Peru: Itinerary Planning
8/31 - 9/18 (going back to work 9/19)
- 8/31 - Fly to Lima*
- 9/1 - 9/8 - Andean Village Program
- 9/8 - Fly to Puno
- 9/9 - 9/10 - Puno/Lake Titicaca
- 9/11 - train to Cuzco
- 9/12 - Inca Trail hike
- 9/?? - Machu Picchu
- 9/17 - Fly home (from Cuzco? from Lima?)
*Must be available for pickup by program peoples at 9 a.m. on Sat 9/1. Also, 9/17 is a Monday; planning to return to work Wed, 9/19.
March 17th, 2007 at 11:03 am
18 Responses to “Peru: Itinerary Planning”
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From the LP forums:
“One of the best experiences we had in Peru was a visit and stay on Amantani island. From puno there are tours that take you the ouro reed islands and then to Amantani to spend the night with a local quechua family. the next day they will take to to Taquile island on the way back to Puno. This is all on lake titicaca and you travel by boat ( they will stop if you ask so that you can take a quick dip in the lake) I believe the price was around 30$ all inclusive lodging, food and transportation. We spent an extra 4 nights on Amantani and really got to know the culture. There are tours everyday so there is no problem if you want to spend an extra night. There is tourist bus (inca travel maybe) which stops at some interesting ruins on the way from Cusco to Puno. Also the burial towers near puno are very interesting I forgot the name but all tour agents will know what you are talking about.”
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:11 pmA travel writer’s take on the Salkantay Trail:
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:13 pmhttp://www.meganlyles.com/salkantay-trek-peru—day-one
Post about trekking companies:
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:23 pmURL snippped
MP & Inca Trail FAQ
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:23 pmMotion sickness & bus rides
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:25 pmLares and Salkantay Trek post
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:50 pmPost:
Only 3 days in Peru
Posted: Wed March 28, 2007 08:17 PM UTC
I will only be in Peru for 3 days on my way down to Chile so I want to maximize my experience. I of course am going to see Machu Picchu but am wondering what else I should see. I plan to rest, get acclimated and explore around Cuzco my first day and to make my way to Aguas Calientes on the second day so that I can arrive at Machu Picchu very early on the 3rd day. I have several questions. I would really appreciate suggestions!!
Should I see some of the other ruins before I head to Aguas Calientes?
What about Sacsayhuaman? Is it worth my time? Can I walk there from Cuzco?
Also should I take a taxi to Ollantaytambo and then catch the train to AC from there so that I can experience Ollantaytambo also?
Should I hike up the road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu instead of taking the bus?
Also should I climb Huayna Picchu? I am in fairly good shape and usually have no problem hiking up steep mountains.
jessa81
REPLIES to ONLY 3 DAYS IN PERU (1 - 3)
Peru Re: Only 3 days in Peru
Posted: Wed March 28, 2007 08:48 PM UTC
There’s a ton to do around Cuzco and even if you spent your entire time in the actual city of Cusco, you’d be fine. There’s some Inca sites within walking distance of the town (Sacsayhuamán) and an easy bus ride gets you to some cool Inca sites, like Ollantaytambo (about 60 kilometers from Cusco). If you’re doing a tour to Machu Pichu, they may stop at Ollantaytambo (so check before you go. Ollantaytambo is really worth it if you want to get out of town. My favorite part of the area was the natural beauty. If you go to Ollantaytambo, you’ll go through the Urubamba Valley, which is a beatiful drive.
The town of Pisac (about an hour from Cusco) has a tourist market and some ruins that you can reach after a pretty steep 45 minute hike. That’s worth it too. Another great market is in Chinchero (can’t remember the day that its best).
Basically, there’s so much to do, you’ll have no problem being occupied if you only have 3 days (you’ll wish you had more).
brewjohnson
Peru Re: Only 3 days in Peru
Posted: Wed March 28, 2007 08:59 PM UTC
Let me answer some of your specific questions. In my opinion:
Definitely take the cab to Ollyantaytambo (see my comments below…the scenery on the way is incredible and Ollyantaytambo iteslf is pretty incredible).
Sacasayhuaman is good, not as neat as Ollyantaytambo, but worth seeing if you have extra time. You can walk to it. The best part of Cusco to me was walking around the cobblestoned streets around the main square and up on the hill towards Sacasayhuaman.
If you’re deciding between 2 hikes (AC to Machu Pichu or MP to Huayna Pichu), definitely do the Huayna Pichu hike. Its a little hairy at times, but when you’re to the top, you’ll be very happy you did it.
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:57 am“I can’t help with horseback riding but I do recommend a visit to the Cruz del Condor lookout (Colca Canyon) at sunrise to watch Andean Condors soar from beneath your feet as the morning sun creates thermals in the 1.5 mile deep fissure.”
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:24 am“There are some things you gotta keep in mind when visiting Cuzco: the best days to do anything in the Sacred Valley are Sundays, Thursdays and Tuesdays (I’d dare to say that in that order). So if you’re arriving on Sun., I’d lose no time in Cuzco and go straight to Pisac or Ollantaytambo and try to spend most of the day there. Sleeping in the valley would be the best but if you can’t then just go back to Cuzco to sleep.
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:45 amYou can visit MP and Cuzco anytime but it’s different when it comes to the valley. For centuries people from all the little villages got together on Sundays in Pisac -and Ollanta- to exchange their goods and products. That is the real and traditional market day. Some years ago they decided to open the market also on Thu. and Tue. just to make things easier for tourists, so you can always go and get some handicrafts on those days but you’ll miss all the local people wearing their colorful clothes and all the real thingie.
I’d suggest: Sun - Pisac or Ollanta, Mon - MP, - Tue - Sacred Valley, Wed - Cuzco.
Also keep in mind that it ussually rains a lot in Feb. It may bother on your visit to MP so check the weather report or ask when being there and also try to fix your schedule according to it. Nobody wants to go to Mapi when it’s too cloudy!”
“I would not stay in Cuzco at first. Rather, I would head directly for the Sacred Valley, which is much lower. Stay at least one night in the valley before heading for Machu Picchu. As other VT posters have noted, Machu Picchu is much lower than Cuzco, so you want to go to Cuzco last, after you have had a chance to acclimate to the altitude.”
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:47 amLake Titicaca Tour
Posted: Tue December 12, 2006 01:30 PM UTC
Hello,
In order to get to Puno from Lima by plane you must fly to Juliaca first and then take a 45 minute bus to Puno. The earliest flights that arrive in to Juliaca from Lima are at 9:00 AM, so you figure you would arrive into Puno by 10:00 the earliest.
My question is, are there tour operators in Puno that will take you on Lake Titicaca in the afternoon for an overnight stay? Most tours I have seen mention that the tour starts in the morning which would obviously be impossible to do on the same day that you fly in.
Thanks!
REPLIES to LAKE TITICACA TOUR (1 - 2)
Peru RE: Lake Titicaca Tour
Posted: Tue December 12, 2006 09:31 PM UTC
hi, you don;t need a tour to see the titicaca, you can do it by yourself i recomend the bolivian side, the peruvian side is really dirty and apart from puno and a few villages around, nothing to see. get a bus from puno to coppacabana in bolivia and once there you can get a boat to isla del sol or isla de la luna in the titicaca lake, its about 3 or 4 hours, isla del sol is really beautiful place to relax and explore for a few days.
Peru RE: Lake Titicaca Tour
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:00 amPosted: Fri December 22, 2006 12:27 AM UTC
It would not be a good idea to plan a trip for an overnight stay on an island for the same day as your arrival in Puno because too many things can go wrong. If you arrive on time and you feel up to it, you can ask the mini-bus driver to drop you off at the dock and buy a ticket there. There should be no need to pre-purchase tickets from an agent or to make reservations. Even if you arrive later than you expect you could still give it a try. The tours do not leave on a tight schedule. (PS: Do not agree to the price asked until you are sure it is the best price you can get. Looking desperate or too eager could cost you a lot of money.)
“Just to add to the Puerto Maldonado point. There is a place called the Tambopata research centre.Where you stay for a while and monitor wildlife - dont know about touching monkeys - but there are loads of Howlers there (red and black ones). As well as that theres toucans, Macaws, Caiman, snakes and everything else you would epxpect with the Peruvian amazon. This is located in the far south-east of peru and well away fr4om Iguitos tho, not far from the Brazilian frontier.
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:09 amYou can fly Cuzco to P.M in 30 mins then boat it 2 hours or more down the amazon to the station. Most people book most jungle trips from Cuzco as there are many many agents which are pretty honest but you can fish around for the deal that suits you.
Tambopata research centre has 3 lodges within a short distance by boat, one which is at the centre itself the other 2 ‘Refugio Amazonas’ and ‘Posada Amazonas’ are just as nice in a beautifal rustic eco-friendly enviorionment .”
“RE: RE: LARES TREK
Posted: Sun November 12, 2006 07:33 PM UTC
I am just back from the Lares Trek. (end of October) I booked with gap (www.gapadventures.ca)It was the best thing I could have done. I had loads of fun, and the area is almost tourism free. You will meet the locals in their homes, and be exposed to amazing panoramas. We cut a bit short of our planned trek due to the second pass being snowed in, making it dangerous for the horses, but instead we went down another valley and went soaking in hotsprings and visitted our horseman’s house. It was such an eye opener on how the peruvians live.
Note that in Peru it is compulsory to have a guide with you when you hike, and in the same time it facilitates the contacts with the locals. Also note that you will not finish on top of MAchu Picchu, since you will need to take the train there and then likely a bus unless you plan to go up the hill by foot. After seeing how popular and overcrowded the Inca trail was, I was quite happy to have done the Lares trek. Of note there is the Saltankay trek that ends up in MAchu Picchu.”
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:12 am“We have just completed the Lares trek with SAS. Had a brilliant time. Really off the beaten track and you still arrive at Machu Pitchu. Our guide Justino was more than enthusiastic. It was the first time ever for me to hike with an official guide. It made it more worthwile. He had lots of information. Also we could not have managed a 3/4 day trip without guide, tents, horses and don’t forget the excellent cook! Don’t go if you want to lose weight. They feed you morning noon and night.
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:12 amReally an unforgettable experience.”
Peru Train Puno - Cusco
Posted: Mon November 6, 2006 09:48 PM UTC
Has anyone lately expereienced that adventure? because I would like to take that as a change from the busses all the time and it sounds nice.
I would like to hear what the trains are like because the prizes for luxus and backpackers are much different.
thanks
Verena
REPLIES to TRAIN PUNO - CUSCO (1 - 3)
Peru RE: Train Puno - Cusco
Posted: Tue November 7, 2006 05:05 PM UTC
I have done that train journey and it was a welcome relief from the buses. Also we were heading to Bolivia where the roads aren’t too good so we needed a break and it was well worth it. The scenery is fantastic and the train is fairly comfortable. It will work out a little more expensive than the bus and we had a 3 course meal on board which was around over 10 USD which is a lot for Peru.
It’s mainly for tourists and is over priced compared to other things in Peru, but I thought it was worth it for a change.
I have some good photos of Lake Titicaca you might find interesting:
http://www.myworldsouthamerica.com/photos.html
Peru RE: RE: Train Puno - Cusco
Posted: Wed November 8, 2006 01:22 AM UTC
Its a great trip. Take the train for sure. If you go the day before you can get half price tickets, so you can get luxury travel for $50 I believe. Search the Peru forum to double check me. Also be careful because it only travels once or twice a week.
Peru RE: Train Puno - Cusco
Posted: Tue November 14, 2006 10:52 AM UTC
Did the trip last summer and enjoyed it very much. For further information chck this site: http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/tper_a2a_home.jsp
We went first class, had a 3 course meal included as well as some pisco sours. There is a bar and a open waggon at the end of the train. Service was good. We did not regret the money.
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:13 amEnjoy your trip
Tour Operators, Best Trail and Night in Aguas Calientes
Posted: Thu November 2, 2006 01:05 AM UTC
My wife and I are planning on doing the hike mid December, and are trying to find the best tour operator, best trail to take, and whether or not we should opt for an extra night in Aguas Calientes after the hike to recoop in the hot springs. Any advice would be a big help. Thanks. P.S. - SAS any good?
REPLIES to TOUR OPERATORS, BEST TRAIL AND NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES (1 - 2)
Machu Picchu RE: Tour Operators, Best Trail and Night in Aguas Calientes
Posted: Mon November 6, 2006 04:00 PM UTC
I recently completed a trek with LlamaPath. I booked with them based on considerable research and I made the RIGHT choice. Everything about the operation was top notch. Their head guide, Jose, will give you a knowledgeable and passionate understanding of the Incas and Peru. He and his crew, went beyond the norm to make it possible for my wife to complete the trek.
I definately reccommend the extra night in AC, not only for the reason you stated but also because its an interesting little town, we stayed (and enjoyed) the Rupa Wasi Condor House Ecolodge.
I prepared an xcl spreadsheet of my research on trek operatos and would share with you if you desire.
Jerry
Machu Picchu RE: Tour Operators, Best Trail and Night in Aguas Calientes
Posted: Mon November 6, 2006 11:39 PM UTC
We have just returned from our Inca Trail and I just wanted to let you know
that it was FANTASTIC! Everything went smoothly, the guide was proffesional
the food was great and it really made our Inca Trail the once in a lifetime
experience it should be. The guide was a superb guide who was patient,
knowledeable, fun and really looked out for everyone.
I will definately recommend Andex Adventure, they have prices reasonable and provide such a great four day trek. check the web site www.andex-adventure.com
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:26 am“I heard more good stories about Llama Path compared to SAS.Look up this a little bit further and you’ll get a better picture of these tour operators and many others.”
“I don’t normally post messages (although I do read them) but having waited more than 10 years to do the Machu Picchu hike and having had such an amazing experience with the agency I chose, I feel obliged to show my appreciation and share with you why you should choose llamapath.
-Their sustainable tourism philosophy is not something you see with many agencies in Peru. Their care for the environment was a lesson for us all on the hike although on the third day when there are no toilets for a while it was a bit hard to wait until we got to camp.
-Their treatment of their porters is by far the best I saw on the 4 day hike. Our guide encouraged us to call them by their names - and they had name badges to help us.
-Our guide was excellent. If you can get Hose as your guide I would really recommend it. He took his time to explain why we were having a rest and answered all our questions, while other groups walked by the Inca sites. (Don’t forget to ask him to recite pachacutec’s prayer - very inspiring.) From the start, he said it was going to be a ‘pilgrimage’ not just a walk and by the end of the hike we all knew what he meant.
Hope you also have your dream Inca pilgrimage with them!”
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:27 amHi Folks,
I am going to Peru in July. In addition to Machu Pichu, I am considering visiting Lake Titicaca or Iquitos for a three day Amazon tour. Has any one done a similar tour in Iquitos? Is it worth it? What might be more interesting the Amazon Tour or Lake Titicaca? What can one do in Lake Titicaca?
I appreciate your recommendations.
REPLIES to IQUITOS VS. LAKE TITICACA (1 - 3)
Machu Picchu Re: Iquitos Vs. Lake Titicaca
Posted: Fri March 30, 2007 04:15 PM UTC
Lake Titicaca is lovely but very touristy as it is accessible and very well recognised.
You can visit the reed islands for half a day then take a boat onto one of the outlying islands and stay with a local family for a night. They will cook for you and arrange entertainment in their home or a local meeting place…usually involves getting you dressed up in their traditional clothing and playing some local music.
Puno is a real tourist town..lots of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and a lot of beggars which can become a bit unnerving after a while.
Iquitos on the other hand is quite isolated so attracts less tourists which suited us a lot more.
We spent a couple of day in Iquitos before embarking on a 2 1/2 week trip down the Amazon to the rivermouth.
I loved the Amazon region! This to me would definitely be my first choice of destination over Lake Titicaca. It really depends what type of traveller you are however. ..Nature, isolation, simplicity vs. scenery, nightlife, & crowds!
Do both if you can!
Machu Picchu Re: Iquitos Vs. Lake Titicaca
Posted: Fri March 30, 2007 07:01 PM UTC
They’re totally different, and either would be a great experience, but unless you’ve been already, I’d say the Amazon. Lake titicaca is beautiful, but in a very harsh, bleak landscape. The amazon is lush, tropical, full of wildlife, and IMO more beautiful. It’s the kind of place you can go back to time and time again and see completely different things. Of course, you have to like nature, be able to tolerate potential heat and humidity. on the other hand, Lake Titicaca was COLD and dry.
Machu Picchu Re: Iquitos Vs. Lake Titicaca
Posted: Sun April 1, 2007 12:13 AM UTC
I didn’t go to Lake Titicaca.
Iquitos is one of my favorite places on Earth.
I did a three day tour at Muyuna lodge, and it was terrific. And Iquitos itself is wonderful.
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:46 am