Puerto Madonado

Hi

Please - does anyone have any suggestions for a reliable lodge/jungle adventure 3-4 days - discount prices??

Thanks

Nancy & Joseph
www,worldglobetrotters.com

Inca Trail Alternative Treks (which one?)

Hello! My boyfriend and I are going to be visiting Peru in July (2013) and are visiting Machu Picchu. I was wondering what people thought of some of the inca trail alternative treks. We are thinking about doing some other treks in Peru and may bring our own camping gear. We are pretty in-shape and live at 4,500ft but the highest elevation we hike at is approx. 7,000ft so not sure about difficulty levels.

(before this becomes a debate about whether I should do the Inca Trail instead... There are no permits left during my trip)

I've been hearing about these:
1. The Salcantay Route
2. The Lares Route
3. Vilcabamba Traverse Route
4. The Chaski (or Cachicata) Trail

What are your thoughts? Are there other routes I'm missing? What is the possibility of doing these without a tour? Other advise?

higher altitude dayhikes in the Cusco/Sacred Valley area

Does anyone know of any higher altitude day hikes in the area? I'd like to try out a hike nearing 4000m or higher, to see how I can handle it. I won't be bringing any camping equipment and that's why I'm looking for a day hike.
I'm also open to finding out where the roads traverse high passes in the area, and then I could take a taxi there. Bonus if there is something to see once we get there, or somewhere to walk, so that it doesn't seem odd/suspicious...
Thanks!

Does it matter which bus line from Cusco to Puno?

Hola...I read the other postings on the different tour buses/public option, but I still have a question. I think we want to take one of the tourist buses this time. I see that Incaexpressbus.com actually sells tickets for most of the different lines Turismo Mer, Wonder Peru,Inka Express etc. Does anyone have a recommendation based on service or price between the different buses i? The prices are all very similar. I also see Queros Tours does the trip as well as Peru Bus. Thank you!

Arequipa Hostels

Hello
Just wanted to see if people had any good recommendations...I'm a social person but don't feel the need to stay somewhere which is too party orientated. I just want somewhere friendly, relaxed and in a good location.
Thank You! Stella

Questions

1. I arrive in Lima next Friday at 9PM and fly to Cusco at 9 the next morning. What is a good midrange option close to the airport?

2. What are some good day hikes that I can do on my own around Urubamba, Ollantaytambo or Cusco?

3. How long does it usually take to adjust to the altitude? Can I hike on my second or third day in the Sacred Valley?

4. Any good mid-range places to stay in Cusco?

Advice on itinerary

Hi there,

I am starting to plan a trip to peru.
I am staying almost four weeks but will only have around ~ 13 days to travel (with my boyfriend) beginning of September, the first two weeks (i.e. last two weeks of august) I'll be in Huancayo for a project. I'll probably fly out of Lima again, because tickets seem to be much cheaper than for example if I'd fly out from La Paz.
1) What is the best way to get from Huancayo to Cusco / Machu Picchu?
2) After ~ 3 days doing a trail to Machu Picchu - how would you spend the remaining time?

Thanks for your advice!

Pucallpa

Hi guys

Thinking of going up the Amazon from Pucallpa to Iquitos on a cargo ship for a few days in June, then along to Letiticia, Colombia,afterwards. Has anyone done this route or somthing similar before.? Just wondering how easy it is to get on a cargo ship, a case of turn up and there will be options or will I be lucky to get onboard? Also if anyone knows of anywhere further south that is possible to get on a ship that would be great as will be starting or journey in Ollytambo, just north of Cusco.

Thanks

Robert Mitchell