For our first real South American adventure, we chose to explore diverse, exotic, and dynamic Peru {8-day Itinerary}.
The hubs and I finally took the plunge and planned a trip to South America! We have been wanting to do this for some time now but as we were starting a family, we put it on hold. We finally did it though, and decided to start with beautiful Peru.
Peru is a country we knew very little about. Aside from Macchu Picchu, and what I had learned from Anthony Bourdain, this was a pretty foreign country to us. And now having gone, I could not recommend it more to anyone wanting to experience an incredibly friendly awe-inspiring place.
From the mystery and wonder of the Andes and Macchu Picchu to the gorgeous coastline and out of this world food, Peru has something for everyone. I personally loved that we could visit mountains, towns, city, and beach all in 8 days!
Trip Details
Since we left the kids, our trip was fairly short but with purpose. We scheduled enough time to do everything we wanted to do without much wiggle worm. With that said we did not overly pack our schedule and instead prioritize those things we really wanted to do.
One thing to note, most flights arrive in the middle of the night to Lima from the US. Since our trip actually started in Cusco, we opted to stay at the Lima airport after arriving at midnight and taking the first flight out to Cusco at 3am. This is very common as we met many folks doing the same things. It is much more convenient than leaving the airport and for a 1 night hotel.
Total time in Peru = 8 days
- 3 days in Cusco (including 1 day in Macchu Picchu)
- 5 days in Lima
CUSCO, PERU
Cusco is a beautiful city with Spanish colonial architecture that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is filled with local people and tourist (especially backpackers). The city is very much set up to cater to travelers in terms of WiFi everywhere, tons of different excursion opportunities, and both good and not so good food. Despite the fact that it is a hot tourist destination, the city has a ton of charm and character.
We really enjoyed trying out recommended restaurants, visiting the local huge market and grocery store, and simply wandering the city. We also loved the day hike to Sacsayhuamán (Incan ruins right outside the city). Lastly we made the long trip to Macchu Picchu (in 1 day).
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CUSCO
- It is recommended that you do not drink the water (this is the same everywhere else in Peru) so expect to buy lots and lots of large bottled water and bring a nalgene as your portable option.
- The altitude in Cusco is 11,152 feet which means the potential for altitude sickness. Locals recommend drinking the coca tea or having coca candy. However do no try to bring the tea or leaves back home as they are illegal in the states.
- Buy your Macchu Picchu site ticket and train ticket many months in advance especial if traveling during high season.
- Check the CDC page on travel to Peru for necessary shots before the trip.
- Bring pepto-bismal in case of food born illnesses and sunblock as it is easy to burn at high altitudes. As the hubs who got totally fried on our day hike!
- Always carry Peruvian soles and change as many places and markets do not accept credit cards.
STAY
We found that hotels were more expensive and less exciting then the Airbnb options in Cusco. Not only do you get much more character but you get the chance to interact with locals for tips and insights. We had no problem finding very affordable lodging a few blocks from the center of town. Here was our little place.
DO
Macchu Picchu
It takes planning and it’s not cheap but it’s absolutely worth it! Your options to get there are either to hike or arrive via train and bus. Most people take the train to the own of Macchu Picchu, spend the night and then take the bus up to the site. A note on this town, there isn’t much to do there. It’s basically a pit stop to eat and sleep before heading to Macchu Picchu, that’s it.
Since we were a bit tight on time in Cusco, we decided to do Macchu Picchu in 1 day. We took the train and bus in the morning, visited the site during the afternoon opening with a great guide on site and then took the bus/train back in the afternoon. It was a long fun meeting some pretty great people along the way!
For options and details on visiting this incredible site visit TwoScots Abroad for a nice overview.
Sacsayhuaman
A lovely hike with stunning views of the city and lots of llamas right outside the Cusco city center. You can walk to the site, and spend a few hours there. Bring sun screen!
San Pedro Market
Colorful truly local market in the heart of Cusco. You will find everything from raw meats, spices, grains, lunch, juice, souvenirs and so much more there! There are rows of women making fresh fruit juices and they are incredible! Haggling is strongly recommended when buying souvenirs or anything without a stated price.
Wander the plazas
One of the first things you will notice in Cusco are the beautiful plazas. These are town squares from the Spanish colonial period where people basically spend their free time. Festivals, conversation, napping, exercising, photo taking, playing, picnicking, you will find it all around in or around the plaza.
EAT
Cusco is a very touristy town, no doubt about it. So doing research, reading reviews and asking locals helps in avoiding the tourist traps. We did not eat out a ton in Cusco because we spent a full day traveling to Macchu Picchu, but these were our absolute top recommendations!
- JC’s Cafe – Cute little cafe with great breakfast, lunch and vegetarian options. Also it is SO CHEAP! Don’t forget to try their hot cocoa.
- La Bo’M – Backpackers heaven! This little creperie is located in a hostel and is truly amazing. Delicious crepes, local cider, and the best hot cocoa we have ever had!
- Allin Tratoria – Tiny pizzeria making pizzas in a clay oven . We loved this place for a late night dinner and a big big beer.
- Market Juice Aisle – Fresh juices made from the widest array of fruit is all at the San Pedro Market. Definitely worth checking out.
- Rucula – This little gem is a perfect romantic dinner spot. Dishes are so colorful, beautiful and delicious made with local vegetables and animals from their farm along with lots of edible flowers. Try the Maracuya Pisco sour too!
LIMA, PERU
Our week in Lima was less about hitting up specific sites and more about experience the lively city culture. We allowed time to wander, surf, visit family, discovery the historic neighborhoods,hit up recommended restaurants and chill.Since Lima is such a spread out city with lots of traffic to account for, we found that having a more relaxed schedule made our stay less stressful and manageable.
Personally although Lima is truly a hustle and bustle kind place, I loved it! Surfing, the incredible food, and the unique Miraflores and Barranco neighborhood were highlights for me!
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LIMA, PERU
- It’s a big big city with lots of people, traffic, great neighborhoods and not so great ones. So do your research.
- It is foodie heaven! It has everything from some of the best restaurants in the world to incredibly affordable hole in the wall eateries.
- The biggest meal of the day (including the famed ceviche) is enjoyed for lunch. Many restaurants are not even opened for dinner.
- The national cocktail is the Pisco Sour. Try it, it’s amazing.
- You can UBER everywhere,and you should (usually safer and less expensive). With this in mind, I’d recommend purchasing a SIM card in Peru or purchasing an international plan for your time there in order to have a working phone.
STAY
Similar to Cusco, we found hotels in the Miraflores neighborhood pretty pricey! So we opted for a sweet little Airbnb a few blocks from the beach. Miraflores and Barranco neighborhood are the best 2 areas to stay in for food, activities, safety and overall ambiance.
DO
El Malecon
A gorgeous six-mile stretch of parks situated along the cliffshigh above the Pacific Ocean. The boardwalk is perfect for walking, picnicking, jogging, biking and of course taking in the view!
Surf’s up
Lima is a perfect place to learn how to surf. The beach is not the best lounging beach because there are lots of rocks, so it’s prefect for water sports. Plus the waves are not huge. We loved and would highly recommend the Pukana Surf School who run classes every 2 hrs!
Historic Lima City Center
On the UNESCO World Heritage List, Lima’s historic center is rich in complex history. It’s a place to visit during the day and great with a tour in order to gain some city knowledge. We loved the InkanMilkWay FreeWalking tour.
Visit the Barranco Neighborhood
Art, food, boutique browsing, music, museum, beach, nightlife, the Barranco neighborhood has it all! It is Lima’s artsy bohemian neighborhood and pretty much an ideal place to explore as a visitor.
Eat Ceviche
Please do not leave Lima without trying ceviche (raw fish and seafood cured in citrus juice), the national dish.
EAT
- PuntoAzul –An incredible cevicheria serving up the freshest fish, seafood and traditional favorites. Order any of the ceviches, a tacu tacu and a causa. And wash it down with their delicious pisco sour.
- El Pan de la Chola –Hand’s down my favorite bread spot I had in Lima. Chic coffeehouse digs, to die for handmade ceramic bowls, incredible coffee and drool-worthy bread/pastries, it’s got it all.
- Pasteleria El Buen Gusto –A little neighborhood sandwich/pastry shop in Miraflores that sells perfect little mini sandwiches and classic pastries.
- CantaRana – A must stop bar for ceviche and beer. Recommended by our fav Anthony Bourdain.
- La Panetteria Barranco – A cute almost Havana style cafe serving phenomenal coffee, focaccia sandwiches and fresh fruit pastries
For some of the best restaurants in the world check out the highly acclaimed Central, Maido, and Astrid & Gaston.
Overall we loved Peru for it’s authenticity, culture, friendly people, mysterious natural beauty, and deep history. Buen viaje!
Originally posted 2018-12-12 06:00:26.
Lisa Hockett says
Valerie says
Jorge Chacon says
Valerie says
Leah Tornquist says
Valerie says