What are some "can't miss" tourist stops in Peru?

Question

I'm volunteering this summer with a humanitarian program in Peru , after a few weeks of that my sister and I are heading to Machu Picchu to sight see. Anyone got any tips? Cheap bus tickets, cheap hostels, cool little known places, under-rated restaraunts, preparation tips...it's all much appreciated!!!!!!!! :)

Timeframe: We fly in to Lima mid July, have to find a way to Huancayo where the orphanage is, then to Cuzco, probably taking the 4 day hike to get to Machu Picchu, then back to Lima, and back to the US in mid-August.

Answer 1

Spend a day or 2 in lima

cusco for a few days

tour the sacred valley.. stay in ollyantaytambo  a day..

maybe check out the amazon

in most towns there are inexpensive hotels and restaraunts if you look.

go to pisco and help with earthquake relief...

www.sunriseperu.com was good price for trips and treks

Answer 2

if you in Lima definitely you have to go and see the show of fountains its amazing a lot of fun is this huge park with different water fountains that have different shapes color and music really cool it would take you a couple hours or mores but you gonna have so much fun, besides Lima have a lot of rest. and bars one  that i love and everybody recommend me is LAS HUARINGAS  is in Miraflores is a bar but you have to tried the pisco in their different flavors and presentations is really good, well have fun take a los of pics.. good luck

Answer 3

Oh man, they do this Parasailing off the cliffs at the beaches near Lima. it's $30 a person for an insane experience. It's downtown in the touristy area and Inca market, you can't miss it.

Answer 4

also check  www.peru.info

Answer 5

There is tons of info here

www.theultimateperulist.blogspot.com

www.expatperu.com

www.livinginperu.com

Answer 6

Hi well you are doing well, for sure machupicchu is a priority to know it, but if you like the astronomy and enygma you can visit Nazca lines if you come to Cusco by bus, you can stop first in Nazca, then continue to Arequipa to visit the colca canyon, the buses companies that i can dare to recommend are Ormeño and Cruz del sur they do not make stops in little towns (that is why is more safe to avoid assaults). In Arequipa you can visit the monastery of saint catalina and then maybe take a tour to Colca Canyon to see condors. From Arequipa you can head to Puno to navegate the highest navegable lake of the world (titicaca), and the interesting flotant islands. From Puno you can follow to Cusco by bus (very nice view: archeologycal spots, snow mountains and the beginning of the sacred valley) so take first class bus wich includes an excellent tour guide and 3 sites to be seen before arriving at Cusco. On the other hand if you like the beaches and other precolumbian temples northern peru at Mancora and punta sal have summer the whole year, well you have to see this web site that i am running at www.southamericamyjourney.com where you will find cheap prices for private tours, FAQS for travelers and offers.