The friends from Toronto who embarked on an 8-day adventure in Peru were thoroughly delighted with their experience. Here are some key tips to keep in mind for a smooth and enjoyable trip:
➡️ Secure your Machu Picchu tickets as early as possible. If you’re joining a local Cusco tour, ensure that the ticket is included. Some tours may require you to purchase your own ticket upon arrival in Aguas Calientes. If you find yourself with a ticket for line one but prefer line two, ask your guide if there’s a way to switch, or try negotiating with the ticket checker at the fork in the road if you’re traveling solo.
➡️ There’s a common misconception online that you must have a leader for Machu Picchu [laughing and crying emoji], but even a guide isn’t mandatory within the scenic area, let alone a leader. This is often 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 initially. The Toronto friends ordered cuy this time and found it impossible to finish over two days. Similarly, during a previous trip, the Chinese friends struggled with leftover alpaca meat, even after pairing it with alcohol.
➡️ When entering and exiting the airport 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, travelers from the US and Canada can purchase acetazolamide at pharmacies in Peru if they haven’t already obtained prescription medication. Sorojchi pills are now scarce, but Alti Vital is a good alternative. If flying into Cusco, consider heading directly to Aguas Calientes or Urubamba, where the altitude is significantly lower, aiding gradual acclimatization. If staying in Cusco, don’t rush your itinerary. Especially for those from Europe, America, and China with more financial flexibility, it’s not advisable to book tours that start at 4-5 AM. If traveling with a group, renting a car is a great option; a standard vehicle costs around $100 per day. Pharmacies in Cusco also commonly sell oxygen tanks.
➡️ For the Amazon rainforest, if you want to see the Amazon River, Iquitos is the only place to do so; the river does not flow through Puerto Maldonado. If possible, opt for places like Ceiba Tops; the difference in quality is significant, and if you have the means, there’s no need to compromise on comfort.
➡️ For the train journey to and from Aguas Calientes, if taking the PeruRail Observatory one-way, it’s recommended to travel from Ollantaytambo/Cusco to Aguas Calientes for the best views and experience.
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