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Vacation in Peru?

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IndyColtsFan

IndyColtsFan

Lifer
I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has taken a vacation in Peru. We're looking for vacation ideas and both the wife and I are interested in Peru in order to see some of the archaelogical sites. Neither of us have ever been there, but I have been to Brazil if it helps to compare the two. Here are a few things I'm interested in knowing:

1. Safety: Is Peru generally safe? Machu Picchu would be one of the remote places we'd be going.

2. Best time to go: When is the best time to go?

3. I assume it is pretty inexpensive once you get there, correct?
 
I'm going in mid August; my mother went with her sister last year and loved it (Cuzco and MP). We're using a tour operator because neither one of us speaks Spanish, and neither one of us has been to South America before. Otherwise we would probably just do it ourselves.
 
Blackjack200 said:
I'm going in mid August; my mother went with her sister last year and loved it (Cuzco and MP). We're using a tour operator because neither one of us speaks Spanish, and neither one of us has been to South America before. Otherwise we would probably just do it ourselves.
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Cool. Would you mind me asking who you are using? I haven't even begun looking at tours yet and we may not do this until next year, but I think it would be a fun and unique vacation for us.
 
I went a few years ago in September and the weather was pretty mild and it was during the dry season (although it got cold at night in Cuzco). It was also the shoulder season so it was a little bit cheaper and less crowded.

I never felt unsafe anywhere in Lima or Cuzco and I walked around a lot of neighborhoods. Lima is a big city and I'm sure it has its unsavory elements, but I had no issues.

Its pretty cheap once you get down there. A nice hotel in Lima is probably $100-$150/night and in Cuzco and the valley you can stay in pretty good "hostels" (what they call small hotels, w/ private rooms and bath) for $25-$75/night. Lima has some of the best food in the world and you can get a 3-course meal with drinks for well under $100.
 
Stayed in Miraflores in Lima. Rented a 4 bedroom suite overlooking the water - it was beautiful. Miraflores is a nicer area, has some good shopping, casinos and EXCELLENT food for inexpensive prices compared to the United States. We literally ate at what would be considered high end restaurants here in the states for pretty cheap.

As far as walking around, I was with two of my buddies and we never felt threatened, or unsafe at all walking around at all hours of the day/night. I'm sure there are some areas which aren't that safe but just use your judgement - you should be fine.

Definetly have some Pisco Sours, and also some tea with coca leaves. I forget which museum we visisted but there was a nice bar in it and the bartender just gave us a bunch of leaves to chew on while we had some drinks. Nice little break from walking around the museum.

One tip: If you planning on using cabs NEGOTIATE the rate for your trip BEFORE you get in the cab, otherwise some may rip you off. What's nice is, if you do negotiate a good rate and get in, and the cabbie gets stuck in traffic or gets lost you will still only pay the rate you negotiated. Might need to speak some Spanish for this as well.

Enjoy your trip, I'm sure you will love Peru!
 
poncherelli2 said:
I went a few years ago in September and the weather was pretty mild and it was during the dry season (although it got cold at night in Cuzco). It was also the shoulder season so it was a little bit cheaper and less crowded.

I never felt unsafe anywhere in Lima or Cuzco and I walked around a lot of neighborhoods. Lima is a big city and I'm sure it has its unsavory elements, but I had no issues.

Its pretty cheap once you get down there. A nice hotel in Lima is probably $100-$150/night and in Cuzco and the valley you can stay in pretty good "hostels" (what they call small hotels, w/ private rooms and bath) for $25-$75/night. Lima has some of the best food in the world and you can get a 3-course meal with drinks for well under $100.
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wow.

none of that is actually cheap. I'd call that "standard" around here. 😀


But I do agree: Peruvian food is awesome.
 
Isn't there a major volcanic eruption going on down now disrupting air travel as far away as Buenos Aires? Get travel insurance for sure.
 
zinfamous said:
wow.

none of that is actually cheap. I'd call that "standard" around here. 😀


But I do agree: Peruvian food is awesome.
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Considering most crappy airport hotels are in the $100 range in the states, I'd say its fair for a much nicer hotel, downtown in a major city.

As far as the food goes, 3 courses for 2 ppl with a bottle of wine for around 75 bucks at one of the nicest restaurants in town- you can do that much damage at olive garden.
 
poncherelli2 said:
Considering most crappy airport hotels are in the $100 range in the states, I'd say its fair for a much nicer hotel, downtown in a major city.

As far as the food goes, 3 courses for 2 ppl with a bottle of wine for around 75 bucks at one of the nicest restaurants in town- you can do that much damage at olive garden.
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yeah, I suppose quality is the thing. If you're talking 4 star hotels or whatever, then that is definitely cheap. I've heard great things about Chile and some super awesome hotels that can be booked for cheap, too.
 
Thinking of heading down to Peru for 3 weeks, will my inability to speak any Spanish be a major downfall?
 
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