NYEXPAT
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
NYEx, thanks for the suggestions and hospitality!
We are flying into Lima on Xmas Eve, staying near the airport and taking the early flight (Star Peru was cheapest) to Cusco on Xmas Day for the next week. We're booked for train to Machu Picchu the next day, then a couple of rest days followed by mototaxi driving practice, a monster party on NYE, and launch day on Jan 1st.
Who knows where our path will take us on the way to Piura from Cusco, but we've built in a week at the other end to hopefully take a bus down to Lima from there and get to see some of the coast. Found some nice folks that we'll probably stay with again when we come back to Lima, called Peru Road Trip, who plan 4x4 trips around the country--even THEY think we are crazy, LOL.
But would love to meet you for that cup of coffee sometime the week of the 16th of January! We're also planning a trip to the HQ of Practical Action, the charity we're supporting, while in Lima sometime that week, and I'm really looking forward to that.
The couple that own the place you are staying were recently featured on "House Hunters International" on HGTV. Unfortunately that episode will not be shown here till next season. I had a friend that stayed there a few months ago and liked it a lot. The only drawback I had was 1 bathroom (for all) and no closets in the bedrooms.
Returning to Lima look at either Cruz del sur or oltursa bus lines as they are the [-]safest[/-] best. If you do not come to Lima then think about spending the week in Mancora. Good luck on your trip and pray it does not rain along the route you have planned.