For a tourist town, restaurants in Cuzco are priced fairly decently. The most expensive restaurants and not always the most authentic ones are located near the main square. These restaurants will usually have aggressive sales people standing outside holding menus and yelling at you to come into their restaurant. They will often entice you with a "free drink card" usually for a complimentary Picso Sour. Be aware of some of these restaurants, … [Read more...]
Cuzco, Peru – Hotels
These are a few hotels we stayed at or visited in Cuzco over several trips. Please email dave@pon.net if you have any comments or additions to this list. Amaru Hostal is located between San Blas and the Main Plaza. Nice courtyard for relaxing is available. Belmond Hotel Monasterio del Cuzco is the place to stay in Cuzco if your budget can afford it. This used to be an old seminary dating from the 17th century. Now its a member of the … [Read more...]
Cuzco, Peru – Other Activities
Ruins - purchasing a Boleto Turistico (ticket) provides one-time only admission to any of 16 different tourist attractions in the region including Incan ruins and historical buildings and museums in Cuzco. One of the most popular ruins outside of Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, is located just above Cuzco. A bloody battle was fought here between the Spanish and the Incas. It is amazing the size of the huge stone walls that surround these ruins. … [Read more...]
Cuzco, Peru – Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is visually one of the planet's most unique and inspirational sites. Combine its visual beauty with the intriguing story of a "lost city" high in the Andes being "discovered" centuries after it was abandoned has made this site obtain almost a mythical status. One can attempt to experience Machu Picchu through videos, photographs and glowing travel writing, but there is absolutely no substitute to visiting the site in person. … [Read more...]
Cuzco, Peru – More Info
Money Before reviewing the websites below, a quick word about using money in Peru. It is VERY difficult to spend ANY money that has even the slightest tear in it, regardless of the monetary denomination or which country it originates from. This is primarily true in Cusco; its not quite as bad in the rest of the country. The reason for this is apparently the banks charge a higher percentage to change & process money that has tears in it. … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa is often referred to as the white city due to the white washed look of its buildings (made from sillar, the Spanish name for the volcanic white rock mined from local quarries). The city is located at about 8,300 feet in southern Peru and is surrounded by tall mountains and the prominent volcano, El Misti. However, it is only a couple of hours from the ocean by vehicle. The weather is dry, crisp and clear with pleasant days and cool … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Travel Agencies
Using Travel Agencies can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the situation and how you like to travel. Depending on the situation and type of trip, using travel agencies are often more expensive than planning and making the trip on your own. However, travel agencies will often save valuable travel time as they already have existing relationships established with guides and local tour operators. They offer pre-arranged tours and … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Colca Canyon
For those who are in decent shape, a trek in Colca Canyon is one of the highlights of visiting Arequipa. Choose from a variety of trekking itineraries ranging from 1 to 2 to 3+ days. The actual canyon is about 4-5 hours by bus from Arequipa (depending on which trailhead you use). We do not recommend doing this as a day trip - as the distances are to great, with very limited time at the canyon and extremely early departure and late arrival times. … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Santa Catalina Convent
Santa Catalina convent is a city in and of itself. Visitors can choose a guided tour from one of several languages, wander among the convent individually, or as I chose to do - combine self touring with guided touring. Guides are all women, smartly dressed in gray/light blue suits. There is no set fee for their guiding services; visitors decide what to pay them at the end of the tour (lasting approximately 90 minutes). I spent 3/4 of my time … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Museo Santuarios Andinos
Museo Santuarios Andinos, located just off the Plaza de Armas at La Merced No 1001, houses the famous ice princess mummy named Juanita. She was discovered on the 6300meter + volcano of Ampato in 1995 by the Zarate's and anthropologist Dr. Reinhard. She was originally sacrificed on the summit of Ampato but had fallen many feet down the slopes as the ice melted around her. During 1995 the snow and ice on Ampato was melting quite fast because of the … [Read more...]