Awesome (quick) solo trip to Peru for Inca Trail
 

Howdy - As usual, Fodor's message boards were a great resource when planning my Peru trip. Unfortunately I don't have time to write a detailed report, but can say everything was great, especially the hotels I stayed at, both picked based on Fodor's recommendations. Very brief notes:

1) Took a taxi from the Cusco airport and bargained down on the price. I found it a little hard to bargain as a party of one. Agreed on 5soles less than what was originally quoted.
2) Ninos Hotel (on Calle Meloc) was lovely. I liked being a walk away from the main action around Plaza de Armas, but others may want to be somewhere with more hotels, businesses, etc.
3) I found the quality of "traditional" souvenirs, gifts, etc. higher in Cusco than Pisac or Lima. (Lima better if you want a taste of modern, funky, hip, etc.)
4) PERU TREKS highly recommended for the trail.
5) Second Home Peru in Barranco, Lima. Won't stay anywhere else if/when I go back.

Solo youngish woman, felt totally safe at all times. Speak a few words of Spanish, which I tried to maximize. People were lovely. Awesome trip. Happy to answer questions!

Thanks for the quick, happy post. I appreciate that you took the time to share and I'm glad you had a good time. Peru's on my list but I'll probably wait till I retire to head down on a shoulder season (5 years).

I am glad you liked perutreks - that is who my group is using in May.
quick question - did you wear hiking boots or running shoes? I had planned to just wear running shoes, but now I'm getting nervous about that decision.

what souvenirs did you bring home and what did you wish you brought more of, in terms of gifts?

Gosh, I need to get an alert when folks post replies...sorry to have missed these questions from April!

DCM58 - How was your trip? I'll check if maybe you posted a report. I hope you liked PeruTreks as much as I did. FWIW, I wore hiking boots, but I have wonky ankles. If you are fit and have good balance and joints and whatnot, some trail runners might have worked for you.

EileenM- The best gift I bought? Artwork and good scarves. I spent time looking at the small galleries around Cusco and there was a lot to admire. I bought a painting for my sister, which was not necessarily of Peruvian or Inca imagery. It was unique and well done and she loved it. I almost wish I had gotten a second piece by the same artist for myself. I spent a long time admiring another painting that I really regret not buying...

I also bought a fairly nice quality scarf in Lima, which turned out so great. Lightweight but warm and just ideal. Wish I had gotten a couple of those! How did your shopping turn out?