Month: February 2012

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Accommodation Peru travel guide

Cheap Hostels in Cusco

Cusco (also “Cuzco”) is the most visited city in Peru thanks to being close to Machu Picchu (and other Inca sites, too) and on the railway which offers access to Lake Titicaca. But the city is also a delight to visit. The capital of the Inca Empire has a lot of colonial architecture to be proud with and is surrounded by Inca ruins.

Since the city is located 3,400 m above the sea level , altitude sickness is a problem to consider. So make sure to adjust to the altitude before you set out to explore the near-by areas. And what best way to get accustomed to the high altitude than to visit the city? For that, you’ll need a place to stay and the cheap hostels in Cusco are an excellent choice. It is always a good idea to book the hostel bed (room) in advance.

Many travelers don’t need more than a private room with en suite bathroom and free wi-fi…throw in a complimentary breakfast and we usually fall in love with the place, especially since hostels tend to be located close to the sites or right in the city center. You get a chance to socialize, too, thanks to the common lounge areas.

Read more about:
>>Getting from Lima to Cusco
>>Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu

With that in mind, here are some cheap hostels in Cusco to consider for your trip:

El Tuco Hostel

It is located in the history district and offers rooms with private bathrooms. The hostel offers twin, double, single and triple rooms. There are a guest kitchen , laundry facilities and luggage storage available. Breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$27 per night in a private double room.

Hostal El Triunfo

In 2010, the hostel ranked top 3 for ‘Best Location’ in South America. It is located in the city center , behind the Cathedral. All rooms have private bathrooms , TV and some have balconies. Breakfast is included in the room price. The hostel offers private 2,3 and 4 beds rooms. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$45 pr night in a private double room.

Hostal Mallqui

It is located in the city center and you can use their tour desk to book trips to the sites located in the area. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and cable TV. There’s free wi-fi and the American breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$50 per night in a standard or double room.

Hostal Qorichaska

The hostel is located in a refurbished colonial house and offers free wi-fi and private bathrooms. It is located close to the bus station, as well. The common kitchen can be used by the guests. American breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$28 per night in a double or twin room.

Hostal Girasoles Cusco

The hostel , located close to Plaza de Armas, offers private rooms with en suite bathrooms, with free wi-fi and a sun terrace with lovely views of the city. The tour desk can be used to book trips to the near-by ruins. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$35 per night in a double or twin room.

Search this map to find cheap hostels in Cusco, or find even more hostel options by searching with the widget above.

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Panama travel guide

Things to do in Panama City

Panama City is the capital of Panama and an enchanting place with great shopping, excellent local cuisine and plenty of historical sites to check out.

See the Panama Canal

This is a must-do activity while in Panama City . Go to the Miraflores locks and visit the museum to learn more about the Canal. While you are here you can choose to take the luxury train along the Canal. Or , obviously, you can take a boat.

Visit the old part of the town – Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is the old part of Panama City and comprises many colonial style buildings. There are some good dining options in the area but prices for accommodation are high here.

Visit the site of the original city

Panama Viejo is what it’s left of the old city of Panama which has been sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in the 1600s. As a result, the city moved to Casco Viejo. Entrance to the site is US$11 for an adult.

See the city from above

Cerro Ancón is the highest peak in Panama City and offers lovely panoramic views. There are marked walking paths and make sure to bring your camera as you’ll be able to do some bird watching while here.

Visit the San Jose Cathedral

Iglesia de San Jose (San Jose Cathedral) is known for its Baroque golden altar. Admission is free.

Bike or jog on Amador Causeway

Amador Causeway connects three islands to the mainland and is used as breakwater to protect the Canal. You can walk, jog or ride a bike here. Also, enjoy a meal with a lovely view of the city.

Learn Spanish

If you always wanted to learn Spanish or you want to improve your skills, Panama City is a great place to do that. Immersion programs include salsa dance lessons and cultural activities.

Soak up the sun on the beaches of Portobelo

Portobelo is located just 1 h (by bus) from Panama City. It is a port city and offers a lot of interesting things to do. Soak up the sun on the beach, visit the forts or try horseback riding.

Shopping

The native handicrafts rival Mexico’s in beauty, so you really shouldn’t leave Panama without buying something to remind you of the trip. Molas are made by the Kuna Indian tribe and are intricate reverse appliqué embroidery. The hand-woven baskets and the tagua nut sculptures are also interesting things to pick up.


Photo credits: Panama Canal , Casco Viejo , Panama Viejo , San Jose Cathedral , Amador Causeway , Portobelo , Souvenirs

Categories
Panama travel guide

Panama in January

January falls during the dry months in Panama which also means you’ll travel during peak travel season. Expect high airfare and crowds. But make sure to pack your swimsuit as you’ll definitely head to the beaches.

Weather

On the Pacific Coast, January falls during the drier period. It’s not as dry on the Caribbean Coast, but the rain won’t ruin your trip.

Sample temperatures

Boca del Toro avg high 28C / avg low 28C
Boquete avg 19C
David avg high 31C / avg low 22C
Panama City avg high 31C / avg low 24C

>>read more about Weather in Panama

Flights and accommodation

January falls during the peak travel season in Panama. And it’s a known fact that everyone wants to escape the cold weather in North America and Europe, so the airfare to Panama is high now. Things are the same when it comes to the accommodation , so book in advance and expect higher prices.

Things to do

In January, plan to visit the Pacific Coast to enjoy the beaches . Also, enjoy the scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing or kayaking. The nigh life is also at its best now and don’t forget the shopping part, either.

The Caribbean Coast is another good option. You can explore the San Blas Islands. Or head to Bocas del Toro for some scuba diving and tanning. Or just relax and soak up the soak with a cocktail in hand. Should you feel adventurous, try the rainforest tours.

You really cannot avoid Panama City when planning a trip to Panama, but that’s good because there are quite a lot of things to do here. Take a city tour, especially if you don’t plan to stay here for too long. Visit the ruins of the 16th century original city and see the famous Panama Canal . San Jose Cathedral with its Golden Altar is also worth your time. Try the local cuisine and plan for some cardio sessions while shopping. Or if you want the real cardio action, then jog or cycle on the Amador Causeway . You can enjoy a meal with a view here.

There are some interesting museums to check out in the city, such as Museo del Canal Interoceanico which highlights the latest chapters of the Canal’s history.

The Panama Canal Railway can be an excellent choice for a half-day trip. It spans between the two oceans and it takes only 90 min to cover the distance.

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Accommodation Peru travel guide

Cheap Hotels in Cusco

Cusco (also “Cuzco”) is located in the Southern Sierras and is the most popular travel destination in Peru. It is the gateway to Machu Picchu , Lake Titicaca and the city itself offers plenty of places to visit , which are filled with history. The capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a city you need to get used to…literally. The high altitude puts strain on your body so make sure to adapt to the new conditions before you set off exploring the sites.

But while you adapt, you can visit the city, taste the local cuisine and get to know the culture. For that, you need a place to stay. Thankfully, cheap hotels in Cusco are easy to find. You just have to do your homework (research) before you leave for Cusco.

Read more about:
>>Getting from Lima to Cusco
>>Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Here are some places to consider for your stay in Cusco:

Inkas Inn Cusco

It is located just 400 km from Plaza de Armas. All rooms have free wi-fi , cable TV and private bathrooms. The continental breakfast is included in the room price. The hotel offers free parking and laundry facilities. They can arrange tours to the sites located in the area including Machu Picchu. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$32 per night for a twin or double room.

Royal Inn Cusco

This hotel is located in a quiet area of the city and offers free wi-fi , cable TV, private bathrooms and on-site parking. The continental breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$42 per night for a double or twin room.

Hotel Royal Qosqo

The hotel is located in the city center and features a spa and a café. The Huaca Hanan Huri Pacha ruins are just 30 min away (walking). All rooms have private bathrooms, TV and telephone. There’s free wi-fi in the public areas and the continental breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$45 per night for a double or twin room.

Awki´s Dream Hotel

The 3-star hotel is located 3 blocks away from Plaza de Armas. The rooms have free wi-fi, minibar, work desk, laptop safe and LCD TV. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$45 per night for a double room.

Golden Inca Hotel

It is located about 2 km from Plaza de Armas and 3.5 km from the train station. All rooms have free wi-fi and private bathrooms. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$45 per night for a double or twin room.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Cusco, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Accommodation Peru travel guide

Cheap Hostels in Lima

Lima might not be the most famous travel destination in Peru, but it has its fair share of places to visit and things to do. From the colonial architecture , to the wonderful churches and exquisite cuisine, Lima is a good option for getting used to Peru before traveling to other parts of the country. Plus, if you fly from abroad, this is where you’ll land , so why not take some time to explore the city as well?

When it comes to finding a place to stay, there are some things to take into account. The most important is the location. Thankfully, hostels – although the cheap option of accommodation – are usually located either close to the sites or in excellent areas. Sure, if the District you plan to stay in is quite expensive – for example: Barranco, San Isidro or Miraflores – the hostel bed will be a bit more expensive than if you were to stay in the City Center (Old Town), but overall you’ll still get a good bargain. Also, consider the facilities you really need. A private room with en suite bathroom and free wi-fi are enough for many independent travelers.

With that in mind, here are some cheap hostels in Lima to consider for you vacation:

Hitchhikers B&B Backpackers Hostel

This hostel in located in Miraflores District , close to the ocean, parks, bus station and more. The dorms have lockers and there are a safe box and luggage storage available. The hostel offers a computer, wi-fi, kitchen, BBQ area, bicycle rental , book exchange and TV (among other facilities). There are both private rooms and dorms available. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$28 per night in a deluxe private double room and US$11.20 per night per bed in a 6-debs dorm or 8-beds dorm.

Link Hostel

This hostel is located near Av. Arequipa in Miraflores, in a refurbished colonial house. It is close to the bus station, market and park. The hostel offers a bar, a kitchen and lounge area. There are both private rooms and dorms available. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$9 per night per bed in a 4-beds dorm and US$11 per night per bed in a 6-beds or 8-beds dorm.

Barranco’s Backpackers

The hostel is located in the Colonial / Bohemian neighborhood and offers views of the ocean. It is close to the bars, restaurants and many other places to have fun. All rooms have bathroom en-suite, breakfast is included in the bed price, there’s free wi-fi and book exchange. The hostel also offers a kitchen and laundry facilities. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$35 per night for a double room with ocean views and TV and from US$9 per bed per night in a 6-beds dorm.

Search this map to find cheap hostels in Lima, or find even more hostel options by searching with the widget above.

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Panama travel guide

Panama in December

The high season starts in December so if you plan to spend your vacation in Panama during this month, plan in advance and expect higher prices. On the plus side, it’s not rainy on the Pacific Coast but it’s hot. So pack your swimsuit and lotion.

Weather

On the Pacific Coast, December is one of the rainless months , but it can rain on the Caribbean Coast, although not enough to ruin your trip.

Sample temperatures

Boca del Toro avg high 28C / avg low 28C
Boquete avg 19C
David avg high 30C / avg low 22C
Panama City avg high 30C / avg low 24C

>>read more about Weather in Panama

Flights and accommodation

The peak travel season in Panama starts in December and since everyone wants to escape the cold weather in North America and Europe, the airfare is high now. Also, book the accommodation in advance and expect to pay higher prices, too.

Things to do

Head to the Pacific and enjoy the beaches and the related activities, such as diving, snorkeling, windsurfing or kayaking. Don’t forget about shopping and you can enjoy the night life, too.

The Caribbean Coast is not a bad choice, either. You can plan to visit one (or more) of the San Blas Islands. Aside from soaking up the sun you can also take rainforest tours and see the wildlife. Or you can plan to sail between the islands.

Panama City is another good choice and easy to visit since you’ll most likely land on its international airport. Make sure to take a city tour and see the ruins of the 16th century original city , see the famous Panama Canal and also visit Casco Viejo – or the historical district- which offers superb bay views. Try the local cuisine and don’t forget to shop for some souvenirs. The nigh life in Panama City is lively and you’ll be sure to find a club which suits your tastes. You can jog or cycle on the Amador Causeway or you can enjoy a meal with a view.

You can also consider taking a scenic train ride on the Panama Canal Railway , which spans between the two oceans. The train ride is about 90 minutes.

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Panama travel guide

Panama in July

While July falls right in the middle of the rainy season, the Caribbean coast enjoys a period with relative dryness. Yes, it might rain but the weather still allows for outdoor activities. You can also visiting Panama City, with its old Spanish colonial architecture and famous Panama Canal. Best of all, July falls during the off peak travel season so everything is affordable and you don’t need to tackle the crowds either.

Weather

July enjoys the veranito, or “little summer” , which means there is a dry spell right in the middle of the rainy season. You can expect some torrential rain on the Caribbean coast, but over all it’s not a very month. But on the Pacific Coast and inland, the storms are more powerful and the heat is also quite unbearable.

Sample temperatures

Boca del Toro avg high 28C / avg low 28C
Boquete avg 20C
David avg high 30C / avg low 23C
Panama City avg high 30C / avg low 25C

>>read more about Weather in Panama

Flights and accommodation

While most foreigners prefer to come to Panama during the cold season in the Northern Hemisphere (December to March), those who choose to visit Panama during July will appreciate not only the off peak airfare but also the lack of crowds. It also means you will get a better chance of finding good affordable accommodation .

What to do

Head to the Caribbean Coast and enjoy the beaches. You can dive, snorkel, work on your tan , try windsurfing or kayaking. Don’t forget about shopping and the night life, either.

The San Blas Islands are an excellent option for traveling to Panama in July. Aside from soaking up the sun you can also take rainforest tours and see the waterfalls and the wildlife. Or you can sail between the islands.

If you have some time to spend in Panama City, make sure to take a city tour and see the ruins of the 16th century original city. You’ll also want to see the famous Panama Canal. Casco Viejo – or the historical district- is the old Spanish colonial sector , which offers superb bay views and plenty of restaurants to try the local cuisine. And don’t leave the city without shopping for some souvenirs.

You can also enjoy a scenic train ride on the Panama Canal Railway , which spans between the two oceans. The train ride is about 90 minutes.

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Accommodation Peru travel guide

Cheap Hotels in Lima

Regardless of the place you visit, the flight and the accommodation will make the biggest of your travel budget. And even if you don’t care about fancy facilities, a nice room with at least basic facilities is a good choice for any place we visit.

And of course, that applies to Lima, as well. Barranco, San Isidro and Miraflores Districts are wealthier areas of the city where the hotel rooms are more expensive than in other parts. San Borja is a good alternative to the expensive areas. The Old Town (City Center) is a cheaper option for visitors.

Here are some hotels to consider for your vacation in Lima:

Miraflores District

Grand Hotel Betsy

This 2-star hotel is located 14 km from the airport in a scenic area. All rooms have free wi-fi , AC and fridge. The continental breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$60 per night for a standard double room.

Hotel Sipan

This 3-star hotel offers free parking and free internet. The rooms have bathroom en suite, TV, and phone. The bus station is 50 m away and two parks are also close by. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$50 per night for a double or twin room.

Hotel Huaychulo

This 3-star hotel is located just 5 min walk from the craft fair and Huaca Pucllana Park. All rooms have free wi-fi , TV, en suite bathroom and mini bar. Continental breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$58 per night for a standard double room.

San Isidro District

Casa Bella Boutique Hotel

This 3-star hotel is located just 2 km from the beach. All rooms have private bathrooms, TV, and DVD players. The continental breakfast is included in the room price. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$65 per night for the superior queen room (sleeps two).

New Corpac Hotel

This 3-star hotel is located 15 km from the airport and 20 min by car from the city center. It offers rooms with AC, TV and DVD player. The American breakfast is included in the room price. The hotel also offers a lobby bar and a spa. In March 2012, expect to pay from US$75 per night for a standard double or twin room.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Lima, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Panama travel guide

Getting from Panama to Colombia

Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Border by Panama to the north, Colombia is also an important stop for those who travel to South America. The city offers both spectacular mountains and golden beaches , making it a lovely destination for many activities.

Getting from Panama to Colombia does require a bit of planning. There aren’t buses connecting the two countries as the Pan-American Highway stops at Darien Gap, a swampland and forest which separates the two countries. So, you are left with either flying or taking the boat.

Quick summary

The hassle free way to get between Panama and Colombia is to book a flight from Panama City to either Bogota or Cartagena. It will cost from US$345 one way (connecting flight). The scenic way would be to travel to Puerto Obaldia and then catch a ferry to Capurgana (in Colombia) and from here travel by plane or bus further into the country. This is the cheapest option, however. Or you can sail between the two countries but expect quite a lot of hassle planning it and prices comparable to the airfare.

Flights from Panama to Colombia

You can catch a flight from Panama City into Cartagena or Bogota.

El Dorado International Airport (BOG) serves the Colombian capital of Bogota and is the third airport in South America in terms of passenger traffic. It is hub for Avianca, Copa Airlines Colombia, LAN Colombia and Satena. It handles about 49% of all the traffic in and out of the country. Flights to/from Panama City are operated by: Avianca, Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia.

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) serves Cartagena and is the second largest airport on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Flights to/from Panama City are operated by Copa Airlines Colombia.

Flights arrive / depart to / from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City , which is located about 24 km from the city center. It is hub for Copa Airlines.

Direct flights between Panama City and Bogota start at US$419 one way in mid-March 2012 , on flights operated by Avianca , but you can catch a connecting flight for US$296 one way (via Medellin, Colombia, operated by LACSA). Direct flights between Panama City and Cartagena start at US$345 one way on Copa Airlines.

>>book flights to Panama and read about Airports in Panama

Ferries from Panama to Colombia

The cheapest way to travel from Panama to Colombia is by ferry from Turbo to Capurgana. The single fare is about US$28 .

If you prefer a smaller boat, catch it from Puerto Obaldia to Capurgana, for about US$11.25 one way. The travel time is one way. From Capurgana you can get to Medellin by plane.

There are ferries from Panama to Cartagena and Bogota but the price is around US$350 one way, which competes with the airfare . However, it’s a scenic boat ride which takes about 5 days and is getting very popular. The boats sail through San Blas Islands, which are very beautiful. You cannot book in advance and you are left with doing the research locally.

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Peru travel guide

Getting from Lima to Buenos Aires

Lima ,the capital of Peru, is also the largest city in the country. The city mixes the modern metropolis look with the old colonial architecture. Lima is one of the best city to indulge in the local foods, especially if you look fish and seafood specialties. It’s best to plan your visit during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. Winters are rainy and overcast.

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is one of the largest cities in South America. It is the point of departure for visiting the rest of the country. Buenos Aires is an interesting city to explore which offers a variety of interesting to do. The restaurants and night life are excellent, as well.

Quick summary

Unless you mange to catch a really good deal on airfare between Lima and Buenos Aires, the cheapest option is the bus. But you’ll be traveling for 3 days. Or you can choose a hop-on-off bus ticket and stop along the way to explore different sites (of course, this can take quite a bit of time).

Flights from Lima (airport code: LIM) to Buenos Aires

Lima is served by Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), the most important international gateway into the country, as well as an important domestic hub. It is located about 11 km from the historical center and is hub for the following airlines: LAN Peru, TACA Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Star Peru and LC Busre.

Buenos Aires is served by Ministro Pistarini International Airport, commonly known as Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), which receives most of the international traffic in the country as well as some domestic traffic. The airport is located at about 30-45 min from the city center. It is hub for Aerolíneas Argentinas, LAN Argentina and SkyTeam.

A second airport serving Buenos Aires is Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), which is located 20 km from the downtown area, but it’s used mostly for domestic flights.

Flights between Lima and Buenos Aires (EZE) are operated by: Aerolíneas Argentinas, LAN Argentina, LAN Peru, TACA Airlines and TACA Peru. The flight time is 4 ½ h and single fares start at US$623 one way in 2012 (on Aerolíneas Argentinas) . It might be worth it to compare the prices on several different online booking websites.

Read more about :
>>Flights to Peru
>>Flights to Buenos Aires
>>Flights to Lima

Buses from Lima to Buenos Aires

Yes, there are direct buses between Lima and Buenos Aires. However, the travel time is about 70 hours (exactly , 3 days!) . Omni Lineas lists four departures operated by four companies, but only one of the departs daily at 5 p.m. from Buenos Aires. The cheapest ticket is 1030 Argentine Peso / US$238 one way.

If you plan to stop along the way you can grab a hop-on-off flexible pass (such as this one ) which allows you to stop along the way and visiting various sites.

Driving from Lima to Buenos Aires

First of all, you need to ask the rental company whether you can take the rental car across the borders. If it’s possible, prepare for a (very) long drive: 4079 km to be exact, along the Panamericana Sur.

Needless to say, you need to plan stops along the way so this can easily turn into a road trip. Panamericana Sur goes through Chile, while the alternative route (Route 9) goes through Bolivia and Paraguay and is slightly longer.

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