Backpack Mack

I was lucky enough to have this be my second trip to Peru, but I’ve combined both experiences for the recommendations below as well as added some recommendations from friends that I’m saving for my next trip! 

Flights: 

Lima (LIM – Jorge Chavez International Airport) is the major international airport in Peru. If you are flying from the United States or other international destinations is is very likely you’ll fly through Lima. 

There is also an airport in Cusco (CUZ – Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport) and while this technically is an international airport, they have very limited international flights. For example, on this trip I was able to catch a flight from Cusco to La Paz, Bolivia but it was the only international flight going out at that time. 

Trujillo was a coastal destination I haven’t gotten to yet but I’ve heard great things and there is a small airport nearby (TRU – Captain FAP Carlos Martinez de Pinillos International Airport). Again I’d hazard a guess that this is international because of a few short flights to neighboring Ecuador. 

Must See Landmarks: 

Machu Picchu is the obvious major landmark here, and it is definitely worth getting out to. There are tours you can book that will take you to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley but it is pretty simple to get there on your own. 

• First and foremost, book your reservation ahead of time! Depending on the time of year it might need to be a few weeks to a month in advance. They will ask for some information ahead of time like a scan of your passport and your travel plans. You will also need to book for a specific entry time. I went in February when the weather was a little temperamental and the fog was coming in and out during the day. During that time its best to go early in the morning. That being said the weather in July is much more favorable with crisp and clear days. 
• I would recommend this as a trip from Cusco. By doing this you’ll have a chance to acclimate and recharge before the 2+ day trip. From Cusco you can take a taxi or uber to a town called Ollantaytambo, from which you can catch the Inca Rail train to Aguas Calientes. I would recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes and taking the bus up the next morning to Machu Picchu. 
• When you get to the entrance of Machu Picchu there will be several licensed guides offering tours. I would highly recommend this. While it will run you about $40 USD it was well worth it for the wealth of information they were able to provide. 
• At the entrance there will be ticket options for both Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu, get them both. It is annoying that these are sold separately but both sites are worth it. The Waynapicchu hike gives you the postcard image looking down on Machu Picchu and in my opinion it’s worth the splurge since you’re already there. 
• Alternatively if you have the time and the fortitude you can do a four day trek that is the original Inca trail into the hidden city of Machu Picchu. 

Rainbow Mountain is also a must see, but not for the faint of heart. My number one tip for this hike is to give yourself time to acclimate before you attempt it! I was cocky and sure that my athleticism would counterbalance the altitude. That is absolutely false. The peak of the mountain is an equivalent elevation to Mount Everest (The hike itself is not technically difficult but you will find yourself gasping for air. So I recommend using the walking stick they offer, take breaks and hydrate! This is a great day tour from Cusco. 

Sacred Valley / Pisac are also really great experiences accessible from Cusco. There are tours you can sign up for, or if you want to do it on the cheap you can take a collectivo (the original Uber pool) to Pisac and wander on your own. I did a hike in the hills behind Pisac which contain a set of ruins and some spectacular views. In the town there are lots of vendors selling colorful wares. 

Other Cusco sites: 

• Plaza de Armas – Like most cities in Latin America this is the central square where people gather both during the day and at night to hang out, eat/drink, sell their wares, etc. 
• Coro Catedral del Cusco – A enormous cathedral in the center of town with incredibly high ceilings, art, gold, etc…
• Qurikancha Museum – Right in the center of the historic district this is a museum highlighting the Incan history. 
• Cristo Blanco – This is a large Jesus statue on top of the hill with great views of the city. 
• Saqsaywaman Ruins – Adjacent to the Cristo Blanco statue these are great city ruins and you can hire a guide at the entrance to take you through. 
• Exploring the streets around the Sapatiana Aqueduct – very cute stepped alleyways with shops, cafes, and restaurants. 
• For a pricey drink but great view of the city, I recommend Limbus Restobar. Especially scenic at night. 

Lima:

• Lima is a major city on the coast. If you do one thing here, it has to be to eat ceviche. This is their specialty and Lima is the place to do it. 
• There are tons of restaurants and bars to explore, ranging from standard fare to Michelin star. I can pretty much guarantee some great meals. 
• Barranco and Miraflores are the top tourist neighborhoods and likely where you’ll want to spend your time. 

Trujillo:

• This is a very cute coastal town and a great add on to the itinerary if you want something warm and relaxing or if you are traveling to/from Ecuador. Definitely on my list for the next trip. 

Paracas:

• A town set in the sand dunes, this is where you’ve seen videos of people snowboarding in the sand. This is also a beautiful coastal town but located south of Lima. 

Jungle Trek:

• A huge portion of Peru is home to the Amazon rainforest. While I haven’t personally done it due to my hatred for mosquitos there are great options for multi day jungle treks where you can see wildlife and do activities like ziplining.   

Peru Traveling Tips: 

• The people are very kind and helpful but it is always wise to keep your wits about you, especially if you are a woman and are approached by men. They are respectful for the most part but can be quite forward if you are chatty. 
• DO NOT drink the water, you will get sick. Bottled water only. 
• I have also been advised not to eat any of the street food, it can also cause major digestive problems potentially requiring antibiotics. 
• Even if you don’t know Spanish, you will get much better responses if you begin a request at a shop or restaurant with “Hola, buenos dias/tardes/noches”. 
• There are tons of tours you can book once you get there. If you are having difficulty deciding, you can wait to book and go into a tour office in person *Machu Picchu being the exception. 

Food: 

• Ceviche – The national dish of Peru! You can get excelent ceviche in Lima or “trucha ceviche” or trout ceviche in Cusco with the trout coming from the mountain rivers. 
• Alpaca – You’ll see this on a lot of menus, typically in steak or burger form. Personally I thought the steak was a little gamey but worth a try. 
• Cuy – You’ll see this listed on menus everywhere and it is guinea pig. I’ve heard it tastes like chicken but a lot of restaurants will serve it as a little charred rat on a stick and I can’t quite get over that visual.
• Cusceno – This is the beer of Cusco and usually a decent/cheap option
• Pisco Sour / Chilcano – These two cocktails are the national drinks using Peru’s most popular alcohol, pisco.