I flew to Peru on a whim. It was a great idea and I didn't even spend that much money. There are a few thing that I wish I would have known before I went. First off, I bought the "Lonely Planet" book on the way to the airport. I just wish I would have read it before I landed.
When we landed the first thing we saw was an Money exchange booth that said "No Commission", I wasn't sure if that was true or not but I exchanged my money. Then I heard a guy yell out "OFFICIAL TAXI!" I guess I assumed that all taxi rides were going to be the same price. I was wrong. I paid about 40 USD to get to my hostel that was about a 15 minute ride. I later found out that on the way back to the airport a ride in a "regular taxi" was about 2 USD. I got suckered.
I did read that it was worth it to take the flight to Cusco from Lima but you could save some money by taking a bus. So, naturally I took the bus. TWENTY hours later we got to Cusco. Bad idea to take the bus. You can't go #2 on the bus, only #1. They didn't stop the whole time.
Once we got to Cusco we were able to get around fine and stayed at a great hostel. When you buy a ticket to go to Matchu Pitcchu and if you are a student make sure you bring your student ID and it must have an expiration date. So, make sure yours does.
You can either hike from a small city outside of Cusco for 4 days to get the Matchu Pitcchu or take a 2 hr train ride. We hiked and it was amazing. Hike for sure if you are up for it. You can get packages for around 130 bucks. Not bad and that includes a guide, lodging, and food while you are up there. Great deal.
When you get to the city of Matchu Pitcchu that sits below the bottom of the ruins you can take a bus to the top to check them out or hike. Many people in my group hiked. I took the bus. Four days of hiking killed me.
Matchu Pitcchu is worth every minute of the 4 day hike. Take your time along the way. The Andies are amazing.
Things I wish I did different
- If you have to leave the airport don't take the "Offical Taxi
- Take a flight to Cusco. Not the 2o hour bus.
- Make sure you have your student ID with a expiration date on it.
- Don't book your Matchu Pitcchu tour online, book it when you get there.
Had to laugh about the bus ride,..because if you have the Adams stomach....the #2 thing would have killed you!! (Or the person next to you)
ReplyDeleteyeah, I got so sick! ha ha.. looking back at it now I don't know how I made it. When I finally got to Cusco, I almost died.
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