PERU Recommendations

LIMA
The 411 - It's infamous and steeped in history. Not someplace I'd spend alot of time in, but it's worth checking out the architecture in the old quarter.
Sleep - Hotel Espana is in a great location, has tons of character + a rooftop restaurant

ICA/HUACACHINA
The 411 - Skip Ica and head straight to Huacachina for bungalow accomodations and a relaxed vibe. Don't miss a late afternoon dunebuggie ride through the dunes and sandboarding.

NAZCA
The 411 - Home of the infamously mysterious "Nazca Lines". Not a must-do, but definitely interesting. Make sure to take some motion-sickness pills as many people just end up counting the minutes until it's over.

AREQUIPA
The 411- Beautifully preserved colonial city, friendly people + good food. Make sure to see the Monastery of Santa Catalina + Juanita the frozen "Ice Princess".

COLCA CANYON
The 411 - Not the most interesting or scenic hike I've done, but it's O.K. The villages on the rim and sighting of giant, Andean condors are the highlight of a visit to this area.

CUZCO + THE SACRED VALLEY
The 411 - An even MORE beautifully preserved, colonial town. This place is great for SEVERAL days walking up + down winding stairs through the old town, as well as setting out on foot to the nearby ruins at Sacsayhuaman. Also the perfect place to buckle down and brush up on your Spanish. Classes vary to meet your schedule + desires - Daily, weekly, monthly + private or group classes. My experience with this was VERY positive. Cuzco is also the base for visiting the Sacred Valley (especially Ollantaytambo), booking your Inca Trail trek + checking out the markets + ruins at Piscac, Chinchero + Tipon. Don't rush it! I spent 2-1/2 weeks here NO problem... You could EASILY spend more.
Eat - Jack's has delicious, fresh + innovative western cuisine

MACHU PICCHU
The 411 - Don't even THINK about getting here any other way than the 4-day hike on the Inca Trail. This is too special of a place not to get there the way it was intended.

PUNO
The 411 - This is the base for touring Lake Titicaca from the Peruvian side. The reed islands are interesting, but the overnight island stay is a touristy experience. MUCH better is to explore Isla del Sol from the Bolivian side. See that section for more details.


RECOMMENDED 2-3 WEEK ITINERARY -
You have a few options here, but for a first trip of this length I would make Cuzco my base and focus all my time in + around the Sacred Valley.

APPROXIMATE COSTS (For Low Budget Travel)
Room - $4-6/1p
Meal - $1-5/pp
Beer - $1.50
Visa - 90 days FREE

What's to Like?
Unforgetable scenery, Mind-blowing Incan ruins, colonial architecture + indigenous culture.

What's Not?
Lima + overtly amorous men. It's also one of the more touristy countries in South America and sometimes feels like it's completely been packaged, still, it's popular with good reason.

Will you Starve to Death?
Not so easy for vegetarians, but Arequipa + Cuzco have several tasty western-style restaurants that offer something for everyone. You'll definitely get your fill of potatoes.

Will you Dig It?
You've GOTTA go at least ONCE in your lifetime.

Check the "link" for photos of Peru