Going to Peru, visiting Lima & Cusco. Any advice or tips?

Question

I am going to Peru. I am going with my husband, who is from Lima. We will visit his family and then we all will go to Cusco for...i think...10 days. What other things are there to see in Cusco besides Machu Picchu (which of course I am planning to see)? Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

You're going to love Peru, it's my favorite place to visit.

1. Don't bother with traveler's checks. You'll spend more time at the bank cashing them and paying an outrageous service fee.

2. Leave your valuables at the hotel or house. Only take enough money with you that you need.

3. Avoid at all costs drinking the water. Sometimes it's difficult if the food or drinks from the restaurant is made with tap water. You won't die but it will ruin your vacation having diarreha and a fever the entire time.

4. If you're going to Machu Piccu, buy a low cost rain poncho ahead of time, otherwise you'll get soaked buying one there (no pun intended hahah)

If your husband is from Peru then he's smart about safety. Stick with him or his family members.

When departing back to the USA - arrive at the Jorge Chavez airport plenty of time in advance. The airport is always packed and the lines move slow.

If you're traveling to Cusco by train (and there is a good chance you are) don't forget the batteries for your camera. The train ride is spectacular.

FYI - They shut the water off in Cusco at 11pm.

Have a great time!

Answer 2

Cusco is the best place to travel from, to see other places.

Around Cusco, and in Cusco itself, you can visit: 1)Sacsayhuaman,which are walls built in a zig-zag way

2)Qenqo, historic place

3)Puka Pukara, old fortress

4)Tambomachay

5) Qorikancha , the convent of Santo Domingo, built over an Inca temple, to name a few places. From Cusco, get a tour to take you along the Valle de Sagrado (Sacred Valley), to visit many interesting places.

Cusco is the Springboard to many interesting sites.

It is very touristy, has some good restaurants. "Inka Restaurant" in Plaza de Armas of Cusco, serves great food. We went there twice because we liked the food. Hope this encourages you and get you interested.

Answer 3

First, have an amazing trip! I spent four weeks in Peru and it was life altering. That said, there isn't a lot to do in Cusco. I spent most of my time shopping, eating and walking around. There are a few amazing chuches that warrant a visit, even if you're not religious. Outside of Cusco there is more to do. Visit the Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo and then go to Pisac and visit the markets there. Here's a link: http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/dest... And give yourself at least two days to visit Machu Picchu. We only had one afternoon to visit and it was not enough. When you go to visit Machu Picchu, you'll likely stay in Aguas Calientes and while you're there, ask about going to the hot springs. Locals can point you in the right direction. It's a nice diversion after a long day on the mountain. Enjoy your trip!!

Answer 4

In Cusco you have Saccashuaman ruins, Pisac market, and plenty of other ruins to visit like Oyantaytambo. The town of aguas calientes (just before going to Machu Pichu) is great. Be careful with the height, I recommned not eating carbs when you reach Cusco as they are difficult to digest with the altutide problem. No bread, no potatoes and no chocolate please. Drink tea (coca tea is great and healthy) and rest the first day and take it easy.

In Cusco you'll find wonderful alpaca and silver shops, try Ilaria for silver jewelry and try Alpaca 101 for Alpaca sweaters. I don't say anything about Lima as your husband probably knows everything there is to know.

Have a great trip!

Answer 5

I always suggest including visiting both the zoo and the National museum in the to-do llist of Lima. Don't forget Peru has got many species that you won't be able to see anywhere else and that in the museum you have quite a bunch of Peruvian history summarized.

Enjoy