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[goodboynyc]

Hello there. I'm planning a trip to Peru for this January but I'm unsure of my destination. Originally, I was planning to see Cusco/Machu Pichu again(but this time without my family) but I also would like to spend a day at a beach or hot water springs, or even both! Are there any hot water springs near Cusco? Or any beaches for that matter?

[starlagurl]

There are hot springs in Aguas:

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...73520/tpod.html

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...35100/tpod.html

Also in Lares:

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...37140/tpod.html

[mmbcross]

You can't beat that, hot springs right on the doorstep of Machu Picchu. It's no European spa, but the water is hot and the price is right.

Unless you come from the Pacific northwest, don't go to Peru for the beaches. Grey sand, huge Pacific breakers and really cold water. The beach looks pretty spectacular from atop the cliffs at Miraflores, but it's a case of "look, but don't touch".

If you HAVE to do a beach, take the bus north to Ancon from Lima.
http://www.enjoyperu.com/peru_travel_tours...icts-ancon.html

[goodboynyc]

Thanks. I know all the big beach areas are in the North (Mancora, Piura, etc) but I think I'll be pressed for time and money if I go to Cusco and Ancon.

[mmbcross]

You are right. Unless you are travelling to or from Ecuador by surface, it's hardly worth going all the way to up Mancora. Another interesting suggestion is to combine a visit to the Nazca Lines and the Ballestas Islands, off the coast from Pisco and about 250 kms (4 hours) south of Lima.

http://www.travelpod.com/s/ballestas+islands?st=user