¿Cuanto cuesta irme a _(fill in the blank)___?” This is what you should always ask before getting into any taxi especially in Peru. Now, it is widely understood that a cab fare around the centro should only cost 3 soles maximum but once you get outside the main neighborhoods, the prices goes up a sol or two. A cab ride, even to the farthest neighborhood should only cost 6 soles maximum. As a resident of Cusco for over a year and half now I feel like I have a good grasp on how to deal with taxi drivers. Here is my advice.. [Continue reading...]

Hola, Karikuy readers! It´s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kayla and I am a copywriter whose been working and living in Lima since July. Though I´m not part of the internship program at Karikuy, Julio graciously agreed to let me contribute to the blog.

I first traveled to Peru in the summer of 2008, when I studied abroad in Cusco through La Pontificia Universidad Cátolica´s Spanish and Incan Archaeology program (administered through AIFS). For me, that summer was an unforgettable introduction to Peru: I not only visited the commanding stone structures of Machu Picchu, but also several Incan ruins in the outlying area, including Pisac, Maras, Moray, Tipón, and Sacsayhuamán. [Continue reading...]

When planning your stay in Cuzco, it can be overwhelming to pick out activities to fill the limited time you are there. There is a multitude of different tours and activities offered, and it’s hard to decide which ones are worth doing because they all look amazing! When my dad and I were setting up our trip, we had no idea what to choose, so Julio simplified the process by recommending a few of the most popular tours, and also one a little less traveled: Moray and Maras. [Continue reading...]

Perhaps the most visited area in Peru, Cuzco and its surrounding area is home to a wide array of archaeological sites and interesting cultural experiences. It’s proximity to Machu Picchu makes it the ideal place to stop over on one’s way to visit the aforementioned famed archaeological site, and it’s own local attractions give tourists a reason to linger in the ancient city for several days. Well, I’m here to verify that there is far more to see in and around Cuzco than you could ever possibly find in a Google search. You are guaranteed to say “this is unbelievable” so many times, that you have start looking for another phrase to use. [Continue reading...]

In 2010 the Karikuy volunteers and myself made it a habit of trying to find the tastiest food in Lima, Peru and around the country. We would check out recommendations by taxi drivers, chefs and people from all walks of life to find the gems of South America’s culinary capital and beyond. The following list is made up of our favorite places to eat, these are the restaurants we constantly came back to, as well as some that we found during our travels around the country. [Continue reading...]