Four days left to plan, either Peru or any South America - HELP!
Replies: 10 - Last Post: Jun 19, 2012 1:58 AM Last Post By: trent84
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Four days left to plan, either Peru or any South America - HELP!
We are going to Peru and besides Lima, Cuzco and Manchu Picchu the two of us are deadlocked on where to go next.We arrive 8pm-ish in Cuzco on train on a SATURDAY night and need to catch an 11:30am flight from Lima airport on THURSDAY. We expect to probably spend Sat night in a Cuzco hotel but are open to any an all suggestions for the open part of our trip, either within Peru or elsewhere in South America starting early SUNDAY morning and likely returning to LIMA to crash at an airport hotel on WEDNESDAY night.
Under consideration:
- Puerto Maldonado
- Colca Canyon
- Puno/Lake Titicaca
- Bolivia
- Ecuador
- ANYWHERE ELSE (we don't mind roughing it, meandering bus journeys, etc.)
One of us (not me) is a native Spanish speaker, in case that makes a difference in the recommendations and/or finessing the travel arrangements. Time frame is September 2012.
Thanks!
1
I would ditch Bolivia and Ecuador straight way, why go to another country for.It all depends on what you want. I wouldnt want to spend four days in Puno (hell hole of a town) and Lake Titicaca, is really only a lake and is overtly touristy.
The obvious idea would be to go to Arequpa/Colca Canyon. Seeing as time is short - grab a flight to Arequpa and then you can do the Colca Canyon or maybe climb El Misti. From Arequpa to Lima - its also a long bus journey - so if you want to maximise your time, then head to Lima via Plane. Usually, fares are pretty good.
2
I've heard so many people saying not to go to Lake Titicaca, because it's so touristy. But really it's touristy for a reason, because it's one of the most beautiful places in SA. Puno itself is not horrible, but never loved by tourists either. If u go that way, u would need at least 2 nights in Puno, with 1 or 2 nights on the islands on the lake. And that's the point, because the islands are heavenly. Also, the side trip from Puno to the Sillustani ruins is highly recommended.Forget Bolivia and Ecuador with your time limit. You could also consider flying back to Lima early, then taking a tourist bus to Paracas, to see the Islas Ballestas, then a visit to the desert oasis called Huacachina. That makes a good 3 day trip.
3
Agree with above...you have nowhere near enough time to see another country in any meaningful way.Which of the others you choose depends on your interests and budget.
If you are into nature and have money to spend,I'd have a couple of days in the jungle (flying in and out of course)...though your time is short for that too.
If you prefer colonial cities/local culture then go to Arequipa and Colca Canyon.....
4
A few places in South America that are on the "100 things to see before you die" list:- Galapagos
- Iguazu waterfalls
- Patagonia
Maybe split your three days between those. If you hire a private jet, and secure the necessary landing permits in advance, it may be doable.
5
How many days do you have exactly? I wouldn't go to another country not unless you had at least a month.Arequipa and Colca Canyon are good options.
Sandboarding in Huacachina is fun for a day or two.
6
Hey, thanks so much! I posted before bed and woke up to all these great suggestions :)Based on the the responses so far, we've shortlisted:
- Colca Canyon
- Lake Titicaca
- Puerto Maldonado/jungle
We'd love to see some links to blogs and/or proposed itineraries! Also any tips for how to get good airfares within Peru would be appreciated. I'm seeing much better deals on Star Peru and Peruvian Airlies vs. LAN and Taca. Is there any benefit to working with a Peru-based travel agent/company? Also we're read that booking online in Spanish may yield lower fares so we're trying that as well.
Unfortunately we couldn't get any more time off from our jobs (we a U.S. citizen and a U.S. resident). We managed to snag those $239/rt/ai (per person) tickets on Taca Airlines from LAX-Lima that were blowing up the travel deal message boards at the beginning of the month :)
7
Star/Peruvian are cheaper. But will get you there. Not sure if there are any cheap ways - maybe working with a peru travel agent will help.What do you enjoy doing? What are your interests?
8
trent84: thanks!We like:
- Markets
- Museums
- Walking/hiking
- Off the beaten path stuff
Now we are considering some kind of 1-2 night trekking adventure in the Sacred Valley. We knew at the time we spontaneously decided to pull the trigger on the LAX-Lima tickets that the Inca trail trek was completely sold out. With additional time to play with we are excited about adding some kind of trek with scenery/locals as a priority over strenuous climbing (we live at sea level!).
Thanks!
10
I would consider doing the Salkantay trek if you are interested in hiking. Its an alternative way to get to M.P. Or you could try the Jungle Trail (more of an adventure than a trek). They are both good options.If you want 'off the beaten path' you can hike to a place called Choquequirao. Its similar to MP but without the crowds. And way less touristy.
