We are visiting Chile and Peru for about 25 days in October. So far our decided destinations are Santiago (from where we fly in & out), Lima and Machu Picchu/Cusco but are keen to hear suggestions about where else in Chile and Peru we could also feasibly travel during that time.
(As we have already visited the Lakes District (from the Argentinian side) and travelled from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas & further south, we would be concentrating on the northern part of Chile this time).
We were thinking of including the Atacama Desert/San Pedro de Atacama but were wondering if this is similar to the area around Salta, Purmamarca and salt flats in NW Argentina which we have also visited (and loved but age and time is limiting revisits unfortunately). Should we include the Nazca lines or Lake Titicaca?
We are interested in different cultures and food, walking (but not strenuous trekking any more), unusual travel experiences, scenery, visiting remote areas. Whilst we find large cities worthwhile for their museums, galleries, etc we particularly enjoy smaller cities & towns that retain their identity and remain unique and accessible for wandering.
Would love to visit a rainforest (lodge?) for a couple of days for the wildlife, particularly birds – however, I can’t take too much heat/humidity. Should I just forget this idea?
Other concerns are the long distances and high cost of internal air travel & would welcome advice on best airline or other transport options.
Would appreciate any suggestions – have found the input from LP contributors to be invaluable from previous travel experiences. Thank you in advance!
p.s. I have also posted this in the Peru forum
