Planning Peru
Monday, August 24th, 2009Yes, Peru. I am going with Ollie this November for three weeks! The problem is, I have a book about Peru, and it’s 656 pages.
That’s a lot of cool stuff to do.
I’m only there for 3 weeks, and while I want to do fun things, I don’t want to spend my whole time travelling on a bus if I can. I also don’t want to spend a fortune on flights. So, a route of some sort needs to be made.
How to plan without planning
The only thing we really want to do is walk the Inca Trail, and I want to be accustomed to the altitude before we do it, so I can admire the view, rather than cover the view with sick. So, we need to be at a good altitude for around a week. Besides that, we’re going to play it by ear. In order to determine a route while we’re there, I’ve created this infographic to help us cost things out, as well as plan our route!
Anyone who’s been to Peru, I would love to hear your recommendations! We’re not museum people, and not necessarily big campers (I reckon after the Inca trail, we’ll be camped out). We’d love to go to the Galapagos, but we’re not sure if there’ll be enough time (or money!). On my graphic, the prices are all in US dollars.
The trees represent potential amazon rainforest tours, and Colca Canyon is 3 times the size of the grand canyon. At lake Titicaca, there’s floating islands, and at Ica you can go sand surfing. My house mate tells me La Paz in Bolivia is amazing too. Besides the Inca Trail and Machu Pichu at Cusco, they also have white water rafting and lots of adventure stuff to do.
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I am jealous. No matter what you end up doing it looks like it is going to be a lot of fun!
Hey, tell me when you come here to try some Pisco
Just stumbled on your site, nice work.
Since you ask about Peru, I would suggest you go to Sacsayhuaman in Cusco. I sneaked in the back way, thru someone’s yard — otherwise, I think they try to charge $80. I thought it was even better than Machu Picchu, if only b/c it’s less traveled.
Re: Lake Titicaca in Puno, I went over to the island later in the afternoon, and it was MUCH nicer than going when the rest of the tourists were there (e.g. it was a lot easier to connect with the locals). I paid $20 to go alone, but it was worth it. The locals all thought I was crazy for paying so much, but oh well.
My understanding is Inca Trail will kick your ass — they have 2 and 4 day tours, so pick the one that suits you. I confess to taking a train / bus up there, and don’t regret it. Take food and water up to Machu Picchu, and definitely wear a hat!!
Amazon jungle was my favorite, do it if you can. Just do a little local price shopping while in Cuzco and you’ll find a good package. However, flights can be a little dodgy. Remember: once they unchain the doors, run like hell to get on or you may not get a seat, even if you paid.
I’m jealous about Arequipa. I stayed at La Casa di Mi Abuela and loved it: http://realtravel.com/r-211887-arequipa_review-the_house_of_my_grandmother. While there, you have to go to the nunnery (Santa Catalina).
Colca Canyon was cool, but try not to stay overnight on that trip. It was brutal, but maybe that’s because my entire tour group was sick that day. It was pretty, but a little scary (lots of fallen rocks, blocked tunnels).
Have a great time!
Like Veda mentioned the Inca Trail can be real tough! We had friends do it who said it was amazing, but be prepared! We also got the train/bus, as we didn’t have time/money to do the trail. Need to book doing the trail in advance for sure.
One thing to recommend for Lake Titicaca is if you have time, go on an organised 2 day trip and you get to stay on Amantanà Island with a local family. Was really a great experience and much more personal than the floating islands that get loads of tourists every day from Puno.
Have a great trip whatever you choose to do!
1. Pisco Sour.
2. @ Cuzco u have to go to Sacsayhuaman and make the tour on horseback!.
3. Go to the cathedral.
4. Macchu Picchu, if u haven’t go, is a must.
5. The inca trail is really cool!.
6. More Pisco Sours.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions! It’s great having some good recommendations for before we go… that way I can make good choices once I’m there!