Finally, the long-awaited adventure to Peru has come to an close! After poring over countless travel guides on Xiaohongshu, I’m excited to share my personal journey, hoping it will be a valuable resource for fellow travelers.
Peru is a land of endless surprises, from the vibrant coastal city of Lima to the ancient highland cities of Cusco and Machu Picchu, and then into the lush Amazon rainforest. One trip, three completely different and unforgettable experiences—absolutely worth every moment!
This time, I explored Lima, Cusco (including the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu), and Madre de Dios. My itinerary was: Departure -> Lima -> Cusco, Sacred Valley -> Machu Picchu -> Madre de Dios -> Lima -> Home.
Time allocation: Lima (2 days 2 nights), Cusco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu (3 days 2 nights), Madre de Dios (3 days 2 nights), with the rest of the time spent in transit.
Main attractions: A tour of Lima, exploring Cusco, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu (a must-visit!), Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, and the enchanting tropical rainforest.
Preparation before departure:
For the tropical rainforest, getting the yellow fever vaccine is essential. It provides lifelong immunity, making it very convenient!
The travel clinic also recommends getting typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines, as well as bringing medication for altitude sickness and malaria.
Mosquito repellent can be easily found in Peru; there are numerous Inkafarma pharmacies, including one near the dock in Madre de Dios.
Inter-city transportation:
Lima to Cusco: Flying is the most convenient option, with dozens of flights per day, typically costing around $60 year-round.
Cusco to Madre de Dios: While there are direct flights, they are infrequent. Alternatively, you can take the Civa bus, which offers reclining seats for a comfortable ride.
Madre de Dios to Lima: Several direct flights are available daily, so it’s recommended to book early.
LATAM is the most common airline in Peru.
To reach Iquitos, only Lima offers direct flights; if departing from Cusco, a transfer is necessary.
Local transportation:
In Lima, Uber is the go-to mode of transportation.
Taxidatum is another great option, offering airport transfers and car rental services, though drivers generally do not speak English.
Machu Picchu:
There are two train companies that serve Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inka Rail. I opted for the panoramic seat from Peru Rail, which cost about $150 round trip.
After arriving at Aguas Calientes, you still need to buy a bus ticket, which costs $24 round trip.
Tickets can be purchased on the official Machu Picchu website, and route 2 is highly recommended.
Transportation to Machu Picchu can indeed be pricey, but the experience is priceless.
Accommodation:
In Lima, you can find luxurious five-star hotels for one or two hundred dollars. I stayed at Pullman and Melia Lima, both of which were excellent.
For Machu Picchu, you have the option to stay in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Aguas Calientes. I chose Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, primarily to acclimate to the altitude and prevent altitude sickness.
For the rainforest, I stayed at Inkaterra, which includes meals, accommodation, and guided tours. The hotel also provides convenient airport transfers.
Food:
Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Incan, Western, and Asian influences, creating a unique and tantalizing culinary experience. Local specialties include the tender alpaca meat and the adventurous guinea pig, both offering a taste of the Andean highlands. Don’t miss out on the zesty Peruvian ceviche, the savory lomo saltado, and the aromatic Peruvian-style fried rice—dishes that are sure to delight your palate.
Other:
When visiting tourist sites, you’ll find that hotel front desks are staffed with English-speaking personnel, and many restaurants have waiters who can also converse in English, making your stay more comfortable. Both US dollars and Peruvian Soles are widely accepted, but using dollars may come with a slight premium. If you need to withdraw Soles, be aware that there might be a small fee. For those with T-mobile or Google Fi phones, rest assured that the signal is generally reliable in urban areas.
