Overview

Peru is located on the west coast of South America just south of the Equator. Peru is a developing nation, and a wide range of tourist facilities and services are available.

Getting There

Flights

We planned originally to fly to Lima, and then bus it to Huaraz and use that as our base.

Most tickets were $1000+ from Pittsburgh. Flying out of Philly midweek is significantly cheaper, and 2+ stops on the flight (yea, yea, pain in the ass) is cheaper still.

Currently there is no regular air service or passenger trains that service the Huaraz area.

Buses

Lima to Huaraz typically takes 7 to 8 hours on a bus.

Most South American buses are clean, and efficient. The most reliable bus companies, run full charter buses with reclining chairs (bus camas), video monitors and come with undercarriage luggage space. Some buses serve on-route snacks and have a restroom in the back. It is always advisable to check and see that the bus you are taking is direct. Those that are not direct, which are usually the cheaper bus companies, often stop and pick up passengers along the road. Bus robberies are not unheard of, and there have been cases of groups of people entering full buses and robbing everyone on board. Avoid this experience by paying a little more and taking direct buses.

Two good spots to stay in Miraflores, Lima (the best neighborhood while there):

• HomePeru - Av. Arequipa 4501, Miraflores. Lima - Peru. T. (511) 241-9898 -- awesome hot showers. clean rooms. nice chill breakfast.
• K'usillu's hostel -- Av. Larco 655, Miraflores -- the owner of this backpackers hostel is very friendly and cool (reggae in the morning, reggae in the evening), and reasonable prices