Back from Peru
Sep 5th, 2005, 03:04 PM
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Back from Peru
First of all thanks to all for the information - especially outtadodge and lifelist for the packing list - it was perfect.
Our trip was short - we arrived in Lima on the night of the 26th and hung out in the airport until our 7 am flight to Cusco. We saw some people actually pull out sleeping bags and sleep in the airport- it seemed pretty safe - we however just sat around reading, looking around the stores which were open through the night. The airport is very nice- clean and well maintained -nicer than DFW
We spent the first day in Cusco, and initially felt mild effects of the altitude (mainly feeling a little out of breath) but within a couple of hours we started to feel better - and went to the Qoricancha, which was near the hotel. Left early next morning for the Inca trail. We went with Explorandes and were generally happy with the orgnization. The trek itself is an amazing experience - highly, highly recommend it if you are reasonably fit. There is something absolutely incredible about walking through the mountains on the same path that the ancient Incas used.
The first view of Machu Pichu from Inti Punku is unforgettable. We stayed at the Hotel Presidente in Aguas Caliente - nice hotel and after 3 nights in tents, the hotel seems like a piece of heaven. They had some scrumptious pancakes for breakfast the next day, which won big points with all of us weary hikers.
The next day we made the hike up Wayna Pichu - the hike is not too difficult but maybe a bit hard for people with a fear of heights. But the view from up there is spectacular.
After our return to Cusco, we got massages at the hotel. We stayed at the Libertador and were very impressed with the service. We went to MAP and wandered round Plaza Nazarenas and the nearby artist stores.
The next day we hired a taxi and went round the Sacred valley - had lunch at a wonderful place in Pisac. There is a sense of timelessness about the place - the women dressed in traditional garb weaving the gorgeous fabrics, the mountains - and as cheesy as it may sound it truly soothes the soul.
Food: In Cusco - we ate at Inti Raymi (it was okay), Inka grill (great food), Pacha mama(great Peruvian food - alpaca brochettes to die for) Had dinner at Keros on the last night. Highly recommend the local beer Cusquena. And of course the Pisco sours are deelish.
On the return, we had a long layover in Lima, and decided to go around the city and went to the Plaza Mayor, Plaza Martin and did a tour of the Catacombs. There are some really beautiful buildings in Lima. Later we had an early dinner at Rosa Nautica in Miraflores and back to the airport.
We were sad when it all ended - what we saw of Peru was absolutely lovely and Peruvians are wonderful people.
Our trip was short - we arrived in Lima on the night of the 26th and hung out in the airport until our 7 am flight to Cusco. We saw some people actually pull out sleeping bags and sleep in the airport- it seemed pretty safe - we however just sat around reading, looking around the stores which were open through the night. The airport is very nice- clean and well maintained -nicer than DFW
We spent the first day in Cusco, and initially felt mild effects of the altitude (mainly feeling a little out of breath) but within a couple of hours we started to feel better - and went to the Qoricancha, which was near the hotel. Left early next morning for the Inca trail. We went with Explorandes and were generally happy with the orgnization. The trek itself is an amazing experience - highly, highly recommend it if you are reasonably fit. There is something absolutely incredible about walking through the mountains on the same path that the ancient Incas used.
The first view of Machu Pichu from Inti Punku is unforgettable. We stayed at the Hotel Presidente in Aguas Caliente - nice hotel and after 3 nights in tents, the hotel seems like a piece of heaven.
They had some scrumptious pancakes for breakfast the next day, which won big points with all of us weary hikers. The next day we made the hike up Wayna Pichu - the hike is not too difficult but maybe a bit hard for people with a fear of heights. But the view from up there is spectacular.
After our return to Cusco, we got massages at the hotel. We stayed at the Libertador and were very impressed with the service. We went to MAP and wandered round Plaza Nazarenas and the nearby artist stores.
The next day we hired a taxi and went round the Sacred valley - had lunch at a wonderful place in Pisac. There is a sense of timelessness about the place - the women dressed in traditional garb weaving the gorgeous fabrics, the mountains - and as cheesy as it may sound it truly soothes the soul.
Food: In Cusco - we ate at Inti Raymi (it was okay), Inka grill (great food), Pacha mama(great Peruvian food - alpaca brochettes to die for) Had dinner at Keros on the last night. Highly recommend the local beer Cusquena. And of course the Pisco sours are deelish.
On the return, we had a long layover in Lima, and decided to go around the city and went to the Plaza Mayor, Plaza Martin and did a tour of the Catacombs. There are some really beautiful buildings in Lima. Later we had an early dinner at Rosa Nautica in Miraflores and back to the airport.
We were sad when it all ended - what we saw of Peru was absolutely lovely and Peruvians are wonderful people.
Oct 31st, 2005, 07:22 PM
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Enjoyed your trip report. On your layover in Lima on last day, how did you get to catacombs, dinner in Miraflores, etc? We will have that same layover and unsure of plans to spend the time (safely). We will have toured Lima as part of an Amazon tour group, but we're on our own planning a Machu Picchu visit as extension to our trip.
Jan 12th, 2006, 10:12 AM
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vcmb, Sorry, this might be too late. But we contacted the tourist service at the airport, they set us up with a cab, Was not too expensive as far as I can remember, the guy was great spoke limited English.
Also another option is to try and make the half day bus tour, takes you to some of the same places. I know there's one that leaves around 12:30 or 1 and gets back by about 7. Our flight was a little late and we did not have enough time for the bus. However you do need to take a cab to one of the hotels for the bus tour. ut I found the tourist service folks really helpful.
Also another option is to try and make the half day bus tour, takes you to some of the same places. I know there's one that leaves around 12:30 or 1 and gets back by about 7. Our flight was a little late and we did not have enough time for the bus. However you do need to take a cab to one of the hotels for the bus tour. ut I found the tourist service folks really helpful.
Jan 30th, 2006, 04:50 PM
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To Indie
Great report.
When you arrived at the airport you arranged prepaid taxi at the airport by the tourist service desk in person ?
Where abouts is the tourist service desk in the airport?
Does anyone know if you can do this at the Lima Airport? Since most flights arrive late at night.
Thankyou
Great report.
When you arrived at the airport you arranged prepaid taxi at the airport by the tourist service desk in person ?
Where abouts is the tourist service desk in the airport?
Does anyone know if you can do this at the Lima Airport? Since most flights arrive late at night.
Thankyou
