Hello,

I'm a 30/M/USA coming close to my first solo trip, planning to go to Peru. Decided I was tired of waiting for the invitation to go to some places I wanted to go or failing to convince friends to come along so instead I'm just going go on my own.

I feel a little bit overwhelmed by the planning but reading up and researching has been really fun.

I'm planning to go Peru for about 2 and half weeks, October 25-November 12. I'm also planning to hike the Inca Trail while I'm there, already booked through Alpaca Expeditions. Current plan is to arrive in Lima, use the Peruhop bus tour to get to Cusco, then spend a few days in Lima. I understand there are cheaper options but I really like the convenience of this, not too concerned about cost but I try to keep things reasonable. I don't actually have it booked or any of the hostels booked but I wanted to run this by some people in the know before I started booking eveything else.

Here's the itinerary: http://ift.tt/2w9B4Ky

I'm thinking of cutting out the trip to Puno since it's only a 2 hour tour. Doesn't seem worth the full day trip to get there. In that case, I'd give myself an extra day in either Arequipa or Cusco. Especially since the trip already seems really busy. I like staying active when I travel but this might be a bit much.

I have a boatload of questions and thoughts though.

1. Any hostel recommendations? Specifically Lima and Cusco? I've never stayed in a Hostel before and I'm a little nervous but excited for about a new experience. Currently looking at Kokopelli for Cusco, mostly because I like the look of their private, pod style dorms. Sounds like it might be a party hostel and not sure how much I'd like that though.
2. For packing, I have a 30L backpack I plan to use for the Inca Trail but I think I'll need another bag. Would it be strange/weird to also travel with a duffel bag? I'm not sure I'll be able to get all my belongings in it for the duration of the trip. Haven't really figured out exactly how to I'll be packing. I don't plan on carrying it around everywhere, think I'll be alright to store it in the hostels I'm staying at.
3. Probably a dumb question but when doing the Inca Trail, I don't have to book a bed at the hostel in order to store my belonging I don't plan on bringing with me, do I? Alpaca Expeditions website says most Hostels allow you to store your things left behind but wasn't sure on exactly the process.
4. I understand when changing cash, I need crisp/undamaged American bills but how much US Dollars would be a good amount to bring? Would I be fine to bring a smaller amount and use ATMs with a fee instead?
5. Any other activities I should look to do in Arequipa or Cusco?
   
6. Is the bus in Lima the best way to get to/from the Airport and Miraflores? My flight from Cusco to Lima lands in Lima at 2 in the afternoon and takes off for home at midnight. Reasonable to plan on heading to Miraflores for one last dinner?
7. Speaking of dinner, any restaurants or things to eat I should check out in any of the cities?
8. I'm a bit nervous about the trek, I think I'm at an appropriate fitness level but only one way to find out. I have some hiking experience in the past but it's been a while. I guess that's not really a question but just a thought that keeps going through my mind. I am also a bit nervous about joining a group trek as a solo traveler. Anyone have any experience with this on what I might expect? I'm having some second guess es

I'll probably have more questions pop up, I'm sure I'm forgetting some that I thought of. Any other recommendations or things to consider would be appreciated! Thanks!