travelchica

Just returned from an AMAZING trip to Peru. We went to Cusco, MP, Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Puno/Lake Titicaca & Lima. I am happy to answer any questions about my trip!

sfgrace

I would like to travel to those exact same places in Peru. My concern is the altitude. I've seen many posts regarding this, but one more doesn't hurt. Did you fly from Lima to Cusco? If so, how did the altitude hit you once you deplaned? If you did get sick, how did you get relief? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

travelchica

Yes we flew directly from Lima to Cusco and had no major problems with the altitude. I was a bit concerned about Peru also because my husband has asthma, but he was perfectly fine. When we landed we felt a bit "out of it", but that could have been from the long day of travel. The first few days, we noticed it was a bit harder to breathe, more difficult to climb stairs etc...but.. we never got any headaches or nauseas. As soon as we arrived in our hotel, the hotel gave us a cup of coca tea, which I believe helped. Other than that, we just took it easy the first day. We didn't physically push ourselves, ate a light dinner, got a good night sleep and our bodies adjusted to the altitude well.

fluffnfold

Travelchica,

I will be in Peru from August 19 to 28. I arrive in Lima and spend one full day and night at El Monasterio, then take the train to Machu Picchu. I will stay at the Sanctuary Lodge for one night. I wouldn't have chosen to do the MP trip on our second day there, but that was the only night available at the Lodge, where I definitely wanted to stay. Then back to Cusco for four nights at the Novotel (would love to go back to El Monasterio, but the cost for an additional four nights is just prohibitive--$160 vs. $380 per night). We will then spend two days in Lima. I'm undecided about our hotel there, and will be posting a question asking for advice.

Am I missing something by not going to Arequipa and Lake Titicaca? I can still make adjustments to my itinerary.

travelchica

fluffnfold,
In my opinion 5 nights is a lot of time to spend in Cusco. Don't get me wrong, Cusco is lovely and there is plenty to see and do. But, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa were both so wonderful and I am very happy I got to see them. If it were my trip, I would spend one less night in Cusco, 1 night in Lima and spend two nights in one of the other cities.

mhbraun

We are going to be in Peru for 14 days and are looking at the same exact destinations that you went to. How long was your trip and would you mind sharing your specific itinerary? Thanks!

travelbug

I will be visiting Peru in November; my concern is safety in Lima. Is it as dangerous as I've read? I'll be staying in Miraflores ans will be alone for a day before my tour begins. Can I walk around the Miraflores and San Isidro areas? Is it possible (and safe) to take a bus to Museo de la Nacion? Is it safe to take a bus anywhere? thanks

artnuvu

did you use a travel service to make your arrangements and meet you at different places, like peruforless or condor tours? and if so, how were their sevices?

luv4travel

Does anyone know a great site for discount airfare from Miami, Houston or Atlanta to Lima?

Also, has anyone flown over Nasca Lines?

tam1950

Dear traveller,
It sounds like you know so much and I would love to have your help. I have about 3 weeks in July. I thought of spending two weeks studying spanish in Cousco and 10 days travelling outside of Cousco. I am not comfortable flying small plane and don't mind bus/train transportation. What do you think? Should I fly to and from Lima or fly back home from another location? Help.

Fallen

I am thinking of moving to Lima to work for a couple of years. What I have heard about safety, pollution, lack of anything to see that is beautiful, and especially the depression that can be caused by the guara (the mists/clouds) is making me nervous about this decision. I do not want to get there and have to break my contract because I hate it! Can you give me any info on Lima and surrounding area that might support or go against all the negatives?

thanks!!

lovebirds

Hi,
We are going to the same places in 2 weeks with OAT. We will have a lot of free time to explore things other than the "must sees" which are included. Can you give us any tips on restaurants, neighborhoods, shops, and local color stuff?

cailin

fluffnfold - we will be there around the same time! We will be on the Inca Trail when you arrive but are staying at the Monasterio on the 23rd August!

travelchica - did you go to Colca Canyon from Arequipa? I would be interested to hear about that - whether you did it by tour, or by public transport. Thanks!

vmcb

Regarding your stay at the Novotel in Cusco--we stayed there and enjoyed it. It's an easy walk to the main plaza. The hotel has an old Colonial part and a newer addition. The Colonial part has a lot of character and charm, and I recommend it. Our room overlooked the atrium area. The rooms do cost more, but we were glad we requested it, as a guide book had recommended.

incaprincess24

travelchica:
I'm thinking of going to Peru this October if possible. Your itinerary sounds quite intriguing- much like what I want to do. I was reading somewhere that there aren't any roads from AC anywhere and only a train. Is that true. I wanted to take the bus to Ollaytaytambo and do a tour of the Sacred Vallye. Did you use a tour company when going to Cusco or an independent guide?

Elizabeth_S

Incaprincess24 - I did a similar itinerary in January (Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Puno/Lake Titicaca) and used a private guide for my husband and I. We are very independent travelers and it was a great way to see the area. His name is David Choque and his web site is:

http://www.cuscotoptravelperu.com/

Email

[email protected]

He arranged our hotel accommodation and train from Ollantaytambo; did the daily tours and drove us to Puno.....the price was comparable to a good package tour.

Here's a link to our blog so you can see how our itinerary worked

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/l...aca/index.html

gull

Has anyone flown over the NAZCA lines? This is a tour option, but very expensive and I would like to know if it is worth it.

gull

Is the Museo de Oro del Peru worth visiting?

SharonNRayMc

gull - Lima's Gold Museum is worth it... however...

You should also factor in what other things you area giving up time-wise to see this.

What is on your list of things to see/do while in Lima?

What do you enjoy doing when you are traveling?

What else will you be seeing/doing in Peru?

I kind of hate to answer a question with a series of questions, yet to answer the one you posed... I do think those other elements are points to consider.

Lima has a lot to offer. Like, for me personally I would prioritize the Lima Centro sites over the gold museum ... and would visit the Larco Museum with all the Moche pottery before the gold museum. I hope you follow my line of thinking.

The gold museum is eclectic. It contains gold, fabric, weapons, and even modern tie-dye and batik.

If you want to see gold... check out the Museum at Sechin. The displays and quality of the pieces are fabulous. And, even more fabulous is the gold, pottery and displays at the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum. If your trip is including either of these places, I would skip Lima's gold museum.

Sharon

gull

I will have 2 days, including my arrival day in Lima, plus another day upon departure from the end of my trip. I will definitely do a city tour and the Archaeological Museum. After that, I am uncertain. I had heard that the Pachacamac ruins, 20 km south of Lima were worth seeing, plus hanging out in Miraflores, and the Museo Pedro de Osma. We will also be in Cuzco, Pizac, Urubamba, MP, and Lake Titicaca. I like to be active on trips, so I want to do as much as I can while in Lima, as it seems like I have plenty of time. I also like to wander streets and people watch, plus visit outdoor markets.