Peru

Machu Picchu for less than $80 dollars. Going to South America? Or travelling Peru? No trip is complete without a visit to the lost city of the Inca's, Machu Picchu. But what if you're backpacking and trying to live on less than a minimum a day? The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu can cost up to $130 for a return (which is a big chunk out of your budget) and that doesn't even include things like accommodation, food or other transport. But as always, there's a way around (literally this time). I have to admit, it takes a bit longer but that doesn't mean a day wasted. It takes you over mountain roads and through lush green valleys, you'll pass scenic villages and sandy lost towns, you'll encounter some landslides and very steep cliffs. Even that would be worth the trip. First, take an (early) bus to Ollantaytambo, 1.5 hours. Here you'll find the best remaining example of the planning of an Inca town. A little walk outside the town will bring you to ruins, a nice first stop. From the main square you'll need to catch the (big red) bus to Santa Maria. This ride takes about 3,5 hours and brings you up to about 4000 meters and then back down into the heat. During rain season (oct-apr) there are many landslides on the road. It's safe to drive there, though it might take a little longer because the men on the bus need to jump off to take away the rocks. In Santa Maria you haggle over a taxi that takes you through Santa Teresa, all the way up to the Hydroelectrica. This shouldn't cost more than 3-5 dollar. The road follows the river and goes along some really steep cliffs, don't sit at the window if you suffer from vertigo. You'll be dropped off at the Hydroelectrica, which is, apart from being a hydroelectrica, the train station at the end of the train track. The part from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectrica wasn't in use for a couple of years but is used again. Here you can choose whether you want to take the train or walk along the train tracks. If you decide to walk, be careful and listen if you can hear the train coming. You'll hear it from quite a distance though. Don't forget to bring a flashlight since you'll have to go through a tunnel. It will take about 4 hours to walk, the train will get you there in about 30 minutes and costs $8. Either way, you'll end up in Aguas Calientes where you spend the night. It's best to buy your entrance ticket that day in Aguas Calientes to skip the queue at Machu Picchu ($20/$40 student/adult). There's two ways of getting to the archaeological site, by bus or by foot. The walk is quite tough, all uphill for about an hour. I would say, save your energy and take the bus so you can climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain towering over the lost city. The bus costs $7 and takes 40 minutes. Then, enjoy! For the way back, you can take exactly the same way. Unfortunately the train to Hydroelectrica only leaves at 7.00 and 12.00 am. This would mean a short visit to Machu Picchu if you want to climb the mountain as well. Though the site opens at 6.00 am so you should be able to catch the 12.00 am train (allow 2 hours for the mountain). Otherwise you can stay an extra day or take the train directly to Cusco or Ollantaytambo. If you're in the train to the Hydroelectrica, try to find some tour guides that go back to Cusco. They'll take you for about $15. Adding up all the costs will leave you spending: 1. Cusco - Ollantaytambo: $4 2. Ollantaytambo - Santa Maria: $5 3. Santa Maria - Hydroelectrica: $4 4. Train to Aguas Calientes (x2): $16 5. Hydroelectrica - Cusco : $15 6. Bus to Machu Picchu : $14 7. Accommodation: $6 8. Food: $15 Total: $79 You can skip numbers 4 and 6, saving you another 30 dollars. Welcome to Machu Picchu poor backpackers!

Avoid the hideous shopping centre! If you're just stopping over on your way further south or before heading accross to the national parks, you would do better to stay in Puerto Varas.

awesome city, loads of fun, a great hostel to stay at is the case de la gringa near san blas plaza.. also the blueberry cafe has fantastic sandwhiches

Try to get an accommodation in San Blas. For headaches, try Mate de Coca, helps a lot!

Although Puno yet looks like another unfinished city in Peru, it got character. Booming nightlife on Friday and Saturday and during the day you could visit some of the ruins or villages around Puno or go to the Islands on the Lake titicaca.. (floating islands and Isla Taquile are cool and easy to get to either independent or with a tour)

Tingo Maria es una ciudad muy hermosa, puerta de entrada al amazonas peruano, muy cerca de Huanuco. Exelente comida, gente muy amable y con muchos atractivos turisticos como la famosa Cueva de las Pavas si quieren un viaje exitante y aventurero, no dejen de visitar Tingo Maria, y por supuesto busquen un riquisimo brebaje conocido como Coca Souer, los dejara paraditos sobretodo despues de una noche de jolgorio!

Pucallpa es una ciudad en medio de la selva amazónica de Perú está en el departamento de Ucallaly y es puerto del rio Ucallaly, muy cerca hay una reserva indígena "shipivas" ellos pintan textiles autóctonos preciosos. Visiten la laguna de yarinacocha, hay restaurant ´de comida típica (cecina con tacacho delicioso) hay un hotel sobre la laguna en palafito ¡¡soñado!!

If you´re staying in a residential area and you hear a constant loud screeching in the night, it´s not an owl. Unfortunately, it´s the traffic guys and the park police, reminding everyone to keep off the grass!

Nazca Lines are pretty amazing, not as big as you expect, but still amazing. Not too much to do in the touristy town of Nazca other than eat drink and souvenier shop, But you can go sandboarding on the nearby sand dunes. I think it is the Friendly Brothers or a name similar to that, they are in the guidebook and run good deals on both, and if you go with them they let you use the facilities of their hostel for the day. Especially good were you taking an overnight bus in and out. If possible, email them in advance because most flights depart early morning (maybe delayed if waiting for clouds to roll out.)

Moquehua es muy turistico aunque no es tan lindo como otros lugares de sudamerica pero lejos lo mejor es la plaza y la catedral!!