Tuesday, November 12th 2024

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2017
25
December
What Hidden Gems to Explore in Peru Besides Machu Picchu?

Question:

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Brenda

I'm planning a trip to Peru for August with my husband and 13 year old son . I was in Peru approx 20 years ago so have some ideas but I'm sure a lot has changed. Any idea on what to see besides Machu Picchu of course and the best way to travel independently between points , hotels suggestions etc .
Thanks !

Humans say...

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Heather

Colca Canyon, Huacanchina, Lake Titicaca (homestay if you can), Nazca. Hike Machu Picchu and definitely hike Rainbow Mt. Hit up the Galapagos in Ecuador while you're there!

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Brenda

Thanks ! Did you use a tour operator or on your own ?

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Heather

G adventures! Worth every dime

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Sharron

We did tour with Llamapath & saw most of above plus floating islands. Stayed in research centre. Great light & water show downtown Lima. We flew, bused and took train, hiked into Machu Pitsu. Don't miss anything.

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Brenda

Thanks ; I'll check this tour operator out

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Gary

I'm going too. I'll be keeping an eye on this post!

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Matt

Stay in the Amazon! We went to Iquitos(fly in only) unless u want to take long boat ride. From there into the jungle for three days at a jungle lodge. Loved it however if you don't like bugs and or awesome nature then don't bother. Really enjoyed Peru overall but that was one of my best experiences. Off the power grid.

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Heather

Right! Amazon was amazing too. It's been a year and it's starting to fade

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Brenda

Thanks ! We will definitely get the Amazon in the itinerary

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Brenda

Sounds amazing !

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Jessica

There's a great Eco resort out of Puerto Maldonado called inkaterra. They pick you up from the airport and take you by boat into the amazon. There's activities everyday and food is included. The best part is going out into the forest. We saw everything from river otters and sloths to tucans and monkeys

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Brenda

Thanks this sounds worthwhile ! How many nights did you spend ?

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Jessica

4 nights. The cabanas are beautiful and screened in. Ours was on the lagoon so we could watch all the wildlife. The resort also provides rubber boots for trekking around in the mud and guides for all excursions.

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Cynthia

I bet your son would like sand surfing - if it works on your tour to stop there it was fun http://www.huacachina.com/.../dunebuggy-and-sandboarding.htm

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Brenda

Thanks ! This looks like a blast ; I'll check it out

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Brenda

I'll also check into the Peru hop . Did you find it to have a reliable schedule ?

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Cynthia

Huacachina (sand surfing spot) was one of the stops on Peru Hop. I found the schedule to be quite reliable though there was an accident on the road one night that put us behind several hours. If I were to do it again, I discovered that there are overnight buses that have full laydown seats. I would take one of those from Puno to Arequipa and then start the Peru Hop there back to Lima so that you can take advantage of the stops. They also helped with hotel bookings and what not as I didn't have that booked.

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Cynthia

We also made our own way from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and from there used Peru Hop to get back to Lima - it was pretty easy to use them https://www.peruhop.com/

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Deborah

I'm from Peru and have been leaving in Canada for almost 29 years. I've gone back quite a few times and whenever I have the chance to travel Peru around I do. Many people have nice suggestions. Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado, Lake Titicaca (Puno). Also Arequipa (known as the white city) with its Santa Catalina monastery which is a city in itself which is definitely worth going. Then to the north, you have beautiful beaches like Mancora, Punta Sal. Also north east you have Cajamarca. This is a beautiful city. OMG I can go on an on about all the things to see. If you want PM me and I can tell you more about the other places!!

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Heather

Arequipa! How could I forget! The empanadas

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Deborah

The food in Peru is to die for and the pisco sours!!!

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Brenda

Thanks ! I will be sending you a message on messenger soon

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Lorne

We spent six weeks in Peru We liked the colca canyon, chachapoyas, Trujillo and Puno area. There is very good bus service between a lot of cities for pics of the trip see www.thegingerandthejew.com blog

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Brenda

Thankyou ; I'll check out your blog !


A.I. says...

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Planning a Trip to Peru: Beyond Machu Picchu

Peru is a country of immense beauty and diversity, with a rich history and culture. While Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of its most iconic landmarks, there is so much more to see and experience in this fascinating country.

If you're planning a trip to Peru, here are some ideas on what to see and how to travel independently between points:

What to See

  • The Sacred Valley: The Sacred Valley is a lush, fertile valley located just north of Cusco. It is home to several Inca ruins, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac, as well as beautiful scenery and traditional Andean villages.
  • Lake Titicaca: Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, and is home to a variety of floating islands, including the Uros Islands.
  • Arequipa: Arequipa is a beautiful colonial city located in southern Peru. It is known for its whitewashed buildings, stunning architecture, and surrounding volcanoes.
  • Huacachina: Huacachina is a small oasis town located in the Ica Desert. It is a popular spot for sandboarding and dune buggying.
  • The Nazca Lines: The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert. They are believed to have been created by the Nazca people between 500 and 1000 AD.

How to Travel Independently

Peru is a relatively easy country to travel independently. There are a number of different ways to get around, including:

  • By bus: Buses are the most common way to travel between cities in Peru. They are relatively inexpensive and comfortable, and there are a number of different bus companies to choose from.
  • By train: The train is a more expensive option, but it is also more comfortable and scenic. There are a number of different train routes available, including the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu.
  • By plane: Flying is the fastest way to travel between cities in Peru, but it is also the most expensive. There are a number of different airlines that operate in Peru, including LAN, Avianca, and Peruvian Airlines.

Hotel Suggestions

There are a wide variety of hotels available in Peru, to suit all budgets. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Cusco: The Palacio Nazarenas is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Cusco. The hotel features a beautiful colonial courtyard, a spa, and a rooftop pool.
  • Sacred Valley: The Tambo del Inka is a luxury hotel located in the Sacred Valley. The hotel features a beautiful Andean setting, a spa, and a pool.
  • Lake Titicaca: The Libertador Lago Titicaca is a luxury hotel located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The hotel features a beautiful lakeside setting, a spa, and a pool.
  • Arequipa: The Casa Andina Private Collection is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Arequipa. The hotel features a beautiful colonial courtyard, a spa, and a rooftop pool.
  • Huacachina: The Desert Nights Ecocamp is a budget-friendly option located in Huacachina. The hotel features a variety of dormitory rooms and private cabanas, as well as a swimming pool.

Conclusion

Peru is a truly amazing country with so much to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, you're sure to find something to love in Peru. With a little planning, you can easily travel independently and have an unforgettable experience.









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