Explore Peru: Machu Picchu

who to trek with:

Salkantay Trekking: If you’re looking to trek all the way to Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco, we absolutely recommend booking with Salkantay Trekking company.  While you may have the famous Inca Trail in mind for your trip, we highly suggest taking the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu for it’s varied scenery and less crowded trails.  The trek begins at a higher elevation where the first night you camp next to large glaciers and ascend to heights of 15,000 ft.  As the trail continues to the city of Aguas Calientes below Machu Picchu, you descend into the lush cloud forest with raging rivers and spectacular biodiversity.  Salkantay Trekking offers professional and friendly guides, delicious food, and generous staff.  Live Worldly recommends their 5 day/4 night Classic Trek (approx. $500 USD) here at http://www.salkantaytrekking.com/salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu.html or visit them in their office in the city of Cusco.  Read more about Live Worldly team member Katie’s experience with Salkantay Trekking at ______

how to get there:

Peru Rail: Another alternative to arriving at Machu Picchu is taking the quite reliable Peru Rail train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.  Whether you’re not quite in physical shape to trek or are in a time crunch,  Peru Rail offers multiple rides to multiple cities throughout Peru with daily departures.  http://www.perurail.com/

where to stay: 

Tierra Viva: Located in the city of Aguas Calientes, a 20 minute bus ride below the ruins of Machu Picchu, is the Tierra Viva Machu Picchu hotel.  The city of Aguas Calientes is just a resting point for most tourists before they head to the ruins and most only stay 1-2 nights, that said it can be hard to find quality service at a reasonable price. Tierra Viva is known for being clean and offering a fresh breakfast to its guests.  When making a reservation, ask for a room with a view of the river.  Prices being at $125 USD/night, book now on www.tripadvisor.com through the end of March and recieve 20% off your reservation.  http://tierravivahoteles.com/tierra-viva-machu-picchu/

Hotel Flower’s House: Hotel accommodations in Aguas Calientes are known for being overpriced, so if you’re backpacking on a budget we suggest you book with Hotel Flower’s House located near the train station.  Clean rooms, peaceful quite, 24/7 free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, hair dryers, and suites with jacuzzi spas are offered.  Room pricing begins at $40 USD/night/pp.  http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Hotel-Flower-s-House/Aguas-Calientes/87664?dateFrom=2015-02-12&dateTo=2015-02-13&sc_sau=avdc&sc_pos=1

 

where to eat: 

The Tree House: You’ll find inexpensive, mediocre burgers and pizza all around Aguas Calientes.  But if you’re dying for some good food after a long trek to Machu Picchu, the Tree House is a popular choice with consistently delicious traditional Peruvian and international cuisine.  While it may be more expensive than most restaurants you’ll find, the dishes are made by experienced chefs and will not disappoint.  Dishes range from $8-$25 USD.  We recommend trying the Causita Achevichada (ceviche) as a starter and then the grilled alpaca with Andean potato pie as an entree.  http://www.rupawasitreehouse.com/indexEN.html

Explore Peru: Mancora

where to stay:

Samana Chakra: A beautiful beach retreat on the coast with an eastern fusion, focusing upon relaxation and healing.  Samana Chakra is the place to stay after a long haul on the road to experience reflexology treatments and yoga instruction, for the traveler with a few extra dollars to spare.  Stay in a private bungalow right on the water for: $100/night pp double occupancy during low season                  http://www.samanachakra.com/       

Naif Rustic & Ecological Lodge: A quaint, eco-friendly retreat for those on a budget.  Naif offers cooking classes to guests who want to learn to cook authentic Peruvian dishes; hot water, wifi, and breakfast included; located 60 meters from the beach and a 2 minute walk from town: prices starting at $30/night pp

http://www.naifmancoraperu.com/ingles/index.html

where to eat:

Papa Mo’s Milk Bar: The place to go for fresh fruit smoothies or a delicious brunch when you’re craving food from home.  Papa Mo’s also boasts a gorgeous beachfront location.Smoothies $2-4 http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g635976-d6436417-Reviews-Papa_Mo_s_Milk_Bar-Mancora_Piura_Region.html

La  Sirena d’Juan: Proclaimed as the best restaurant in all of Mancora, you can expect some local seafood done with a delicious twist.  Stop in for some yellowfish tuna in yellow curry.  Main dishes $10 and up.  

who to tour with:

Pacifico Adventures Ecotourismo: Offers marine tours and promotes tourism for conservation;  The company offers tourist activities while also combining scientific investigation.  Whale watching tours, snorkeling, pelagic bird watching, and offshore fishing.   http://www.pacificoadventures.com/index2.html

Explore Peru: Cusco

where to stay: 

Piccola Locanda: Located two blocks from the Plaza de Armas in San Cristobal, this hostel is a tranquil getaway for travelers returning from Machu Picchu.  During your stay at Piccola Locanda, you contribute to two local projects in Cusco that support children.  Free wifi, housekeeping, luggage storage, hairdryers, and more.  Starting at $27 pp/night.  http://www.piccolalocanda.com/locanda_ing.html

Eco Hostel, Yoga Farm: A quick 30 minutes outside the city center of Cusco is the cozy, picturesque eco hostel owned by yoga teachers Marisol and Christian.  Their beautiful property houses up to 9 guests a night in cabin-like accommodations and also offers a temple for meditation, yoga classes, a garden, and a view of the Andes.  $30pp/night.  Contact them through Air B&B at

where to eat: 

The Meeting Place: This cafe located in Plaza San Blas not only has the most delicious milkshakes in all of Cusco, but donates 100% of it’s profit to local projects.  Visit them to support project in Cusco and for a taste of home.   http://www.themeetingplacecusco.com/ 

Read more about The Meeting Place on our guest blog at  www.liveworldly.squarespace.com/interact

Aldea Yanapay: Affordable prices and delicious international cuisine are almost enough to draw us to this cozy restaurant.  The best part about it though is that Aldea Yanapay also functions as an afterschool program to keep local children educated and off the streets.  The profits from the restaurant go back to support  the program.  Pop in for a falafel dish or something traditionally Peruvian.  Dishes range from $4 to $12.  http://yanapay.facipub.com/index.php?fp_verpub=true&idpub=67

who to tour with:

Wayki Trek: Tour the city of Cusco with this awesome company for the day.  Options include within the city or delving into the Sacred Valley.  Wayki also offers a variety of treks to Machu Picchu and other action-adventure tours.  Check them out at  http://www.waykitrek.net/daily_tours/city-tour-in-cusco/

Explore Peru: Arequipa

where to stay:

 Colca Lodge Eco Hotel:  Located just north of Arequipa, the Colca Lodge Eco Hotel offers panoramic mountain and river views of the Colca Valley.  Its natural environment includes thermal water springs for guests to enjoy, as well as hiking, fishing, biking and many more outdoor activities.  Free Wifi, breakfast, and shuttle services included.  Prices start at $170.  http://colca-lodge.com/en/spa

La Plaza Arequipa Hotel Boutique:  Centrally located in the historical, commercial, and financial area of Arequipa, this hotel is a combination of modern yet classic Arequipa style.  Guests enjoy the included breakfast on the hotel’s balcony which overlooks beautiful views of the Cathedral of Arequipa and the Plaza de Armas.   http://laplazaarequipahotel.pe/en/

where to eat: 

Tradición Arequipa:  At this restaurant you will enjoy classic Peruvian and Areuipeño dishes.  Guests enjoy the open seating in the gardens, live music, and mix of locals and tourists.  Dishes start at $18. http://www.tradicionarequipena.com/

Peruvian Cooking Experience:  This cooking class experience includes preparing traditional Peruvian recipes with local chefs, but also a tour of the Ancient Local Market of the city while gathering cooking ingredients.  After two hours of hands on cooking and exploring Peruvian cuisines, groups enjoy their creations! http://www.peruviancookingexperience.com/specials.html  

who to tour with: 

Pablo Tour:  The Pablo Tour agency is certified in ecotourism and responsible tourism in Colca and Cotahuasi Canyon.  What sets Pablo Tours apart from others in the area is its specialty in adventure tourism and ecological tours.  The tours are designed for individual groups based on traveler’s preference and physical capabilities. For those who wish to have a more relaxing tour, cultural tours are offered as well. http://pablotour.com/eng/colcacultural.html

Explore Peru: Lima

where to stay: 

Red Phsycho Llama Eco Hostal:  Focusing on sustainable business practices, this hostel provides a relaxing and ultra-friendly environment for travelers.  Red Psycho Llama believes in improving your traveling experience through positively impacting the environment.  This colorful hostel is located in Miraflores and includes Free WiFi, free breakfast, an outdoor terrace, and much more! Prices start at $30 per night. http://www.redpsychollama.com

Casa Wayra B&B:  Surrounded by energetic local restaurants, Casa Wayra is a quaint bed and breakfast conveniently located in the Miraflores neighborhood.  The interior includes traditional Peruvian décor, basic facilities, and private bathrooms.  Guests frequently enjoy the colorful outdoor terrace with a beautiful Pacific Ocean view.  Travelers love the friendly staff and central location! Prices start at $50 per night.  http://www.casawayra.com

where to eat:

Bioferia de Miraflores:  If you wish to purchase cooking supplies for your stay in Lima and are eager to explore the local lifestyle and foods that represent the exotic biodiversity of Peru, check out the organic farmer’s market in Miraflores.  Discovering delicious fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, etc. from all over the country is a Peruvian experience not to miss! Opened Saturdays only from 8:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. 

http://www.limaeasy.com/shopping-in-lima/markets/bioferia-miraflores

El Inquiri:  This family-owned restaurant specializes in food from the jungle regions of Peru.  Besides trying exotic dishes such astacacho (salted smoked pork) and cecina (fried plantains mixed with pork fat), explore an array of juices made from jungle fruits. http://frayedpassport.com/budget-travel-where-find-great-food-lima-peru/

where to go out: 

Help! Retro bar: Those of you backpackers looking for a great night filled with live music and dancing- this is the discoteca just for you.  Help! is located in the historic, underrated neighborhood of Barranco, where you'll find many young Limeños on the weekends.  Thursdays are the night to go, with live music nights from Salsa to Reggae.  http://www.discotecaslima.com/barranco/help-retro-bar.html

who to tour with: 

Haku tours:  This tour company provides unique local tours of Lima and donates profits to help families from the Shanty Towns (which 80% of people in Lima live).  Tour groups are small with a maximum of 6 people.  Peruvian cooking lessons and market tours are also available! Tours prices start at $37.  Cooking lesson and market tour start at $60. http://www.hakutours.com/index.php