Lima and Huancayo

Hey Guys, I want to fly into Lima, crash for the night then head to Huancayo. I'm just starting to plan my itinerary and very new to this so what I would like to know is, any recomendations for staying in Lima close to the airport, best way to get safely and cheaply to Huancayo and any recomended places to stay and see there! Its a big ask and I'm on the case just getting all the help I can.
Cheers!
Katie
xx

Hi Katie,welcome to TP

best and safest places in Lima are in Miraflores,you will find many places at accommodation here at the left side.
for Huancayo are two options.
by bus,around 7 hours
by train but only the last Friday of the month and depending if summer or winter.
breathtaking 12 hr trip.highest point the train will stop is around 5000 meter!!
the carry oxigen tanks at the train.
Huancayo is a nice area for hiking.
drink coca tea against soroche,it helps.
there are hostels,I was in the center and paid around $ 20 for a privat room.
ask around at the bus terminal.

it is cold there

The two best bus lines are Cruz del Sur and Ormeño. You have to take a taxi from Miraflores to the buses and can purchase tickets at local places. Ask around where you can purchase the tickets. The first class busses are worth the extra money to get. Vale la pena. Yes, Huancayo is cold at night. I know a young man who loves to guide foreigners and he speaks some degree of English. I can send you his email if you write to me. He's rather shy but honest.

I forgot to mention Hostal El Patio is a good inexpensive hotel - clean and well centered in safe part of Miraflores. Look it up on the Internet and make reservations as sometimes they are full. I thnk a single was about $30 when I last checked.