The friends from Toronto who visited Peru for 8 days were generally very satisfied. What are some key points to keep in mind?
➡️ Book your Machu Picchu tickets as early as possible. If you’re joining a local Cusco tour, ensure the ticket is included. Some tours require you to purchase your own ticket once you reach Aguas Calientes. If you have a ticket for line one but prefer line two, ask your guide if there’s a way to switch when you’re with a group, or try negotiating with the ticket checkers at the fork in the road if you’re on your own.
➡️ You might come across online rumors that you must have a leader for Machu Picchu [laughing emoji], but even a guide isn’t mandatory, let alone a leader. This is often a tactic used by some to promote their guiding services.
➡️ For those eager to try alpaca meat or cuy (guinea pig), it’s recommended that two people start with one serving. The Toronto friends ordered cuy and couldn’t finish it over two days. On another occasion, friends from China had to force down the alpaca meat while drinking, and there was still a lot left.
➡️ When entering or leaving the airport area in Lima, avoid looking down at your phone if the car windows are open. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
➡️ To prevent altitude sickness, if friends from the US and Canada haven’t gotten prescription medication, they can buy acetazolamide at a pharmacy in Peru. Sorojchi pills are now hard to find, but there’s an alternative called Alti Vital. If flying to Cusco, consider going directly to Aguas Calientes or Urubamba, where the altitude is much lower, which can help with gradual acclimatization. If staying in Cusco, don’t rush your itinerary, especially for those from Europe, America, or China with better economic conditions. It’s not recommended to book tours that start at 4-5 AM. For groups of two or more, consider renting a car; a regular vehicle costs around $100 per day. Oxygen tanks are available at many pharmacies in Cusco.
➡️ For the Amazon rainforest, if you want to see the Amazon River, only Iquitos offers this, as the river does not pass through Puerto Maldonado. If possible, book places like Ceiba Tops, as the difference in experience is significant. If you have the means, there’s no need to suffer unnecessarily.
➡️ For the train to and from Aguas Calientes, if taking the PeruRail Observatory one-way, it’s recommended to go from Ollantaytambo/Cusco to Aguas Calientes. This route offers breathtaking views and a more comfortable journey.
