The friends from Toronto who visited Peru for 8 days were generally very satisfied. What are some things to be aware of?
👉 Book your Machu Picchu tickets as early as possible. If you’re joining a local Cusco tour, make sure the ticket is included in the package. Some tours will require you to purchase your own ticket once you reach Aguas Calientes. If you get a ticket for Line 1 but prefer to take Line 2, ask your guide if there’s a way to switch when in a group, or try negotiating with the staff at the fork.
👉 You might come across an online rumor that you must have a leader for Machu Picchu [laughing and crying]. In reality, the site doesn’t even require a guide, let alone a leader. This is just a sales tactic used by some local guides.
👉 For those eager to try alpaca meat or cuy (guinea pig), it’s recommended to order one portion for two people. The Toronto friends ordered cuy and couldn’t finish it in two days. Similarly, friends from China had a hard time finishing the alpaca meat while enjoying their drinks.
👉 When entering or leaving the airport area in Lima, avoid looking down at your phone if the car window is open. Stay alert and enjoy the surroundings!
👉 To prevent altitude sickness, American and Canadian travelers can buy acetazolamide at a pharmacy in Peru if they don’t have prescription medication. Sorojchi pills are now hard to find, but there’s an alternative called Alti Vital. If flying into Cusco, consider going directly to Aguas Calientes or Urubamba, where the altitude is much lower, to help with gradual acclimatization. If staying in Cusco on the day of arrival, don’t rush your itinerary. Especially for those from Europe, America, and well-off friends from China, it’s not recommended to book early morning tours 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, providing an extra layer of safety.
👉 For the Amazon rainforest, if you want to see the Amazon River, Iquitos is the place to go. The Amazon River does not flow through Puerto Maldonado. If possible, book places like Ceiba Tops; the difference in experience is significant, and if you can afford it, 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 travel from Ollantaytambo/Cusco to Aguas Calientes. This route offers stunning views and a memorable journey.
