Cusco, Puno & Lima (Peru)

[sunshinedaydreams]

We're leaving next week for Peru. We have three days in Cusco, then hike the Inca Trail, four days in Puno (Lake Titicaca) and a full day layover (7am - 12am) in Lima on the way home.

I've done a bit of research on Cusco and Puno and think I know what we want to do there, but I'm totally overwhelmed by Lima. If you only had one day, what would you do/see in Lima?

I'd love to hear your suggestions for Cusco and Lake Titicaca area, too.

[emilyinchile]

I would go to the Museo de Oro, the San Francisco Monastery which is right on the central plaza and eat at a Gastón Acurio restaurant - either La Mar (fancy ceviche) or Astrid & Gastón (upscale general Peruvian, one of the best restaurants in the world). There are many other good restaurants, Peruvian food is great, but Acurio is a well-known Peruvian chef credited with giving the cuisine a push internationally, so with just one day, I'd want to go to one of his top restaurants.

[Deleted]

Here's what we did: aroundtheworldwithrebecca.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Lima. I maily can recommend eating at Lucha and checking out kenedy Park, Restaurant Huaca Pucllana was also pretty good.

For Cusco we didn't have much time aroundtheworldwithrebecca.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Cusco but the Inka Museum was pretty neat.

[lauree1183]

We spent 36 hours in Lima when we went, unfortunately for me I had picked up a bacteria infection and all I saw was the inside of our hotel bathroom.

All this to say- don't forget an antibiotic from your doctor for your trip! In all my research for our trip I never came across this bit of advice and it would have saved me a whole lot of trouble and pain.

Enjoy the Inca Trail, we loved it!

[anna7602]

Oct 5, 2012 9:27:36 GMT -5 lauree1183 said:

All this to say- don't forget an antibiotic from your doctor for your trip!

I'm not sure what this comment is about, but just be aware of the altitude in Cusco. DH got pretty bad altitude sickness when we arrived. It affects everyone differently. I was fine, but I also made sure to stay super hydrated and to avoid alcohol and caffeine (two things DH had on day one in Cusco). The coca tea is reported to also help with the altitude. I drank it every morning, but again, not sure if I just wasn't destined to get any kind of altitude sickness.

I second the Museo del Oro in Lima. We were with local friends in Lima, so I have only vague recollections of being led around everywhere else, but I do distinctly remember this museum.

[SJ]

Oct 4, 2012 18:48:31 GMT -5 sunshinedaydreams said:

If you only had one day, what would you do/see in Lima?

EAT!

[Captain Serious]

If you are worried about the altitude, there is medicine that increases your red blood cells that you can get from your doctor before you leave. I have issues with nausea above 10,000 feet, and it really helped me, especially when we stayed on an island in Lake Titicaca.

As for Lima, definitely go to the Plaza Mayor for the changing of the guard and I second the San Francisco Monastery. Anything in addition to those two things is bonus!

[scout8]

For altitude sickness, I bought an over the counter med while I was there that really helped. Unfortunately, I no longer remember the name, but I think it was similar to a stronger version of Excedrin as it had aspirin and caffeine. So, I would recommend taking Excedrin with you and trying that if you get altitude sickness.

[frlcb]

I couldn't take the altitude medicine because I am allergic to sulfa and have traveled in SA to higher altitudes a few times, the coca tea does help.

[sunshinedaydreams]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! And for the altitude sickness precautions. We've been places at similar altitudes with no issues before, but I'll be sure to pack something with us just in case.