Peru

Ever since i was about 8 years old i have always wanted to go to peru. i found out about this program for girl scouts ages 11-17 called destinations and it can take you all over the country and the world! once i saw the program for peru i was so excited to go but there was 2 problems. i had to be at least 15 and i needed a spare 4000 dollars neither of which i had. at least it was better priced than those people to people trips!!

for a spiritual trip

Great people, great sites to visit, Lima and Cusco provided really good city life and Machu Picchu provided fantastic trailage.

Southern Peru is AMAZING and if you only have 7-15 days you’ll likely stay there, but the North is also incredible, has less tourists, and is just as great – e.g. the chachapoyas ruins are almost as nice as Macchu Pichu! The Huaca de la Luna y Sol – incredible pyramids and ruins. Chan Chan – excellent! Trujillo and Chiclayo. The Museum in Chiclayo for the mummy was the BEST MUSEUM I HAVE BEEN TO IN THE WORLD!!!

Did anyone else watch the wonderful Mysterious Cities of Gold cartoon series? That fired my imagination about the Incas and so Machu Picchu has long been on my wishlist of places to visit. But there are many other places that I’d love to see in Peru, like the Nazca Lines, so that’s why I’ve added the country to my list rather than individual sights :)

I have always wanted to go to Machu Pichu as long as I can remember. Hopefully one day I’ll get to see it in the flesh.

If you are traveling on a budget, do not rely solely on Lonely Planet when choosing a bus company for travel. I did this and LP gives some good recommendations, but there are a lot more options (including more affordable and still reputable options) out there. Granted, the plethora of bus companies can be overwhelming, but if saving $$$ is important for you, go down to the bus station (or ask the hostel or locals) for their suggestions.

Peru is an amazing place to visit! Be sure to give yourself extra time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Take time to visit the sites in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo, Chincero, and Pisaq. GO TO THE SUNDAY MARKET IN PISAQ! My favorite memories in Peru are of being on overcrowded buses that wind through the villages and towns in the Valle Sagrado. I went rafting on the Urubamba which was very worth it (except the wetsuits smelt of body odor).Don’t miss a visit to Qorikancha (spelling?) in Cusco which was the center of the Incan empire.

Also, be sure to visit Arequipa. A nice break is to have coffee or a beer at the cafes on the Plaza de Armas. The cafes are not too overpriced and afford great views. Ask to sit on the roof for wonderful views of El Misti. Arequipay Backpackers’ Hostel in Arequipa is a great place to stay.

Last bits of advice- don’t eat Peruvian Chinese food (chifa). It is exceptionally cheap and you can find it everywhere, but know better. I knew better before I even ordered but went through with it anyway. The result was quality toilet time for several days for my friend and I. I doubt our dining experience and anal pyrotechnics was out of the ordinary.

Also, there are some good Peruvian beers, but the Cusquena dark is really foul. Nauseatingly foul.

Eat churros, cuy, and drink LOTS of Pisco sour!

Machu Pichu

My husband’s from Peru and we want to go back together. He’s always telling me how beautiful it is there. In the future, we’d like to buy a house there like a vacation home. Much of my husband’s family is still there, so it would be nice to see them on their turf.