Peru travel tips

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I have just returned from a trip to Peru which included Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco. We visited many ancient Incan sites. Here are just a few of my tips:

Hotels Lima:

2 amazing options that are very central in Miraflores:

JW Marriott (4-5 star)

Belmond (5 star)

LIma:

Take time to spend in Lima. It's well know for it's food and totally worth doing a food tour! It also has a cool Boho area called Barranco which was fun to walk around.  If you are in pretty good shape it's only a few miles walk from the hotels. We also visited Larco Museum and stayed for lunch after which was very informative.

I do suggest you get a private guide.  It's not that expensive and you learn so much more.

Do get some sort of translator device or Itranslate on your phone.  If you are not in a hotel or restaurant English isn't widely spoken.

Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu:

We stayed at Aranwa resort in the Sacred Vally, Sumaq in Aguas Calientes, and the JW Marriott in Cusco.  I would recommend them all.

Rainbow Mountain: Your hike starts at 13,000 feet.  This hike is not for those who get elevation sickness.  I don't usually and by the time we got to the last 20% of the climb I had to take 5 steps then stop to catch my breath. By the end of the hike you are at 15,000 feet.

Machu Picchu:

Don't wait until you are 80 to visit Machu Picchu.  While the elevation is much lower than Rainbow Mountain, you need to be able to walk up a fair amount of steps.

*Make sure to enjoy a Pisco Sour while you visit Peru!