Currency Exchange

If you want to make sure you’re getting a good exchange rate before exchanging your money any currency exchange apps that you can find in your phone store is recommended. I personally use Globe Convert and I find it very useful not just only for seeing exchanges.

Taxi Apps

Avoid the hassle of going outside and trying to hail a cab and potentially getting ripped off on how much to pay. With Uber, Cabify, Taxi Beat etc., the price is shown to you when you enter the address and you know it won’t spontaneously change depending the mood of the driver.

Triposo Guide

Want to take a travel guide with you when you travel, but don’t want all the bulk of packing a book or books? Well if you download the Triposo app it will give you practical information, weather, things to do, eat and drink in which ever city you search, it even has a small phrasebook for you to learn some Spanish!

Birds of Peru app

If you’re in Peru to go birdwatching then this app is the best purchase you can make. The app features high-quality illustrations, audio for more than 1,000 species, a smart search that helps you determine the species my color, size, habitat, maps and much more.

Sismos Peru

This app is all about earthquakes, as you may have been informed before traveling Peru is prone to many earthquakes during its season so the best way to keep up to date with the natural occurrences is to download Sismos Peru. Note that the app is in Spanish, but that won’t stop you from really understanding the magnitude that is always displayed in a bubble. The app also features the date & time, location, depth and intensity of the quakes.

Mesa 24/7

This wonderful app helps you make reservations to some of Peru’s greatest restaurants without the hassle of calling. Mesa 24/7 is very easy to use as it features sections like sponsored restaurants, popular, trending, new, a “surprise me” section and a most commented section. When you click on a restaurant that you are interested in the app will then let you see photos, restaurant times, location, telephone number, website and in some cases it features a PDF of the restaurant’s menu for you to download a browse.

The post BEST APPS to use while Traveling in PERU appeared first on Peru Experience.

Don’t drink the water

The water system in Peru is not as advanced as other parts of the world, that’s why it is recommended to drink bottled or boiled water. This also goes for brushing your teeth, drinks with ice and washing fruits and vegetables.

Be careful when plugging in electronics

The voltage in Peru is a high 220 volts and typical electronics are around 120 volts, so make sure you have the proper adapter/converter for your devices.

Book hotels ahead of time

You might be the type of person that wants to arrive to a destination and then and there book a hotel, but this is not recommended especially during Peru’s high season. Booking ahead of time will ensure that you have a place to stay and will save you the hassle of looking and will give your more time to enjoy your surroundings.

Purchase your train/Machu Picchu tickets ahead of time

Just like your hotel booking your train tickets ahead of time is a very wise thing to do. As there are only a certain number of seats tickets can/will sell out very quickly, once again, especially during high season. Machu Picchu tickets are also very limited and just as you hotel and train tickets you will want to book ahead of time so as not to lose the opportunity to visit the beautiful citadel.
Tip: Be aware that if you decide to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket at the site you might risk purchasing an unofficial ticket.

Use the same ID for all ticket purchases

One of the most important things that one can do is always use the same ID/passport for all purchases and entrances especially for Machu Picchu you don’t want to take the chance that the authorities deny you entry for having using two different ID’s. From first-hand experience I can assure you that the process of explaining to the authorities that you are the same person is not worth the stress.

Purchase a pre-pay cell phone chip

If you plan on being in Peru for a longer than a week you may want to consider purchasing a pre-paid chip from Entel, Claro or Movistar that will give you a local number and allow access to different services such as WhatsApp, Facebook, local texting, Messenger, etc. for a minimal payment.

Coca leaves

When traveling to destinations in Peru with high altitudes such as Cusco coca leaves work wonders for altitude sickness and it will energize you at the same time, but keep in mind that you can’t take it back with you when traveling home.

Always have pocket change

In Peru pocket change can be anywhere from 5-50 cents and 1, 2, 5 sole coins. Of course, carrying your credit card with you is always a good idea, but if you want to pick up some souvenirs, catch a quick cab, or even use a public bathroom than having pocket change with you is a must.

Taking photos in Cusco

When walking around Cusco, in the Plaza de Armas you may see adults and children in traditional clothing perhaps also carrying a small goat or llama and feel the need to take photos of them as this is not a typical thing you may see, but always ask if it is okay to take their photographer as most of the time they will charge for their pictures to be taken. This is another reason why tip #8 will come in handy.

Using a taxi in Peru

Forget standing on a street corner trying to hail a cab. In Peru you can download and use Uber, Cabify, or Taxi Beat to save yourself the hassle and ensure yourself a little more safety.

The post Things to know before traveling to Peru appeared first on Peru Experience.

Paragliding

Feel like being a daredevil and jumping off a cliff in the district of Miraflores so you can soar through sky and feel free? Paragliding is a great way to get to know Miraflores from a different view. So, if you’re up for fantastic views get your camera ready for an unforgettable experience.

Visit the Huaca Pucllana

Did you know that Miraflores has a pyramid of ruins right in the heart of the district? Did you know you can also eat right next to those ruins? Made up of adobe bricks the Huaca Pucllana was built between 200 AD and 700 AD, as known to be an administrative and ceremonial centre. One can also enjoy the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant that stays true to Peruvian culture and serves some of the best Peruvian dishes.

Parque Kennedy

Enjoy a stroll in the park. Kennedy Park can be found in the centre of the district of Miraflores, it was once known as the cat park due to the numerous street cats that could be found there and attracted many from all over the world. Now with fewer cats, the park is still one of the most visited places in Lima. One can enjoy the artisanal handicraft stands each evening, dancing, and even artwork displayed on Sundays.

Downtown Lima

Visit the historical downtown of Lima where you can visit the Government Palace and enjoy the changing of the guard, the Magic Water Circuit, and the Cathedral before making your way to the San Francisco Convent to visit the catacombs which has been estimated to have 25,000 bodies laid to rest there.

Explore the Bohemian district of Barranco

This laidback and fun district is also dubbed the artsy district of Lima, with full of things to explore you will never get bored in Barranco. Take a stroll to the Puente de Suspiros where you walk down to see the sunset or have a drink in one of Barranco’s colonial Mansions, you can even enjoy some top-quality coffee or gaze upon some art at famous photographer, Mario Testino’s Museum.

Visit the Food Market

Lima is known for having some of the freshest fruit, and where can you find said fruit? At the market of course! The Mercado de Surquillo is one of the top places to find fresh fruit and other Peruvian goodies while traveling, you can even enjoy some of the bet
ceviche in the market and even experience some food tastings if you find the right spot, and don’t forget to take some goodies for the road.

Dine at one of Lima’s top restaurants

Peru is the place to visit for great gastronomy, and you won’t want to miss the chance to try some of its top restaurants in Lima, but coming in at #1 is Virgilio Martinez’s restaurant Central, located in Barranco has earned a top rank in Latin America’s 50 Best
Restaurants awards. Chef Virgilio has also appeared on an episode of “Chef’s Table” highlighting his ideas and creative dishes.

The post 7 Must Things To Do in Lima appeared first on Peru Experience.

Lima

Named a World Heritage Site, Lima is the capital of Peru, and known as the “City of Kings”. Here one can take a city tour and be able to enjoy beautiful churches, mansions, balconies and other constructions built during the viceroyalty era.  Top attractions to see in the capital include the Cathedral of Lima and catacombs, the Plaza de Armas, Santo Domingo Convent, the Government Palace and much more.

Heading outside of the capital to the district of Pueblo Libre is where you will find the 18^th-century mansion that is home to the Museo Larco, that hold’s a collection og Pre-Colombian gold, silver and erotic pottery. Continuing to Miraflores tourists can visit the archaeological complex Huaca Pucllana and even dine looking right at the complex. Miraflores is also popular for its Parque Kennedy, paragliding and Parque de Amor.

Nazca Lines

Just 6 hrs. from Lima is the where you can find the mysterious Nazca Lines. For centuries scientists have been drawn to these lines that can be seen by plane. We still don’t know much about the lines, but we do know that they depict coastal, highland and jungle fauna. Some of the lines that one can see include the hummingbird, monkey, spider and geometric figures such as lines, trapeze and triangles.

Cusco

The beautiful city of Cusco can be found at 11,000 ft above sea level and was once the center of the Inca Empire. When walking around you can enjoy the Plaza de Armas and its many restaurants, bars and stores surrounding the old city. In Cusco taking a city tour is highly recommended, it includes stops to archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Puka Pukara, and Q’enko.

The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Further past Cusco you can find the Sacred Valley. This beautiful Valley is home to many archaeological sites, such as the circular terraces of Moray, salt flats of Maras, the Ollantaytambo ruins, and the Pisac ruins that is home to the largest complex of terraces. There are many other sites to see in the Sacred Valley, but the most popular of all is the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu. Part of the New Seven Wonders of the World Machu Picchu is which means “Old Mountain”, is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and is the most visited archaeological sites in Peru.

Arequipa

The beautiful “White City” also known as Arequipa is full of rich history and beautiful monuments for travelers to visit. Arequipa was given the name “White City” because its surrounding builds are made of sillar (white volcanic rock). One can start their visit by heading to the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries where the famous mummy Juanita can be found. Juanita, 14-years old at the time of her death was the daughter of an Inca dignitary she was mummified on the snowcapped mountain of Ampato Mount in 1995. After spending time with Juanita a visit to the Yanahuara viewpoint is a must for all travelers to get a glipse of the city. Another famous Arequipa stop is the Santa Catalina Monastery, the colorful monastery was built in 1579 and has a small religious citadel that is still used to this day.

Colca Canyon

Head away from Arequipa through the National Reserve where you can see vicuñas in their natural habitat before arriving to one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon, that is home to the majestic Andean Condor with a wingspan of over 3 meters that can be seen from the Cruz del Condor lookout point. One can also enjoy the beautiful green valley surrounding the canyon that is home to several villages and agricultural terraces.

Lake Titicaca

After visiting Cusco and the famous Machu Picchu, most tourists opt to continue their journey towards Puno, which is where you can find the world’s highest navigable body of water, Lake Titicaca. On the way to Puno you can take the more scenic route where along the way you will visit places such as Andahuaylillas, the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, the great and mighty Temple of Wiracocha (Raqchi), La Raya Pass which is the road limit between Cusco and Puno where you will also have the chance to stop and see the beautiful view of the Chimboya Glacier, and lastly the Lithic Museum of Pukará.

When you finally reach the city of Puno visiting the floating islands of Uros will be your first stop on the lake, after this you can choose to continue to Amantaní island where you can spend the night with a local family and head to Taquile, a fascinating island where the male population wear very colorful traditional self-made dresses. Or you can choose to go to Taquile the same day as Uros and not stay over with a local family.

Chiclayo

This city is the fourth largest in Peru and is also known as the “City of Friendship”. Chiclayo is famous for it’s so called Witch Doctor’s Market, but tourists generally stop by Chiclayo to be able to visit some of the archaeological sites such as the royal tombs of local kings and shamans from the Moche Culture. The museum Tumbas Reales located in the city of Lambayeque which showcase human and animal funeral offerings. Another area worth visiting while around the area is the Complex of Tucume. This complex contains more than 26 pyramid structures and was a religious center for more than 300 years. Even today shamans use the area to perform ceremonies because the area is thought to contain a large amount of energy.

Iquitos

Located in the heart of the Amazon, Iquitos is the largest city in the jungle and is home to many species of animals. Something unique about Iquitos, the capital of Loreto is that there is no way of accessing the city by road, the only way to reach it is by plane or boat. Iquitos has many attractions and cultural activities one can be a part of. Journey down the Belen River where you can see floating homes that eventually rise and sink with the flow of the river. When you venture further down the river and more into the jungle you will be amazed at all the flora and fauna surrounding you, you can spend the day visiting the Animal Rescue Center where you can visit manatees, giant otters, turtles, gators and other species. While on the Amazon River you might also be lucky enough to see the river’s pink dolphins that are an amazing sight to see. Visiting Iquitos also allows you to visit native communities and enter their world where you can enjoy typical dances and personally get to know the community.

The post Best Touristic Places to Visit in Peru appeared first on Peru Experience.

Peru was chosen as one of three most favourite destinations in the UK according to the Wanderlust magazine. It is the UK’s leading travel magazine for independent-minded and adventurous travelers looking for world class information and advice.

The famous English magazine has released the results of its Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2017 and Peru is placed in the top 3 for best country to visit in 2017. New Zealand was ranked first and Botswana occupied the second place.

The Awarding Ceremony took place earlier this month in London and the Commercial Counselor of Peru Jaime Cárdenas attended the event and received the prize.

A possible reason for the growing interest among tourists in the UK is the introduction of the new direct flights from London to Lima, launched last May.

The post Peru: One of UK’s favourite stops appeared first on Peru Experience.

Want to sleep on the side of a mountain?

Do you dream of adventures in your sleep? Skylodge might be the place for you.

It’s a place where, while you are dreaming, you’re living an adventure.

Suspended nearly 1,000 feet high in a luxury cliff-nest, a night of sleep in one of Skylodge’s “hotel rooms” could have you thrilled, or ready for a helicopter rescue.

Over the last month, Skylodge of Cusco has been mentioned in Huffington Post, Slate, Inhabit, Gizmag, Travel Starter, the Daily Mail, among other acclaimed portals. But what these magazines and newspapers can’t get straight is whether or not it’s the most terrifying or the coolest hotel in the world.

Headlines read, “The Story Behind the Most Terrifying Hotel Rooms in the World,” or “Peru’s See-Through Pod Hotel Has a Terrifyingly Awesome View,” or “Skylodge Adventure Suites – for travelers who want to hang out in Peru.”

The hotel is owned by Peru-based tour company Natura Vive and is located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. In order to sleep there, visitors have to climb 400 meters of Via Ferrata or hike an arduous trail through ziplines.

They offer rooms with four beds each and are completely transparent to give their guests a genuine experience of the Peruvian Andes.

Within only one year their services were given an A+ by tour operators according to their website, and they have been open since June of 2013.

So, what do you think Living in Peru readers? The coolest or the most terrifying?

Facebook
Official Website

Check out Skylodge below!

(YouTube: Cusco, Zipline, Via Ferrata Climbing and Skylodge Adventure Suites by Natura Vive)

This article was brought to you by Inca Rail, a rail company that offers a smooth ride to your next adventure.

The post The coolest or the most terrifying hotel in the world, in Peru appeared first on Peru Experience.

Want to sleep on the side of a mountain?

Do you dream of adventures in your sleep? Skylodge might be the place for you.

It’s a place where, while you are dreaming, you’re living an adventure.

Suspended nearly 1,000 feet high in a luxury cliff-nest, a night of sleep in one of Skylodge’s “hotel rooms” could have you thrilled, or ready for a helicopter rescue.

Over the last month, Skylodge of Cusco has been mentioned in Huffington Post, Slate, Inhabit, Gizmag, Travel Starter, the Daily Mail, among other acclaimed portals. But what these magazines and newspapers can’t get straight is whether or not it’s the most terrifying or the coolest hotel in the world.

Headlines read, “The Story Behind the Most Terrifying Hotel Rooms in the World,” or “Peru’s See-Through Pod Hotel Has a Terrifyingly Awesome View,” or “Skylodge Adventure Suites – for travelers who want to hang out in Peru.”

The hotel is owned by Peru-based tour company Natura Vive and is located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. In order to sleep there, visitors have to climb 400 meters of Via Ferrata or hike an arduous trail through ziplines.

They offer rooms with four beds each and are completely transparent to give their guests a genuine experience of the Peruvian Andes.

Within only one year their services were given an A+ by tour operators according to their website, and they have been open since June of 2013.

So, what do you think Living in Peru readers? The coolest or the most terrifying?

Facebook
Official Website

Check out Skylodge below!

(YouTube: Cusco, Zipline, Via Ferrata Climbing and Skylodge Adventure Suites by Natura Vive)

This article was brought to you by Inca Rail, a rail company that offers a smooth ride to your next adventure.

The post The coolest or the most terrifying hotel in the world, in Peru appeared first on Peru Experience.

Want to sleep on the side of a mountain?

Do you dream of adventures in your sleep? Skylodge might be the place for you.

It’s a place where, while you are dreaming, you’re living an adventure.

Suspended nearly 1,000 feet high in a luxury cliff-nest, a night of sleep in one of Skylodge’s “hotel rooms” could have you thrilled, or ready for a helicopter rescue.

Over the last month, Skylodge of Cusco has been mentioned in Huffington Post, Slate, Inhabit, Gizmag, Travel Starter, the Daily Mail, among other acclaimed portals. But what these magazines and newspapers can’t get straight is whether or not it’s the most terrifying or the coolest hotel in the world.

Headlines read, “The Story Behind the Most Terrifying Hotel Rooms in the World,” or “Peru’s See-Through Pod Hotel Has a Terrifyingly Awesome View,” or “Skylodge Adventure Suites – for travelers who want to hang out in Peru.”

The hotel is owned by Peru-based tour company Natura Vive and is located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. In order to sleep there, visitors have to climb 400 meters of Via Ferrata or hike an arduous trail through ziplines.

They offer rooms with four beds each and are completely transparent to give their guests a genuine experience of the Peruvian Andes.

Within only one year their services were given an A+ by tour operators according to their website, and they have been open since June of 2013.

So, what do you think Living in Peru readers? The coolest or the most terrifying?

Facebook
Official Website

Check out Skylodge below!

(YouTube: Cusco, Zipline, Via Ferrata Climbing and Skylodge Adventure Suites by Natura Vive)

This article was brought to you by Inca Rail, a rail company that offers a smooth ride to your next adventure.

The post The coolest or the most terrifying hotel in the world, in Peru appeared first on Peru Experience.

Want to frolic in the snow? Then the snowy Huascaran is where you should go.

The Huascaran mountain, referred to as “the roof of Peru,” is located in the Western Cordillera of the Central Andes in the Cordillera Blanca in the Ancash department.

This mountain has three summits. The south, with the highest peak of Peru at 6768 meters above sea level; the northern peak with 6555 m.a.s.l.; and the eastern summit, with 6354 m.a.s.l.

Those who ascend to the highest points enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cordillera Blanca and Negra, lagoon glaciers, white mountains and the perfect setting with a blue sky.

It also represents an adventure for extreme athletes, some of whom climb without any help. For this it is necessary to be in good physical condition and have to be properly acclimatized. The climb can take six to ten days, with the right guidance.

Those who first climbed to the top of the southern peak did so in the 1860’s. The world record of ascent and descent was set by Andi Siebenhofer, who in 2000 reached the south summit without any assistance, only to descend by paragliding to the valley nearby.

The post Snow-capped Huascaran, the Ancash beauty appeared first on Peru Experience.

Want to frolic in the snow? Then the snowy Huascaran is where you should go.

The Huascaran mountain, referred to as “the roof of Peru,” is located in the Western Cordillera of the Central Andes in the Cordillera Blanca in the Ancash department.

This mountain has three summits. The south, with the highest peak of Peru at 6768 meters above sea level; the northern peak with 6555 m.a.s.l.; and the eastern summit, with 6354 m.a.s.l.

Those who ascend to the highest points enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cordillera Blanca and Negra, lagoon glaciers, white mountains and the perfect setting with a blue sky.

It also represents an adventure for extreme athletes, some of whom climb without any help. For this it is necessary to be in good physical condition and have to be properly acclimatized. The climb can take six to ten days, with the right guidance.

Those who first climbed to the top of the southern peak did so in the 1860’s. The world record of ascent and descent was set by Andi Siebenhofer, who in 2000 reached the south summit without any assistance, only to descend by paragliding to the valley nearby.

The post Snow-capped Huascaran, the Ancash beauty appeared first on Peru Experience.