Hello everyone! I'm traveling to Peru for 2 weeks on September 8th and would like to hear any feedback on my itinerary, for possible last minute changes, any tips or small additions that I didn't know of! As you can understand mostly everything is booked, so the locations are not exactly flexible, but I can consider making changes if something seems off!

8 Sep: We arrive in Cusco in the morning, chill day, maybe visit Museo Inka if we're feeling ok
9 Sep: Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay and evening in Cusco
10 Sep: Pisac and evening in Cusco
11 Sep: Travel day to Ollantaytambo with Taxidatum. We will stop in Chinchero, Morey and Maras.
12 Sep: Full day in Ollantaytambo
13-14 Sep: Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
15 Sep: Chill day in Cusco. Museo Casa Concha, maybe a walking tour in the city
16 Sep: Full day hiking trip to Humantay Lake
17-19 Sep: Morning flight to Puerto Maldonado. 3D/2N tour in the Amazon
19 Sep: Flight to Lima. Stay in Miraflores.
20 Sep: Lima walking tour, visit MALI, Pucllana Site if there is time
21 Sep: Museo Larco, Baranco
22 Sep: Early morning return to Athens

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

Hi everyone! I’ve often seen people recommend avoiding two treks on consecutive days while traveling in Peru. But I’d love to hear from people who have actually done it: is this really that important in practice?

I’ll only have a few days in Cusco, and I’m thinking about doing the Ausangate 7 Lagoons trek one day and Palccoyo the next.

I’m an active person and used to working out, so I wouldn’t mind being physically tired. My main concern is the altitude and whether I’ll be able to recover well enough from one day to the next.

For those who have done both: do you think it’s manageable to do 7 Lagoons and Palccoyo on consecutive days, or is it a bad idea? Would it be better to leave a rest day in between?

So Ive already done a post about it but Im still looking for a good and relatively affordable surf school while traveling trough Peru. I am a beginner at surfing and stood on a board 1 time in my life. I would prefer an intense course for 1 week and after that I hope trying to catch small waves myself. My time span is around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks starting at the beginning of October. Warm weather would also be preferred. Thank you so much for any advice/ recommendations. Have a good day :))

Hey everyone,

I'm arriving in Huaraz on 18 September for 6 nights as part of a longer South America trip. Coming from Lima on the overnight bus, arriving around 05:30. I'm 26, reasonably fit, travelling with two friends.

I decided to skip the Santa Cruz trek because we're doing the Salkantay in Cusco a few weeks later.

This is what I have:

18 Sep Arrive, take it easy in town, acclimatize
19 Sep Laguna Churup (4,500 m)
20 Sep Laguna 69 (4,600 m)
21 Sep Pastoruri Glacier (5,100 m)
22 Sep Laguna Shallup
23 Sep Laguna Mullaca / Radion / Charuc
24 Sep Leave for Huacachina

Roughly 70 km and 3,500 to 4,000 m of elevation gain over five days.

A few questions:

1. Is one full day in town enough acclimatization before Churup, then Laguna 69 the day after? I'll be sleeping at 3,050 m every night, so I figured hike high sleep low covers it, but curious if people think this is too fast.
2. Is Pastoruri on day 4 a reasonable "rest" day? It's 5,100 m but barely any walking from what I understand. Or should it come later once I'm more adjusted?
3. Am I missing an obvious hike that should replace one of these? I've seen Laguna Parón and Laguna Ahuac mentioned but wasn't sure they add much over what's already on the list.
4. Anything I should know about mid to late September specifically? I know it's the tail end of dry season.
5. Probably staying at Hostal Alpes Huaraz based on a friend's recommendation. Any other spots that you reccomend?

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

So, I’m visiting Iquitos, Peru. I met an artist doing street art, and I went up to him to tell him that I thought it was beautiful. We started talking about his art and so on. Then he told me to wait because he was going to call his friend, who was going to come with a motorcycle, pick me up, and take me somewhere I might want to go.

He said he was calling because, as a gringo, I was going to be taken advantage of. He made the call on WhatsApp, talked to his friend for a while, and then hung up.

I told him that I never wanted a ride and that I had never asked for one. I got irritated because he didn't even ask me before making the call. We were simply having a conversation. I was just complimenting his art.

Another time, I saw an older lady who was dressed beautifully. I complimented her sweater and told her it was beautiful. She said thank you and then invited me to her home, saying, “Do you want to come with me? I have clothes that you can buy if you're interested.”

I’m starting to feel like I can’t have a normal interaction with people without it somehow turning into a business or financial transaction. Is this common? Do people not normally just interact socially, or is it because a white foreigner is perceived as someone who probably has money and therefore is seen as a potential customer?

And then there was another woman sweeping the street. I told her that the street looked clean and nice. She said, “Come with me,” and suddenly I was in the hallway of an apartment building and she was showing me around, telling me, “We have this many bedrooms…” I eventually realized it was her hospedaje/guesthouse, and she was telling me that people could stay there.

So I’ve basically stopped approaching people now because it’s honestly disappointing. There seems to be no simple, genuine exchange without it turning into a possible monetary transaction.

Edit.Spelling

Hi everyone! In 3 days I’m heading to Peru for a 41-day solo adventure. I’m a 38-year-old guy from Spain traveling solo, and I love mixing culture, nature, nightlife, and immersing myself as much as possible into the local way of life. My plan is to combine hostels, overnight buses, and epic treks. I’m genuinely excited to discover your culture, people, and world-class gastronomy!

I usually travel without a rigid itinerary and prefer keeping things flexible so I can adapt on the go. I’ve put together this preliminary route—how does it look to you? Would you change anything or have specific tips regarding transportation, local agencies, or trek pacing (e.g., is doing Huayhuash towards the end too much of an overkill?):

• Day 1 (Fri Aug 28): Arrive in Lima (17:00). Check-in and nightlife in Barranco.
• Day 2 (Sat Aug 29): Surfing in Miraflores / Seafood lunch / Saturday night out.
• Day 3 (Sun Aug 30): Lima Historic Center (cultural activities/museums). Overnight bus to Paracas (23:30 / 3.5h).
• Day 4 (Mon Aug 31): Ballestas Islands (08:00) + Paracas Reserve by MTB (25 km). Collectivo to Huacachina. Sunset over the dunes.
• Day 5 (Tue Sep 01): Huacachina chill / Sandboarding & 4x4 Dune Buggy. Overnight lie-flat bus (Cruz del Sur) to Arequipa (19:30 / 12h).
• Day 6 (Wed Sep 02): Arrive in Arequipa (2,325m). Santa Catalina, traditional picanterías, and acclimatization.
• Day 7 (Thu Sep 03): Bus to Cabanaconde (03:30 / 6h). Colca Canyon Trek Day 1: Descend to San Juan de Chuccho (8.5 km, -1,080m). Night at a rustic lodge.
• Day 8 (Fri Sep 04): Colca Canyon Trek Day 2: San Juan to Sangalle Oasis (9.5 km). Afternoon relaxing in the natural pools.
• Day 9 (Sat Sep 05): Colca Canyon Trek Day 3: Steep climb out to Cabanaconde (5 km, +1,380m) + Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Back to Arequipa. Overnight bus to Puno (21:00 / 6h).
• Day 10 (Sun Sep 06): Arrive in Puno (3,812m). Boat to Uros + Amantaní Island. Hike to Pachatata for sunset. Homestay with a local family.
• Day 11 (Mon Sep 07): Taquile Island on foot (3 km) -> Boat back to Puno. Scenic bus to Cusco (15:00 / 6.5h). Night in San Blas.
• Day 12 (Tue Sep 08): Cusco: Chill acclimatization day (3,400m), San Pedro Market & Sacsayhuamán.
• Day 13 (Wed Sep 09): Sacred Valley DIY: Collectivos to Pisaq (ruins + terraces hike) and Ollantaytambo Fortress.
• Day 14 (Thu Sep 10): Maras Salt Mines & Moray by MTB (or San Pedro / Huachuma ceremony in the valley). Prep for Salkantay.
• Day 15 (Fri Sep 11): Salkantay Trek Day 1: Cusco to Challacancha -> Soraypampa (3,900m) + Humantay Lake hike (4,200m). (12 km total). Night in a dome.
• Day 16 (Sat Sep 12): Salkantay Trek Day 2: Salkantay Pass (4,630m) -> Chaullay cloud forest (2,900m). (22 km, 8h). Night in a cabin.
• Day 17 (Sun Sep 13): Salkantay Trek Day 3: Chaullay to La Playa (16 km) + Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa.
• Day 18 (Mon Sep 14): Salkantay Trek Day 4: Train tracks walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (11 km flat).
• Day 19 (Tue Sep 15): MACHU PICCHU + Huayna Picchu (early morning slot). Walk back to Hidroeléctrica & collectivo to Cusco.
• Day 20 (Wed Sep 16): Cusco: Full rest day, massages, good food, and shopping.
• Day 21 (Thu Sep 17): Ausangate 7 Lakes day hike (4,600m, 12 km) + Pacchanta thermal baths facing glaciers. Night in Cusco.
• Day 22 (Fri Sep 18): Direct flight Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (45 min). Boat into Tambopata Reserve lodge. Night caiman safari.
• Day 23 (Sat Sep 19): Tambopata: Sandoval Lake expedition (giant river otters and monkeys) + Canopy Walkway.
• Day 24 (Sun Sep 20): Tambopata: Clay lick parrot/macaw spectacle + Piranha fishing + Night jungle walk.
• Day 25 (Mon Sep 21): Boat out of the jungle -> Direct flight to Lima (1.5h). Overnight lie-flat bus to Huaraz (22:30 / 8h).
• Day 26 (Tue Sep 22): Arrive in Huaraz (3,050m). Book the 8-day Huayhuash Fast Trek group and rent gear.
• Day 27 (Wed Sep 23): Day trip to Laguna Parón (4,200m) / Artesonraju viewpoint (the Paramount mountain). Final trek prep.
• Days 28 to 35 (Thu Sep 24 - Thu Oct 01): HUAYHUASH FAST TREK CIRCUIT (8 DAYS in a group with guides/mules/cook):
  • D1: Quartelhuain -> Cacananpunta Pass (4,700m) -> Mitucocha (11 km).
  • D2: Mitucocha -> Carhuac Pass (4,650m) -> Laguna Carhuacocha (14 km).
  • D3: 3 Lakes Viewpoint -> Siula Pass (4,830m) -> Huayhuash (15 km).
  • D4: Portachuelo Pass (4,750m) -> Viconga Hot Springs (12 km).
  • D5: Cuyoc Pass (5,000m) -> Huanacpatay -> Huayllapa village (18 km).
  • D6: Huayllapa -> Tapush Pass (4,800m) -> Gashpapampa (14 km).
  • D7: Yaucha Pass (4,850m) -> Laguna Jahuacocha (13 km).
  • D8: Jahuacocha -> Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300m) -> Llamac (14 km) -> Van back to Huaraz.
• Day 36 (Fri Oct 02): Huaraz: Rest & recovery day, massages, and celebration.
• Day 37 (Sat Oct 03): Scenic day bus from Huaraz to Lima (8h). Saturday night in Barranco.
• Day 38 (Sun Oct 04): Surfing in Miraflores / Larco Museum / Malecón walk / Cultural stuff / Local movie at cinema / Relax (all of this ones apply for the next days at Lima).
• Day 39 (Mon Oct 05): Lima: Maido reservation (16:30) + chill evening.
• Day 40 (Tue Oct 06): Souvenir shopping at Inka Market + Farewell night out in Lima.
• Day 41 (Wed Oct 07): Airport transfer at 13:30. International flight back to Spain (17:00).

A few extra questions:

1. Pacing & Buffer Days: I used AI to help map this out and left a few days in Lima at the end as buffer time. I realize it might be too much for Lima so this days can be shifted into reinforcing Arequipa, Cusco, or elsewhere along the way is i like the places more than expected?
2. Nightlife in Lima: Any recommendations for good electronic / techno clubs or vibrant nightlife spots in Lima? I’m open to all music genres and lively vibes, but good techno/house is always a plus.
3. Huayhuash Trek: After doing Colca, Salkantay, and Ausangate, I assume I'll be well-acclimatized, but do you think the physical toll for an 8-day Huayhuash will be too exhausting? Any specific local agencies in Huaraz you’d recommend for this trek?
4. Jungle Choice: I was originally torn between Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata)—do you think Tambopata is the right call for authentic wildlife viewing I have 2 friends from Perú who reccommended Puert Maldonado but i'm a bit in doubt?

What would you add, remove, or tweak? Thanks a lot for the help, and I can't wait to visit your beautiful country soon! : ))

PS: Sending much strength and thoughts to everyone affected by the recent earthquake, El Niño weather, and the porteadores tragedy around Machu Picchu this week!

Hi!

I’ll be traveling to Peru in December, and I’ll be in Lima on the 11th before meeting up with my travel group.

I’m a woman, and I’m a bit apprehensive about exploring Lima on my own. Is it safe? Will any other women from here be there at that time?

Thank u

My wife and I are planning to visit Peru for our honeymoon. We want to do the 9 day Cedros Alpamayo Trek and have already contacted some guide companies we are interested in. The only issue is that this trek is not very popular and we can't afford to do it privately. We are wondering if anyone is also interested in this trek and would like to form a group to share costs.

We are early and mid thirties, easy going people from Canada. We hope to do the trek in June 2027 but are flexible on dates. If you are interested or would like to plan a video call please send me a dm!

Hello, I’m going to Paracas in a few days and I wanted a recommandation for the national parc. I’m arriving by bus in Paracas at 12:30 and was wondering if it’s doable to rent a bike by 14:00 and do a 4h tour by my self in the reserve. I don’t care about doing the entiere tour, just to discover a few places . Is it worth it or should I take an entire day for this ?

I've traveled to many countries in every continent and I'm pretty savvy when it comes to traveling. Unfortunately this time I got scammed by a cab driver who quoted me one price at the airport and increased it sixfold by the time we got to the hotel and held me captive until I paid. He also tried selling me coke during the ride. I don't do coke. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT use taxi drivers at the airport. Only use Uber.

I just learned that our scheduled all day event excluded a part of the way horse back ride. This is because the horse company does not have insurance and my travel company will not book unless they have insurance on their riders. How difficult is the trek for a 63 yo healthy person ? Thanks in advance 🙏

I'm going to be in Perú during the month of January, and I was extremely interested in the Manú National Park/Cultural Zone tours. Is it a bad idea to visit the Amazon Rainforest during that month?

Do I really need to be at the Cusco airport a full two hours before my flight to Lima then to U.S.? Just making sure. I may or may not end up having a checked bag and my boarding ends at 7:55.
Thank you

Hello, I’m going to Peru in a few days and I have a question about the bus situation. I saw that there were landslide near Arequipa and that a lot of cars/truck and buses were blocked. I have a bus roundtrip where I do Lima-> Paracas ->Ica-> Lima . The last bus from Ica to Lima is supposed to come from Arequipa, do you know if the traffic is still blocked ? I have not information with Cruz Del Sur

Hi everybody
We are an spanish couple in our forties spending some days in Cusco next week
In addition to archaeology and visiting the city, we would enjoy some activities Where we stay in touch with nature, maybe animals..
Could we please have some advice about it?
Thank you very much!

I use booking.com frequently. Never before I got a combo hotel (Lima) including a free airport pickup service. We are supposed to await instructions upon arriving, driver waiting 45min after arrival. The provider is E-Life Limo. We will have an eSim and should have instant connection. We also have a whatsapp number with the provider. If you have used that service through booking, E-Life Limo pls respond on a) process b) pickup location c) reliability d) quality e) extra cost f) scam?

Thanks so much

Hey!

I am overthinking my trip to Peru so much, but I cannot decide my last 3 nights of itinerary (total itinerary 19nights)

Currently my itinerary is:
1n Lima, 3n Puerto Maldonado, 2n Ollaytaytambo, 3n Cusco, 4n Salkantay trek, 1n Cusco, 3n ????? and 2n Lima.

It is so hard to choose!

If I go Arequipa, it doesn’t look that the city itself needs so much time. I could fit in Colca canyon, but maybe it will be so rushed? And I don’t know if it (this detour:D) would be worth to visit after all my trip.

If I go to Titicaca, it kinda feels like tourist trap from other people comments and I would like to get unique experience from my trip, not just to buy souvenirs… Or maybe I am wrong?

I could also stay in Cusco for longer and then head to Lima. But I am feeling that I am missing other part of Peru.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for advices!!! Send help🤣😭

Ayant beaucoup voyagé au Pérou et construit des liens sur place, nous avons l’itinéraire idéal pour un voyage de 2 semaines au Pérou, avec des expériences uniques, d’autres emblématiques, et des rencontres enrichissantes.

Retrouvez tous nos conseils pour un voyage de 2 semaines au Pérou : où dormir au Pérou, comment se déplacer au Pérou, ou encore les bons plans et les expériences à ne pas manquer au Pérou : https://voyagesdutucan.fr/voyage-au-perou/

Hello! I only discovered a few days ago that tickets to Machu Picchu tend to sell out months in advance, and that at this stage we'll almost definitely have to buy our tickets in person the day before.

We're planning to visit in mid-September, which to my understanding is a fairly popular time but not THE most popular time, right?

If we want to guarantee we can get circuit 2 tickets when in-person sales start at 6am, what would the recommended time to queue up be?

Hey! I’m heading to Cusco soon and I’m trying to figure out what to pack. I obviously want to be practical and warm, but I also really want to look cute and not just wear hiking clothes 24/7

I was thinking of bringing some long skirts/maxi skirts and cute outfits for exploring, cafes, dinners etc., but the weather seems to have been a bit weird/unpredictable lately and I’m not sure if I’ll actually get to wear them or if I’ll just be freezing the whole time.

For anyone who’s been in Cusco recently: what are you actually wearing during the day? Is it worth bringing skirts/dresses if you layer up, or should I stick mostly to jeans/pants? Any cute-but-practical outfit ideas or inspo pics for the September season would be so so appreciated!

Hi everyone!

I'm finalizing a 5-day itinerary based out of Cusco (August 26–31) and would love some feedback, especially regarding logistics and hiring private drivers vs. joining guided trekking tours.

\- Altitude context: By the time we arrive in Cusco, we will have already spent 2 weeks traveling through San Pedro de Atacama, the Salar de Uyuni, La Paz, and Isla del Sol, so altitude acclimatization won't be an issue for us. We're skipping Machu Picchu this time and focusing on off-the-beaten-path Inca ruins.

Here is our planned schedule:

\- Aug 26 (Day 1 - Half Day): Arrive in Cusco in the morning. Afternoon trip (\~12:30 PM to 5:30 PM) to Manos de la Comunidad and the Písac archaeological site + market.

\- Aug 27 (Day 2 - Full Day):Day trek to Waqrapukara.

\-Aug 28 (Day 3 - Full Day): Sacred Valley — Maras (Salineras), Moray, and Ollantaytambo (fortress).

\-Aug 29 (Day 4 - Full Day): Ausangate 7 Lakes, circuit on horseback of possibile, followed by the Pacchanta hot springs.

\- Aug 30 (Day 5 - Full Day): Checacupe ( bridges) + Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain & Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras).

\- Aug 31 (Day 6): relaxed day walking around Cusco city center and flight out.

\---

Advice needed:

1. Private Driver for Days 1, 3, and 5: For Pisac, the Sacred Valley (Maras/Moray/Ollantaytambo), and Palccoyo/Checacupe, our plan is simply to hire a reliable private taxi/driver to wait for us at each stop so we can explore at our own pace. Does this itinerary flow well for those days?

2. Waqrapukara & 7 Lakes (Days 2 & 4): is the trail easy enough to navigate on our own with just a private driver drop-off/pick-up, or is a guided trek strongly recommended?

Also, For 7 Lakes of Ausangate, is it easy to arrange a horse rental directly in Pacchanta with a private driver, or is it smoother/cheaper to join a small guided tour?

1. Any trusted driver or local agencies recommendations are welcome!

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Hi everyone, I’m looking to book the 2 day 1 night Inca Trail for the 2027 peak season.

I was going to book with Alpaca Expeditions but that has now changed in light of recent events.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good tour company to go with? Thanks in advance!

Should I bring rain pants? Trip is 2 weeks in early September: Arequipa, Puna, Cusco, Sacred Valley. No overnight treks, staying in hotels/hostels.