I'm going to Peru for 3 months. Should I live in Lima or Cusco?

Question

I hear there's more to do in Cusco, but Lima is so close to the beach (which I love) and also Machu Picchu. I'm afraid if I live in Cusco I might not ever make the 14 hour trip to Machu Picchu or to the beach.

Suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi Hallie,



I have been to Peru a couple of time. Lima is one of the ugliest big cities in all of South America. Even a friend of mine who is from Lima says it is an ugly city. Also, the beaches in Lima suck, and the water is pretty cold, not really for swimming. You are so much better off in Cusco, it's a nice city and I am sure that you will like it. Who told you that it takes 14 hours from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

Cusco is called the gateway to Machu Picchu, and you'll get there in 4 to 7 hours depending if you go by van or by taxi/train.



Have a great time in Peru.

Answer 2

If you must be near movie theaters, shopping, and crowds, then Lima. But Lima is kind of a dirty place, and the ocean is pretty dirty and the water cold. Serious surfers with wet suits do OK, but you don't see a lot of people swimming most of the time. If you enjoy culture, real restaurants, and a more quiet place, Cusco for sure. By the way - the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is about 4 hours or a little longer - it is a day trip, although better to spend the night down below and head up real early in the AM - better light and fewer people. To go from Lima you have to go to Cusco first. Also - if you like things like that, there is the entire Sacred Valley near Cusco that has lots of ruins and small towns to explore.

Answer 3

I'd suggest Cusco. I've only been to Peru as a tourist, but Lima is not very nice. I'd recommend buying a Rough Guide to help you decide - it will be money well spent.



Depending on the time of year you go, there are sea mists in Lima. We stayed at the Lighthouse (Faros ?? in Spanish) hotel and you couldn't even see the lighthouse for the fog. A fifteen minute walk later we could see it (and the light was working), but couldn't see down to the beach. We returned to the hotel as the pollution was so bad we couldn't breathe. Of course, not every day was foggy, but it's a big city and not always easy to get around safely without taxis.



The beach and sea can be cold - I think it's the same cold current that comes from Antarctica, which brings penguins to the Galapagos Islands (which are pretty much on the equator).



Cusco is safer and prettier than Lima. There are plenty of young people doing a gap year world tour, and passing through, so there are plenty of people to talk to. You absolutely must go to Machu Picchu. There are "backpacker" carriages on the train (these are not cheap and grotty), which reduces the cost. There are loads of agencies which can arrange the trip for you, or simply chat to others of your age and go along with them. Do try to go one day, overnight in Aguas Calientes, then get in the bus queue at 05:30 for the first buses up to the site the next day, for maximum time there, before leaving for the afternoon train back to Cusco.

Answer 4

I have lived in both cities. It depends on what you like, Lima and Cuzco are totally different from each other. I don't know who said there is more to do in Cuzco, i think the opposite, there is much more to do in the coast, Cuzco does not even have any mall, or movie theater, or beach, or anything modern really. Lima has large malls, many diverse restraunts, beach, and almost everything you can think of. Cuzco is an Indian culture, and is quite traditional, while Lima is much more diverse, modern, and is more European than Indian, (or has been historically at least). I have lived in Cusco since i was a teenager and my favorite part of every year is when i go back to Lima, though many people strongly prefer Cusco. Lima is also more polluted. Many people, especially foreigners, prefer cusco, cusco does have more historical sites and inca things and ruins and stuff like that, lima is like any other major world city and has many more modern things, but less historical/ruins, and no inca culture in lima except for the immigrants from the mountains. Cusco also has alot more tourists by the way. Cusco is also a more mild climate, and lima is quite hot in the summer. Cusco has alot of rain almost every day from november-march and sometimes gets below freezing temperature at night. So decide for yourself.

Answer 5

Living In Cusco Peru

Answer 6

I would go where im closer to the beach and Machu Picchu.

Answer 7

2. is an extremely beatifull city, you walk in guard zones, Miraflores, l. a. Molina, and the turistic zones. 3. You don´t believe interior the strangers, probable you scouse borrow i'm from Lima, Perú

Answer 8

live in Lima, visit Cuzco

Answer 9

I recommend Cuzco.

Answer 10

si te gustan los peruanos puedes quedarte