15th-century Incan citadel in the cloud forest above the Urubamba river, the most visited site in Peru and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Most visitors take the early morning train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then the bus up to the citadel, with the entrance slots sold out 1-2 months in advance. Mobile data works at the entrance and the bus terminal, drops inside the citadel.
Network of Andean villages and Incan ruins along the Urubamba river between Cusco and Machu Picchu, with the main stops being Pisac (market and ruins), Ollantaytambo (fortress and town), Urubamba (lunch), and Chinchero (textile center). The day tour is the most popular excursion from Cusco. Mobile data is good in the larger towns and patchy on the rural roads between them.
Main square of Cusco's historic center, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, and the colonial arcades. The plaza is the meeting point for walking tours and the most photographed spot in the city. Mobile data is reliable across the plaza, and the cafes on the corners have WiFi as backup during the Sunday mass at the Cathedral.
Bohemian hilltop neighborhood in Cusco, with whitewashed colonial houses, artisan workshops, and the San Blas viewpoint overlooking the city. The area is one of the most photogenic in Cusco, with the stone alleys holding the original Incan foundations. Mobile data is reliable on the main plaza, drops in the side alleys where the stone walls block the signal.
Upscale coastal district of Lima with the Larcomar cliff mall, the Malecón boardwalk, and the Parque del Amor overlooking the Pacific. The neighborhood is the safest and most walkable in Lima, and most international visitors stay here. Mobile data is reliable across the cliffside, with the Larcomar mall having free WiFi as backup.
Bohemian coastal district south of Miraflores, with the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros), the Bajada de los Banos cliff walk, and the street art murals. The area has the highest concentration of boutique hotels and craft cocktail bars. Mobile data is reliable in the cafes, drops on the cliffside path where the buildings block the signal.
Colonial center of Lima, with the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Convento de San Francisco with the catacombs tour. The area was declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1988 and is best explored with a guide. Mobile data is reliable on the main plaza, drops in the older stone buildings of the side streets.
One of the deepest canyons in the world at 3,500 meters from rim to river, about 160 km north of Arequipa. The Cruz del Condor viewpoint is the most popular stop, with the Andean condors rising on the morning thermals between 8 and 10am. Mobile data works in Chivay and at the main viewpoint, drops on the longer treks into the canyon.
Main square of Arequipa's colonial center, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Iglesia de la Compania, and the colonial arcades built with the local sillar (volcanic white stone). The plaza is one of the most beautiful in Peru and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mobile data is reliable across the plaza, and the cafes on the corners have WiFi as backup.
Dominican convent opened in 1579, closed to the outside world until 1970, and now a museum covering a 20,000 square meter block in the colonial center. The colorful interior streets, the cloisters, and the rooftop view of the El Misti volcano are the highlights. Mobile data drops inside the thick convent walls, so download the audio guide before entering.