The friends from Toronto who explored Peru for 8 days were generally very satisfied. What are some key tips 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.
➡️ There’s a common online rumor that you must have a leader for Machu Picchu [laughing and crying emoji]. The site doesn’t even require a guide, let alone a leader; this is just a tactic used by some to promote their services.
➡️ For those eager to try alpaca meat or cuy (guinea pig), it’s wise to order one portion for two people first. This time, the friends from Toronto ordered cuy and couldn’t finish it in two days. Last time, friends from China had a lot of leftover alpaca meat, even after forcing it down with 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 vibrant surroundings.
➡️ To prevent altitude sickness, if friends from the US and Canada haven’t gotten prescription medication, they can buy acetazolamide at pharmacies in Peru. Sorojchi pills are now hard to find, but there’s an alternative called Alti Vital. If flying to Cusco, consider heading directly to Aguas Calientes or Urubamba, as both places are much lower in altitude and can help with gradual acclimatization. If staying in Cusco, don’t rush the itinerary, especially for those from Europe, America, or well-off friends from China. It’s not recommended to book tours that start at 4-5 AM. For groups of two or more, consider hiring a private car, which costs around $100 per day for a regular vehicle. Oxygen tanks are available at many pharmacies in Cusco, providing extra peace of mind.
➡️ For the Amazon rainforest, if you want to see the Amazon River, only Iquitos offers this. The Amazon River does not flow through Puerto Maldonado. If possible, book a place like Ceiba Tops; the difference is significant, and if you can afford it, there’s no need to suffer unnecessarily. Enjoy the lush, serene beauty of the Amazon in comfort.
➡️ For the train to and from Aguas Calientes, if taking the Peru Rail Observatory one way, it’s highly recommended to go from Ollantaytambo/Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The breathtaking views and comfortable journey make it a memorable experience.
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