Tag Archive: peru travel

February 12th, 2013
post by Tom | | Closed

Free Day in Cusco

Although we specialize in full trips with activities, visits, and tours organized for each day, there is always room for some free time in any itinerary. We are flexible with our planning and can put together a plan with as many free days as activities, if that is what you are after. And it is something that is recommended throughout Peru, as it is always nice to have a day or two to explore by yourself and find something that perhaps wasn’t included on your guided tour. Each of the major cities in Peru are great for a free day and there are always interesting little places for you to discover. City tours are perfect for giving you an overview of the area and a better understanding of the culture and history of a particular city, but there is nothing better than setting off by yourself and finding something that is not included in any guidebook or tourist website.

Cusco in particular lends itself to some free time, and in my opinion you should always try and include at least two days in the city, one for a comprehensive tour, and one for you to grab your bag and go exploring. The city tour will take in all the major sites such as the Cathedral and the Temple of Qorikancha, and will give you a great understanding about the area and its culture. And the perfect way to use this base of knowledge is to head out by yourself the next day and see the city as a working place, not just a tourist attraction. Hundreds of thousands of people live and work in Cusco and it is a place teeming with life, noise, and color. In other words, a fascinating place to wander around! You don’t have to have a specific plan, so just head out of your hotel and see where the day takes you. Follow the beautiful colonial streets to markets filled with the noise of bartering, to street vendors selling all manner of things, to fine squares and plazas and eventually back to your hotel. It is a way to experience the city as it is nowadays and to immerse yourself in the cultural life of this great place. You can compare what you see to what you have already learned about the history and in my opinion some time walking around a city is the best way to enjoy and get to know it.

As well as just exploring and wandering the streets there are all sorts of great activities and things to see in Cusco that can make a free day that much more interesting. The city is littered with fascinating museums, and it is just not possible to include them all on a city tour. So if you haven’t quite had your fill of the Incas, the Museo Inca is always worth a look. It offers all manner of exhibits detailing the history and culture of the Incas, and you will come away a fully-fledged expert! The Museo de Arte Precolombino offers a great selection of archeological artifacts, and the church of San Blas is one of the most beautiful examples of colonial architecture in the whole country. Look out for the exquisitely carved wooden pulpit. But getting away from all that history, the Choco Museum provides something different and is a truly memorable day for all the family. Here you can learn about the history of cacao, the cacao tree through all manner of fantastic activities. It is a great experience for families as you can explore the museums own artisanal factory and see how chocolate is made, as well as enjoying the workshops that the museum organizes. And at night, for your chance to see the beautiful night sky at its best, just head to the Planetarium. This relatively new attraction, and one of Peru’s lesser known treasures, is open to the public during the evening and describes itself as a cultural interpretation center designed to teach visitors how Andean people understand the skies. Well worth a look. As you can see, there’s loads to keep you busy in Cusco.

So if you have a little bit of extra time that you don’t know quite what to do with, why not include some free days in your plan. Cusco is probably the perfect city to explore by yourself but throughout Peru there are fascinating cities that really open themselves up to you when you take the time to get off the tourist track and just wander. A free day is a great compliment to a city tour, and with them both you will be able to get to know the area and its people. You never know what you might find!

Cusco, Peru Travel , ,
February 1st, 2013
post by franklin | | Closed

What to do in Peru

The trickiest thing about planning a trip to Peru is trying to figure out what you can fit in your time frame. People contact us with all sorts of different requests for trips, and although everyone is different and each itinerary is distinct, there are some general rules that will give you an idea of what you can do. It all depends on how much time you have available and what your appetite is for travel. Some people have 10 days to spare and although this would be enough time to see various places, they prefer to stay in just the one and really get to know it. Everyone is unique but there are certain recommendations that can guide you and give you an idea of what is possible and what isn’t.

The biggest attractions in Peru and the most widely visited places are the Cusco area, Lake Titicaca and the jungle. You may feel that this is quite clichéd and predictable, but they are the most visited for a reason, and to do a trip without at least one of these destinations would be to really miss out. I would say that virtually everyone who travels out here visits Cusco and Machu Picchu at some point, and depending on the time available we often add something else, say Lake Titicaca. To the greedy among you, to see each of these destinations properly you would need about two weeks, giving you the perfect itinerary taking in the best places in the country. You can’t beat the combination of the beauty, history and culture of the Cusco area, plus the striking Lake Titicaca and altiplano, and the hot, humid, animal-lovers paradise of the Amazon. These are places that resonate around the world, and feature in all those ‘things to do before you die’ lists so to combine them in one trip is pretty special.

But to see all three of these places is only possible with two weeks or more and a week to 10 days is a much more common length of trip, as many people come for a short getaway and make Machu Picchu the focal point of their stay. This makes for a fabulous itinerary and means that you get a good chunk of time around Cusco (about 7 days is optimum) and then can add another destination such as Lake Titicaca or perhaps the Amazon. For a week I would just stick to the Cusco area, with lots of fantastic days in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco itself. With more time, about 10 days, you can start adding another destination, and with two weeks you can include the big three. Heading upwards to three weeks and beyond you can then add in other places and expand your list to include more far flung destinations, such as Nazca or the north around Trujillo. It doesn’t matter what you include, and everyone will have different things in mind, but just be aware of how much time you have and how many destinations fit comfortably in that time frame.

The key to planning a good trip is not to try and cram too much in. If you only have a week to spare it is just not possible to include many places and the best advice we could give is to concentrate on one area and really make the most of it. If you have a month then of course you can pretty much see everything but as most people can’t spare quite that much it is important to be selective. Pick what you really want to see and spend a good amount of time there. I have never really understood the desire people have to just see as much as possible, as if they are ticking names off a list, and it makes much more sense to me to spend  three days in one place, seeing something other than just the common sites, and taking in some more off-the-beaten track attractions. So give yourself enough time to see the most famous things, but also to catch some of the lesser known delights and really savor the experience. A trip to Peru is not something you do every day!

People come to Peru with all sorts of things in mind and depending on the time available it is possible to fulfill at least some of these wishes. Whatever length of time you have there will always be something you can see, and the key to a great itinerary is to maximize the days you have. There is no point trying to squeeze in as many destinations as possible as you will spend more time traveling than actually enjoying the places and will feel that you have missed out. After all a vacation is about relaxing and making the most of the time you have and who wants to spend more time on a bus/flight than on the ground experiencing the country?

Peru Travel ,
January 22nd, 2013
post by franklin | | Closed

Paracas, Ica, and Nazca!

I have written a few times about the joys of Lima, that most misunderstood city that just needs a bit of love and attention in order to really show its worth. And the delights of Lima are not restricted to the metropolitan area, as just a couple of hours drive south down the coast brings you to the towns of Ica, Paracas and Nazca. Here all sorts of wonderful attractions can be found, and if you have a bit of time to spare why not add a couple of days to your stay in the capital and explore the fascinating country a few miles south.

If you have a few days to spare it is most likely that you will first arrive in Ica, starting point for the areas major sights. The beauty of the area is that all the destinations are within very close proximity to each other, making it the perfect place to spend 3 or more days. Although Ica is not immediately attractive, and is really just a bustling, dusty, provincial town, it can be nice to spend a few hours there, and it also serves as the gateway to nearby vineyards and the Huacachina oasis. This being desert country, it is only natural that an oasis should appear at some point, and Huacachina is like something out of those films of parties laden with camels and goods traipsing across the Sahara. It is a true oasis and a charming little place to relax and get away from it all. From one of the great hotels near Ica it is a short drive to Huacachina and there you can spend a few hours, enjoying a cool drink in one of the bars, paddling on the water, or even going sand boarding on the massive dunes that surround the oasis. Shooting down these huge dunes on your board makes for a really exhilarating experience, and is a reason in itself to come to the area. Near Ica also lie lots of vineyards making the wine and Pisco that the region is famous for. Although the wine leaves something to be desired, being largely of the sweet variety, Pisco from this area is famous the world over, and is the base for that most Peruvian drink, Pisco Sour. Coming to Ica is the best chance you will ever have to try authentic Pisco.

This area also has something for animal lovers, and rather than busting the budget on a trip to the Galapagos why not head to the Peruvian equivalent off the coast of Paracas. The town of Paracas is a small, quaint fishing village that has grown in recent years because of the influx of tourists to the region. However, it has not lost any of its charm, and there is really little to it in the way of shops, restaurants, or bars, making it the perfect place to come and relax. There are some fabulous hotels, with locations right on the beach and incredible views over the ocean, and Libertador, Hilton, and Casa Andina, are just some of the places making this a hot destination for those looking for a bit of luxury. The nearby Ballestas Islands, known as the ‘Galapagos of Peru’, are the major reason for this increase in tourism, and boats set out for visits each day. It is best to go in the early morning to enable you to see all the fantastic wildlife and you will head out in your boat just as most people are getting out of bed! On the islands you will find all sorts of wildlife, and the area is famed for its biodiversity as well as its beauty. Watch sea lions sunning themselves and birds fluttering around as you explore the beaches, coves, and inlets of the Ballestas Islands.

And then there is the Nazca Lines, probably the area’s most famous draw. The Lines are figures and patterns etched into the ground that can only be seen clearly from the sky, and they remain a mystery to this day. Nobody really knows where they came from, or what their purpose was, and although there are various theories floating around, the best thing about seeing the Lines is making up your own theories. Were they made by an incredibly advanced civilization? Or maybe they are markings made by alien invaders? The area will bring out the conspiracy theorist in you and you will probably have no firm answers by the end of your visit, just a few crazy ideas of how the Lines got there! As they can only be viewed from the sky it is necessary to take a 35 minute flight in a light aircraft, something that can be a bit hair-raising for some. There have been safety issues in the past but this is no longer a problem, with companies offering only the best planes and pilots for the flight. It is an incredibly expensive day out, with a very short period of time observing the attraction, but the Nazca Lines are so famous and mysterious that people come from miles and miles away just to catch a glimpse.

Lima is full of great attractions, and the coastal area a few hours south is one of the major draws. Here you can go sand boarding, taste local Pisco, go on a boat trip to the Peruvian Galapgos, relax in a 5 star hotel with stunning views of the Pacific, or take a flight over the bewildering Nazca Lines. A great place to spend a few days.

Peru Travel, Travel , , , ,
January 8th, 2013
post by Kuoda Travel | | Closed

Things to do in Peru in 2013

A new year is upon us and what better way to celebrate surviving the end of the world in December, than by planning your next trip! Peru has endless options for the coming year, and here are just some of the highlights to whet your appetite and get you dreaming of that perfect vacation:

Enjoy Inti Raymi

A perennial favorite, Inti Raymi returns in June, as it does every year. As popular with locals as it is with tourists this festival always provides a truly memorable spectacle and a chance to learn more about the culture and history of Cusco. One of the most important ancient festivals in the Incan culture, Inti Raymi takes place in the Main Square and the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, and was traditionally a way to honor the God Inti (Sun God). It is still observed to this day throughout the Andean region, but it is most impressive in Cusco where the parade and ceremony are really something to behold. It involves music, dance, color, and food, and is all those South American parades you have seen on TV times 10! Held every year on June 24th, 2013 is your chance to see this truly unique event.

Join the Peruvian food revolution

With each passing day Peruvian food seems to get more and more popular, and news is always reaching us of Peruvian restaurants opening up all over the world. In fact Gaston Acurio, the world-renowned Peruvian chef, has just announced plans to add to his ever-growing empire, by launching a restaurant in Chicago. Of course, the best place to go for Peruvian food will always be the country itself, and the number of great restaurants will only increase throughout the coming year. Lima is the center of this movement but as more people travel to Peru with the specific goal of eating as much fantastic food as possible, Cusco, Arequipa and other cities are joining the party. So 2013 is the perfect chance to get on board and make the most of all the incredible restaurants, cafes, and eateries that are continually opening up across the country. It is a true food revolution and will only get better and more widespread throughout this year and beyond.

Treat yourself in some of the best hotels

Now is the time to really treat yourselves and book that fantastic hotel that you have always had your eye on. 2013 promises to be a great year for hotels, as existing properties strive to improve their service, and new places open up. Peru is renowned for its hotels and some of the very best places in the whole of South America can be found here. I am thinking particularly of hotels such as Monasterio and La Casona in Cusco, Miraflores Park in Lima, and Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu all just waiting to welcome you! As Peru has become more and more of a draw for travelers the standards of hotels have increased and now the options open to you for top class accommodation are endless. Each city and area has a wealth of great hotels, to satisfy all tastes and budgets, and there was never a better time to come and enjoy the cream of the crop in world hotels.

Relax on the beaches of Mancora

Although it has greatly increased in popularity since its days as a small fishing village, Mancora is still something of a hidden gem for the majority of visitors to Peru. A quaint little beach town, with delightful cafes, shacks, and hotels enjoying incredible sea views, not to mention its beautiful white sand beach, Mancora is the perfect place to relax for a few days. It is also world famous for its waves, and so perfect for all you surfers out there, and is just a lovely way to get to know another side of Peru. Get away from the hectic, busy cities, and the ancient history and ruins, and enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation on a perfect Pacific beach. Perhaps even enjoy some surfing!

Discover Chachapoyas and Kuelap

The area of Chachapoyas is truly one of the last hidden gems in Peru, and is an area almost completely untouched by tourists. When we talk about off-the-beaten track experiences this is what we mean! Set in the northern interior a few hours from the city of Chiclayo, the area was once home to the Chachapoyas civilization, one of the last kingdoms to fall to the Incas. The region is littered with fascinating ruins, trails, tombs, and all manner of uncovered treasures, of which the jewel in the crown is Kuelap. Famous amongst those who have visited it as being more impressive than Machu Picchu this defensive fortress is perched on the shoulder of a 10,000 foot mountain, and is an extensive urban complex dating back to the 9th century. Truly out of the way and unexplored this is your chance to make like Indiana Jones and wander through the homes, palaces, and temples found in this impressive complex! Get here before the world wakes up to Chachapoyas!

 

People and Culture, Peru Travel , , ,
December 11th, 2012
post by Kuoda Travel | | 2

The Road to Puno

The route from Cusco to Puno (and vice versa) is one of the most traveled in Peru, as more and more people flock to Lake Titicaca. Puno itself is not particularly inviting, and although some of the hotels are exceptional, there is little to do in the town, at least compared with Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa. But of course, the principal reason to head to Puno is that it sits at the shore of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, and one of Peru’s most impressive sights. The vast majority of people arrive in Puno having first spent time in Cusco, and the road you travel is one of the most striking routes in the world. Traveling from the central highlands of Cusco, you go through valleys, up hills, across high altitude passes, and finally onto Puno, on a journey that will take your breath away, both literally and figuratively, as much because of the high altitude as the incredible scenery!

There are various options available to ensure you make the most of the journey, and one of the best is the Inka Express bus. Operating a luxury bus service with some of the most comfortable vehicles around, the major selling point is the stops made along the way. Rather than just heading directly for Puno, Inka Express have a top guide on board who entertains you with stories, history, and interesting facts as you go, and is also on hand to take you through the various stops. The route is one of the most historically and culturally rich in the country and there are endless points of interest along the way, of which the company have selected five. You will pass through the fascinating town of Andahuaylillas, with one of Peru’s most extravagant churches, on to the impressive ruins at Raqchi, before stopping for lunch in the town of Sicuani. With a full and satisfied stomach, you will then hit the highest point of the route and the La Raya pass, at an altitude of 4,335m. As you step from the bus and struggle to get your breath, enjoy the remarkable scenery and the feeling of being at an altitude that is really only fit for alpacas! Finally, as you begin to flag, you pull up in the town of Pucara with its fascinating museum, before arriving Puno at the end of an enlightening day. They really look after you and provide an exceptional service, offering great comfort and the best, most interesting stops, and it makes this most unforgettable route that bit more unforgettable!

But you are not restricted to the road if you have Puno on your list, and the other option is the Andean Explorer train that completes virtually the same route. Operated by the same people who run the services to Machu Picchu, it is worth mentioning that this is far more than just any old train, and is one of the most luxurious journeys you are ever likely to take! The carriages are extremely opulent, and are the real definition of elegance. Picture those old movies you have seen (think Murder on the Orient Express), with their low lighting, rich colors, mahogany finishings, and all round aura of class, and you will be somewhere close to the feel of the Andean Explorer train. It is like being transported back 60 years, and there is no better way to enjoy a breathtaking journey. Aside from the train itself the journey also differs from the bus, in that there are no stops made along the way. The 10 hour ride passes at a leisurely pace, allowing you to relax into your surroundings and really make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Of course, missing out on the tourist stops is a bit of an issue, more so for some people than others, but the train has its obvious advantages, and as you sip your champagne, enjoying the passing scenery in your elegant carriage, I doubt you will be itching to get off!

There are other options for this journey, and one particularly worth a mention is the private car. With the advantage of giving you the chance to follow your own schedule and arrive to Puno as quickly as you want (within reason!), as well as begin able to enjoy your own private guide and driver, this option has obvious merits. Let us know if it interests you. And then of course, for those who are pushed for time, there is the flight. Now, unless there is no other option, I would not recommend flying, at least not for this journey. The way I see it, why fly directly over all this beautiful countryside, when you can enjoy it up close and personal, in a luxury bus, train, or your own private car! It is one of the world’s finest journeys, so make the most of it and don’t spend the time in the clouds!

Peru Travel, Travel , , , ,
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