Tips for going to Peru

[dahl]

Going to Peru this summer with my family.
Right now it looks like all treks on the Inca trail are sold out, that's OK, since I can always go back.

I need some good tips from more experienced travelers, I'll do the tourist things, but we are more into ethic culture and real Peru than a fancy hotel.

[jurgenph]

we were there a few years ago, it was a very short "let's get away" trip, so we didn't get to do everything that we wanted to.

pretty much did Cuzco and Puno area, and the sites surrounding those two cities.

Machu Picchu (be sure to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for stunning views)
Urubamba
Sacsayhuaman
Lake Titicaca
i would have liked to see the nazca lines, but it didn't with within out time schedule.

sample the local food and drinks! guinea pig and alpaca steak for example :)


J.

[brian00321]

Going to Peru this summer with my family.
I need some good tips from more experienced travelers, I'll do the tourist things, but we are more into ethic culture and real Peru than a fancy hotel.

Ditto on that. Have you ever thought about visiting Arequipa; the Colca Canyon; Lake Titicaca; or the Ballestas Islands? I'm sure you can google most of the stuff that I mentioned, but just thought I'd throw out some ideas.

[IanC]

We were there a few years ago & totally enjoyed the country. Try visiting Sillustani de Chullpas which is about 30+ km (20+ miles) from the city of Puno. It's an ancient burial place & stands at 4000+ m above sea level surrounded by the Umayo lake.
BTW, plenty of great photo taking opportunity :)...

[NOsquid]

If you like trekking look into Salcantay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salcantay#Salcantay_Trek) as an alternative to the Inca Trail. It's usually not sold out 2 months in advance like the classic trail. It will get you to Machu Picchu, though depending on the specific route you take, you might end up just taking the bus up from Aguas Calientes instead of coming down on Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate at sunrise (the latter is more impressive as you may have guessed). For more hardcore trekking look at the Ausangate Circuit (http://www.besthike.com/southamerica/peru/ausangate.html).

I wouldn't waste more than a couple of days in Puno. It's horribly touristic. You can see the lake and take a boat tour to the islands, it's impressive but crowded.

Definitely swing by Arequipa, I really enjoyed it. Not nearly as touristic as Cuzco or Puno. You can trek for 3 days in Colca Canyon for less than $100 with food/lodging included. Most of Peru is actually cheap outside of Cuzco. There's lots of outdoor activities in Arequipa ie mountain biking, rafting.

Huacachina is kind of a desert oasis/resort. Sandboarding and dune buggies. Worth a one day stop. Same for the Islas Ballestas.

You can get to everywhere I've mentioned by bus. Cruz del Sur is the luxury line and it's worth paying extra (it's still cheap by US standards).

Look up the "gringo trail." It's a typical itinerary that hits all the good stuff.

Change out your dollars for soles, it's more convenient especially in the smaller towns. And make the bank give you small bills. People are poor there, change is hard to come by.

Edit: be sure to work on your spanish

also, my pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/49002313@N04/sets/72157623923218655/