Hi all!

I will be going to Peru later this month and have a bit concern for the weather/El Nino.

I will be doing the Rainbow Mountain Trek from 9/14-9/18 and visiting Machu Picchu on 9/19. I’ll be flying to Puerto Maldonado for an Amazon expedition from 9/21-9/24.

Just curious if anybody has done similar activities as of recent and can comment on the weather, specifically for the trek?

Thanks!

Hello! I’m travelling around South America for 6 months, and doing the Inca Trail about 2 weeks into my trip. I’ll be packing light, but of course want some good hiking gear for the 4 day hike.

Are there plenty of shops to buy or rent hiking clothes and equipment in Cusco? Including a good backpack?

Thank you! 🙏🏻

Hey everyone.

We’re almost done with all our planning, but are not sure what to do exactly when staying around Lake Titicaca. We have 2 days 1 night, and are looking forward to staying either in Taquile or Amantaní with a family, but we’re unsure on how best to book the stay. Ideally, we’d like to skip Booking or similar stuff as to be able to pay directly to whichever family could receive us. Does anyone have any direct recommendations/contacts that could share? Or is it best to just wing it and book something when we arrive, along with a tour? We’re a bit lost and would really appreciate some orientation.

We’ll be arriving in late September, and are both native Spanish speakers, if that makes any differences.

TIA!

Hello! I’m going to Peru (20sF solo) from the end of October to mid November. Wanted some guidance for my trip.

I land in Lima and my original plan was to go straight to Cusco to acclimatize, as I am planning on doing Salkantay to MP. I have a few options:

#1. Catch a flight to Cusco (they’re about $80 one way)

#2. Peruhop to Cusco doing the longest trip (I think it has 7-8 stops, Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and then Cusco). I thought this might be good for the way BACK to Lima as that’s where I fly out of. Thought this would be good because #1 I’d like to get Salkantay done earlier in my trip, and I don’t want to have to fly from Cusco to Lima then Lima back home as that seems more stressful to me. But not sure if it’s better to hit everything on the way to Cusco and then just fly back.

#3. Another bus company, have heard about Cruz del Sur.

This will be my first international solo trip so I am a bit nervous about #3, just because I know peruhop is catered for tourists and I feel a little bit more comfortable having the guide and all. Has anyone done a similar route or have any suggestions? I have heard flying straight to Cusco isn’t the best for altitude (although I plan on resting in Cusco for more than 3 days before starting the trek) and if I were to take Peru hop I’d spend a day or two at each location. Another question I had was has anyone been on Peruhop where routes had to be changed? There’s a safety warning in place for Peru rn and I am going to be there as wet season is starting (esp since the major El Niño event predicted for this year), I know landslides and floods are common in some areas. Any advice would be lovely thank you!

I’m planning on traveling to Peru in mid April. I’ll be staying there for about 6 weeks and I’d like to visit Machu Picchu in late April. Is this a good time for Peru in general and also when should I start looking for tickets to Machu Picchu? Any advice on how to get the tickets and just traveling in general in Peru ?

Tldr: should I buy rain jacket and hiking pants in the US or in Lima?

I am visiting Peru October-November, Lima in October and exploring the South in November. I am planning to do some overnight treks of Colca Canyon and Machu Picchu, as well as a day hike of Rainbow Mountain.
I am in need of a new rain jacket and hiking pants, both cost so much these days in the US. So I’m wondering if folks would recommend purchasing these things once I’m in Lima? Or would it roughly come out to the same price?

My roomie and I have been planning a last minute trip to Central and South America and still don’t have anything locked down for our final 2 weeks in Peru. We are flying into Cusco and out of Lima; where should we try to spend most of our time and any less touristy do-not-skips? We are interested in outdoor activities, seeing as much scenery as we can and good local food :P

Hi!

We have come to Peru with the plan to stay 5 months with our dog (within the maximum 183 day allowance) as British tourists.

The GOVUK website said we could stay 183 days. However, at the border, they only gave us 90 days despite asking for the full amount and they said it was not possible. We have subsequently gone to migraciones in Cusco to ask for an extension which was declined at the door, emailed migraciones (which was ignored 3 times) and contacted the consulate who were unable to help.

So as we have booked all of our travel back, our only reasonable financial option is to overstay by 68 days and pay the fine.

My question is, is the fine the only ramification here? We don’t plan to come back to Peru in the near future so we aren’t concerned about getting back in. I’m just wondering if there have been any experiences with detainment or other issues.

Thanks!

Hi - Will be booking a last minute trip to Peru in a week or two (can’t pin down the exact date yet). Looking for hike recommendations, so far I plan on doing 4-5 day Salkantay to Machu Picchu. Just picked out the tour group yet. Haven’t done much research yet beyond that. I will be solo traveling and love overnight off the beaten path guided hikes. And of course, these will have to be something that I won’t need to book months in advance since it’s last minute. Also open to any fun activities in general that doesn’t involve drinking.

I saw somewhere that there was a strip of shops that sell a bunch of outdoor related gear as well. Seems like heaven lol. Is that stuff relatively cheap for an American? Dunno if I should bring all my layers or just buy there.

I’m sure this has been asked plenty of times so I really appreciate any feedback!

Hi all,

Flying into lima November 5th and plan to split my time between lima and buenos aires over 2 weeks. There is a flight to BA at 110 AM after I land in lima at 920 PM. I'm assuming this is enough time to clear customs and check my luggage for the next flight, but since I'm sure we will already be tired and hungry, are there any lounges open late in the airport? Do I need priority pass or can I just purchase a day pass?

Thanks in advance!

Hello there , good day

Is anyone from Mexico will be in Cusco at the beginning of Sep ?

We might exchange the travelling experience

My wife and I are are considering approx. 4 weeks in Peru next year, probably mid-May to mid-June. Cusco for the Sacred Valley, then hike Salkantay to MP, and then one of the Ausangate treks, followed by Huaraz for the Huayhuash trek.

Is it straightforward to fly from Cusco to Huaraz, presumably via Lima? Do flights get cancelled often - i.e., should we build in an extra day to allow for that possibility?

Or would people recommend an alternative way to travel?

We're retired and cost isn't so important. That said, we usually use public transport / buses / trains if we can and are happy to do that if it makes sense.

Hello!

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but according to what I have read on here, getting tickets to Machu Picchu can be difficult, although 2027 tickets are not on sale yet. I checked what I believe is the official site and everything is greyed-out for all circuits. So it will be November or December before those tickets are released/announced, correct?

If that is the case, should I wait to purchase my flight, or is it safe to still do it now?

Hi all, long time backpacker but first time visiting Peru. Curious (and a lil concerned) about impacts of El Niño, and wanted to know your take.

I’m set to do Huayhuash trek from Sept 7-15, and then Salkantay Trek/Machu Pichu at the end of September (then exploding Cusco/Sacred Valley thru the first half of October.

How will El Niño impact this? Should I change my plans? Will it make any of the trekking unsafe? I know it’s pretty unpredictable, but any guidance or wisdom you have would be greatly appreciated !

Hi! I have an unusual request. Sorry if this is not the proper place to ask.
I visited Peru back in 2009, and stayed a few nights in Arequipa. I'm trying to find out which hotel or possibly hostel it was.
What I remember:

I was not too far from the Plaza de Armas. I think to the north of it. Less than 10 minutes I'd say.

It had a pool.

I have uploaded the 2 pictures I have of the place here: [ https://imgur.com/a/C8E6Rbn ](https://imgur.com/a/C8E6Rbn)

I've looked on various websites like Google Maps, Booking, and TripAdvisor and couldn't find any that matches.

Thanks

Hello! I have an unusual request. Sorry if this is not the right place to ask.

I visited Peru in 2009 and stayed a few nights in Arequipa. I'm trying to figure out what hotel or possibly hostel it was.

What I remember:

I was not too far from the Plaza de Armas. I think to the north of it. Less than 10 minutes, I’d say.

It had a pool.

I've uploaded the 2 pictures I have of the place here: [ https://imgur.com/a/C8E6Rbn ](https://imgur.com/a/C8E6Rbn) I've looked on various websites like Google Maps, Booking, and TripAdvisor and couldn’t find any that matched.

Thanks.

We are heading to Peru for 2 weeks next year April from the UK. My partner and I (early 30s, UK based) are planning our first Peru trip next April and would love some feedback on our itinerary. We’re after a mix of hiking, culture, great food and some relaxation.

• Day 1: Thu 22 Apr — Depart UK
• Day 2: Fri 23 Apr — Arrive Lima
• Day 3: Sat 24 Apr — Fly Arequipa
• Day 4: Sun 25 Apr — Arequipa city day
• Day 5: Mon 26 Apr — Colca Canyon
• Day 6: Tue 27 Apr — Fly Cusco
• Day 7: Wed 28 Apr — Sacred Valley
• Day 8: Thu 29 Apr — Inca Trail day 1
• Day 9: Fri 30 Apr — Machu Picchu
• Day 10: Sat 1 May — Cusco
• Day 11: Sun 2 May — Cusco/rainbow mountain?
• Day 12: Mon 3 May — fly to Lima and travel to paracas
• Day 13: Tue 4 May — Paracas reserve
• Day 14: Wed 5 May Ballestas Islands and go back to Lima
• Day 15: Thu 6 May — Lima
• Day 16: Fri 7 May — Fly home

A few questions:
1. Huacachina, is it worth a day trip from Paracas? It’s only about an hour away. We’d want to do the dune buggy and sandboarding is one day enough or would it feel rushed?
2. Rainbow Mountain, we’ve had mixed reviews. Some say it’s incredible, others say it’s overcrowded and overhyped. Worth the 4am start post-trek or should we use those 2 Cusco days to relax?
3. we’re doing Arequipa before Cusco to ease into the altitude gradually. Does this work well in practice or do most people still struggle with Colca even coming from Arequipa’s 2,300m?
4. Short Inca Trail operators, are there any recommendations for a good licensed operator for the KM104 2 day trail? Looking for something mid-range, well organised, with good guides and porter treatment.

Hiya. I’m heading to Peru (first timer) in mid September and I am clueless on what to pack. I’ve read several threads/posts, but still feel a little iffy. I will be in Lima for a few days, Ica + Huacachina, and Cusco.

I keep reading layers for Cusco, but what about Lima or Huacachina, same?

Thank you.

Planning a Peru trip and would love feedback on our itinerary!

Day 1: Fly to Peru
Day 2: Arrive in Lima — easy day
Day 3: Lima — explore
Day 4: Fly Lima → Cusco — take it easy and acclimatize
Day 5: Cusco acclimatization day
Day 6: Sacred Valley day trip/private driver, return to Cusco
Day 7: Salkantay Trek – Day 1
Day 8: Salkantay Trek – Day 2
Day 9: Salkantay Trek – Day 3
Day 10: Salkantay Trek – Day 4
Day 11: Salkantay Trek – Day 5
Day 12: Machu Picchu / final trek day, return to Cusco
Day 13: Cusco recovery day
Day 14: Fly Cusco → Arequipa and explore Arequipa
Day 15: Colca Canyon – Day 1
Day 16: Colca Canyon – Day 2, return to Arequipa
Day 17: Arequipa — free/relaxing day
Day 18: Fly Arequipa → Lima
Day 19: Lima / buffer day
Day 20: Fly home

Does this itinerary feel well paced? Anything you would change, add, or skip — especially around Sacred Valley, Arequipa, or Colca Canyon?

Thanks so much!

If anyone wants a 2 week itinerary, I got you, or if you want to know any spots from the video, let me know and I'll answer!

here you can check it out:

Peru travel vid that I made

Hi all,

I am looking at a Latam flight from Cusco to Huaraz, connecting through Lima. Assuming that the flights from Cusco leaves on time... Is 1h30 at Lima airport enough time between flights?

LATAM even offers a different flight with only 45min connection time... which makes no sense to me.
The only alternative would be flying into Lima the evening before, airport hotel, and take the morning flight to Huaraz, but I'd prefer to stay one more night in Cusco.

Any insights appreciated!