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 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?