tell me about…
Peru.
I’m thinking that my next trip might be to South America, and I want to hear your thoughts on Peru. If you’ve been there, I mean. If you just happen to like Peruvian food (who doesn’t? it’s seriously yum.) or you once saw something about Peru on the Discovery Channel, we’re probably operating on about the same amount of information. I was secret, first-hand info. The kind you only get by setting foot in a foreign place.
Also, let me remind you about the story contest. I’m extending the deadline until the first week of March or so, because it looks like ISECards is going to put up some pretty awesome prizes and I want everyone to have a chance to submit.
I just got back. I spent the majority of the time on the Inka Trail between Cuzco and Machu Picchu (lots of pictures on my blog if you want to check them out) but my grandparents live in Lima and I’ve been there several times. You could spend a week in Lima alone. Or go to Puno and see Lake Titicaca. Or the Nazca Lines. And don’t miss Machu Picchu please! You should SO go. And yes, Peruvian food is yum.
I was there for two weeks, and it wasn’t NEARLY enough time — I spent one week in Lima and one in Cuzco/Machu Picchu. The people are wonderful, the food is amazing, and once you get down there, it’s easy to operate on a budget. It depends how much time you have, but if you go nowhere else in the country, go to Machu Picchu. It’s like walking around in a Discovery Channel special. If you’re one of those who likes to look at other people’s vaction photos, I can send you a link.
ah how timely! i will actually be heading out to peru in a few short weeks. since i’m traveling with my family and staying with my crazy missionary uncle, the trip might have a slightly different take on it than others. but you never know when you’ll need to know where to find a 7th day adventist church in lima!
I was in Peru to hike the Inca trail a few years ago and it was A-mazing - I loved it. The people are wonderful, the landscape is beautiful and mysterious and the hike was life-changing.
That being said? I HATED the food. Granted, I spent the majority of my time in the mountains where the food is starchy and much heavier than on the coast but I was pretty grossed out.
If anyone wants to look, my pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/73534469@N00/sets/952930/
Definitely go! I went to Peru last year for two weeks. A friend was supposed to accompany me but she backed out a week and a half prior to our departure date. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I flew into Lima and then straight to Cuzco. The city is small but it is great. I spent an afternoon or two just sitting in the plaza watching tourists and locals. In true S. American fashion, the majority of people were extremely friendly. The food is great and I highly recommend going during Holy Week. I booked my trip without realizing the dates but the festivities, parades, and the use of flowers to cover the streets in symbolic pictures are well worth experiencing. Be sure to spend a day to visit the local ruins as well. Don’t hesitate walking…it is a long one but the views can be beautiful. Also, stop in for lunch at one of the local kitchens for lunch. Any place can be touristy if you participate in those activities.
I took the train to Machu Picchu and if you are short on time it is well worth it. The views are spectacular. Once in Aguas Calientes, see the waterfalls (a bit of a walk along the train tracks) and of course Machu Picchu. I spent three days in Machu Picchu and enjoyed each one more than the next. Also, hike Wayna Picchu…the small mountain that allows for an AMAZING view of Machu Picchu.
I am definitely going back to explore the rest of this country.
The key is, be sure to spend plenty of time in each place so you can get a real feel for it. You can go anywhere for a day and have a bad experience. Kind of like don’t judge a book by its cover….really get into it by looking at it page by page…experience by experience.