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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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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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Peru travel guide

Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu

The gateway into the Machu Picchu site is the city of Cusco , which is served by an airport and a bus terminal. Cusco used to be the capital of the Inca Empire and there are plenty of things to see here. Which is great, because if you want to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , you will need to adjust to the altitude and the best places to do that is in Cusco.

The Inca site of Machu Picchu is located in the Andes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited sites in the world. To enter Machu Picchu you need a ticket which can be obtained online here . The current fee is 128 Soles / US$47.60 per adult (foreign visitor). While the best time to visit the sit is from April to October, most of visitors come here from June to August. Needless to say, between June and August the site is awfully crowded.


Quick summary

The easiest way to complete this journey is to travel by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then take a bus all the way up to Machu Picchu. If you want to hike but don’t plan to do the Inca Trail, then you can hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ( 8 km).

Train and bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu

There isn’t a direct train link between Cusco and Machu Picchu , but you can this journey with a stop along the way.

1. Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes is a small town, located at the bottom of the valley close to Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll stop for a night on the way from Cusco (unless you want to pay a fortune for accommodation in the only lodge in Machu Picchu).

Peru Rail has a monopoly on the Cusco to Aguas Calientes route. The travel time is about 3h 10 min and there are three types of trains connecting the two places. The cheapest ticket is US$56 one way. Book the tickets in advance as the cheapest option is sold out for months in advance. There are 6 departures per day from Cusco but only one train is low-cost. There are five trains on the way back.

>>read more about Train Travel in Peru

2. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

There is a bus which goes all the way up to Machu Picchu. The fare is US$14 return.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Peru

Train and a hike from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Once in Aguas Calientes you can choose to hike the 8 km to Machu Picchu. The trail is mostly steps and it’s not an easy hike , but definitely worth the views. It takes up 1 ½ h – 2 h on the way up and 1 h on the way down. Make sure to bring appropriate hiking boots (the steps can be slippery!) and supplies (water and snacks).

Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Please remember that it’s not possible to hike the Inca Trail independently, you need to be part of a group. Make sure to book the tour in advance because only a limited number of permits are granted each year. The tour departs from Cusco and even though the Classical Inca Trail is the most expensive and the hardest trail take, it’s definitely worth the views and the experience. The trail itself if a 4 days trek but together with the departure from Cusco and return, it takes 7 days to complete the tour.

>>read more about Hiking the Inca Trail

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Peru travel guide

Getting from Lima to Machu Picchu

Lima is the capital of Peru and also most likely where you’ll land if you fly from abroad. It’s a major domestic travel hub and many plan to tackle the rest of the journey in Peru overland rather than by domestic flights.

Machu Picchu is located in the Andes and is the site of an ancient Inca city. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the most familiar symbols of the Inca Empire. It’s also one of the most visited sites in the world.

To enter the site you need a ticket which can be obtained online here . The current fee is 128 Soles / US$47.60 per adult (foreign visitor). The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to October, but most of visitors come here from June to August, when it’s awfully crowded.

The gateway into the Machu Picchu site Cusco , which is connected to Lima by air and overland.

>>read more about Getting from Lima to Cusco

Quick summary

Aside from making sure you have the tickets for entering Machu Picchu and all the necessary permits to hike the Inca Trail (if you choose this option), to get to the site, first you need to travel from Lima to Cusco. The cheapest option is by bus (but it takes about 20 h- 21 h). From Cusco , the only way to get to Aguas Calientes is by train. Once in Aguas Calientes you can either take the bus or hike to Machu Picchu.

Flights from Lima (airport code : LIM) to Machu Picchu via Cusco

The closest airport to Machu Picchu is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which serves Cusco. The airport only handles domestic flights.

The direct flights between Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) and Cusco are operated by: LAN Peru, Peruvian Airlines , Star Peru and TACA Peru. The travel time is 1h 25 min and the single fare in 2012 is US$176 on TACA Intl Air. Booking directly from the Peruvian Airlines will save quite a bit and you’ll pay only US$118.50 one way (including the taxes).

>>read more about Flights to Peru and Cheap flights to Lima

From Cusco there are three possibilities to get to Machu Picchu:

  • The Inca Trail: is the hardest option and you must consider that you need to get used to the altitude at least for 7 days before attempting the hike. Also, a limited number of tourists are allowed on the trail and you can only go as part of an organized group.
    >>read more about Hiking the Inca Trail


  • Train to Aguas Calientes , followed by bus to Machu Picchu: this is the easiest and the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is a small town at the bottom of the valley near Machu Picchu and is the main entrance point to the site. Peru Rail has a monopoly on the Cusco – Agua Calientes Route. Single fares start at US$112 return. The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu costs another US$5-6 one way.
    >>read more about Train Travel in Peru


  • Train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a walk to Machu Picchu: it’s also possible to hike the 8 km route similar to which buses take, but it’s mainly stairs. It takes about 1 ½ h – 2 h on the way up and 1 h on the way down. It’s not an easy hike but it’s worth the views, especially if you get to Machu Picchu before the sunrise.

Buses from Lima to Machu Picchu via Cusco

The low cost option is to take the bus from Lima to Cusco. One of the company offering services on the route is Cruz del Sur . There are three departures per day from Lima (2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m). The travel time is 21 h and the single fare is US$68.38. Buses leave Cusco at 2 p.m. , 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The single fare is US64.66. You can buy the tickets online and even choose the seat in the bus.

From Cusco, you have the three options presented above: the Inca Trail, the train to Aguas Clienetes followed by a bus ride or by a hike to Machu Picchu.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Peru

Driving from Lima to Machu Picchu via Cusco

There aren’t any to Aguas Clienetes, so you can only drive from Lima to Cusco. The shortest route in terms of driving time is on Panamericana Sur and takes about 13 h and 15 min (1013 km). It is a long drive so it’s best if more than one of you will be driving. But, it’s possible to rent a car in Lima and drive to Cusco.

From Cusco, you can either choose the Inca Trail – but remember to get used to the altitude for at least 7 days before you attempt the hike – or travel by train to Aguas Calientes. From here, you can take the pus to Machu Picchu or hike the 8 km to the ruins.

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Peru travel guide

Getting from Lima to Arequipa

Lima is the capital of Peru and the most important domestic travel hub. If you fly from abroad you’ll most likely land here and then either catch a connecting flight or travel by land to other Peruvian destinations.

Arequipa is located in the Southern Costal region of Peru and is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. It is Peru’s second most important city – after the capital – and the second most popular among tourists – after Cusco. It is where tourists make their base before setting off to explore El Misti, one of the volcanoes surrounding the city and the easiest to climb year round. The city is a mix of Peruvian and Spanish colonial architecture.

Quick summary

Although the bus ride is long (16-18 h), that’s the cheapest option for getting between Lima and Arequipa. If you don’t have that much time on your hands, you can fly (for about twice the bus fare).

Flights from Lima (airport code: LIM) to Arequipa

The capital of Lima is served by Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) , located 11 km from the historic city center. It is a major domestic hub and also the most important international gateway into the country. The airport is hub for the following airlines: LAN Peru, TACA Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Star Peru and LC Busre.

Arequipa is served by Rodríguez Ballón airport (AQP) , which is one of the most important entry points in Southern Peru, along with Cusco’s airport. It’s not hub for any airline but it receives both domestic flights and some international flights (South America).

Flights between Lima and Arequipa are operated by LAN Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Star Peru and TACA Peru. The flight time is 1h 25 min. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from US$111 one way on TACA Intl Air.

Although Peruvian Airlines is not listed by all flight booking engines (such as Kayak), for this route they offer more expensive flights than the cheapest direct option mentioned above (US$127 one way on Peruvian Airlines).

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

Buses from Lima to Arequipa

Unlike other large Peruvian cities, Lima doesn’t have a central bus terminal. Most buses arrive in La Victoria (which is not the nicest neighborhood) but others stop on the outskirts of La Victoria.

Arequipa has two bus terminals: Terminal Terrestre and Terminal Terrapuerto, located close to each other.

Cruz del Sur offers 7 buses per day from Lima. The first departure is at 6:30 a.m. and the last at 9 p.m. For the day time buses the regular single fare is US$ 37.56 and for the night buses is US$52.81. The travel time is 16-18 h.

Flores (site in Spanish) and Oltursa (site in Spanish) also operate between the two cities.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Peru

Driving from Lima to Arequipa

Although the drive is very long , if you choose the Panamericana Sur route (1028 km) you will be blessed with superb views along the way as most of the road is right by the coast. But it’s a 13 h drive so make sure plan stops along the way. It’s even better if there is more than one driver willing to tackle this journey. Rent a car in Lima but plan several stops along the way.

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Peru travel guide

Getting from Lima to Cusco

Lima is the capital of Peru and also the largest city in the country. It mixes the modern metropolis look with the old colonial architecture in the center and the unavoidable slum areas in the outskirts. It’s the best city to indulge in the local foods, especially the fish and seafood. Summers are usually nice with warm temperatures but winters are rainy and overcast.

Cusco , located in the Southern Sierras , was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, Cusco is the base for those planning to explore Machu Picchu and other Inca sights in the region. But the city itself shouldn’t be missed either, with its superb colonial architecture and the near-by ruins.

Quick summary

With no rail between Lima and Cusco, if you plan to travel by land , the cheapest option will be the bus (but the bus ride is quite long). For about the double the bus fare you can fly between the two cities.

Flights from Lima (airport code: LIM) to Cusco*

Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) serves the capital of Lima and is the most important international gateway into the country. It’s also 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.

Cusco is served by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) , which is located right at the edge of the city. It is not hub for any airline and only handles domestic flights.

Flights between Lima and Cusco are operated by: LAN Peru, Peruvian Airlines , Star Peru and TACA Peru. The travel time is 1h 25 min and the single fare in 2012 is 473.30 Peruvian Nuevo sols (PEN) / US$176 on TACA Intl Air.

However, some airlines are not listed in the major flight search engines (such as Kayak) so booking directly from the Peruvian Airlines website means you’ll only pay US$118.50 one way (including the taxes).

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

Buses from Lima to Cusco

There are direct buses between Lima and Cusco and you can even book the ticket and reserve the seat on line.

Cruz del Sur offers three departures per day from Lima (2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m). The travel time is 21 h and the single fare is US$68.38. On the way back, the buses leave Cusco at 2 p.m. , 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The single fare is US64.66. You can buy the tickets online and even choose your seat in the bus.

Ormeno is another company which operates between the two cities . At the time the article was written we couldn’t find any buses between the two cities, although they list the route on the website (20 h trip).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Peru

Driving between Lima and Cusco

The shortest route (according to Google Maps) between Lima and Cusco is 925 km via the Panamericana Sur and Route 3S. But it’s not the shortest in terms of time needed to drive between the two cities (about 14 ½ h). If you stay on Panamericana Sur , you’ll be able to drive the distance in about 13 h and 15 min. Do plan for several stops along the way. The scenery is magnificent along the way. So, you can consider renting a car for this route (especially if there are more than one drivers traveling together).

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Note:* when you look for the Cusco on the airlines websites or bus companies websites make sure to look for CUZCO, as that’s how the name of the city is spelled in Peru.

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Peru travel guide

Peru in December

December is a perfect time to visit Peru if you don’t like crowds and prefer the more relaxed approach to planning your vacation. If you don’t mind the wet weather you can have the Inca Trail (and Machu Picchu) pretty much for yourself (or in other words it’s not crowded anymore) and you can also enjoy some hiking in the mountains. Everyone is now at the beach but don’t worry as they are not that crowded (yet).

Weather

Weather in Peru depends on the region you are visiting , so in order plan your vacation you need to know what to expect in December in the three distinct weather regions in Peru.

December in the mountain highlands (such as Cusco) falls during the wet season . It’s usually clear in the mornings , though, and most of the rain falls in January and February. The temperatures during the day are mild. Inca Trail is not crowded now but you need to be prepared for the rain.

December is summer time on the cost (such as Lima), so expect to be able to swim and get a lovely tan. Temperatures average 25-35C and there’s hardly any rain.

In the jungle, December falls during the wet season. You can expect rain any time but only rains few hours at a time.

Sample temperatures:

Arequipa avg high 18C ; avg low 7C
Cuzco avg high 21C; avg low 9C
Lima avg high 24C; avg low 18C

Flights and accommodation in December

While December is not the preferred time for most travelers to visit Peru, the airfare and accommodation aren’t very cheap. After all, many festivals take place before Christmas and generally traveling around Christmas is more expensive than during the low season.

What to do

December is one of the best months to head to the beach. It’s not crowded yet –that happens usually in January and February – but you can swim, tan and surf. Visit the beach of Mancora for excellent surfing year round. Chicama is another well known surfing spot in Peru.

You can also spend some time in the city of Cusco . Explore the city’s sights, check out the markets and get used to the high altitude.

If you like climbing, then tackle El Misti and although during summer you won’t need any special equipment, during winter you’ll also encounter patches of snow and ice, so take appropriate gear with you. Make a base in Arequipa and then plan the 2 days / 1 night climb on El Misti.

December is wet in the jungle and most of the trails turn to small rivers. It can rain anytime but the rain doesn’t last for too long. If you don’t mind the wet weather, you can plan such a vacation in Peru now.

Visiting Machu Picchu during this time of the year is quite a lovely option because you pretty much have the Inca Trail to your self (or in other words: not crowded). And the site is not crowded either. Yes, expect rain and bring appropriate gear for it.

Make sure to check out the local food, too. From the bizarre food – fried guinea pig, anyone? – to the national dish of ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice with herbs).

You can also plan to do some sightseeing in Lima or see the Nazca Lines from above.

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Peru travel guide

Peru in July

July falls during the high travel season in Peru. It’s also high travel season in Europe and North America, which means that many Peruvian cities are filled with travelers from all over the world and the airfare tends to be quite high. But it’s also the best time to explore the jungle or climb a mountain. Of course, everyone wants to visit Machu Picchu now, so expect the site to be crowded, as well.

Weather

Weather in Peru depends on the region you are visiting. July in the mountain highlands (such as Cusco) falls during the dry season with hot and dry days. The nights are also dry but cold, with temperatures just above freezing.

On the cost (such as Lima), while it’s not very warm, it’s still possible to swim (especially on the northern beaches).

In the jungle, July falls during the dry season , with temperatures averaging 30-35C, which means it’s the best time to visit this area.

Sample temperatures:

Arequipa avg high 20C ; avg low 7C
Cuzco avg high 18C; avg low 1C
Lima avg high 20C; avg low 15C

Flights and accommodation in July

July falls during the high season, so it only makes sense to expect the prices for both airfare and accommodation to be quite high. Everyone travels to Peru during this time of the year, so Cusco and Machu Picchu tend to be overcrowded. Plan your vacation in advance.

What to do

Just like June, July is also one of the best times to head to the Jungle. So if you have jungle trekking on your mind or want to see the birds nesting, now it’s your chance to do make it happen. During the dry season, the rivers are low , therefore the beaches are exposed. And you don’t have to deal with too many mosquitoes.

You can also visit the mountainous region. Spend some time in the city of Cusco and take a day trip to the Pisac Market, which is a short car ride from Cusco . On Sundays you’ll be delighted to find excellent handicrafts here and it will be a good chance to pick up some souvenirs for those at home.

If you like climbing, then tackle El Misti . You don’t need special if you do this hike in July. Be careful to adjust to the high altitude though (2 days and 1 night is recommended for the hike). Make your base in Arequipa and explore the city before hiking El Misti.

Visiting Machu Picchu is the pinnacle of any trip to Peru. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is between April and October , but most of the visitors tend to come here between June and August. Which means it’s going to be crowded. Try the approach via the Inca Trail , which is not an easy thing to do, but it’s the most rewarding option.

You might also want to visit Lake Titicaca. Thankfully the environment is control and there’s no hotel in sight…so you are left with staying with the families. That’s a lovely way to learn more about the culture and try the local foods.

If you are not into bizarre food – so you’ll probably skip the fried guinea pigs – then ceviche is a good choice. It is the national fish of Peru and contains raw fish bits marinated in lemon (or lime). Onions, herbs and hot pepper can also be added to the mix.

Don’t miss checking out Lima and then you can also plan to see the Nazca Lines from above. Tours leave from Pisco and Ica.

Should you have beaches on your mind, head to the northern beaches. You can swim or surf here.

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Peru travel guide

Peru in June

June falls during the high season in Peru. In Europe and North America the high season falls during the same time , which means many Peruvian cities are filled with travelers from all over the world. And it’s the best time to explore the jungle or climb a mountain.

Weather

When we talk about the weather in Peru, it’s important to know which areas we refer to. So, June in the mountain highlands (such as Cusco and Lake Titicaca) falls during the dry season. The days are hot and dry, while the nights are dry and cold. The temperatures are just above freezing during the nigh in June.

On the cost (such as Lima) it’s not very warm but it’s still possible to swim (northern beaches).

In the jungle, June falls during the dry season , with temperatures averaging 30-35C. Now is the best time to visit this area as the rivers are low and there are fewer mosquitoes.

Sample temperatures:

Arequipa avg high 20C ; avg low 7C
Cuzco avg high 18C; avg low 1C
Lima avg high 20C; avg low 16C

Flights and accommodation in June

Since June falls during the high season, expect the prices for both airfare and accommodation to be high. Everyone travels to Peru during this time of the year, so book everything in advance. With a bit of luck you can catch some interesting deals.

What to do

June is the best time to head to the Jungle. The rivers are low so the beaches are exposed. Plus there aren’t that many mosquitoes to worry about.

You can also visit the mountainous region and spend some time in the city of Cusco . It can take your breath away…literally , due to the altitude. So allow for a couple of days to adjust and then plant longer visits in the city. The Pisac Market is a short car ride from Cusco and on Sundays you’ll be delighted to find excellent handicrafts here.

Maybe mountain climbing is not for you, but if hiking is, then you can plan to climb El Misti . You don’t need special equipment (aside from, you know, hiking boots) but at times there might be snow and ice on the ground. Be careful to adjust to the high altitude before making this attempt. The town to make your base for this hike is Arequipa.

Without a doubt, no travel to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu . The best time to visit Machu Picchu is between April and October , but most visitors come here between June and August. Plan to get there by Inca Trail , which is the hardest option but the best if you want to experience something unique.

Head to the capital of Lima and also plan to see the Nazca Lines from above. You can find airborne tours departing from Pisco and Ica.

But you can also head to the northern beaches as well and enjoy some swimming. Or you can try surfing on Mancora, which offers the possibility year round.

When traveling you need to experience the local flavor…which includes eating. In this case, guinea pig. Yes, your pet’s relative. But the Peruvians bake, fry or BBQ it. If you are not into bizarre food, then ceviche is a good choice. The national fish of Peru contains raw fish bits marinated in lemon (or lime). Herbs and onions are also added to the mix.

Go deeper into cultural explorations and stay with a family when visiting Lake Titicaca. Actually there isn’t other way to stay in the area as there are no hotels because the lake is carefully controlled.

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Peru travel guide

Why You Should Add Lima to Your RTW Itinerary

Lima gets the short end of the stick when it comes to traveling in Peru. It’s no wonder with an iconic site with Machu Picchu being located in the same country. Add in the Amazon, the Andes, world class surfing, and the desert in the south, and Lima quickly gets bumped down the itinerary list.

For those who only have a week or two in Peru, then getting in and out of Lima is usually what happens. But what if you have more time? What if you are planning a trip around the world? Would adding Lima to your RTW itinerary be a good idea?

First off, Lima has an airport that makes it easy to get around the rest of South America. It’s also a great jumping off point to the rest of the country and continent. But that’s not all Lima has to offer. If you are a foodie, Lima may surprise you with amazing local cuisines. The fact that you can get a top notch meal for about 10 bucks doesn’t hurt either. Seafood, and in particular ceviche, is super fresh and excellent. You can pop into any local, hole in the wall restaurant for lunch and get a 3 course meal, with ceviche usually being served as an appetizer, and pay less than $5US.

Lima is also made up of some cool neighborhoods, and once you explore the different parts of the city, you will realize that they are all different and offer unique experiences. Simply wandering around along the coast is a nice way to catch some great views, and if you are adventurous, you can take up surfing or go hang gliding over the Pacific.

Lima may not be the most desirable destination for international travelers, but if you look around, you will realize that this city is just a gem waiting to be discovered.