cartaw

We are going to be in Peru in November for eight full days (the other days are traveling to and from). We plan on flying to Cuzco (after arriving in Lima) and viewing the Sacred Valley and Machu Piccu. I'm wondering if we should add something else onto our trip during that time (in other words, after our fifth day in the sacred valley, will we start to wish we had included more on our trip). We were thinking about adding Paracas. Any suggestions?

mlgb

How much time have you alloted to Lima?

Lake Titcaca is another frequent extension. However,
You may find that you like the Sacred Valley enough not to want to leave, ever!

cartaw

We haven't really alloted any time to Lima. We are leaving as soon as we get there. The travel books say not to spend much time there.

mlgb

Which travel books are you reading! Try to spend at least a full day and night there. Better to return the night before from Cusco so you don't have delays or cancellations affecting your return trip.

Sights include the Rafael Larco museum, the central Plaza de Armas (a World Heritage site), nightime fountains at Parque de la Reserva and double decker bus trip, one of the huacas (Pucllana has a restaurant), Barranco has a fantastic but often overlooked estate and museum (Pedro Osma). I liked staying in the B&B "Second Home Peru" in Lima. They have a good taxi pickup service and he can also be scheduled for touring. As a bonus, Lima has fantastic food, especially seafood.
http://www.secondhomeperu.com/
http://www.museopedrodeosma.org/english/
http://www.museolarco.org/iindex.html
http://www.limavision.com/citytour.html

My recent Lima trip photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwifann/LimaPeru#

mistadobalina

In 2006, and again in 2010, I went to Peru, visiting a whole bunch of spots, many of which were just a day or two in each spot. All of them are not too out of the way as an add-on. Check out my trip reports - it may give you some ideas of what you can do in 2-3 days:

http://www.justinandcrystal.com/SouthAmerica/Index.htm

http://www.justinandcrystal.com/SouthAmerica2010/

cartaw

Thanks for the ideas and the links to the travel blogs! I think we are just going to stay in the Sacred Valley and Lima for the whole trip.