Peru backpacking?

Question

A friend and I have a trip through Argentina and Bolivia planned for dec/jan of this year (and the next :0)) but we also want to go to Peru, for which we don't have lots of references.

We would go in through Puno from La Paz (Bolivia) and we obviously want to see Machu Picchu. But where to stay? How to get there? Where and how to book the excursions to Machu Picchu from Cusco? We have plenty of info from the internet, but we'd like to hear the opinion of someone who has actually been there. Is it worth it to make any kind of reservation from here, or should we wait until we're there. Are the markups in prices very significant if we book our trip from here?

After that, we'd go to Lima, but we don't want to fly. What companies have buses that go from Cuzco to Lima? where to stay there?

Do we have to go to the north of Peru for good beaches (not just for surfing, we want to swim and have the pretty white sand and all :-P) or are there beaches closer to Lima worth our time?

Wow, thanks for the concern, but my friend (who is a girl) and I are from Argentina. We know the risks and also how to be careful in S.A.

Answer 1

Peru is not dangerous anymore. It is a beautiful country and you have to see Machu Picchu, you will love it!! For the best beach, you have to go to Mancora in Piura (North). Hollywood actor Adrien Brody was there a few days ago. Check the links for more information. Have a nice trip!

http://www.peru.info/perueng.asp

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/south-america/peru

http://www.vivamancora.com/

Answer 2

You need to book the Machu Picchu trip early as it sells out. In fact the time you want to go, isn't the best. The site is closed around February, so you really need to make sure it's open during the time you want to go. You have to book through a licensed tour operator, they are the only ones allowed on the trail and into Machu Picchu. There are buses that go from Lima to Cuzco, however most people fly or take the train.

No offense, but I hope your "friend" is a guy. Otherwise the two of you need to be really careful in many sections of South America, especially away from the cities.

Hope you have fun.

Answer 3

i feel sorry about that peter who answered you first, he is nothing but wrong, how could he give an opinion if he haven't gone to Peru in years.
Peru used to be dangerous in the 80's, but not anymore, of course there are the same kind of risks that you can find in any other Latinamerican country even in the United States.
so don't be alarmed for this guy who doesn't know nothing.
here is the link of the most recognized travel agency in Lima maybe they can help you:
http://www.viajesnuevomundo.com/#

I've been twice in Cuzco and let me tell you i traveled quite a bit and is one of the most extraordinary places I've ever been.
you will enjoy it so much.

Answer 4

Machu Picchu is astonishing, regardless of the indisputable fact that it truly is a splash spendy to get there. you may take a bus or fly from Guayaquil to Lima, regardless of the indisputable fact that it truly is a protracted bus trip, 22 hours and then from Lima you may the two take a bus or fly to Cuzco, back long bus trip 20 hours, yet of path the bus is way less costly than flying. as quickly as in Cusco, you may desire to take the practice to get to Machu Picchu. And the practice tickets are a splash greater costly. additionally, in case you % to do the Inca path hike, it truly is a splash spendy too. So, if I have been you, i could communicate approximately making use of that month to return and forth by way of Ecuador. it truly is a small usa, so which you will get almost everywhere by ability of bus and the bus tickets are much less costly. There are captivating seashores and funky little coastline cities like Montenita, rainforest, warm springs, Cotopaxi Volcano, Otavalo and its captivating outdoor industry. With a small finances, your greenback will bypass lots farther backpacking by way of Ecuador then spending all that element and money attending to Machu Picchu. i could save Machu Picchu for once you have greater money to spend. have relaxing!

Answer 5

Well you got plenty to do in Peru:
Cuzco, is very cheap for eating and sleeping, there are there are hostels from $7 and b&b from $30, depends on what you are looking for. Last december I stayted in this place :http://www.cuzco-stay.de/ and
I've heard of flying dog hostel, the point hostel and loki's hostel you can google them up, there you can check the availability. Then you can find restaurants that offers menus all around cuzco, and this varies Ive eaten from $1 to $10, depends on what are you looking for, if you start walking away from the main plaza, food tends to get more cheap. The nice restaurants are quite cheap as well about $20.
If you are taking tours, i recommend you wait till you got there, this way you will find cheaper prices.

There's one bus company that most of the agencies recommend is called Cruz del Sur http://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/
If never travel on that line, I prefer Ormeño http://www.grupo-ormeno.com I think the most beautiful bus ride is from Puno to Cuzco rather that Cuzco-Lima, but if you have time...then do it, just in case you change your mind use this airline www.lan.com. they have very good deals from cuzco-lima(viceversa), if you are looking for a place to stay, come visit us in Lima www.operu.com(one) or www.myspace/onehostel, we make yor stay a one time life expirence, there are many hostels around Lima, depends where do you prefere to stay: Barranco (bohemian district) Miraflores (touristic distric) and downtown Lima, those are the districts where tourist stay the most.

We have the most amazing beaches of the world, not just for surfing but to relax also. Right now we are in winter, so the beaches located in Lima, are too cold to stay, you can visit them, while you are here, they are 10min away.
But I recommend you go to Mancora (northern peru about 15h by bus) , where they have sunshine and its warm. This place is amazing, you can look for a hostel in this link: www.vivamancora.com. Mancora is very popular, you can visit more beaches from there.

Good luck on your trip planning!!!
have fun in Peru !!!

Answer 6

Just read what Tolish or Jackie have posted. Those are great answers and ignore Peter's comments. He doesn't know what he says! He says he is 100% japanese, and then he says his mum is peruvian so, he is only 50% japanese and 50% peruvian!!!
Anyway, to go back to your question I only have one thing to add: dont go from Cuzco to Lima by bus, the road is quite dangerous as it is not 100% asphalt. Try LanPeru or AeroCondor and fly. Have a great trip!!!!

Answer 7

I really wouldn't suggest backpacking in Peru. Although I'm 100% japanese. My mother was born in Peru. I have family in Lima, Peru. Last time I went there was in 2001. It's not a good place. Never liked it. I almost threw a kid over a balcony in a mall for trying to rob me. If you do go then mainly every car is a taxi. So they can take you mostly anywhere you want to go. There are some pretty nice beaches out there but not worth the risk. If you go enjoy and have a good time.

Answer 8

well Peter is so wrong and I don't appreciate his comments.

Ok if you go broke and visits the ghettos yes expect people to rob you.

But you only need to be in good areas meaning in Lima (miraflores, monterrico, the beaches)

I am not saying there isn't crime but as in many big cities there are good and bad areas and you will minimize your chances by staying in the tourists areas or middle class areas obviously PETER!

Lima is beautiful, have many beaches and the people are great. I have lived there for 20 years and have never been robbed once.

Cuzco-the place to visit. (AND THEY DON'T ROB YOU PETER)
CUZCO have Machuppichu visited by millions of tourists every year. Rich in culture and history-something not to be missed.

Try to travel during the day time specially in provinces. Just be careful like everybody should be when being in another country and when one is a foreigner but nothing to panic about. You will find the most wonderful people, beaches, night life, culture ,

THINKS THAT PETER DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT

-Machupichu
-Nazca lines
-Puno
-The Amazon river and its tribes
-SURFING SPOTS LIKE MANCORA

history......and food? wow, food is delicious.

have fun and find yourself a good local NOT PETER.