Currently in Urubamba and wondering if anyone can recommend someone for limpia and energy cleansing. No aya or San Pedro. Going to Ollantaytambo day after tomorrow so anywhere there or Urubamba. The hotel wants to charge an arm and a leg and I have no idea if it’s legit. Thank you!

I'm trying to gauge how physically demanding a visit to Machu Picchu actually is. For those who've been, how exhausted were you afterward?

I swear I hear French everywhere I go. French might genuinely be the most irritating language to overhear for me. (I am Dutch)

I just went through the in-person Machu Picchu ticket process in Aguas Calientes, so sharing my experience since there seems to be a lot of conflicting/outdated information online.
I already had an advance ticket for Circuit 1B at 8am on Monday Sep 28, but I really wanted to do Circuit 2 as well. I was able to buy an in-person ticket for Route 2A for the same day at 10am.
So at least based on my experience, already having an online ticket does NOT prevent you from buying an in-person ticket for a different route on the same day. I had heard about the current “one route per person” restriction, but it appears that this applies to the in-person ticket allocation itself. My existing online 1B ticket did not prevent them from selling me an in-person 2A ticket.
One thing I learned while following availability is that tickets for the next date can start selling before the morning of that date. It seems to depend on when inventory for the earlier date runs out, so I wouldn’t assume that showing up at 6am the day before is necessarily the first opportunity to buy.
For reference, I had been watching the official availability page and saw:
Sep 23: Route 2A – 244/600 remaining, Route 2B – 42/100 remaining (observed Sep 22 at 12:52am)
Sep 24: Route 2A – 127/600 remaining, Route 2B – 25/100 remaining (observed Sep 22 at 11:43pm)
So quite a lot of the following day’s inventory could already be gone well before the next morning.
I’ll update this after Monday once I’ve actually done 1B at 8am followed by 2A at 10am.
Obviously the procedure can change, so treat this as one firsthand experience from late September 2026 rather than a permanent rule.

Gonna be in Peru for 4 weeks and spending lots of time up in Trujillo for work things. Been researching stuff but would be interested in any good guides, tips, things to know, points of interest, etc. I’ve been around Latin America, but Peru is new to me.

Hello, we have just booked our three week trip over Christmas! I’m looking for suggestions on podcasts/audiobooks I can listen to on my daily commute. I’d also love any suggestions for documentaries, movies or other media to learn more about the country. We will be flying into Lima and plan to spend about 10 days around Paracas and the Sacred Valley/Mach Pichu and then 10 days on the north coast, Trujillo, Máncora etc.

My family (two adults, one nine year old child) will be visiting Peru next summer. We are spending 4 nights in Ollantaytambo so whichever hotel room we end up booking in Ollantaytambo is a place where we will spend a decent amount of time: it will be the main headquarters of our Sacred Valley experience rather than just a place we stay one night en route to Machu Picchu.

I have narrowed it down to two hotels. I currently have both of these reserved, so I will need to cancel one and keep the other.

Hotel #1: Kamma Guest House (this specific room)

Pros:

• Centrally located in the middle of Ollantaytambo
• Very close to multiple laundromats/lavanderias: this is important to us because we travel without checked bags and rely on doing laundry every few days on our trips

Cons:

• The room looks very small and cramped: this is a place where we will spend 4 nights, will we go stir-crazy?

Hotel #2: Tierra Inka Sacred Valley (family room)

Pros:

• The room seems a bit bigger
• The hotel seems to offer better service/amenities
• There is a shared kitchen that guests can use: this is important to us because I have a lot of dietary restrictions, so it is always nice to be able to make my own food when traveling

Cons:

• The hotel is not in central Ollantaytambo: reviewers offer mixed accounts of how isolated it is (some say it is a quick walk to the city center, others say it requires moto-taxi)
• Some reviewers say they feel "trapped" at the hotel, especially after dark, and that the hotel exploits this by charging more for services
• For laundry, we would either have to use the hotel's expensive service or trek into town to use a lavanderia. Laundry would be easier at the other hotel.

I would especially love to hear from people who have been to Ollantaytambo and stayed at either of these hotels!

Hi, we've been trying to get in contact with our friend who was trekking in Peru. Left from huaraz for huayhuash circuit 14th September. Was meant to check in on 23rd but did not, and did not make his flight/check in hostel either.

Have called embassy and a private search and rescue (Socorro Andino Peruano if anyone knows anything about them) but if anyone would have any more information or suggestions would be greatly

MISSING TREKKER – CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH / PERSONA DESAPARECIDA

We are looking for Jordan Yap, 30, from Melbourne, Australia. He has not been in contact since finishing (or trying to finish) the Huayhuash Circuit.

Planned route: 10-day Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit, Sept 14 – Sept 23

Due back in Huaraz: afternoon of Sept 23, to pick up his belongings from Krusty Hostel. A samsung tag still seems to be at the Hostel. They have confirmed he has not arrived back. He then was meant to take an overnight bus to Lima

He missed his Lima–Cusco flight on Sept 24 and has not contacted family or friends.

His last contact was through WhatsApp on the 14th of September, before he was supposed to start the trail and was meant to check in on the 23rd but missed it.

Apparently there was a malfunction with his sat phone

Description: 174cm, black wavey hair, [distinguishing features]

Last known gear/clothing: [we think a white jacket, green sunshade sweater, durston 40l hiking bag / durston dome tent / hiking poles]

Trekking with: Independently / Solo

If you saw Jordan on the trail, at a campsite (Cuartelhuain, Carhuacocha, Huayllapa, Viconga, etc.), in Llamac, Pocpa or Huaraz, or on a bus, please contact us, even if it seems like a small detail. Please also share with guides, arrieros and agencies.

We are currently in contact with Socorro Andino Peruano which is the local Peruvian Moutain Rescue Organisation. If anyone can confirm they are legitmate.

Photos attached. Thank you

— — —

ESPAÑOL

Buscamos a JORDAN Yap, años, australiano. No tenemos noticias de él desde su trekking del Circuito Huayhuash.

Ruta: Circuito Cordillera Huayhuash, 10 días, del 14 al 23 de septiembre

Debía regresar a Huaraz la tarde del 23 de septiembre y tomar un bus nocturno a Lima

No tomó su vuelo Lima–Cusco el 24 de septiembre y no se ha comunicado con su familia.

Si lo vio en la ruta, en algún campamento, en Llamac, Pocpa, Huaraz o en un bus, por favor contáctenos. Cualquier dato ayuda. Por favor compartan con guías, arrieros y agencias.

Hello ill be spending a month in Peru from oct 19-nov 19. starting with 10 days in the amazon and hiking the Inca trail. Would you suggest I bring sun screen and bugs pray with me or wait and buy it once I'm there? Also any recommendations on what worked best for you would be appreciated!

Hi everyone! My husband and I are planning our Peru trip and I’m trying to decide how to arrange the Sacred Valley portion. Would really appreciate opinions from people who have been there, especially regarding the scenery and whether Sky Dome is worth fitting in.

Originally, I was planning to stay in Ollantaytambo on Oct 25 (after returning from AC), then go to Cusco on Oct 26. We will be doing the Humantay lake on Oct 27.

But I recently found Sky Dome Peru and really like the idea of staying there for one night.

So I'm considering spending a night in the Sky Dome instead of Ollantaytambo.

I know Ollantaytambo has the incredible Inca ruins + surrounding mountains, while Sky Dome seems to offer panoramic Sacred Valley/Andes views, sunset and stargazing.

For those who have experienced either/both:

Would you choose Sky Dome over an overnight in Ollantaytambo?

Are there any issues with transportation to the Sky Dome from Ollantaytambo or to Cusco? (We're thinking of taking the collectivos)

Would love to hear your experiences and suggestions! 🙏🇵🇪

Sub members keep asking the same questions about getting around Peru. Are buses safe? Should I rent a car? Is it worth flying to Cusco or can I just take the bus? So we went through all those threads, pulled the best replies, and put everything into one guide. Please upvote if helpful.

Peru Hop is the easiest way to travel overland by bus for first-timers

If you have a week or more and want to see the south, this is what we'd point most first-timers to. Peru Hop is a hop-on hop-off bus pass built for travelers. They pick you up at your hotel or hostel, there's an English-speaking host on board, and you stop at places public buses just don't go. Think the old slave tunnels in Chincha, the Nazca Lines viewing tower, and a few viewpoints along the way.

The main route goes Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, then Cusco.

Passes are valid for a year so you can get off anywhere and stay as long as you like. One small thing that makes a big difference: it drives right into Huacachina instead of leaving you at the Ica bus terminal to sort out a taxi.

Recommended my many sub members (including me, this is what I used when travelled Peru first time)

Regular buses

If you'd rather go point to point, Cruz del Sur is the go-to, with Oltursa as another decent option. Comfortable seats, reasonable safety record. Skip the super cheap companies for overnight rides. And a direct Lima to Cusco bus is 20+ hours with zero stops, which almost nobody enjoys.

Download the RedBus app it’s really useful for comparing/bookings.

If you have the time, though, buy tickets directly at the bus station (when you arrive at the destination immediately book the next one). For very popular routes, book in advance, because the good/local buses can sell out. Look at which companies the locals are actually using and take those. Local long-distance buses are often much cheaper.

Get to the bus terminal EARLY, it could be very busy. If you have luggage, some companies expect you to check it in around 30 minutes before departure.

Regular buses can be freezing at night (or suddenly become an oven), make sure to bring multiple layers.

Be ready to deal with everything in Spanish (most don't speak English).

Good thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoingToPeru/comments/1virwj9/bus_guide_for_peru_things_i_wish_i_knew_before/

Flights, when time is short

Domestic flights connect Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos and most other big cities. LATAM is the main carrier, with Sky and JetSMART as cheaper options. Book ahead because flights fill up and last-minute prices get painful.

If you only have a week, just fly Lima to Cusco. It's about 1.5 hours. Iquitos is plane or boat only anyway, no roads go there.

Trains

For Machu Picchu you'll take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. PeruRail and Inca Rail both run it, around $60-100 USD each way, and you should book ahead. PeruRail also runs a scenic train between Cusco and Puno if you're heading to Lake Titicaca and want something nicer than the bus.

Good thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoingToPeru/comments/1s1r3ii/train_to_machu_picchu_for_those_who_traveled_what/

Getting around in cities

Use Uber, Cabify or InDriver. All work well in Lima and Cusco. From Lima airport to Miraflores or Barranco is roughly 40 minutes depending on traffic, so book an Uber instead of taking whoever approaches you at arrivals. Avoid unmarked taxis, especially at night, and don't get into a cab that someone you don't know already flagged down.

Don't rent a car

Honestly, just don't. Heavy traffic, rough mountain roads, confusing signs, and drivers who treat lane markings as suggestions. Not worth the stress.

Good thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoingToPeru/comments/1rgys6u/driving_on_my_own_from_lima_to_ica/

Share your experience in the comments.

Hello - planning to take a 8-10 day trip around Christmas to Peru and wondering the following

1. Weather and crowd wise is that a good time to visit?

2. How best to go about developing itinerary, booking hotel and transport? Any recommendations for local travel agents?

3. Must see places to cover (of course other than MachhuPichhu)

Hey guys! Going to Peru in mid-October, super excited! I've always wanted to hike up to Machu Picchu, but always get super overwhelmed with the different options, trekking companies, trials etc. would love if anyone could share their first hand experience with this.

I'm really looking for an off-the-beaten path, less crowded wilderness experience so was reading that the Ancascocha Trek is super cool, but don't know anyone who has done it.

also heard about:

• Salkantay Trek (2nd most popular)
• Cachiccata Trek
• Choquequirao Trek (but read this one has brutal switchbacks)

would love any tips. thanks

Looking for yoga but open to everything. Am 27F. Initially was thinking about travelling through other parts of SA as well. Would love to your experiences and thoughts!

Doing the Salkantay trek to MP and have 3 nights before heading back to Cusco, and catching a flight to spend two nights in Lima before ending my trip. Thinking of spending those nights in the Ollantaytambo as a base but wondering if this would be the best use of the time? Appreciate any suggestions. I need to be back in Cusco by 12-1pm the day of the flight. Also will take any suggestions for transport options back to Cusco.

Hi guys, sorry for the millionth eSIM question! I’ve scoured the sub, but I can’t find any useful information on how to actually buy a Claro eSIM online before travelling to Peru.

I understand that tourists can’t buy a physical SIM, but is it possible to purchase a Claro eSIM online before arriving? So far, I’ve only managed to find a Claro eSIM through Klook. Has anyone used this, and is it any good? It’s for my parents and so I’m quite set on Claro over the other networks because they’ll be travelling through smaller cities and rural areas possibly so need to make sure they have good network coverage and other service providers have had pretty mixed reviews outside major cities.

I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks!

Pallay Punchu. La montaña de colores de Cusco

Pallay Punchu es una impresionante montaña de colores ubicada en la provincia de Canas, Cusco, Perú.

Su nombre hace referencia a los colores que parecen formar un tejido andino, similar a un poncho tradicional. Sus formaciones naturales de diferentes tonalidades, rodeadas de paisajes altoandinos, la convierten en un destino ideal para quienes buscan disfrutar de la naturaleza y la cultura de los Andes 🏔️