
Photo by Pedro Lastraon on Unsplash
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Your holiday - Your way

COUNTRY GUIDE

Image by Carolina Ospina from Pixabay
On Sundays, everything is closed in Peru. All of the action is down at the Plaza de Armas or main square.
BEST TIME TO GO - May to September is the driest.
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December to March is the wettest and warmest.
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The other 4 months can be unpredictable.
VISAS - Click here for information
STAY - All hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. Check and see that you get free cancellation. Choose that hotel or one nearby that you like in your price range. Click location and have a look at the map. I usually look around the 3*** level and less than AUD$100 a night. You can always contact the hotel directly and see if you can get a cheaper rate. Or just walk in off the street if it's not a holiday or peak season in a touristy place.
FLIGHTS -
Both trips start and finish in Lima
Jorge Havez International Airport (LIM) - has direct flights from 60 destinations in 29 countries. Mainly North, South and Central America with 4 flights to Europe and 1 to India. If coming from outside this area it is probably easiest to connect with London, Madrid or one of the major hubs in the USA.
TIPS -
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Take your International Drivers License
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SAFETY - read this
BUDGET - Like many places Peru can be very cheap and it can also be very expensive.
POPULATION - 32.97 million
CAPITAL - Lima
RELIGION - Roman Catholic, some other Christians and a blend with native beliefs
ETHNICITY - Amerindians 45%, Mestizos 37%, White Europeans 15%, Asian/Afro 3%
LANGUAGE - Spanish, and Quechua is the most popular indigenous language
GOVERNMENT - Presidential Representative Democratic Republic
NATIONAL DRINK - Pisco Sour
NATIONAL DISH - Ceviche
BIRTHDAY - 28th July 1821
BIG MAC in $US - $3.20
LITERACY - 94%
MINIMUM WAGE ANNUAL $US - $3408
CURRENCY - Peruvian Sol PEN 1 PEN = 29c
LIFE EXPECTANCY - 76.6
TOURISTS PER YEAR - 4 million +
NO.1 TOURIST SITE - Machu Picchu
CHEERS - Salud

Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay

HIGHLIGHTS - INCAn wonders
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Lima 4N to Lima 2N via Puno 2N - Uros Floating Islands 1N - Cusco 3N - Ollantaytambo 1N - Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) 2N - Arequipa 4N - Huacachina 2N and Paracas 4N
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Volcano Biking
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Rainbow Mountain
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Machu Picchu
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Chocolate Workshops
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3 Special Passport Stamps
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Scallop Farm seaside lunch
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Nazca Lines
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World Alpaca capital
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Pink Flamingos
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Home of Pisco Sour
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Poor man's Galapagos
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Man made Floating Islands
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Hot Springs with bar service
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Gastronomy Capital of the Americas
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Largest Sand Dunes in South America
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One of the most unique beaches in the world
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Pisco Sours in the footsteps of Hemmingway, Disney, Welles and Nat King Cole
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Fly in and out of Lima. Spend a few days looking around and tasting the world class cuisine. Maybe do a cooking course or some super cheap shopping. Delve into the famous nightlife and enjoy a few Pisco Sours. If you miss anything you'll be back for a couple of nights.
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Cheap flight down to Puno and rest up for a couple of days to get acclimatized. This pleasant lakeside town is also the Folkloric capital of Peru so there will be plenty of entertainment.
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Go for a sail out to the amazing floating islands and learn about the ancient culture of the Uros people and spend the night with them.
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Off to Cusco to start getting organised for Machu Picchu. This town is pretty interesting in its own right and you'll have plenty of time to see it all. There are many ways and prices to do Machu Picchu and I will the best choices whatever your budget. You can save hundreds if you don't mind a bit of mucking around.
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Ollantaytambo is such a cute little town it would be a shame not to stop over for the night. Just get here late morning after all of the crowds have gone through. Plus it's on the way. The scenery on the way from Cusco is everything you could ask for.
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Machu Picchu Pueblo aka Aguas Calientes (Hot Water) is the staging post for the final push up the mountain. Unless you're doing the expensive Inca Trail Trek. The ticket rules were changed in 2019 to try and protect MP from the multitudes who want to visit. I'll run you through the best options to suit your budget and fitness and how to avoid some of the pitfalls. When you do come back down you'll be able to soak those tired muscles in the outdoor hot springs with bar service. Something to keep you motivated through the day.
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You will head back to Cusco and have the chance to climb the recently revealed Rainbow Mountain if your legs are up for it. Then it's time to start the descent to the coast . This will be the only overnight bus trip and it will be with the safest company.
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Arequipa is one of those special places that not many people know about. Stunning colonial architecture with a very large volcano as a back drop. If you're not sick of riding around in buses you could head out to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest and watch the giant condors flying around. Or there's lots to do in town as well. Rooftop bars, Chocolate workshops, Alpaca world, Juanita the 570 year old 12 year old (she was an Incan sacrifice found frozen and well preserved in 1995) or how about mountain biking down that volcano.
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Next stop is a desert oasis. Enroute you'll see the Nazca lines made famous by Erich von Däniken and his best selling 1968 book Chariots of the Gods. There is a lookout but if you want you can have a look from the seat of a small plane. Saturday night is party night in Huacachina but any night will be fun. This really is a stunning location with a variety of accommodations and activities. A great place for cocktails by the pool and work on that tan.
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Seaside village Paracas is a real underrated gem. Where the desert meets the sea you'll find some amazing beaches. Hotel rates are very friendly and the fresh seafood and Pisco Sours are the best. You can see Pink Flamingoes and the islands off shore are known as the poor man's Galapagos. You won't want to leave!
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Back to Lima to round out the trip and pick up those last minute presents. Or you could keep going and do #148 Peru North. Maybe eat Ceviche and learn how to surf at the birthplace of both.

Photo by McKayla Crump on Unsplash

Image by mailanmaik from Pixabay

Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
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Where to stay in Puno - Puno is a compact and easy-to-walk city, The Historical Center should be the first option for all visitors to the city -
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Puno’s Old Town (Centro Histórico) is definitely The best place to stay in Puno.
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This historic area revolves around Plaza de Armas, the European foundation place of the city in 1668, adjacent to the city’s basilica, reminiscent of Cusco’s cathedral.
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The Historic Center of Puno is home to most of the accommodation options in the city that range from dirt-cheap hostels to colonial mansions converted into luxurious hotels.
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At the east end of this area is Puno’s port, from where it is possible to access tourist boats that take tourists around Lake Titicaca and ferry services to the Uros and Taquile Islands.
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Visiting the Floating Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca - One of the most unique sites on Lake Titicaca are the floating Uros Islands.
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Tambomachay hot springs in Cusco - the “historical capital of Peru”. - The Historical Center should be the first option for all visitors to the city - The Historic Center is without a doubt the most recommended area to stay in Cusco if you want to experience its enormous historical heritage and, at the same time, be close to all the attractions of the city.
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Cusco enjoys two seasons, a wet one from November to March and a dry one from April to October.
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Cusco is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in South America, its colonial character, Inca ruins, spectacular natural landscapes and its proximity to the lost city of Machu Picchu make it one of the tourist gems of Peru and one of the most visited cities of the continent.
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Cusco is a compact city, very easy to walk, so it is not too necessary to use urban transport to move around its beautiful historic center.
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Puno to Cusco by train
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Rainbow mountains - Cordillera de Vilcanota, Cusco Peru Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain 3.5 hours by minivan
Paracas National Reserve, Peru
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Peruvian Paracas is a spectacular natural paradise full of animals, and the Paracas National Reserve is a delightful combination of desert and beaches, making it a fantastic place for flamingos to flock. These bright birds are dotted all over the massive park, and you can see them on a guided tour.
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Don’t let limited time in Lima stop you visiting Huacachina and Paracas. See the desert oasis and natural hotspots on a full-day tour, ideal for travelers short on time. After traveling to Paracas, you’ll embark on a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, regularly compared to the Galapagos Island, to see colonies of sea lions and seals. Then, explore Huacachina desert in a dune buggy and go sand boarding. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a natural haven in Paracas Admire sea lions, seals, and rare species of bird in their natural environment Ride a dune buggy and go sand boarding in the desert oasis of Huacachina
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Luxurious and unforgettable sundowners don’t always have to cost a fortune, nor do they always have to be enjoyed in some swanky bar. When in Peru, head to Huacachina, in the heart of the desert south of Lima, and you can savour a thirst-quenching pisco sour atop a picturesque sand dune, all the while watching the small oasis come to life with a kaleidoscope of incredible colours.
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Cooking class
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Be in Huacachina, on Saturday night - party night
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Playa Roja, Peru’s red beach
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This beach is pretty spectacular. The contrasting red, crust-like edge strikes against the blues of the sea at Paracas National Reserve. We did this as part of the Peru Hop tour from Paracas to Huacachina.
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The most unique hotel in Huacachina is Desert Nights Ecocamp. This glampsite is set up on the dunes looking down on the oasis and don’t worry, there’s no sleeping on the floor as tents have double beds. This accommodation also has a swimming pool, bar and cafe/restaurant.
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Hotel El Huacachinero has private bathrooms, shared lounge, swimming pool and is a three-minute walk from restaurants and bars.
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Be in
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Pisco
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The Best Area to Stay in Lima -
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Miraflores
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Miraflores is a very touristy area and our recommended area to stay in Lima. - Miraflores is popular for being the center of entertainment and leisure in Lima. Here, you can enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of the boardwalk, observe amazing views of the Green Coast and the Lima beaches, or go shopping in the commercial area. -
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Barranco
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The district of Barranco is located near Miraflores, between Santiago de Surco and Chorrillos, it is one of the smallest in the city.
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Barranco is famous for its nightlife, varied cuisine, and alternative environment, which is why it is popular with young people, hipsters, hippies, and everyone in-between.
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It is an ideal area to walk, have a drink and go to the beach, but to go to the Centro Histórico you will likely have to take a taxi. -
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It has become one of the favorite neighborhoods to stay in Lima, especially for young people.
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Staying in Barranco is quite safe, cheap and close to the most popular bars in Lima.
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The Best Third wave coffee shops in Lima - AROMIA - Address: Libertad 415, Miraflores , MOVEMENT SURF + CAFE - Address: Berlin 135, Miraflores, CAFE VERDE - Av. Santa Cruz 1305, Miraflores, CATE TASTING ROOM - Independencia 269, Miraflores, PUKU PUKU CAFE - Address: 1) Narciso de la Colina 297 | 2) Larco 1285, Miraflores | 3) Pardo and Aliaga 695, San Isidro
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Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

HIGHLIGHTS - andes, amazon & the pacific
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Lima 4N to Lima 2N via Huaraz 6N - Huanchaco 5N - Mancora 5N and Iquitos 6N
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World's highest tropical mountain range
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Peru's best beach town
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Gastronomy Capital of the Americas
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Some of the World's best hikes
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The birthplace of Surfing
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The birthplace of Ceviche
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The largest adobe city in the World
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Peru's Hiking Capital
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World class surf
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Miraculous Mineral Mud
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The Festival of San Juan
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Best Chinese food in South America
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The Crown Jewel of colonial Lima
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The Turquoise Lakes of the Cordillera Blanca
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Circuito Magico del Agua - light & fountain show
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Biggest Party Town in Peru
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The World's 2nd largest desert city after Cairo
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Amazon Cruise or Jungle stay
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World's largest city that cannot be reached by road
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Pisco Sours in the footsteps of Hemmingway, Disney, Welles and Nat King Cole
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Fly in and out of Lima. Spend a few days looking around and tasting the world class cuisine. Maybe do a cooking course or some super cheap shopping. Delve into the famous nightlife and enjoy a few Pisco Sours. Don't worry if you miss something, you'll be back here for a couple of nights at the end
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Bus trip to Huaraz, Peru's hiking capital and gateway to the spectacular Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range. Spend a couple of days doing nothing to get yourself acclimatized. It's a busy and authentic town and a great place to to sit around, people watch and enjoy some treats from the cafes. There are countless day trips and shorter hikes or you could take on one of the more challenging multi day hikes. There are plenty of shops to help you out with cheap gear, rentals and repairs. The UNESCO listed Huascarán National Park has some of the best hikes in the world.
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Bus back down to sea level and the laid back beach town of Huachaco. If the story can be believed both surfing and ceviche were invented here. Either way you'll get some pretty good surfing and ceviche. The surf is world class. It's a laid back fishing town where they still use 3000 year old reed boats. In fact they will even teach you how to make one. Nearby is the colonial city of Trujillo aka the "City of Eternal Spring" due to the good weather enjoyed in this area. There are some UNESCO listed ruins nearby that predate the Incas.
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If you learnt how to surf in Huachaco (a great place to do it by the way) you'll be able to show off your skills in Mancora. It is Peru's best beach town and main party town it's also laid back and has bath tub warm water and great weather year round. The seafood is very good and very fresh. Plenty of street food in the afternoons and evenings and bars along the beach. Have a few sundowners watching the sun sink down into the Pacific, what more could you want. Well there's whales, hot springs and mud baths if you need a bit more.
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Time for another adventure. Head up the road and jump on a plane for the Amazon River which actually starts in Peru. You'll be flying into the world's largest city that isn't connected by road, Iquitos. If you're here on June 24th you will be able to join in the celebrations for the Festival of San Juan (St John), it is quite a biggie around here. Depending on your budget and preferences you will be able to go on an Amazon River Cruise or do a homestay in an Amazon Jungle Eco-Lodge. Iquitos has many attractions to discover.
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Fly back to Lima to round off the trip. If you want to keep going through Ecuador (which is an amazing place in its's own right) skip Iquitos and cross the border from Mancora. Have a look at Lima to the Galapagos in the South American Odyssey page. There is an Amazon experience in Tena so you won't miss out.
Best time JUNE to september
Buses from Lima take around 8.5 hours and around 8 hours from Trujillo.
Because this was my first adventure outside of Lima in Peru, I decided I want to travel in comfort and so I headed to Huaraz with a company called Cruz Del Sur, which are one of the most luxurious coach companies in the country
The fare was $28 USD one way and it was simple to book the ticket online at the Cruz Del Sur website using my Mastercard.
If you’re staying in either the Miraflores or Barranco areas of Lima, you can take the Metropolitana or an Uber to the Cruz Del Sur station, which is situated along Javier Prado Este.
The service from Cruz Del Sur to Huaraz included a meal option (with a vegetarian choice available!) as well as huge comfy seats, TV screen, aircon, blanket and pillow.
Security is tight on these buses and you have to show your passport, have your bag checked and have your photo taken before boarding the bus.
For this reason, I think Cruz Del Sur would be a great option if you are travelling overnight to Huaraz as you’ll likely get a fairly decent sleep.
My top tip is to select, when booking, a seat downstairs at the front of the bus, because the twisty, turning Andean roads up to Huaraz mean it can be a wobbly ride – worse if you’re at the back of the bus or high up!
Alternatively, if you want to save your pennies, many other bus companies, such as Movilbus, offer services to Huaraz from as little as $8 USD – a good budget option for day buses perhaps.
Always book your long distance bus tickets in Peru at least a day in advance, preferably 2.
On arrival in Huaraz, it’s good to know that all bus stations are situated in the centre of the city and should only be a few minute’s walk from your accommodation
Lima to Huaraz costs around S/. 30 / £7 / $9 in an economy bus or S/. 45 / £10.5 / $13.5 for something a tad fancier. Travel time is 8 hours and there are several departures throughout the day (it’s sensible to book ahead if you’re taking a night bus though).
As with many places in Peru, this is no single central bus station in Huaraz; instead each company has their office which doubles up as their own pick up/drop off point. Thankfully though, all the major companies have ticket offices and departures on or very close to the same street 'Jiron Simón Bolívar' (which is a 5-10 minute walk from most hostels).
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Lima 3N - 154m - Fri - Sun - It is the second largest desert city after Cairo.
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Stay in Barranco near the municipal park - maybe Casita Melgar - good access to beach and pub on the beach - good for sundowners
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Gastronomy Capital of the Americas - Cooking class - Learn the history of traditional dishes and how to make them at the Peruvian Experience.
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Lima Pub Crawl @ the Municipal Park aka plaza de Armas Join us every Friday & Saturday night at 10PM in Plaza de Armas, Barranco, You can buy your tickets online (cheaper): $10 / 30 soles or on the spot in cash for 40 soles. The fee includes the tour, one welcome drink, free shots, games to break the ice, a great party, a wristband with special discounts, free *skip the line* club entrance & a lot of fun!
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Plaza de Armas is probably the crown jewel and heart of Colonial Lima
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Walk along the beautiful Costa Verde (green coast) from Miraflores to Barranco.
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Saha for a delicious and affordable gourmet option
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Spend a night walking around Barranco’s Puente de Los Suspiros.
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If impressive views and an ocean breeze are down your alley, Lima offers other walking experiences as well. Take a walk along the Costa Verde and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific coast from the cliffs of Lima.
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Peru is that it is famous for the quality of its textiles, and many world-famous brands, there is a huge black market here in Lima, the 2 most famous markets being Gamarra and Polvos Azules. Here you can find many copies of brand name t-shirts, dvd’s, etc. for rock bottom prices, and we think you will be very surprised at the quality of these copies, most goods can be bought for one-half of the original price quotes, so play hard and get yourself a bargain. Beware of pick pockets and go with a friend
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Spend an evening witnessing an amazing light and fountain show at Circuito Magico del Agua. It’ll make you feel like you’re in the magical movie.
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See all the masterpieces and treasures full of Peruvian history at the Larco Museum.
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Get the best view of lima from Cristo de Pacifico.
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Ayahuasca - The colonial turned-mansion in Barranco is a must visit. It has a wonderful attractive interior with many rooms to get lost in and a selection of pisco cocktails
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Bodega Piselli - Arguably the best pisco in Barranco with a great local atmosphere and homemade hearty sandwiches. The place has been around for 100 years.
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Address: 28 de Julio 297 Barranco
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Hotel Bolivar -Drink Pisco Sours in its Cathedral (150 ml) size at one of the best pisco-places in Lima, like Ernest Hemingway, Walt Disney, Orson Welles or Nat King Cole once did. -Address: Jiron de la Union 958 Distrito de Lima
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The Barranco District has a lot of different clubs and bars, and always guarantees a good time. Ranging from traditional bars to bars with live bands and clubs with different types of dance music, Barranco is the spot for anyone who loves to have a good night out.
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Mercado Central: Located in downtown Lima, a short walk from Plaza de Armas, the market is a must-see place to experience Lima’s historical centre. It is the best place to try all those wonderful varieties of Peruvian fruits.
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Mercado Surquillo: Great place to try traditional Peruvian dishes for very cheap in an authentic environment.
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Mercado Magdalena: The most fresh ceviche you can try in Lima. Be sure to come in the mornings or early lunch time, as the ceviche is served only in these hours to ensure the freshness.
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HUARAZ
The gateway to the spectacular Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz has become northern Peru's epicentre for adrenaline fuelled activities and outdoor lovers' dreams.
In fact, what was not so long ago a sleepy town unknown to many on the backpacker circuit is quickly becoming a must-do stop on the way to or from Ecuador (so much so, that we’ve now visited twice!). And with some of Peru's most beautiful hikes beginning just outside the city, it's unlikely to lose its popularity anytime soon.
After reading several other blogs and checking online reviews I settled on my choice of Akilpo Hostel in Huaraz… and I didn’t regret it for a second.
Seriously, this place gets all those rave reviews for a reason.
Centrally located, super clean, well-priced with great staff and a huge variety of tips and trips on offer, it’s a one-stop shop for a great stay in Huaraz.
But the reason I like this hostel the most is because of the huge common room and kitchen, which is a great spot to meet other travellers, arrange hikes together and generally hang out and be cosy!
Walk around the city, drink lots of water or coca tea, eat light meals, do not drink alcohol and only breathe, and get used to the thinner air.
The first best activity you can do from Huaraz to test how you feel is to hike to Laguna Wilcacocha, which is close to Huaraz and is 3680 meters above sea level.
The great thing about doing one-day hikes from Huaraz is that you will climb high, but every time will come back to lower elevated Huaraz, which is precisely what you should do when acclimatizing.
LAGUNA 69
Laguna 69 is on every traveler's bucket list while visiting Peru.
The lake itself is very often placed on the list of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and it is one of the most iconic sites in Peru not only because of the beauty of Laguna 69 itself but also because of the spectacular and scenic hike leading to the lake.
The trek to Laguna 69 will take your breath away, and we mean it not only figuratively, but literally as well as the lake sits 4600 meters above sea level.
Laguna 69 is the Insta-famous spot, so many backpackers set off every morning from Huaraz with one thought in mind - get the best picture possible
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Sometimes you might get a wrong impression that when Laguna 69 is the must-do activity when in Peru, it must be easy to get there, but the opposite is the truth.
The hike to Laguna 69 is not long, only 6 kilometers one way, but you must gain 800 meters - it means some parts are steep and the combination with the high altitude and the unforgiving weather might slow you down (it can be either too hot or too rainy and cold). It usually takes about three hours to get to the lake and a bit less than two hours to get back.
On the way to Laguna 69, you will see another lake, Laguna Llanganuco, and if you feel that the hike to Laguna 69 could be too hard for you, it is possible to take a tour only to this lake and walk around its shore while admiring the mountains around.
Although it is possible to get to Laguna 69 from either Huaraz or Caraz by public transport, taking a tour makes more sense in this case as it costs almost the same plus you have a guaranteed transport.
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Huanchaco - 3N - aka La Libertad - 13m - Mon 9/5 - Wed - Birthplace of Surfing & Ceviche
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10 hrs $37 18 daily buses - go with Cruz del Sur - each company has their own bus station
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Stay south of the pier near the main stuff
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The town is also an authentic place, popular with locals, with tasty street food and traditional reed fishing boats. - It even became one of the hardest places we had to leave over the 16 months of our travel in South and Central America.
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FISHERMEN USE 3000-YEAR-OLD REED BOATS - The caballitos de totora
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IT IS A WORLD-CLASS SURFING SPOT WITHOUT THE CROWDS
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IT IS A LAID-BACK PLACE, PERFECT TO RELAX - AMAZING STREET FOOD
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Daytrip to the Plaza del Armas in Trujillo
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Good surf - surf on reed boards - could be the birthplace of surfing
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You can take a combi to Trujillos easily. Chan Chan (UNESCO), one of the main sites of the area, is about halfway between the two. Take a public bus to Trujillo for a few hours of city life for less than 1$, It takes 15 minutes.
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Chan Chan was once one of the largest cities in the Americas and the cultural hub of Peru. These ancient ruins – the largest adobe city in the world – are only a short bus ride away from Huanchaco. There are English guides who offer tours of the city for only 20 soles per person and give details of the city, its many intricate designs and of the Chimu culture.
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Once April arrives, then Huanchaco is a place to relax and spend the night to wake up early to walk on the beach or spend the day taking surfing classes.
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The beach continues to be one of the most friendly beaches to learn how to surf in Peru because of the easy-to-ride waves and plenty of access to surfboards and instructors. With year-round swell and an active surf culture, Huanchaco is a must-stop surf spot and quite possibly the birth place of surfing.
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Considered the birth place of ceviche, Huanchaco continues that legacy, offering plenty of ceviche options all over the beach town, from cheap offerings to more high-end ones. You can eat in the back of a market for a couple soles or you can dine at ceviche fusions restaurants like Restaurante Mococho. Order some ceviche from one of the many beachfront locations and enjoy a beautiful ocean view with your fresh fish.
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The Laguna de Conache located 10 km from Trujillo, is surrounded by high dunes, perfect for a day out Sandboarding. At the Laguna, a few people rent boards for 15 soles (€3.70).
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Learn to build a boat - the instructions of which have been passed down for thousands of years.
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Hit the beach after 4 pm with chips and your favourite beverage, chill and enjoy watching the surfers until sunset. This is probably one of the best activities to end a great day in the region.
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Picarones are usually served late at night from street stalls; they are a fried dough made of sweet potatoes or squash topped with a sweet syrup and cinnamon.
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Mancora 3N - 3m - Thu - Sat - Peru's best beach town, sunny all year - bath tub warm water
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Could do overnight bus as scenery is very boring - better lines such as Oltursa or Ittsabus. Note that the it’s best to do this journey overnight. Could take 10 hours.
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Some of the best food in Peru, swam, surfed, sunbathed, read, partied, slept, and loved every minute of it.
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Desert beach-bum town with good surf and reputation as the biggest party town in Peru
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Colourful tuk-tuks, driftwood bars, smoothie shacks, beginner waves, and the best ceviche
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The large crescent bay that spans the breadth of the town is split into three sections; Playa del Amor down one end, the hub-bub of activity in the crowded middle, and a slightly fancier (and much quieter) section down the other.
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STAY in the busy middle section - $30 - $80B*** pool - La Pachamama Beachfront $46 twin has a terrace up top. Property is on the beach or right next to it - is a good location - playa del Amour is more bungalow beachy
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Peru's sunniest region
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Good seafood
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Whale watching, swimming with turtles - (Unethical)
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Stalls and street carts in Plaza Mancora in the afternoon or early evening. Specialising in ‘conche negra’ (which we didn’t try), they also offer up a big plate of fresh fish ceviche made right in front of you, for just 10 soles.
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On the main beach, in front the excellent Green Eggs & Ham restaurant, you’ll find two rival surf schools. You can rent a board for 10 soles an hour or 20 soles for the day, or take a lesson for 40 soles - Surf only at mid or high-tide, when the dangerous rocks are covered by water.
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Popular nearby beach spots include Los Pocitos, Vichayito, Punta Sal, and in order to experience them, just jump on a bus or a tuk-tuk
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PARTY AT LOKI - on main road
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BREKKY / BRUNCH - Green Eggs and Ham | More of a breakfast / brunchy spot, they serve a Mexican style omelette that is so good we went back more than once. Seriously, it’s bloody delicious! Also have excellent juices, good coffee, and luxurious milkshakes. A nice open-air terrace overlooking the beach too.
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Tokuyo | Mancora’s premier sushi joint, we highly recommend you give the poke bowls a go. On the upper side in terms of cost, but the food really is of excellent quality.
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ATM's - the only one that won’t charge for withdrawals is BCP.
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Lots of mozzies at dusk
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Tuk Tuks are the best way to get around
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In Mancora, the party is literally on the beach. There is a line of about six or seven bars on the beach that bump reggae ton all night. You can dance and have drinks all while having your feet in the sand.
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Norteño food—just ask any Peruvian—is probably the best food in Peru, and Mancora has plenty of it. Find fresh fish at any menú del dia, or spend some more money at Mancora’s more expensive restaurants, like La Sirena d’Juan, which is a progressive Peruvian fusion restaurant.
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MUD BATHS - Take a short taxi ride to the mud baths in the hills of Mancora. Relax and enjoy all the mud - It is located in a thermal source at a dozen kilometers from the center of Mancora. Tourists come to spend a time in a very fine sludge, charged in mineral that, people say it is miraculous for skin diseases. Try it! This is a perfect place to watch the sunset since the air will be getting cooler and the baths are warm, It’s almost exclusively locals that come to rub mud on their skin for it’s healing properties or to take bottles of mud home for later. Each pool is a different size and temperature and has different healing properties based on the concentration of minerals found in the pool. The pools close at 6 PM, From Máncora, follow Panamerican Highway 1 north on the way to Zorritos until you reach the small town of Bocapán. When in Bocapán, turn right on a dirt road marked Hervideros right before Hotel Punta Pico. Follow this road down about 1 kilometer until there is a split in the road - stay to the left at the split. Follow the road another 1.4 kilometers and you will reach the sign for the pools and the parking lot. The sign is huge and clearly marks the area for Hervideros. You can also get a mototaxi to take you from either Máncora or Zorritos - depending on where you’re staying. Entrance: Totally free! You can pay a couple soles to get washed off with water after your soak in the mud or to use the bathroom.
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Poza de Barro
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Hot Springs in Máncora
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About 11km east of town, up the wooded Fernández valley, a natural hot spring has bubbling, slightly sulfurous water and mud said to have curative properties. The hot spring can be reached by mototaxi (S60, including waiting time).
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IQUITOS
Linked to the outside world by air and by river, Iquitos is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road. You may well arrive in Iquitos for the greater adventure of a boat trip down the Amazon, but whether it’s sampling rainforest cuisine, the buzzing nightlife or one of Peru’s most fascinating markets in the floating shantytown of Belén, this thriving city will entice you to stay awhile.
Lots of Chinese live here and it has the best Chinese food outside Beijing
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Libertad Jungle Lodge
100% Community based tourism, Iquitos - Peru

Photo by Paul Lequay on Unsplash

Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
Photo by Deb Dowd on Unsplash
