h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The good news is that I'm finally going to Macchu Picchu in a month. The bad news is that I'm going crazy trying to plan my itinerary, what hotels to stay in, how long to stay, what to take, where to eat etc. How much faith should one put in guide-books when booking palces unseen? (Pulls another clump of hair out and adds it to a growing pile).

Any advice from connosseurs on Lima and Cuzco would be most welcome.

Hi,

Maybe this is too late, maybe you have heard this all before.
I have been to Lima many times, as well as Cuzco. Lima is generally
a dirty crowded city that abounds with Thieves ready to rip off the unwary tourist. Stay in the big hotels, never take taxis called
"Tico Taxi" If you can hire an official guide reccomended by your hotel. Don't wear jewellery or an expensive watch.Keep your money
close to your body. I.e hidden under your clothes. In other words be very very alert when on the street.

Cuzco on the other hand is clean, there a are still thieves. The tourist center is very helpful and will reccomend a good hotel for you. When you arrive at Cuzco airport you might be offered a tea of Coco leaves.
Drink it, it will alleviate the affects of altitude ( Approximatly
12,500 Feet ) To allow your body to aclimmatise to the high altitude, rest for a least four hours in your hotel before starting your touristy stuff.


Machu Picchu is out of this world you will be awed by this old Inca city.

Have a great and safe trip.

Manawak

Hi Manawak

Thanks for the tips, which are very welcome, and in time, as I am actually flying to Peru in less than a week now!

So would carrying a handbag on the streets of Lima be a bad idea?

Hi Go Go,

Yes a very bad idea. I know Lima very well and have seen bag snatchers at work. Try to wear a money belt under your clothes.
Oh by the way. What ever you do not drink water unless bottled and do not eat salads ( They might have been washed under a fawcett ).
The nicest area around Lima is probably Mira Flores. Its where the
"Pleasure seekers go. You can tour Lima at night on a bus that,
belive it or not, includes free drinks usually ruma and coke, a small band and dancing. Yes on the bus, it's true. I believe the bus leaves from Mira Flores. It's quite an experience.

Manawak

The hotel I'm staying in is in Mira Flores. Will definitely look out for that bus...sounds wild! Am there for 3 days and then fly to Cuzco for ten days...

Thanks for reminding me...I must buy a money belt this week.

Go Go Girl

I have just remembered the bus is called PARRANDERO.

Let me know how your visit to Peru went when you get back.

MANAWAK

Thanks for that...I'll certainly report back after my trip. Why, I might even send you a virtual postcard...

GGG