. City Tour: I did the full day tour; it includes Plaza de Armas, Chacani Volcano, El Misti Volcano. I booked the tour at the agency in Wild Rover Hostel.

Aquas Caliente:

1. Machu Pichu: I did not do the Inca trail/trek. I took the bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and the train from there to Aguas Caliente. I bought my train ticket in Cusco from the tourism office. Check out the official website.

Chicha Alta:

1. Haciendo San Jose: an haciendo that slaves worked until a rebellion broke out

Puno – Lake Titicaca:

Places to Stay

HotelTravel, HostelWorld, TripAdvisor, Pacarama and Airbnb are some useful links for hostels, B&Bs & Apt            

Cusco:                                                                                                                         

1. Wild Rover Hostel: Calle Matara 261. I stayed in the mixed dorm. It was clean, clean bathroom as well with very hot showers. Free breakfast and wifi. It is a party hostel which meant I did not enjoy my sleep.

Arequipa:

1. Wild Rover Hostel: Calle Matara 261. I stayed in the mixed dorm. It was clean, clean bathroom as well with very hot showers. Free breakfast and wifi. It is a party hostel……..
2. Arequipay Backpackers: Did not stay here but heard good things about this place from other budget travelers.

Aquas Caliente: if you plan to go to Machu Pichu, this is the town you stay in. From here you will get the shuttle to Mach Pichhu. Everything is overpriced here. One night is enough.

1. Pakarina Inn and Restaurant: hostalpakarina@gmail.com, Avenida Pachacuteq 803, 84211331. I stayed in the single room. The room was okay (basic), nothing special. Bathroom was old but clean. Room had a TV. The food at the restaurant was the best I tasted in this town. Free breakfast and wifi. Great customer service. Look at several rooms; some are way better than the rest.

Chicha Alta:

1. Ballombrosio Family: a famous Afro-Peruvian family. It cost USD$10/night/person – this includes 2 meals. Call Maribel to make a reservation at 011 5156 274 014. To get to this family house, take the Soyuz Bus from Lima. Get off at Chincha/Chincha Alta and get a cab (30mins cab ride) to the Ballumbosio family. They live in the District of El Carmen. The cost should be around 12-14 soles for the taxi.

Puno – Lake Titicaca:           

1. Puma Backpackers Hostal: Jr. Antonio Arenas, no 150, Circunvalacion Norte – Cercado, 367690. I stayed in a mixed dorm, clean but basic shared bathroom. The hot water for shower was not working. Free wifi. The couple that runs this place is very pleasant and helpful.

Lima: I didn’t stay in an hotel or hostel while in Lima. I used couchsurfing. You can click on the picture below for possible hotel to stay in Lima

Food/Drinks

I wasn’t a fan of the food here. They eat lots of Chinese food – they call it Chifa. Shop around, some taste better than others.

Drink: you simply have to try Pisco or Pisco Sour. Pisco Sour was my favorite.

Useful Links

Peruvian Embassy in Washington Dc

Official Peru Tourism Page

Lonely Planet Peru Page