Journeying from Lima to Cusco by Bus with Peru Hop - Top Choice for Travel
In the heart of South America, a unique travel experience unfolds as you embark on a journey from Lima to Cusco aboard the Peru Hop bus. This hop-on hop-off bus system offers a flexible and immersive way to explore the cultural, historical, and natural attractions of Peru.
The adventure begins in Lima, where you'll delve into the city's rich history, strolling through the historic centre, taking in the sights of Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, and Lima Cathedral. The afternoon is spent in the picturesque Miraflores district, enjoying the ocean views from the clifftop boardwalk and savouring the local delicacy, ceviche.
The first leg of the journey takes you to Paracas, a small seaside town about a three-hour drive from Lima. Here, you have the opportunity to visit the Paracas National Reserve or the Ballestas Islands, teeming with wildlife such as sea lions and seabirds.
The journey continues, and the scenery transforms dramatically as you traverse the desert oasis of Huacachina. This enchanting destination offers activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding on towering sand dunes.
Skipping Arequipa, the longest leg of the trip takes you into the mountains, a journey that can be done in about 12 hours by direct bus but is made more pleasant by the Peru Hop route, offering a leisurely journey through the heart of Peru. The viewpoint in the National Reserve offers a stunning contrast of the dark, swirling blue sea, yellow desert, and orange cliffs.
The collapsed structure known as La Catedral stands as a testament to the passing of time, once connected to the cliffs but now a separate, standing rocky tower. The journey includes a tour of a Pisco vineyard, where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste various wines and piscos.
The tour continues to a small bay with a blood-red beach made up of red sand and tiny stones. After the beach visit, the group headed to Huacachina, where Nilo, a new guide, provided a brief tour of the oasis town, recommending Desert Nights as the best restaurant in town.
The journey was broken up with a small tour to the National Reserve near Paracas, included in the initial Peru Hop fee. The last visit of the day was at the Hacienda San Jose. The travelers spent the evening in Paracas, eating and drinking with new friends from the bus.
The second stage of the journey was from Paracas to Huacachina. The Peru Hop bus took them directly to their hotel in Huacachina, saving time and hassle. A day trip was taken from Huacachina to fly over the Nazca lines before continuing the journey to Cusco.
First published in 2014 during a South America backpacking trip, this write-up focuses on the journey itself, including stops and activities. The Peru Hop experience between Lima and Cusco blends major tourist highlights with off-the-beaten-path gems, combining transportation with curated activities like wildlife tours, cultural visits, and adventure sports.
[1] Peru Hop Official Website [2] Lonely Planet: Peru Hop [3] The Guardian: Peru Hop [4] The Independent: Peru Hop [5] Rough Guides: Peru Hop
- During the Peru Hop travel experience from Lima to Cusco, each destination offers unique opportunities for adventure-travel, such as visiting the Paracas National Reserve, dune buggy rides in Huacachina, and flight tours over the Nazca lines.
- Guides play a crucial role in showcasing the local food culture as well as historical and natural attractions during the Peru Hop bus tour, with Nilo recommending Desert Nights as the best restaurant in Huacachina.
- The Peru Hop journey combines elements of travel, lifestyle, and adventure-travel, as it not only facilitates transportation but also offers curated activities like wildlife tours, cultural visits, and adventure sports, making it a must-have deviation for any South American travel itinerary.
