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Lima, Peru
Dopo il welcome meeting tour guidato di Lima con Lily Buendia (contatto dato dalla DMC) ••••••••••••••• molto molto brava, ti organizza anche il pranzo se glielo chiedi. Noi l'abbiamo fatto qui https://maps.app.goo.gl/TzVy1tthjYJ7icoG8. Ottimo cibo, prezzi contenuti, TLF.
In seguito Bike Tour di Lima e Barranco prenotato con Mirabici Bike Rental & Tour che si trova qui https://maps.app.goo.gl/jS2rvEyC2HZCUDm6A. Io ho noleggiato solo le bici, loro però ti organizzano anche un tour guidato. Considerate che c'è una ciclabile che da dove noleggiate le bici vi porta fino a Barranco. Se volete farlo non partite tardi perchè poi fa buio e le bici non hanno luci.
Cena da Barra Maretazo https://maps.app.goo.gl/NwFDt184nKgLNHjGA
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Paracas, Peru
La mattina transfer per le isole Ballestas (vi lasciano direttamente al molo e delle persone sono già lì ad aspettarvi con i biglietti) e una volta terminato risalite sulle stesso transfer per il giro per della Paracas Natural Reserve (l'autista si ferma in 3/4 mirador).
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Huacachina, Peru
In seguito il transfer vi lascia direttamente al complesso di Jorge. Lui poi vi porta a pranzare in un posto che affaccia sull'oasi di Huacachina e vi da appuntamento per le 15:30 circa per il giro con le doom buggy. (Stra divertente, da come mi hanno detto i pax è l'attività che hanno preferito). L'attività costa 54 sol per pax, TLF + 100 sol di transfer a Cruz del Sur dove prenderete l'autobus notturno, TLF.
The transfer will drop you at Huacachina, where you have to arrange the transfer to Cruz del Sur bus station in Ica. The transfer can be arranged by the provider you contact to arrange activities in Huacachina area, ask if it’s possible to leave the luggage on the van.
Huacachina is one of the impressive points of the trip. Check the voucher to know the timing and the timetable of the night bus, so you can arrange the activities in this part of the day accordingly.
Here you can experience sandboarding on the dunes and buggy ride.
The buggy ride is a little bit crazy, the drivers go really fast on the dunes and they make jumps and quick maneuvers. It is funny, but for some paxs it may be too much. So please explain this well to all the group and understand who is willing to do that.
For sandboarding and buggies the DMC will give you a contact (MYTRYP PERU - ••••••••••••••• - 40 SOLES buggies and artesan sandboard) that is not bad but the boards that it will offer you are handmade boards and do not have snowboard bindings so you can only use them lying down or sitting down.
If your timetable allows it, we suggest to agree that the buggy excursion coincides with the sunset in the desert (check sunset time on the internet). It’s recommended to look for a company that offers the possibility of making an upright sand board with boots and bindings if you want. It will be more expensive but it is better to ask the pax to see what they prefer to do.
If you have been playing with the sand, then you will have a 13-hour bus ride to Arequipa. To rest, it is better to talk to the company that you have hired the buggies in case it has any collaboration with a hotel so that you could take a quick shower and remove the sand.
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Ica, Peru
Cruz del Sur Bus Station
Arrivati a Cruz del Sur vi faranno portare i bagagli al piano di sopra in sala d'attesa, e poi vi chiameranno con il biglietto (che vi manderà Jorge della DMC per whatsapp) per caricare i bagagli bus. Approfittate di questo breve lasso di tempo per far prendere qualcosa da mangiare ai pax, ci sono mille posti tra cui scegliere fuori da Cruz del Sur, io sono andato al primo ristorante/tavola calsa che ho trovato e ho fatto preparare un piatto unico di riso e lomo saltado per tutti.
Nota per Cruz del Sur: come scritto sul Travel Diary dite ai pax che le cuccette potrebbero essere differenti. Se siete tanti molto probabilmente, alcuni staranno al piano di sotto del bus insieme dove le poltroncine sono reclinabili e spaziose, gli altri potrebbero finire al piano si sopra dove le poltroncine sono reclinabili e comode, ma più strette e sicuramente condivideranno il piano con altre persone sconosciute. Dipende dal numero sul biglietto.
DAY 3
Arrivati ad Arequipa abbiamo preso un Uber per l'hotel
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Arequipa, Peru
Arrivati ad Arequipa abbiamo preso un Uber per l'hotel e poi dopo la colazione siamo andati a fare Rafting (70 sol a testa, TLF con trasporto riservato solo per noi). L'acqua è bella fredda e durante l'escursione nel fiume ci si ferma anche per tuffarsi da una roccia. C'è l'opportunità di cambiarsi a fine attività.
Pranzo al volo qui su consiglio di Max https://maps.app.goo.gl/KW29VAFzNq1L6rQe8
Ed in seguito tour guidato di Arequipa con Max •••••••••••••••. Una delle persone più disponibili che abbia mai incontrato. Sempre su suo consiglio abbiamo fatto aperitivo su un rooftop molto bello da cui si vede tutta la piazza dall'alto, chiedete direttamente a lui il nome del posto che al momento non mi viene in mente
Cena qui https://maps.app.goo.gl/gfEcPQ2HAM1RN3Td6 (TLF).
Itinerary to visit Arequipa:
Cathedral: it costs 10 soles per person. It’s quite interesting and with some stories a bit more exciting than the other cathedrals: considering the cost and the fact that you have plenty of time, you can do it easily. There is also a nice view of the city from above.
Santa Catalina Monastery: the entrance costs 40 soles. It’s a very interesting visit in Arequipa, an important landmark of the city. On Thursdays there is the “open at night" -> until 22: it's suggestive to see it all lit up in the evening.
Craft market in the central square
Mercado San Camilo
Cloisters of the Company of Jesus - 20 soles per person
Museo Santuarios Andinos - 20 soles per person
Museo Santuarios Andinos (Calle de la Merced 110 Mon-Sat. 9-18. Ticket 20 soles) contains the mummy of Juanita, the Inca girl sacrificed to appease the gods. Very interesting the story itself and to learn more about Inca culture. They show a documentary with subtitles and there are well preserved finds that Juanita was wearing and other things related to the sacrifices.
Mundo Alpaca: it is a small centre where alpacas and llamas are kept for shearing, you can see how the wool is taken and processed. Nice and touristy
Yanahuara: panoramic viewpoint from where you can see a beautiful sunset over the city, you can get there with a very cheap taxi ride from the hotel
Between one stop and another insert Calle mercaderes which is the main road of Arequipa
Here is a list of restaurants in Arequipa where to have lunch or dinner:
La Benita - near central square (you eat very good food and it is a nice place, ask to sit outside!)
La Nueva Palomina, the most famous restaurant in Arequipa. Traditional atmosphere and characteristic huge and cheap dishes; you can taste all the local specialties from squid soups to guinea pig for those who dare
La Capitana, calle Los Arces 209, phone number •••••••••••. It is a PICANTERIA, very local and not very touristy.
For mid-afternoon you can propose a toast to La Serena, a club in the central square with a balcony
Zig Zag Restaurant, super elegant, very good service, very good food. Swiss-Peruvian cuisine. You send an email and book the menu: there are various options for groups. Contact: Calle Zela 210 - 212, Cercado Arequipa, Peru tel: •••••••••••••.
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Arequipa, Peru
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Mirador de los Andes, Peru
Check the voucher to know the departure time, the transfer takes about 3.00h with a break halfway at over 4.000mt and a passage to the mirador de Los Andes at 4.910mt (the highest paved road in the world).
After another 1.30 hours you will arrive at the Mirador del Condor. From there another hour to Chivay.
Sveglia presto e transfer per Cruz del Condor. Vestitevi bene perchè nel primo posto dove vi fermerete, Pampa Canahuas alle 5:30 del mattino ci saranno - 13 gradi. Lì oltre a prendere un mate de coca sensazionale potrete comprare i primi souvenir, hanno della bella roba.
Stop at Mirador de Los Andes:
If the weather is good the view from this mirador is something unique and magnificent: you will be surrounded by volcanoes in every direction (one of them - the Sabancaya volcano - is still active and if you are lucky you can see it erupting in the distance).
For almost everybody it will be the highest point ever reached in life: we are higher than the tip of Mont Blanc and we are on the highest paved road in the world.
Even taking a few steps and meters will make you breathe heavily, but the view and the emotion will be totally worth it. After a good half hour of WOWness, contemplation and ritual photos, we set off again.
Here will be a bathroom and a sort of service station where you can buy food and drink (mate de coca + muña: Important for mountain sickness).
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Peru, Peru
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4356, Peru
The landscapes will be incredible, but don't stop. Make the stops on the way back when you will not be in a hurry. Now you have to get to the top as soon as possible because the condors only fly early in the morning. Ask the guide to leave immediately for the walk.
Those who are sick should consider that taking the walk could make the situation worse (in that case it is better to avoid it). Even if you don't do the walk there are several miradors next to each other where you can watch the condors flying.
Once at the top (if you are lucky with the weather) you can enjoy a unique view and see the condors flying.
In any case this is the first hint of walking at altitude: 40 minutes along the various miradors, at the end heavy breathing is assured! Don't get stoned, don't walk fast, there's no hurry, you have to get used to the altitude.
In Cruz del Condor you can buy sweaters.
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Complejo de Aguas Termales La Calera, Peru
You have to arrange in advance with the guide and the driver the transfer at 3.30 p.m. by minivan to La Calera. The entrance costs 15 soles (the coordinator does not pay). On the way there is also the possibility to jump into the canyon with the cable (like a zip line), which costs 50 soles.
In La Calera there are natural thermal baths - it’s the best way to end the first day at high altitude (explain to the group that they don’t have to expect luxury treatment and spas of course).
There are more swimming pools: start at 36 degrees and finish at 39 degrees (number 5).
At the entrance you can verify if it’s possible to order a drink inside. Or before you arrive, stop to buy pisco and Coca Cola, to prepare the “piscola”. In this case you have to pay a small "consumption tax" of 10 soles per group.
There is a Tibetan bridge over the river that is worth a group photo (obviously in swimsuits, like real heroes! And then you throw yourself back into the hot water.
Around 18:00 the swimming pools close (make an appointment for the transfer at 18:30 outside).
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422, Peru
Dopo cena osservatorio con accompagnati dal nostro amato Luis (c'è un transfer che vi porta all'andata dal ristorante mentre al ritorno è a piedi, circa 10 minuti dall'hotel di Chivay). Per l'osservatorio copritevi bene perchè è all'aperto, c'è Luis e un'altra persona che vi spiegano le costellazioni vicino a due telescopi.
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Chivay, Peru
Check the voucher to know the departure time, the transfer takes about 3.00h with a break halfway at over 4.000mt and a passage to the mirador de Los Andes at 4.910mt (the highest paved road in the world).
After another 1.30 hours you will arrive at the Mirador del Condor. From there another hour to Chivay.
cena organizzata da Wilma dell'osservatorio al ristorante Tusuy (TLF), dove c'è musica dal vivo e dove a una certa prendono qualcuno dai gruppi che stanno mangiando per "frustarlo" (per finta eh).
Appunto per il Tusuy: la cena di per sè era buona, il servizio un po' meno. Piatti arrivati con molto ritardo, una parte del gruppo era al dolce e un'altra metà doveva ancora mangiare, il che è molto strano perchè Wilma ti fa scegliere i piatti il giorno prima per prenotarli.
Dopo cena osservatorio con accompagnati dal nostro amato Luis (c'è un transfer che vi porta all'andata dal ristorante mentre al ritorno è a piedi, circa 10 minuti dall'hotel di Chivay).
Per l'osservatorio copritevi bene perchè è all'aperto, c'è Luis e un'altra persona che vi spiegano le costellazioni vicino a due telescopi.
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Lake Lagunillas, Peru
stretching e vista
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Puno, Peru
Arrivati a Puno troverete la guida che starà con voi per due giorni sul lago Titicaca. Prima di imbarcarvi farete spesa per le famiglie, la guida vi porterà in un market dove una signora super gentile vi farà vedere cosa prendono di solito i gruppi prima di andare a Luquina noi abbiamo speso circa 300 sol di cassa comune prendendo oltre al cibo anche della roba per i bimbi (pennarelli, quaderni, un pallone ecc.).
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Lake Titicaca, unknown
You will have breakfast with the family who hosted you for the night (around 7.00 am). After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye and take the boat towards Taquile, about 1 hour of navigation.
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Puno, Peru
When you arrive in Luquina you will be welcomed by the President of the community and the families who are hosting you for the night. Usually we are divided into different houses. Everyone goes with their family, has lunch, rests and then catches up afterwards to take a tour of the place. Around 7 p.m. everybody has dinner with their family and in typical clothes. Always check your itinerary voucher and ask DMC for confirmation.
Drinks are not included and they overcharge a lot on the price (5 soles half-liter water, 8 soles beer).
Arrivati a Luquina verrete accolti da Albano il capo della comunità e vi dividerete nelle famiglie per pranzare con loro.
Allora qua dai pax ho avuto feedback differenti. Ovvero, chi stava nelle famiglie con bambini piccoli si è divertito come un pazzo gli altri un po' meno perchè hanno notato un certa freddezza nei loro confronti. Io ero con una signora da sola che aveva i figli grandi e non mi sono trovato male, abbiamo parlato della loro vita lì, della loro cultura ecc.
Nel pomeriggio farete dei lavoretti: chi come me ha portato a spasso le pecore e raccolto patate, chi ha spostato del grano e chi ha smosso quintali di pietra con delle cariole avevo alcuni pax devastati. Anche qui pareri discordanti alcuni mi hanno detto che quello che hanno fatto non era per niente utile, fatto solamente per occupare il tempo, altri invece si sono sentiti parte della comunità.
Dopo i lavoretti piccolo trekking con la guida fino al punto più alto della penisola dove si vede il tramonto.
Alle 18:00/18:30 farete una piccola "festa" con le famiglie local. Qua mi unisco al pensiero del gruppo, la festa è molto ma molto trash, vi vestono con degli abiti locali, vi fanno fare delle danze locali e poi mettono musica italiana. Le vibes che ci sono arrivate erano quelle di persone che stanno facendo una cosa solo perchè la devono fare non perchè fa parte delle loro usanze.
19:30 cena nelle rispettive famiglie e poi meritato riposo.
Appunto sulle sistemazioni. L'acqua nelle abitazioni di alcune famiglie e fredda e in alcune non c'è il riscaldamento. Quindi attrezzarsi prima.
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Taquile Island, Peru
Once you arrive in Taquile, stop on a beach for about an hour. Recommend to go to the bathroom here. The beach is sandy, it will seem to be at the sea but in the distance you can see the glaciers of Bolivia. The water is cold, but the adrenaline does the rest and then in the sun on the boat it dries in a few minutes. Bathing at 3,800m high is not an everyday experience.
From here, 30 minutes of walking uphill you get to the village, there is not much but you have to drink the mate de coca. Leave a half hour free, you can quickly climb to the highest point of the island. Or you can put yourself in the place of the restaurant "San Santiago".
In the square in a small shop for 1 sol they stamp your passport with the stamp of Taquile. They do the same thing in Uros.
Lunch on the terrace overlooking the lake, included in the price but drinks separately.
Returning with a 50-minute walk downhill, you can see a beautiful panorama
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Uros, Peru
Uros Island. Come scritto sul travel diary questa è solo una rappresentazione di come vivevano un tempo su quell'isola, ora non ci vive più nessuno anche se ti dicono di si. Dopo la spiegazione di come viene costruita un'isola galleggiante da parte del capo villaggio, oltre a vendervi il giro sulla Mercedes Boat vi proveranno a vendere l'impossibile, l'isola è un grande mercantino di souvenir alla fine e i prezzi sono molto alti rispetto ad altri posti.
2 hours by boat from Taquile and you will arrive in Uros. Entrance 8 soles (common fund, sometimes they don't ask for them). Here the local people will explain how they build them and how they live - it is super interesting.
Here we visit a local family, there are some souvenirs but in less than half an hour it is done. It is nice to talk to women and ask about their habits. At the end of the visit they should have eliminated the super trash song which is only good for American tourists. If they want to perform it anyway, tell the guide that we already said not to do it.
At the end of the visit if they propose to take a ride with the “cool” boat (which they call Mercedes boat) say no. They want extra money and it's not worth it. Ask to be brought to the main island of Uros with your boat which is free. There you can buy food / drinks.
If the paxs want you can take the tour with the typical yellow boat (about 20 min) for the price of 80 soles
NOTE: Uros was just a representation of how they lived in the past, even if they tell you that they currently live in that small village. You get the feeling that it is all fake and that you are there just to buy souvenirs from them. Be transparent with the groups and tell them that it is just a representation.
Half an hour boat trip and you will arrive in Puno. Decide with the guide the times according to the information written in the voucher
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Puno, Peru
Get into the van: you will have a 2-hours ride and then you will stop for dinner. After dinner there will be another 2 hours to arrive at the hotel in Sicuani.
For dinner (not included in the Weroad package or in the money pot): Parador Pukaras at the height of km 1250 of the Pan-American Carretera. Call (••••••••••••• or •••••••••••••) before arriving to not let them close and to anticipate how many you are and that you are arriving so they heat the grills. It is a kind of motorway service where you can buy sandwiches from the grill and you can also buy chocolate, snacks etc.
TO DO: Buy chocolate and dried fruit for the Rainbow Mountains for the next day. Call the hotel to ask to turn on the water heater, otherwise it may be cold
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Sicuani, Peru
Call the hotel to ask to turn on the water heater, otherwise it may be cold
Upon arrival at the hotel (another 2 hours by road after dinner), make a small backpack for the Rainbow Mountains and put everything else in the large backpack that will remain in the minivan.
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Vinicunca, Peru
You will have breakfast in the hotel, check the voucher to know the transfer timetable. Total two and a half hours of travel. On the way, we suggest not to sleep because the super natural landscape is crazy.
(Note: wear the WeRoad T-shirt for photos)
Make a small backpack with the bare minimum for the rainbow mountain, the large backpack will remain in the van during the excursion. Ask the driver to stop when you see herds of llamas here and there. It’s important to take medicines for mountain sickness and other medicines if necessary. Remember also to bring with yourselves cocoa butter, gloves, hat and sunscreen.
Suggest all the paxs to buy water, gloves and hats if you do not have them (15 soles for gloves and hats, 3 soles for water). There will also be everything on the mountain but the higher you climb the more it costs.
You will have to pay 15 soles + 20 soles per person at the entrance as local taxes, so withdraw money from revolut and pay on site.
The starting point is at 4600 meters above the sea level, you will reach 5082 meters at the end of the hike. It takes on average 1h 30, the guide provides you with sticks and follows you all the way. If there are no participants who want to run up, it is a wonderful experience to do it all together. You are not in a hurry, if someone takes 3 hours it is not a problem. It’s important to do the climbing if you are in excellent condition with altitude sickness, otherwise the next 2 days will be agony; the guide can assess whether or not you are able to climb
You can also take horses for short distances (60 soles) if you are tired, there are baths here and there. Talk to the guide, give one walkie talkie to who is in front and the guide will stay at the end, in this way you can coordinate. Point out to the guide that he MUST always be the last one! (or open it if the coordinator prefers to calmly go with the last ones). Better if the coordinator is ahead.
It's nice if everyone waits at the top where the wind isn't blowing and takes a group photo before going down.
You will be at 5,032m, in front of you the spectacle of the Rainbow Mountains and wonderful valleys. A unique satisfaction and emotion!
NB: dress in layers and especially with k-way or windproof jackets. The sun beats down but in some places and above all at the top it blows a super freezing wind.
If the group is particularly excited, it is advisable to take an extra excursion to Valle Rojo. The supplement for the Valle Rojo extension is included in the money pot you will have to pay directly to the DMC. This supplement doesn’t involve the entrance tickets to Valle Rojo, that need to be bought on the spot. With a not so strenuous walk you reach 5069m, once at the top they also put a stamp on your passport for 1 or 2 soles. The view is breathtaking and the WOW effect is guaranteed. The only dark side: the way down is not particularly easy.
Talk in the morning to your guide who will be able to evaluate the times and if you will be able to face the path. On average it takes a total of two hours to return to the start of the route.
If you want to go to the Valle rojo, you have to notify the guide because you have to recalculate the times. Make it clear because the ascent to Vinicunca (Rainbow mountain) will be slow so maybe you should leave the hotel before.
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Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Vi viene a prendere la guida per andare a Pallcoyo. Per me è stata la cosa più bella del viaggio, se beccate una guida bella come Sole vi spiegheranno tantissime cose sulle Ande e sulla cultura andina. Attenzione: la strada da Sicuani alla cima di Pallcoyo è tutta sterrata e piena di curve: è impossibile dormire, ma meglio perché lo scenario è mozzafiato. Chiedete di fermarvi in qualche campo verde col fiume rosso a fare colazione al sole, è un momento bellissimo. Poi vi fermerete in un prato e una distesa gigante di alpache e lama… bellissimo davvero. Alla fine arrivate in cima. Nota: IL BIGLIETTO DI PALLCOYO COSTA 15 SOLES A PERSONA al contrario di come dice la cassa TO, quello che vi consiglio è di chiamare qualche giorno prima la DMC o la guida e chiedere espressamente quanto costerà esattamente il giorno dopo, così prelevate i soldi precisi ed evitate di avere soldi che vi avanzano. Provate a farvi rilasciare una sorta di ricevuta oltre che i biglietti, a me non l’hanno fatto e dalla finance mi hanno un po’ fatto storie. L’escursione è impegnativa ma solo per l’ossigeno, ma a questo punto un po’ dovrete esservi abituati. Noi siamo stati più tempo di quello previsto sulle montagne e dopo un certo momento c’eravamo solo noi. Ha iniziato a grandinare, ma è stato magico pure quello. Prendetevi tutto il tempo che vi serve perché è bellissimo. In teoria vi fanno il timbro sul passaporto anche qui (vicino ai bagni). Quando scendete vi portano a mangiare in un buffet e poi seguite per Cusco, dove in teoria arrivate intorno alle 18 quindi c’è pure il tempo della doccia. Nell’hotel Antawasi fanno il servizio di lavatrice quindi top.
La sera noi abbiamo mangiato una cazzatina in una birreria, raccomandata ma se volete dovete prenotare perchè è sempre piena - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkZuuWKyN8W6KB837?g_st=ic
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Vinicunca, Peru
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Cusco, Peru
Cusco is the most beautiful city in Peru. It has relaxed times, possibilities for those who want to leave their stuff in the laundry, change other money at a good rate in the central square, get a massage, get lost in the streets of the center (wonderful!) or the market of San Pedro.
To see:
Cathedral (40 soles pp) and Jesuit convent in the Santo Domingo church (also in the central square, 10 soles with the possibility of taking photos from above). They can be seen only from outside if nobody is interested in.
San Pedro Market. Here there are some wool sweaters and various souvenirs. Watch out for pickpockets here: keep your backpacks in front and don't keep your cell phone in open pockets (the less you take it out the better!). Avoid to eat here because you can’t know they prepare food and it’s likely to have some healthy issues later on.
Massage. They offer it to you for 20 soles in the street but when you get there it costs 40 (20 soles is the massage that barely touches you, with 40 they do the normal one). Try to negotiate a bit already on the street.
Pisaq. Anyone who wants can visit it, 1 h from the city.
Inca ruins: Saqsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara or Tambomachay. You can go to one of the archaeological sites only if the group is really interested.
Qurikancha: Close on Sunday! The most important temple in the Inca Empire. Considered as the Vatican for the Incas. Absolutely not to be missed. Entrance 15 soles, 8 soles if you are a student. It is advisable to take a guide to understand the story of the place. Recommended guide: Miguel ••••••••••••• or •••••••••••••,
•••••••••••••••••••••••••. Very prepared, very clear, understandable Spanish and captivating.
There is the possibility of rafting outside Cusco, you can look for info yourself directly on site.
Neighborhood of San Blas: the nicest and most artistic neighborhood of Cusco, full of craft shops, galleries and cute little places. The best neighborhood also to buy local crafts;
Mirador del Cristo Blanco (at sunset): a bit tiring (climbing steps) but it's good training to climb Machu Picchu the next day, absolutely worth it.
Papacho: it is behind the Plaza de Armas, looking at the cathedral in the alley on the left. It is a place with a 100% authentic atmosphere, there are only Peruvians! Inside it is very cute and typical. On the first floor there are a couple of rooms that always fill up, you can drink the Cuzqueña beer that is produced here, and attend live traditional music concerts. The atmosphere is very typical, and there are no tourists. Excellent solution to get into the spirit of this region of Peru! The music starts around 10, arrive early to take your seat and calmly order the beer. Negative note the bathroom: small and dirty, and the toilet does not always work ... depending on the group, advise that it is a very typical and "easy-going" place, where only local people go. Secondly, it is very worthwhile, obviously depending on the participants
Limbus Resto Bar: it has a really nice view. Very suggestive, it is located in the San Blas area.
“Sport bar" near the center, very European. There are billiards, table-football and darts. If the group is all tired and do not want to go out, this is a good option with a very long waiting time.
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse:
"Pachapapa" Carmen Bajo 120, Cusco 08000.
Book by calling Ruben (•••••••••••, •••••••••••••). Here you can ask the gratuity for the coordinator and a 10% discount on the menu.
Typical cusqueño restaurant with a wood-burning oven in front of the temple of san blas.
Here you can taste many typical dishes including cuy cooked in the oven (pig), but also pizzas.
Emberador Pizzeria in plaza San Francisco 172 - tel. 231464 Excellent cuisine and very varied (fish, meat, pizza, soups...). Super recommended the "filet mignon" or the "lomo milanese".
The groups in Perù usually go clubbing in the Chango Club in Cusco, we have had several people who had been sick after being here due to the consumption of cocktails and in particular the pisco sour, which is made with a not-cooked egg. Please avoid cocktails in this bar since they don't guarantee healthy minimum standards, it's better to consume only beer or other stuff in bottles.
TO DO for the next day: be sure that the DMC has sent you the tickets for the train to Aguas Calientes and for Machu Picchu, usually the DMC sent them on Whatsapp a few days before.
Also here as for the night at Titicaca lake, prepare the small backpack for Machu Picchu and leave the rest in the big backpack at the storage room of the hotel in Cusco where you return in one nights.
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Cusco, Peru
TO DO for the next day: be sure that the DMC has sent you the tickets for the train to Aguas Calientes and for Machu Picchu, usually the DMC sent them on Whatsapp a few days before.
Also here as for the night at Titicaca lake, prepare the small backpack for Machu Picchu and leave the rest in the big backpack at the storage room of the hotel in Cusco where you return in one nights.
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Sacred Valley, Peru
Today you will visit the main attractions of the Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo. At the end you will be dropped at Ollantaytambo train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. You will be accompanied by a private guide during this day.
The private transfer is included in the WeRoad package, the private guide is pre-booked by the DMC and it’s one of the services included in the common fund you have to pay to the DMC.
Check in advance with the DMC the pick-up time for today.
Along the way, before Moray there is the village of Chinchero where there are two fabric markets. If the pax are in the mood for shopping it is the ideal place: beautiful products for quality and beauty above average. There is also a girl who explains to the whole group the techniques of dyeing and weaving (you can tip them if you want). It can be very interesting.
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Chinchero, Peru
Along the way, before Moray there is the village of Chinchero where there are two fabric markets. If the pax are in the mood for shopping it is the ideal place: beautiful products for quality and beauty above average. There is also a girl who explains to the whole group the techniques of dyeing and weaving (you can tip them if you want). It can be very interesting.
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Maras, Peru
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Maras, Peru
In Moray you will visit three giant terraces that were used to grow potatoes and corn. The visit with the tour doesn't last more than 40 minutes, it costs 70 soles (which will also be valid for the entrance to Ollantaytambo).
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Urubamba, Peru
Lunch: evaluate based on timings whether to have lunch on the street or directly in Ollantaytambo. If you want to eat on the way, you can consider the Paqharina restaurant, in Urubamba, you pass it just before arriving in Ollantaytambo. Nice restaurant, great buffet. Contact: ask for Elmer ••••••••••••
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Ollantaytambo, Peru
visit with guide
Be at the station 30 minutes in advance with the tickets. Here you have to show your passports. Duration about 1h and a half or 1h and 45. Here they will give food and drink (it is a snack and you have to pay for it).
If it's late consider buying sandwiches and skip seated dinner in Aguas Calientes which is very touristy anyways
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Aguas Calientes, Peru
When you arrive in Aguas Calientes (about 1 hour and 45 min) a person from the hotel comes to pick up the group with a WeRoad sign. Let the group go to the hotel together with the person accompanying them, and go quickly together with the Peru Responsible guide to buy the shuttle tickets to go up to Machu Picchu the following day (if you have chosen to go up with the shuttle). Note that the ticket office closes by 10am.
Aguas Calientes is the town and the basis to visit Machu Picchu. It’s a touristic place, in the center it’s plenty of bars. We don’t recommend the spa, it’s dirty and crowded with tourists.
Much better to spend the afternoon between the city stalls, drinking a beer or getting a massage while waiting for dinner.
For dinner the typical dish would be the Cuy (the little Peruvian piglet) but it's impossible to find it at less than 70 soles and it's not worth considering the taste and quantity (all skin and bones). To be strongly advised against.
“Casa del sol" av Pachacutec 402, •••••••••, •••••••••.
"Mapacho" Av Imperio de los Incas 614.
Another alternative if you arrive late and you are tired is to buy sandwiches in Ollantaytambo and eat them on the train.
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Peru, Peru
The Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in the WeRoad package, the private guide is pre-booked by the DMC and it’s one of the services included in the common fund you have to pay to the DMC.
To visit Machu Picchu, bring with you only water, sunscreen/poncho (depending on the weather), chocolate, the tickets and above all the passports. Without the passport and the tickets you can’t enter Machu Picchu.
Plan the timing of the day according to your admission ticket. Usually the entrance is very early in the morning. Ask the hotel for a packed breakfast if the breakfast time in the hotel doesn’t allow you to do that in the hotel.
We strongly don’t recommend reaching Machu Picchu on foot. You would have to wake up at 3 am, more than half of the year the path is wet and really slippery. It’s a 2 hours trek uphill, there are lots of mosquitos and you can’t admire any landscape during the trek.
The easy way is to take the shuttle from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu entrance and the tickets have to be bought the day before. The shuttle takes half an hour.
The ticket provided by Peru 'Responsabile is the basic one, which includes a visit to the main site. The guide will be provided by the dmc. Coordinate with him on the duration of the visit and keep an eye on the group not to lose anyone who takes photos and stays behind on the street. Remember that if you want to get off on foot (about an hour and a half to the center of Aguas Calientes) it is important to consider the timing to get to the train.
NOTES:
Inside Machu Picchu they do not sell water. Buy it before entering
Photos with flashy costumes are banned. There are 2000 guards, all super careful
There are toilets at the entrance: 2 soles. Wardrobe: 6 soles. If you are hungry or want to eat something at the exit there is a small bar to eat cheap things. Instead the restaurant has to be avoided (they ask $40 for the buffet).
Passport stamp: at the "kiosk" in front of the wardrobe ask for Machu Picchu's stamp for the passport. It's free and you can do it yourself.
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Aguas Calientes, Peru
Check on the voucher the train timetable and organize the day accordingly. Be at the train station 30 minutes before departure with the tickets.
On the train you can relax, enjoy the view or organize a toast with the group to celebrate the visit to Machu Picchu.
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Ollantaytambo, Peru
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Cusco, Peru
choose restaurants from other days
TO DO for the next day: Check in for the flight on Day 11. No need to print it out: save the PDF and you will finish the procedure and label your luggage at the machines at the airport. It's better to download the LATAM app if you fly with that company. The domestic flight from Cusco to Lima is booked and handled by the DMC. The security check takes 30-40 minutes in total depending on the season. 1 h 45 flight time.
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Lima, Peru
From Lima airport to Lima hotel (Miraflores neighborhood) the transfer is not included in the Weroad package. It has to be arranged directly on the spot. It takes 45 min and costs about 100 soles (van of 8), the price is equal if you ask those inside or outside the baggage claim.
Those who want can relax at the park/beach. Those who want can buy the latest things at the craft market of Los Indios.
If you have not visited the museums on the first day because of the arrival time of the people, you can go to Lima center and see the churches and the water show at the park (see program Day 1).
Surfing with Pucana Surf - 50 soles starting price (the more you are the lower) - 1 hour and a half + preparation and explanation
Paragliding - Martin ••••••••••••••• - 260 soles each 30 minutes flight to Pachacamac (1 hour from Miraflores they will take you by car) + video gopro (a larger group can lower the price) consider in total 3-4 hours
Bike ride to the Malecon from Larcomar (where you can also have lunch).
Dinner - Suggested
For dinner you can choose one of the restaurants suggested on Day 1 or go to Huaca Pucllana (see link for more info). It is very nice, inside an archaeological complex. To be booked the day before.
If you contact them first via email saying you are a tourist agency, they will send you a pdf file with various options of fixed menu
If someone wants to go dancing after dinner: "Sergeant Pimienta" (20 soles with a beer at the entrance). Huge dance hall of salsa and Latin music.
If you stay in Miraflores go to Calle Berlin. It is very lively and full of very nice clubs.
To drink a cocktail and dance, there is a nice atmosphere at La Delisteria bar.
Dopo il welcome meeting tour guidato di Lima con Lily Buendia (contatto dato dalla DMC) ••••••••••••••• molto molto brava, ti organizza anche il pranzo se glielo chiedi. Noi l'abbiamo fatto qui https://maps.app.goo.gl/TzVy1tthjYJ7icoG8. Ottimo cibo, prezzi contenuti, TLF.
In seguito Bike Tour di Lima e Barranco prenotato con Mirabici Bike Rental & Tour che si trova qui https://maps.app.goo.gl/jS2rvEyC2HZCUDm6A. Io ho noleggiato solo le bici, loro però ti organizzano anche un tour guidato. Considerate che c'è una ciclabile che da dove noleggiate le bici vi porta fino a Barranco. Se volete farlo non partite tardi perchè poi fa buio e le bici non hanno luci.
Cena da Barra Maretazo https://maps.app.goo.gl/NwFDt184nKgLNHjGA
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Lima, Peru