I have wanted to go to Peru since I was about 15 and Machu Picchu has always been one of my top 3 things to see on my bucket list. After hiking the Lost City and El Mirador I thought 2020 was the year. So I decided I was just going to book it! After booking the Inca trail trek I was trying to figure out the best way to see some more of Peru. I also realized flights were a lot cheaper into Lima than Cusco (you needed a connecting flight from Lima to Cusco). I thought since I had some extra time it would be good to fly into Lima and then slowly make my way to Cusco. That would help with both the altitude and mean getting to see more of Peru. I just had to figure out how…Peru hop!
I found Peru hop on Google and then was later told about it by a friend who had used it. To me it seemed the best and most economical way to get from Lima to Cusco and there also seemed to be a lot to do along the way. I went back and forth on how many stops to do but I ended up settling on Lima to Cusco with stops at Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, and Arequipa. I was torn between Arequipa and Puno but choose Arequipa because I wanted to hike the Colca Canyon. Plus, my friend recommended it over Puno. I would like to see Lake Titicaca. However, I have heard to go see it from the Bolivia side…am I already planning my next trip?
My ticket for the Peru hop was $179 plus a card fee of about $9. That’s not bad for Lima to Cusco plus a few free tours included. You get to see the secret slave tunnels, the Paracas National Reserve plus a Pisco tour (posts coming soon). They will also help you book additional tours along the way. I had everything booked prior to becausewe had a tight schedule. However, many people booked their tours while onthe bus. They will even help you find hostels and hotels. Plus many places offer a discount if you show your wrist band.
Another perk with Peru hop is you do not have a permanent schedule. Once you sign up they give you access with a login to the website. From here you go and schedule the days you want to take the bus. You also schedule the pick up location. If you get to a place and decided instead of staying 2 days you want to stay 5 you just login and change the date. This is great for long term travelers because it gives you sooo much flexibility. You also meet lots of different people; I expectedit to be a lot of backpackers in their early 20s but it was people of all ages and not just backpackers. It is good for everyone!
In addition to this there is one overnight bus ride which means you save on a hotel/hostel for the night. I will say it is not the best night sleep I’ve had but it wasn’t terrible. Hector told me the drive is quite scary because you just see the cliff drop out the window. On top of that the bus drives quite fast. I was asleep for that…luckily.
While I didn’t get to finish my Peru trip, because of COVID-19, I did complete the Peru hop portion. (We arrived in Cusco on the 12th March and everything shut down the 16/17th.) I thought Peru hop organized everything very well. They even arrange taxis to your hotels in Cusco (included in the price).
Make sure to bring cash on the trip because they do arrange lunch and dinner stops. Be aware the cost of the meal is not included. The only thing that would have been nice apart from including meals in the price is assigning seats. I understand it would be a hassle. Right now it is 1st come to the seats. Therefore you may not to get to sit with who you want depending on when you get on the bus. I believe most people will switch with you but Hector and I did see a girl who would not move so 2 friends could sit together….a bit annoying for those long 10 hour rides.
If you are looking at traveling to Peru (or Bolivia) in the future when things have opened back up I would recommend checking out Peru hop!
Buffy x
P.S. I went through all my pictures and realized I did not have one picture of the bus! Fail!
