I'm going to Peru in July with 2 friends. Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions on what to do?

Question

We are going to be there for 10 days.

Answer 1

Lima is a good city to visit. But don't drive in Lima!!!!

The traffic is scary. Vehicles honk every now and then and folks drive like there are no traffic rules! But there is an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean, on the way to Miraflores (in Lima) where you can buy all kinds of Art and craft to take home. Don't be bashful to haggle over there in Miraflores. It is OK to do that.

Enroute to Miraflores, by the Pacific Ocean there is a nice restaurant with good food and a great view: "Vista Al Mar".

If you like History , there are many places to see.

The Plaza de Armas in Old Lima has a cathedral, President's mansion and great Spanish architecture. A tour inside the cathedral will reveal some History (not expensive , but you pay for a guide). Cusco is worth visiting. It is the Springboard to many Historical sites around it and beyond. You can take a tour that goes along the Valle de Sagrado (Sacred Valley).

Most of these places involve Spanish and Inca  influences.

Some like Machu Picchu are worth visiting. It is quite a climb but you can take a bus from the bottom of the mountain and then you climb the rest of the way up . The view from the top is worth it! The young and adventurous may take the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. A train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu  is quite nice. You pass all kinds of scenery: snow capped Andean Mountains, herds of sheep and Alpaca, also you get to see Llamas

July sounds like it would be Winter down in the South American countries. You would need to bundle up. It can get cold. We went in late September, which was their Spring and it was quite cold especially up in the highlands.

If you go from a lowland area, like we did ,and fly to a higher area, you must beware of altitude sickness. I would recommend to see your doctor here and have him prescribe Altitude sickness prevention medication. You must start taking it the very day you fly out of the country. I did and I was not sick but my friends all did not take it and every one of them had headaches and nausea for a night and a day. We flew from Lowland Lima to Juliaca in the highlands. The Coca Tea the locals offer to help combat this did not help my sick companions! Another place worth visiting is the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. These man-made islands are made of tortora reeds, layers upon layers of them. The homes and traditional boats there are also made of these reeds which grow abundantly in the lake. Wear sunglasses and apply sunblock lotion when you go. The sun is very strong, glary on the islands. Puno is a small town but we went to Lake Titicaca from Puno.   Hope I gave you enough information to interest you.

Answer 2

I'm from Peru and can suggest some things. Fisrt of all, Lima is very humid and grey during July (winter time) It does not rain at all but it can be very very cold. Stay only a couple of days in Lima (visit Downtown and new suburbs like Miraflores or Barranco) and then try and go to the Jungle (Tambopata in Madre de Dios region is great) and of course Cuzco and Macchu Picchu in the highlands.

If you want a nice place in the Coast with beautiful weather and gorgeous beaches in July, try Mancora in the north of Peru.

Wherever you go, you must try our fabulous food. Cebiche is the most popular but there are tons of dishes and Peru is well known for its food. Our handicrafts are also very good, especially clothes made from Alpaca.

have a nice time, we always treat tourists very nicely so I am sure you will enjoy your time here in Peru.

Any other query of question just post it here and I'll be glad to help you.

Answer 3

I have never been there myself although I know people who have been there and I work with someone who is from Peru. I have heard that Machu Pichu, Cuzco, and the Amazon are some of the most popular attraction in Peru. When going to Machu Pichu be sure to abide by the strong suggestions of drinking the tea and resting when going there as the high altitude is difficult for some people. If you drink the tea, eat light and rest as tour guides suggest, you should be fine. I hope you enjoy your visit to Peru. I can't wait for the day when I get the opportunity to go. I hope this information helps.

SP