Travel Taleswith Mike Siegel

Peru

by Mike Siegel

Rugged coastline, mountains, and the Amazon Jungle combine with a rich history to create a South American must-see.

MIKE’S SNAPSHOT REVIEW

  • WHEN: December, 2007

  • DURATION: 2 weeks

  • STAYED: Group tour with Intrepid Travel.

  • ITINERARY: Lima, Cusco, Aguas Caliente (Machu Picchu), Puerto Maldonado (Amazon)

POSITIVES

  • Culture/History– Home to many indigenous tribes for thousands of years and a part of the massive Inca Empire. Like most of South America it was conquered by the Spanish in 16th century.

  • Environment– From the bustling coastal capital of Lima, to the cool mountains and high elevations of Cusco, to the small towns along the Amazon River, there’s no shortage of terrain to explore. There’s even a surf scene along the coast.

  • Cost– While hotels can be pricier near the tourist areas like Cusco, prices, particularly for food and drink, are very reasonable.

  • Tourist infrastructure– Tourism is a growing industry in Peru, and the locals know it. There are many options for package tours as well as for the solo traveler. Good network of expats to meet and get advice from as well.

  • Food– Where ceviche (seafood marinated in lime) was born. Still the best I’ve had anywhere. I even ate guinea pig- a local delicacy (for the record, it tasted like rabbit).

  • Nightlife- Lima has a serious nightclub scene, and plenty of bars in Cusco filled with a rowdy mix of international backpackers.

  • Shopping– Lots of local indigenous arts and crafts available everywhere if you’re into that. Shopping was really never my thing, however.

  • Architecture– The town center of Lima is a plaza ringed with Spanish colonial-style buildings and fountains. Many structures throughout the city feature the famous balconies above the streets. Cusco is a more rustic mountain city with narrow cobblestone streets on steep hills.

NEGATIVES

  • Crime– While safer than a lot of other Central and South American countries, you still have to keep your street smarts intact, particularly in Lima. Unattended belongings are known to disappear, and there are rough neighborhoods. Counterfeit bills are also common. If your US dollars are even slightly ripped, good luck exchanging them.

  • Crowds– Mostly concerning Machu Picchu. By midday every tour bus in the land seems to unload ever more people. Try to get there early in the morning to see the sunrise, or late in the day after the bulk of the crowds have left.

  • Weather– There is a rainy season, so do your homework. Temperatures range wildly between Lima, Cusco, and the Amazon. Pack accordingly.

  • Altitude– Cusco is at 11,200 ft. elevation, and some tourists really struggle with altitude sickness. Drink the local remedy- coca tea, made from actual coca leaves.

MUST DO

  • **Machu Picchu- **A no brainer, considering it’s a World Heritage Site and most tourists’ main reason to go to Peru, but it lives up to the hype. Take a guided tour to really get the lowdown on what you’re seeing.

  • For an even better experience on Machu Picchu, hike theInca Trail to get there.** **It’s a 4-day hike and can only be done with guides. Full disclosure – I didn’t do it and instead took the train to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. If I had more time and it wasn’t the rainy season, I would have done the Trail.

  • Eat as much fresh ceviche as you can, especially in Lima.

  • Drink an Inka Cola (it tastes like cream soda).

  • Stay in the Amazon for at least a night or two, and see the unique wildlife.

  • Buy handmade **blankets or clothing **from a local. Haggling is OK, but in the end, remember they need it way more than you do.

RECOMMENDED?

** Absolutely!**

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