A week is a reasonable amount of time if you only visit Lima and the Sacred Valley. I was fortunate to go to Peru several times in the 1980’s on business and managed to fly to Cuzco for a weekend but that short a visit didn’t do the area justice. However The Shining Path was present then so a longer visit increased the risk of trouble. At least Machu Picchu was not overrun with tourists on that first visit.
It wasn’t until I took my oldest daughter and son to Peru in 2001 for three weeks that we were able to spend a week or so in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley exploring sites. We had a wonderful time. Happy to go offline and make some suggestions.
Finally took my wife to Peru a few years ago. We only spent a few days in Lima: the food was the main attraction there. There are many other places in Peru more interesting than Lima.
Thanks. I would love to spend a few weeks in the Sacred Valley area (the hiking trails alone look amazing), but we are somewhat limited by having a five year old in tow (main concern would be altitude sickness so am having a think about that one in terms of trip planning) so will probably be a bit more conservative when it comes to exploring the smaller towns.
They are having elections on April 12 in 2025 (they moved them up a year) so there could be some exposure to political instability as well. Also mulling that one over.
Given what you say about a five year old in tow, I would use Cuzco as your base in The Sacred Valley and just do the day train trip to Machu Picchu. My recommendation for an overnight stay in The Sacred Valley would be Ollantaytambo.
Altitude sickness does seem to be more of an issue for younger travellers than older so there is that. The mate de coca does help however. Also take it easy your first day in Cuzco after flying from Lima.
There is always some risk in visiting Perú but a veteran traveller such as yourself knows how to mitigate that. Alan Garcia was running for President during two of my visits and I posed for photos for family in front of his giant “Alan for President” signs. Never lingered too long in front of the signs though.
I only had one night I could stay in Cuzco the first time I visited Peru but realized it would be a nice place to settle into for a longer visit. I stayed four nights on subsequent visits with my kids and wife.
There is much to see in and around the town as well as it is just being a pleasant place to hang out in. Just take it easy that first day after flying from Lima to Cuzco because of the altitude change.
There is a safer route at the other end of the ruins that also gives a good overview. Have attached a photo of the view from our last trip there. (my wife in the foreground.)
If anyone has any suggestions for activities with a 17 year old whose response to most questions is “uhhh, I don’t know” or “uhhh, maybe”, please let me know. We’ll only be there for about 24 hours, and already are planning on going to the Richmond night market on Saturday night and the aquarium Sunday morning. We’re staying near Stanley Park. Not knowing how much of a border wait we’ll have on Saturday (should reach the border between noon and 1pm), I wanted to be flexible. Is the Vancouver Lookout pretty much the same as the Space Needle? I also wondered about seeing the site of the 2010 Olympics. I don’t think he’ll be interested in window shopping along Robson Street. Even recommendations for breakfast or lunch would be welcome. Given time restraints, I want to stick to being in the city or south.
Weather should be fabulous this weekend so plan outdoor activities. Walking anywhere in Stanley Park is lovely but especially along the waterfront. If you have a car rental, Lynn Park Canyon on the North Shore is awesome viewing and Steveston to the South is fun.
Vancouver is a foodie city so just check out Yelp or TripAdvisor on restaurants in the area you want to eat in.
Thanks! We’re driving up from Seattle. Most of my Vancouver trips have been for Canucks games or going to Cyclone & Taylor, but my younger son has never been. Steveston looks interesting. I’m not sure if Lynn Park Canyon will have parking issues given a sunny, holiday weekend. but I’ll keep it in mind. I half thought about throwing a couple of inflatable SUPs in the car, but I decided paddleboarding might be more hassle than it’s worth for such a short trip.
Paddle boarding is awesome from the beaches where we live (Kitsilano) but it is a bit of a hassle transporting them. You can always rent if the spirit moves you. Since you are driving from Seattle, Steveston is a short side trip going in either direction. Great seafood and vibe there.
Everywhere will be busy as Vancouverites tend to stay in town on long weekends and we get a lot of Americans this time of year for cruises, etc. The waterfront near the Olympic flame has great views.
Steveston should work well. If we’re hung up at the border for a long time, that might be a good option before the Richmond night market. Otherwise we can hit it on the way home.
I imagine the paddle boarding is lovely there. It’s nice having inflatables and an electric pump. Perhaps another time!
