Are you preparing to go on a trip to Peru? You've come to the right place! We've got seven insider secrets from our crew of local Peru travel experts in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Before heading off to Peru and seeing all of the attractions and secret gems of this South American gem, think about these recommendations.
#1 Acclimatize in Peru: Start your trip to Peru in the Sacred Valley.
After you've booked your hotel, flight, and excursion in Cusco, make the most of your time on this incredible continent by seeing one of its best monuments. After all, part of the appeal of visiting Peru is seeing beautiful Machu Picchu. The ancient Inca city is a "must see." However, going there as soon as you arrive in Lima may induce altitude sickness, which will ruin an important portion of your Peru trip. So go to Cuzco (where all Machu Picchu trips begin), then hurry out into the Sacred Valley. Hotels in the Sacred Valley range from comfy to memorable depending on where you stay.
The sacred valley and Machu Picchu are located at an elevation of around 11,000 ft / 3,400 meters above sea level. Some people may be caught off guard by the higher altitude and ruin a wonderful experience and vacation. The Sacred Valley lowers you in altitude, which can help with acclimation. You also get to see how the Inca empire progressed through ruins and culture up to the religious center at Machu Picchu. Take a look at an excellent example itinerary for one of our most popular Peru trips that passes through The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.
#2 What is the best way to get to Machu Picchu: by Inca Trail or Train?
Boarding the Vistadome train from the Sacred Valley is usually the most convenient or, in some cases, even less difficult method of getting to Machu Picchu. This cuts two hours off a journey that normally takes four hours (which, while beautiful, isn't as nice as it sounds...). It starts in Ollantaytambo, which is considered to be the prettiest section of the route.
The Vistadome train, which travels across the Andes from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, is designed with a glass viewing dome that allows passengers to view down into the valley as the peaks fall away and the rivers flow. From your seat in 1st Class comfort (take the seats on the left side to Machu Picchu, return on the right side). Alternatively, if you're seeking for more depth and adventure, consider taking one of these two days: The 2-day Inca Trail Express or Classic 4-day Inca Trail Hike.
#3 Stay the night in Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise.
The early morning sunrise is the most fascinating time to visit Machu Picchu. It's an odd feeling! As a result, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the little town at the base of the mountain. You may either take the bus up to Machu Picchu early in the morning or climb to see the sun break through the cloud forest while it emerges from behind clouds. You will almost certainly not see the sun rise regardless of how early you arrive.During the dry season, though, make your way to the guard station to see the magic as the clouds lift away and allow sunlight to shine over Machu Picchu's center. Sunrise or not; visiting Machu Picchu in the early morning is when you'll get the most out of it because of all of its mysteries being revealed.
Almost all of our Peru trips include this overnight excursion. Machu Picchu is unquestionably the highlight of your Peruvian adventure. Make the time to go and see the sun rise, and it will be an experience you and your family or friends will never forget!
#4Yes, you want to see Machu Picchu, but what else should you do in Peru?
The most popular places to visit in Peru are found in the southeast of the country. All within a short flight, drive, or train journey of Machu Picchu. If you have a few weeks on your hands and want to get out and explore the nation and people in depth, consider taking a 3-week long Peruvian Odyssey.
If you can only go for two weeks, the Highlights of Southern Peru, which cover the southern coast of Lima through Paracas, Ica and Nazca, are a must-see. If it's in between, consider adding on a quick Amazon excursion following Machu Picchu. There are several Amazon lodges to select from... but just a few that we highly recommend. The Floating Islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are one of Southern Peru's greatest attractions.
#5 How to Avoid altitude Sickness in the Peruvian Andes
If you're concerned about altitude sickness in Peru, make an appointment with your doctor. To receive the greatest information relevant to your personal situation, get medical attention. Diamox and Acetazolamide are prescription drugs that may be helpful in preventing altitude sickness. Of course, medication should be used as a last resort; instead, using natural methods to help your body adapt to higher elevations is much better.
Consider that the condition altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen in your blood as a result of decreased amounts of oxygen in thinner air at high altitudes. So, remember to simply breathe and don't get off the plane and run down immediately; drink lots of water and coca teaIf you want to go all out and 'go local,' chew the coca leaves with Llipta, a mass produced by mixing lime or ash amaranth or quinoa. This increases the extract of coca leaf alkaloids and opens your lungs' capillaries to receive more oxygen from the air. In other words, it makes it easier for you to acclimatize in Peru.
