This has been my choice of places and experiences.
Lima (view article)
Arequipa (view article)
Canyon de Colca (view full article)
Puno and lake Titicaca (view article)
Cusco (view full article) and the Sacred Valley (view full article)
Machu Picchu (view full article)
Ayacucho (view full article)
Some tips:
Climate
Perú has three main regions: Costa (coast), Sierra (highland), Selva (Forest). They say throughout Perú there all the microclimates of the world. It is quite true and be ready to face hot days, cold nights, temperature drops passing from one city to the other. Lima is very hot and humid, lake Titicaca is chilly and bitter cold but hot when the sun shines, in Cusco you can wear a t-shirt in the sun and an alpaca sweater in the shadow in the same street. Layers of clothes are crucial to adapt quickly.
Road Transportation
Do not take taxis on the road, call a trusted number or ask somebody to call you one, it will cost you like 20 cents more but it is worth. Bus is almost always a good option, both in the city and for longer distances. In Lima the Tram Metropolitano is a safe way to travel from Miraflores to the city centre for example, and it works like a “road subway” with its own lane.
For long distances I took Cruz del Sur which has stations that look almost like an airport. I always booked a cama (fully reclining seat) on the primero piso (the base floor). I have to admit it was quite a pleasant journey with entertainment and wifi.
I took also some buses that stop several times from a destination to the other to show some attractions or ruins, making a long journey more interesting and a day-trip less heavy. From Puno to Cusco expecially there are several temples and a beautiful church that are worth a visit. I took the company Turismo Mer.
Flights
Flights within South America are very expensive but if you are coming from Europe on a one world alliance flight you can buy a South American Airpass which allows you to buy three to sixteen internal flights at a standardized price and change them while on the go for 50 dollars. Just remember they can issue this special ticket until two weeks before your trip. Sometimes the website do not work but by calling the service desk they will do it.
Tourist agencies
Peruvian touristic cities are literally full of agencies offering any kind of tour at any kind of price. I never went for the ones which are too economic or that have programs filled with so many activities that at the end of the day you just want to sleep and do not remember anything. I like the agencies that offer a good itinerary at a good pace to have some time to enjoy and document your visit.
Money to locals
When taking a picture of a beautiful peruvian lady in traditional clothes remember to ask for permission and to leave some money. With kids it is different, better to leave something to eat. Especially on the Andes transportation of goods is complicated so offering goods to kids is actually something more useful than money.
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