Peru Tourist Traps

  The entry line at 6:15 a.m.
by ddbleu
 
  • The entry line at 6:15 a.m.
      The entry line at 6:15 a.m.
    by ddbleu
  • the crooks of cavassa bus line in Lima terminal
      the crooks of cavassa bus line in Lima...
    by Prinsalsita
  • larco mar shops
      larco mar shops
    by riocopa
  • Museo de Historia Natural - the condor
      Museo de Historia Natural - the condor
    by ValbyDK
  • Plaza.
      Plaza.
    by mrotsmit
 

Most Viewed Tourist Traps in Peru

51.

Street Sellers   Cusco

Street Sellers, Cusco

 5 Reviews  Everywhere you turn you'll see street venders plying their wares. You can't blame them they are trying to make a dollar. Alpacha sweaters are big on the list of merchandie. It's good to know when... 

 See All 19 Tourist Traps in Cusco

52.

Disenchanted   Machu Picchu

Disenchanted, Machu Picchu

 6 Reviews  Hi, Just a quick warning for those thinking of booking a tour company to see Machu Pichu in the future. We went recently with Gecko (Peregrine) Travel and after promising in our itinerary that we... 

 See All 12 Tourist Traps in Machu Picchu

53.

Too Expensive   Machu Picchu

Too Expensive, Machu Picchu

 1 Review  Don't get me wrong. Of course you need to visit Machu Picchu, of course you need to get there. But because of this obvious necessity of mass tourism, the whole place has evolved and continuing to... 

 See All 12 Tourist Traps in Machu Picchu

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

IT NEVER ENDS

by christian99

Sacsayhuamán: On a hill overlooking Cusco, the monumental stonework at Sacsayhuamán forms massive zigzagged defensive walls of three tiers. Built by the Inca emperor Pachacútec in the mid-15th century, some blocks weigh as much as 300 tons, and they fit together seamlessly without mortar. The main pageant of the splendid Inti Raymi festival, one of the greatest expressions of Inca and Quechua culture, is celebrated every June 24 at Sacsayhuamán. Pisac Ruins: At the beginning of the Sacred Valley, just 45 minutes from Cusco, are some of the most spectacular Inca ruins in Peru. Equal parts city, religious temple, and military complex -- and perhaps a royal estate of the Inca emperor -- the ruins enjoy stunning views of the valley. A hike up the hillside to the ruins, beginning at Pisac's main square, is one of the most rewarding climbs you're likely to take. Ollantaytambo's Fortress...

MORE TO SEE

by christian99

Cantalloc Aqueduct & Chauchilla Cemetery: An incredible necropolis dating to around A.D. 1000 and a sophisticated irrigation system in the area around Nasca are two of the south's most interesting archaeological sites. Of the thousands of graves at Chauchilla, 12 underground tombs have been exposed. What they hold is fascinating: the bleached bones of children and adults with dreadlocks, and some of the garments and goodies they were buried with. Close to town, nearly three dozen aqueducts represent a spectacular engineering feat of the Incas and their predecessors. The canals have air vents forming spirals descending to the water current and are still in use today by local farmers.Colonial and Inca Cusco: Vibrant Cusco is a living museum of Peruvian history, with Spanish colonial churches and mansions sitting atop perfectly constructed Inca walls of exquisitely carved granite blocks...

A FEAST FOR THE EYE

by christian99

Islas Ballestas: The Ballestas Islands, considered the "Peruvian Galápagos," are home to an amazing roster of protected species, including huge colonies of sea lions, endangered turtles and Humboldt penguins, red boobies, pelicans, turkey vultures, and red-footed cormorants. The islands are so covered with migratory and resident sea birds that they are known for their production of guano, or bird droppings. The Ballestas are part of the Paracas National Reserve, which is two-thirds ocean.Colca Valley: The Colca Canyon is an awe-inspiring site and the best place in South America to witness giant condors, but the entire area, which Mario Vargas Llosa called the "Valley of Wonders," is extraordinarily scenic. From snowcapped volcanoes to patchwork valleys of green, narrow gorges, and beautiful desert landscapes, Colca has it all. On the way to Colca Canyon, you pass the Salinas and Aguada...

If you arrive to the Lima Airport...

by montxito

If you arrive to the Lima airport you will have many taxis inside. The taxi drivers always want to charge you the double that the common rate because they have to wait for a one or two hours for take a passager, they must to pay for to be inside the airport and they want to traps tourists.If you arrived in the day and only have a back pack and a luggage, try to walk outside the airport, you can obtain a cheaper service.For your security always try to take a yellow taxi, they are registered in the town council and they founded easily if you forget something inside. The rate in the yellow taxi is the same of the other ones and some time cheaper.Some taxi right rate outside airport (S/. 3.5 =US$ 1):To downtown S/. 10 - 12 (ten to twelve soles)To San Miguel-Callao S/. 7 - 10To Magdalena - San Isidro S/. 10 - 12To San Borja - Miraflores S/. 12 - 15To Surco - Barranco - La Molina S/. 15 - 20

Cajamarca : The Banks - Les Banques

by Maillekeul

Have a look at the tip on my Peru Page and read the summary of our unfortunate adventure with fake bills given by ATM...Allez jeter un oeil sur le tip de ma page Peru et lisez le resume de notre mesaventure avec les faux billets des distributeurs des banques...

Kids looking for money

by lauren6

Women dress their children in traditional garb and have them holding things such as goats (see below) in order to make money for the family. The children will follow you everywhere and beg for money. Beware.

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Lima: Museo de la Nación

by tini58de

Av. Javier Prado Este 2465, San Borja T 476 9878 (Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-6pm)Maybe tourist trap is a little harsh, but I would like to bring some of the pros and cons about this place to your attention:This is a large museum with an interesting collection of artefacts from pre-Hispanic Peru. There is a good display of the development of the different cultures right up to the Incas, and the museum gives a clear idea of the extensive nature of pre-Hispanic Peru, and the importance of the north coast especially. However, many of the displays are badly lit and the explanations are often inadequate. Additionally, many of the most interesting items are copies, with the originals in other museums, such as the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología y Historia del Peru. The museum is not particularly close to any other areas of interest in Lima, so a taxi or a bus will have to be taken to reach...

Tip Photo
Beware of kids gang getting near you

by B_Lacombe

In Lima, there are a different kind of piranhas: gang of kids surrending you and emptying your pocket, taking away your camera, emptying your packsac, etc. They operate in groups. So beware, if you see them around, try to disappear as fast as you can. If you see seomething suspect, it can be a trap, don't go, turn away, as pick pocket will try to attract tourists to see something and do their job as the tourist attentiion is focused... Another trick consist of opening your backpack in a crowded bus with a knife. As your luggage spills over the floor, every one around joins in to take whatever they want ... you do the same... Really bad experience. Keep secret pockets, hide your stuff as much as possible. Be vigilant. Remember that even young athletic Peruvians gets stolen. Actually EVERYONE I know who live in Lima got street attacked at one point or another. Some more than once...In...

Guides

by zzaappedd

Not exactly a tourist trap per se, but quite the same feeling. Only once we hired a guide, and it was well worth it. Most of the time we overheard other guides at ruins/monuments/etc. The quality of these guides varies GREATLY. The impression I got, was that less than half where good. Therefore, if you join a group on a guided tour or hire the guide yourself, you may spend the day listening to simple, obvious and sometimes outdated explanations. Try to find recommended guides (who sometimes work for several companies). Ask to join a guided group after you have listened to him. Or buy a good guidebook. For Macchu Pichu we bought an excellent guide. It was step by step and packed with serious knowledge. Some guides we saw commented to their clients what they had read on our guide as they passed by.

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Pachacute monument on avenida El Sol

by B_Lacombe

There is a small tower with the sculpure of Tupak Amaru, the inca. Inside there almost nothing to see and the view on top. well go on the mountains all around. Inside is the ugliest condor of the planet. I wrote to the citiy officials to change it. Until then ... see the picture by yourself. I forgot to mention: Tourist have to pay to go inside... Don't go. There is almost nothing to see except the Condor. . The view over Cusco can be seen from any mountain around, much higher much better. The best spot is the Belvedere where most Cuscenians go to. There is a restaurant that is open most of the time

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Top 3 Hotels in Peru

JW Marriott Hotel Lima  Lima

 7 Reviews and 251 Opinions  We did not stay here, but it was pointed out to us as the hotel used for some of the VIPs that came... 

 Hotels in Lima

Hostal Rumi Punku  Cusco

 7 Reviews and 486 Opinions  Very nice hotel including all amenities, even wi-fi. Recommend the tours booked via Sergio at the... 

 Hotels in Cusco

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel  Machu Picchu

 303 Opinions

 Hotels in Machu Picchu

Questions and Answers

larricat profile photo

Q:  We will be traveling in Dec. can only spend about 6 days in Peru. Would appreciate any suggestions on how to best use our time. ... 

hawkhead profile photo

A: Firstly, if you stay on the coast, be prepared for heat and humidity. If you go inland, be prepared for altitude. I imagine you will be arriving first off in Lima? Six... 

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