My first trip to Peru in South America was nothing short of extraordinary, with its vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.
Timing — The journey took place from late August to early September, spanning roughly ten days. Fortunately, it was still the dry season, so we only experienced half a day of rain throughout the entire trip.
Packing Essentials — I highly recommend bringing a lightweight down jacket or a raincoat. These items not only shield you from wind and rain but also provide warmth when temperatures drop. For the rest of your wardrobe, opt for layered clothing. The weather in Peru is unpredictable, with significant temperature swings between day and night, especially in Cusco.
If trekking is on your agenda, invest in waterproof hiking boots and quality socks like Smartwool. They’re excellent for preventing blisters and reducing odor. As for medication, ibuprofen can be a lifesaver for altitude sickness headaches. Don’t forget mosquito repellent—Machu Picchu is notorious for its mosquitoes.
We used one containing Deet; though it has an unpleasant smell, it’s highly effective. Sunscreen is another must-have, as high-altitude regions are closer to the sun. A practical choice is the Sunday Afternoons sun hat—it may not win any style awards, but it gets the job done.
Activities — We spent two and a half delightful days in Lima, exploring Miraflores, the Historical Centre, and Barranco.
Food enthusiasts should make it a point to try Central. Unfortunately, we couldn’t secure a reservation, so we visited Kjolle (Figure 7), run by the owner’s wife. Both restaurants are located in Barranco and offer unforgettable dining experiences.
In Cusco, we embarked on two thrilling trekking tours: the 2-day Inca Trail and the 2-day Salkantay.
The 2-day Inca Trail isn’t overly challenging for those who regularly exercise, but it tested my limits. On the other hand, the 2-day Salkantay is extremely demanding, so thorough research is essential before booking.
Shopping — One of the best souvenirs to bring back from Peru is alpaca wool clothing.
However, beware—many items aren’t pure or are counterfeit. Genuine pieces typically cost around $100 or more. To check authenticity, test the fabric’s temperature; the cooler it feels, the purer it is. Additionally, local markets offer Vicuña wool products, which are exorbitantly priced due to their rarity.
Transportation — Our initial flight departed from San Francisco Airport on JetBlue, with a layover in Florida, en route to Lima. On the return trip, JetBlue inexplicably canceled our flight to San Francisco, forcing us to spend a night in Florida before switching to United Airlines the following day.
I strongly advise against choosing JetBlue; their customer service is subpar and unhelpful. Within Peru, Uber proved to be a reliable option for ground transportation. For flights between Lima and Cusco, we opted for a local airline.
If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to leave a comment!
