Preparing for the Inca trail

MaFe says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:08:

Good luck! I will be doing this in th fall!! Interested to see what people have to say!! Take lots of pictures!!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:12:

I just read a story of a guy who took a bus to some little town, collectivo to the hydro power plant, spend a night in Aguas Calientes, a full day in Machu Picchu, another night in Aguas Calientes and return to Cuzco. All for 150 Soles. (about 100k COP). Look for the story on LP thorntree.

Simon Presidente!

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:16:

i'm in the same boat and would like to run this trip during the summer months this year. anybody else going around the same time frame?

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:21:

oops. To do the inca trail you now must do it with an agency. Need to book I believe like 3 months ahead. I did it on my own in 1999 and that was fantastic but I doubt I would do it with an agency. Very pricy, too crowded. Best time to go is June, you have events almost every day in Cuzco for the inti raini (summer solstice), great parties that made us spend the entire month. Plus the climate in June is perfect, so you get a dry Inca trail. If you want my recommendation for some trekking: Visit Machu Picchu (it is a must!) but do your trekking in Huaraz. Away from the hords of tourists in the most amazing alpine scenery. There is a trek called Huayuash (sounds like "waywash") that is said to be one of the best treks in the world, takes like 10 to 12 days. There are also plenty of shorter ones and also climbing options (I did my first 6000m peak there!). Read about Huaraz, everybody loves it. (not the town but the alpine activities in the area). Go after Cuzco, July-August I believe has the most stable weather.

Simon Presidente!

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MaFe says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:22:

When in the summer TM? I was supposed to go last summer, but I had such a great time in Colombia that I delayed my trip another year....

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:31:

anytime after june 25th and not during feria de los flores here in mde. it would be cool to organize a small group. where are you located mafe?

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:38:

tejas, if you have been to the feria de flores before than I would recommend try inti raini in Cuzco this time (pretty much the same dates but really the party goes on for the second part of June). Bands playing in every plaza, it gets pretty wild! Wheelbarrows full of ice where they sell Cuba Libres (1 bottle of rum mixed with Coca Cola in a 2 liter bottle to go!). No doubt one of the wildest city parties I have ever seen.

Simon Presidente!

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 15, 2008, 08:59:

same time as the flower festival? or second part of june? is there a webpage to resource for the dates and description of activities?

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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MaFe says on Apr 15, 2008, 09:00:

TM, I am in NY, but I wont be going to Colombia this summer. I am planning Egypt/Israel...

I was hoping to go more towards August....if not fall...(Peru)
That would be great! BUT I actually want to walk the trail, I like to take my time to look, I'm not into visiting places and acting like a tourist...

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 15, 2008, 09:02:

hmmmm. i need to research this a little more. i am not real familiar with all the aspects of "the trail", walking or otherwise.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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MaFe says on Apr 15, 2008, 09:05:

TM, I have to research it too...I believe there are different trails;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_trail

I know there is one that is 3-4 days, and a shorter one...
If a group of us went, I would compromise to what the group wants...

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 09:10:

tejas: inti raini = inca summer solstice, from the inca calendar June 24th but the festivities start one week before and last for 2 weeks.

MaFe: If you want to hike, look and not act like a tourist I recommend you avoid the inca trail. Read about it, it must be the most populated mountain hike in the world.

Do me favor and look into the trails around Huaraz, read on the thorn tree or where ever. I guarantee you the time of your life. Two parallel cordilleras with 20some peaks over 6000m make you feel like being in the Himalaya. Look up some pictures on flickr or the like. It is one night on a bus from Lima (about 8-9 hours).

And for all hiking in Peru please look into climate. June to August I believe has the best climate to go hiking. You don´t want to slide around in the mud.

Simon Presidente!

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bopenyan says on Apr 15, 2008, 09:57:

The Peruvian authorities require that you use an agency. You will be hiking iwth a group of other tourists. The cost in the high season (the summer months) is over $300.00 and climbing. There are other trails which lead to Machu Pichu which do not require a guide. The trail is closed each February (the height of the rainy season) for maintenance, repairs and garbage removal. The trail is not particularly hard, but it is at a high altitude and can be steep (especially up Dead Womans' Pass). With respect to the charges, they usually do not cover the entrance fee to Machu Pichu nor the entrance fee to the trail itself. In the guided trek, there is never more than six hours of hiking each day, there are porters to lug your stuff, meals and tents are set up by the guides and porters...so you are not exactly roughing it.

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 10:01:

and these groups fill up the trail to such an extent that they have to regulate the amount of people going at one time, hence reason why you have to book way in advance. It´s become a bit of a circus.

Simon Presidente!

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Man Tequila says on Apr 15, 2008, 10:30:

You have to go through the agency, book well in advance, pay their hefty premiums.

Machu Picchu is well worth a visit. Bopenyan's description sounds about right.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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adrienne79 says on Apr 15, 2008, 17:52:

The bus ride takes about 24 hours. I have heard if you go by bus from Lima you should plan a few stop in other cities along the way to break up the trip. We are planning to go in Dec. Can't wait!!!

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 20:25:

You could break up your trip in Nasca and fly over the lines (and maybe crash), visit the cemeterio de Chauchilla (which I enjoyed much more than the Nasca-lines). You can stop in Arequipa, visit the Colca Canyon, supposedly the deepest in the world, where you can watch Condors. Arequipa is a nice city next to a volcano. Next great stop is Puno at the Lago Titicaca. Fantastic scenery but a tad bid cold. Well worth it. If you only have time for one stop on your way up to Cusco I would probably choose Lago Titicaca. Do not take a night bus in this area because it gets freezing cold in some buses at night, my window was frozen solid one night.
So it is well worth doing one trip by bus. Do it on your trip up to Cuzco because of the extreme altitude difference coming from sea level Lima. Then take a flight back. ...and then bus to Huaraz!

Simon Presidente!

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 20:42:

for the huayhuash circuit take a look at this picture to get an idea why I heave about it so much:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/femutualista/887113738/
or better the picture colletction at
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=huayhuash&page=1

and then look for pictures from the inca trail and compare for yourself.

Simon Presidente!

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 15, 2008, 20:54:

that's incredible! looks a little like glacier national park in montana;

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 15, 2008, 20:59:

by the way, i inquired about a 22 day excursion to peru and this is what i got;

how does it sound?

DATE DESTINATION TIME SERVICE
Day 01 Lima Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Posada del Inca Miraflores Hotel.

Day 02 Lima LIMA CITY TOUR (COLONIAL AND MODERN):
Guided visit through Lima's Historical Center: the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the City Hall and old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies. You will also visit the San Francisco Convent, which has the most magnificent collection of colonial art in America. The tour will continue through the most traditional residential areas of Lima, including San Isidro, Miraflores and LarcoMar, a shopping center of international thematic attractions which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Transfer to the airport.

Airline ticket to Chiclayo.
Chiclayo Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
Overnight at Costa del Sol Hotel

Day 03 Chiclayo ROYAL TOMBS OF THE LORD OF SIPAN & TUCUME COMPLEX:
Full day visit to The Royal tombs of Sipan Museum, a three floors building which architecture has been inspired in the old Pyramids of the Moche Culture. It has the most important objects from the Moche Culture such as the Sipan pieces. Afterwards, you will visit the Tucume complex, at the foot of La Raya hill, it is made up of 26 truncated pyramids (700-1100 B.C). Finally, you will visit Huaca Rajada, the ancient mud brick burial platform where the fabulous tomb of the Lord of Sipan was discovered with gold and gemstones which have revealed a great amount of information about the old Moche culture. You will visit the local museum and diggings. Lunch included.

BRUNING MUSEUM:
You will be transfered to Lambayeque city, where you will visit the Bruning Museum, a very important museum in the north of Peru. It has collections of gold, silver and copper objects from different cultures that belongs to this region since 4,000 years ago, as well as Lord of Sipan treasures.
Overnight at Costa del Sol Hotel

Day 04 Chiclayo Transfer to the bus station.
Bus ride to Trujillo.
Trujillo Upon arrival, meeting at the bus station and transfer to the selected hotel.
CITY TOUR & CASSINELLI MUSEUM:
For 3 hours approximately, you will visit the Colonial Mansions, where you will see its beautiful balconies, yards, entries. You will visit two important houses, the San Francisco Church and the Cathedral. Afterwards, visit to the Cassinelli Museum, where you will appreciate beautiful pre-incan pieces of art.
Overnight at Los Conquistadores hotel

Day 05 Trujillo SUN AND MOON TEMPLE, CHAN CHAN & HUANCHACO BEACH:
Visit for 2 and a half hours approximately the Sun and Moon Temple, the religious and cultural center of the Moche civilization. Continue to Chan Chan, the biggest mud citadel of ancient America, featuring the Tschudi Palace, its ceremonial places, housing, ateliers, labyrinths, walls, the grain stores and the cemetery. Finally you will visit the Huanchaco Beach, famous for its Caballitos de Totora.

Transfer to the bus station
Airline ticket to Lima.

Lima Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Posada del Inca Miraflores Hotel.

Day 06 Lima Transfer to the bus station
Bus ride to Las Dunas hotel
Ica FREE AFTERNOON:
Free time to enjoy of the hotel facilities or explore the city by yourself.

Overnight at Las Dunas Hotel.

Day 07 Nazca OVERFLIGHT NAZCA LINES & ARCHEOLOGICAL TOUR:
Transfer in a private car from Ica to Nazca. Then you will take a light aircraft to flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines which are seen only from the air. The giant geometrical and animal figures were etched on the desert sands by the Nazca people 1,500 years ago and their purpose is still a mystery. Afterwards, you will visit the main archaeological sites of the area: Cantalloc aqueducts and its viewpoint where you will appreciate "El Telar" figure; and "Paredones", an administrative inca center.

Ica Overnight at Las Dunas Hotel.

Day 08 Paracas BALLESTAS ISLANDS:
Reception and private transfer to Paracas. Trip in a comfortable boat to the Ballestas Islands. During the trip you will be able to appreciate a panoramic sight of “El Candelabro�. At Ballestas Islands, you will see the Peruvian penguin, an endangered species. Also, the Ballestas Islands are the haven of sea lions and others mammals. These sea lions like to be near the boats when are close to the shores of the islands. This beautiful spectacle along the shouting sea lions herd and justifies your visit. There are also a great variety of resident and migrating birds.

PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE:
Transfer to the Paracas National Reserve, the only protected area in Peru that includes a sea portion. This sanctuary spans 335,000 hectares of desert and shores, and it’s home of endangered species such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins and flamingos (the bird that inspired the colors of the Peruvian flag). You will visit the Julio C. Tello Site Museum and the Sea Lions Viewpoint. Then, you will ride a circuit by the shores of the zone. Finally, you will visit the Flamingo Viewpoint and “El Obelisco de la Independencia�.

Bus ride to Lima.
Lima Transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight at Posada del Inca Miraflores Hotel.

Day 09 Lima Transfer to the airport.
Airline ticket to Arequipa.
Arequipa Upon your arrival, reception and transfer to the selected hotel.
CITY TOUR & SANTA CATALINA CONVENT:
You will take 3 hours and a half tour at the city of Arequipa, visiting the main square (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral, the Jesuit church of La Compañia, Santa Catalina convent and its religious cloisters built in XVI century closed to the public for almost 400 years until 1970, it is still home to a few cloistered nuns. The tour continues to the Church and Square of San Francisco and Yanahuara area with its famous viewpoint from where it is possible to have a complete view of the city and its volcanoes.

Overnight at Mirador del Monasterio Hotel

Day 10 Arequipa 08:00 COLCA CANYON EXCURSION:
Departure towards the Colca Valley at 11,483 ft. On the way you will cross the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve, with the highest population of Andean flora and fauna. The trip continues to Tojra wetlands. Later you will cross Patapampa, a plain above 15748 ft. where you will find the “Mirador de los andes�, a strategic point to see the Chila mountain range and its great amount of volcanoes: Mismi, Chucura, Huaracante, and far away the Ubinas, Misti, Chachani, Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca. Arrival at Chivay town and transfer to the selected accommodation. After lunch, visit “La Calera� hotsprings located 2 miles away from Chivay, where you can take a relaxing bath.
Overnight at Casa Andina Colca.


Day 11 Arequipa 07:00 COLCA - AREQUIPA:
After breakfast, you will start the journey through the main towns of the valley until reaching Yanque, where you can rest or choose for a short walk (45 min.) along a path at the edge of the canyon. Then, departure towards “La Cruz del Condor�, the best spot to observe the deepness of the canyon (11,155 ft) and also the place from where almost always is possible to see the majestic fly of the condor. On the way back visit some very interesting typical towns, pre-inca hanging tombs and terraces. Arrival at Chivay and lunch. At appropriate time ride back to Arequipa and transfer to selected hotel.
Overnight at Mirador del Monasterio Hotel

Day 12 Arequipa At appropriate time, transfer to the airport.
Airline tickect to Julicaca.
Puno SILLUSTANI TOMBS:
On your way to the hotel, visit around 45 minutes the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, 12 m/40ft high stone cylinder burial chambers, used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Afterwards you will arrive at the selected hotel.

Overnight at Casa Andina Plaza Puno Hotel.

Day 13 Puno 06:00 CHUCUITO & UROS ISLAND (TITICACA LAKE):
After breakfast, You will start your tour at 9.00am visiting Chucuito, and the "Templo de la Fertilidad" (Fertility Temple). In the afternoon you will enjoy a delicious lunch and you will take a two-hour motor boat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique Floating "Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the "Water Tribe", have built their own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called "totora". Their homes and boats are also made from this material. After having experienced some of the ancient traditions of the local people, you will transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Casa Andina Plaza Puno Hotel.

Day 14 Puno At the appropriate time, transfer to the Airport to take your flight.
08.00 Air Ticket from Juliaca to Cuzco.
Cuzco Transfer from the airport to the selected hotel.
14:00 CITY TOUR & NEIGHBORING RUINS:
City tour for 3 hours through the beautiful Cusco city and its nearby ruins. The tour will show you the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of the Inca palaces. You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Then you will be driven to the Inca fortress of Sacsahuaman, to the underground cave and temple of Kenko and to Tambomachay, known as the Baths of the Inca. Finally you will visit the Misminay Exhibit, Misminay is a native community of Cusco, there you will be able to appreciate their beautiful handcrafts.

Overnight at Don Carlos Cusco Hotel.

Day 15 Cuzco 9:00 PISAC MARKET & OLLANTAYTAMBO:
Full day Sacred Valley excursion. 31 km (19 miles) far from Cusco is Pisac, at the entrance of the Sacred Valley. Visit the colorful market that on sundays, tuesdays and thursdays a craft fair took place where you can buy beautiful handicrafts and sourvenirs. The lunch will be served in a local restaurant. The tour continues towards Ollantaytambo, an archaeological site that the Incas built as a fort and includes a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a Living-Inca-Town, since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. This excursion will finish around 3:00 in the afternoon, after which you will be transfered to your hotel.

Overnight at La Casona de Yucay Hotel.

Day 16 Cuzco Transfer to the train station.
MACHU PICCHU VISIT:
Arrival by Vistadome class train to Machu Picchu ruins. From Aguas Calientes station you will be transported by bus to the top of the mountain and to citadel of Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu is the department of Cusco’s most important tourist attraction and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Discovered in 1911 by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, this city is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of scenic architecture in the world. The Incas, using ingenious engineering techniques, were able to transport heavy stone blocks up the mountain side, and once there, they used their excellent masonry skills to produce amazingly polished stones that fit together perfectly. After a three hours guided visit in the ruins.

A private guide will assist you through the visit in Machu Picchu from the train station.
Overnight at Machu Picchu Inn.

Day 17 Cuzco FREE DAY:
Free Day in Machu Picchu to enjoy the citadel on your own way (entrance fee and bus ride not included).
At the appointed time, you will return to the station to take your train ride to Ollantaytambo station at the Sacred Valley.
Transfer from Ollanta Station in the Sacred Valley to Cusco Hotel.
Overnight at Don Carlos Cusco Hotel.

Day 18 Cuzco Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Airline ticket to Puerto Maldonado.
Puerto Maldonado SANDOVAL LAKE LODGE - SANDOVAL LAKE:
Transfer from the airport to the Sandoval Lake Lodge. After lunch, board the catamaran and set off to explore the entire west end of the lake. There, macaws return to the palm forest to spend the night. Return to the lodge around nightfall for dinner. After dinner, return to the canoes to look for the rare Black Caimans.
Overnight

Day 19 Puerto Maldonado DISCOVERING THE JUNGLE:
Sunrise visit to the lake to see birds feeding themselves and maybe giant otters. Return for breakfast and set for a Brazil Nut trees demonstration of how the inhabitants collect, open and commercialize this product. After lunch, once again board the catamaran to explore the eastern part of the lake, where you might see one or more of the five species of monkeys from the lake. There is a final chance after dinner to try to spot some Black Caimans on the lake, or to go on a short night walk through the primary forest.

Overnight

Day 20 Puerto Maldonado TREK IN THE JUNGLE:
Rising once again at dawn, board the catamarans to explore the lake and find birds and giant otters. After a late breakfast, explore some of the rain forest trails with the knowledgeable resident naturalist guide. As you walk the forest will be brought to life as your guide explains the diverse flora and fauna. Return for lunch. For those still full of energy, there is an option to independently explore some of the forest trails. After dinner, there is a final chance to look for Black Caiman on the lake.

Overnight

Day 21 Puerto Maldonado LAST DAY IN THE JUNGLE:
After a dawn breakfast you will take a final, shorter paddle around the west end of the lake to try and glimpse the giant otters before returning to Puerto Maldonado to catch your flight.
Airline ticket to Lima.
Lima Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Posada del Inca Miraflores Hotel.

Day 22 Lima Transfer to the airport.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Man Tequila says on Apr 15, 2008, 21:06:

Cuzco is awesome, and Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca are very nice. The Nazca lines are tough to see, even from the air. I didn't get to Arequipa. You can take a PeruRail train from Cusco (or Lima) to Aguacalientes, which is a lot quicker than the bus but much pricier.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 21:16:

Tejas, nice tour! Lots of flights, I guess it ain´t cheap.
I personally would prefer a tour including the Huaraz area.

Simon Presidente!

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 15, 2008, 21:20:

good feedback. let me see what else i can dig up. i really like that huayhuash circuit.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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jonas says on Apr 15, 2008, 21:48:

how much time do you have for the entire trip?
Huayhuash takes I think like 10 to 12 days. There are several shorter circuits.
Lots of mountains to climb if you are into that. But that takes time, too.
wanna read about the climbing? search for ishinca (easy), tocllaraju (medium), alpamayo
great casa de guyas in huaraz, it was founded by swiss and they have the same requirements for their guides as they do in Switzerland. (2 year course). We were extremely happy with our guide there.

Simon Presidente!

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 05:28:

A little slideshow distilled from several hundred fotos made in Perú 2 years ago:



The first foto is my terrace in San Juan, the second is over Puerto Rico at the beginning of the flight to Caracas, and the rest are from Lima/Miraflores/Barranco, Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.

The music is from an indiginous group I met in Arequipa, sung in Quechua or Waywash.

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 06:31:

Flying from Lima to Cusco is, of course, the easiest. I flew there from Arequipa becuase I was suffering from gringo enferma and had to ditch a bus trip to Puno (cure is Cipro & Pepto Bismol)

If you are not aware of altitude sickness, you might do some web research, and chew cocoa and/or drink the tea.

Machu Picchu is a rather long train trip from Cusco (at least a few hours) and you won't get there until nearly noon as I remember, and then is crawling with tourists.

***** The train ride is actually to Agua Caliente where you take take the bus to Machu Picchu (30 or 45 minutes[?], I found a private tour guide very helpful *****

I stayed the first night at Sonesta Posada del Inca in Yucay, which is in the Sacred Valley. That is only a one hour train ride to MP and I think you are there by maybe 9(?) http://www.sonesta.com/SacredValley/index.cfm?fa=mediaPress.detail&gid...

It is an old monestary and a beautiful property (was maybe $75, two years ago):

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 16, 2008, 06:51:

very nice, sloop. thanks for sharing!

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 07:03:

my pleasure, I hope you enjoy Perú as much as I did, but can't offer much about the hiking.

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MaFe says on Apr 16, 2008, 07:23:

Everyone has great information...thanks!

TM, my friend is Peruvian and has family all over Peru, she went to Machu Picchu a few years ago. I will get in contact with her to see what she recommends?

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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Lauthra says on Apr 16, 2008, 09:46:

I am ever so jealous! I've been dying to do this but haven't had the time/money to spare. Algún día.

Nato (='.'=)

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 11:08:

tejas, your trip sounds really great. I totally planned my own, but that is a lot of work.

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cali373 says on Apr 16, 2008, 11:39:

Well I was planing on flying from Colombia or Ecuador to Cuszo, but it is so Expensive! I
wonder how long a bus trip from ecuador. but seems very long!!!

i think I will go to galapagos instead.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 12:26:

Flights within Perú on LAN seemed quite reasonable. How much from Quito?

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 12:46:

I just looked, total of $460, and does not include exit tax from Ecuador. OUCH!

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jonas says on Apr 16, 2008, 13:02:

if money is a bit short you could check if there are flights from Tumbes, Peru. Bus down from where ever you are in Ecuador and then put them wings on. Just be careful on the border crossing, lots of thieves.

Simon Presidente!

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 13:25:

I had an acquaintance in Lima who took a bus to Tumbes and as I remember was less than 8 hours. Probably be an interesting trip.

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jonas says on Apr 16, 2008, 14:13:

It is more like 14 hours on the bus. The trip down to Lima from the Ecua border is quite boring. Straight road (good quality) going along the coast through a desert like terrain.
Departure Arrival City Frequency Leave Arrive Price US$
Lima Piura Daily 16:15 6:15 45.76

Simon Presidente!

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 15:12:

Guess I am mistaken. That's a long trip, but a lot cheaper than flying.

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jonas says on Apr 16, 2008, 15:24:

I agree. That´s why I took the bus. And more than once that was.
It is more like an option for people who want to fly but not fork out 460 bucks + exit tax for the flight from Ecuador. It could be a very interesting option for someone holding a Peru-Airpass with LAN.
They offer all kind of Airpasses for South America, could be interesting for you guys, check it out:
http://www.latinamerica.co.uk/lan_visit_south_america_airpass.htm

Simon Presidente!

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jonas says on Apr 16, 2008, 15:33:

remembering the best ticket I have ever had... a Delta Pass for unlimited standby flights within continental US for 60 days was $1200 man, I was so JetSet, I would fly for breakfast to Las Vegas. I would fly coast to coast at night to save a hotel and get 2 free meals. Back in 1990 that was... good old times.

Simon Presidente!

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 16, 2008, 17:02:

so how much from colombia to lima? someone said there was a special for $200 USD.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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houstongal says on Apr 16, 2008, 18:13:

Tejas...you don't need to go through an agency for the tour you described above. I did many of the same things (Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cuzco, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (best place to catch the train to MP...fewer people, shorter trip), MP and booked it all myself for less than half of what the agencies were quoting.

I simply picked an itinerary that I liked and booked everything myself - hotels, air, bus and train tickets, arranged for a car to go from Paracas to Nazca, etc. PM me and I would be happy to share my spreadsheet from 2006. If I didn't blow almost a third of my budget on one hotel, my 15-day itinerary would've cost $2,000 and I stayed at 3 and 4 star hotels.

I didn't hike the trail, but everyone is correct. You need to book through an agency to hike the Inca trail (4 day hike). But there is a 2 day hike, which I'm thinking I would like to do one day. The Dead Woman's Pass is on day 2 of the 4 day hike, and I've heard it's pretty brutal. Therefore the 2 day hike skips the worst part of the hike.

Peru is a wonderful country to visit and MP is a truly fabulous location. But there are also lots of other incredible Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley you should consider seeing as well. Ones that fewer people tend to check out.

By the way, I went in late September when it was springtime. Beautiful flowers in bloom, cool weather. Glorious time of year and far fewer tourists than in June.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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MaFe says on Apr 16, 2008, 18:20:

HG, thanks for sharing your experience. That is when I was advised to go, and I was also told not to hire anyone...everything you wrote is what I was told would be best!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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houstongal says on Apr 16, 2008, 18:25:

I did work with some great people or agencies in Peru to make reservations for me. And I would highly recommend some of them. I'm a pretty serious researcher and like to find ways to save $. I am happy to share my resources to anyone interested.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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sloopskipper says on Apr 16, 2008, 18:37:

houstongal, I totally agree. An amiga from Puerto Rico suggested an agency, but I soon realized that their plan was very inflexible (and they were screwing me) so I ditched them and created my own tour, with hotels, buses, flights, etc, that suited me better.

I found a great 3 star hostal in Arequipa that cost me $25US per night, including breakfast.

I also have a spreadsheet (from 2005) that I would share.

I had private (english speaking) tour guides in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the area around Arequipa.

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houstongal says on Apr 16, 2008, 19:03:

Yup, I had a private guide in the Sacred Valley as well, but I couldn't recommend him to others (he also picked up my train ticket to MP for me). It's more work to book everything yourself, but it's also a great way to save $.

I loved every single hotel I stayed at. None were hostals (not my style of traveling), but it was so cheap to stay at a good hotel in Peru.

jajaja.. sloop...so nice to see others as anal as I am! The spreadsheet was my only way to remember who I talked to, whether I paid in advance, collect contact information in case of problems, etc.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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sloopskipper says on Apr 17, 2008, 04:47:

Yes, HG, me too.

My thoughts are that a South American hostal is nothing like a youth hostel (at least in Perú). The one I was referring to was the three star La Casa de Melgar Hostal in Arequipa

http://www.tripadvisor.es/Hotel_Review-g294313-d318498-Reviews-La_Casa...

Although some commented about the service, I was very pleased and found the staff very helpful, and the property was a quaint and charming place. The rooms were clean and cozy, with the best cable TV I have ever seen, with channels from around the World (even CNBC). Traveling alone, that was great before sleeping, and in the morning.

In October 2005 the price was $25US, including a nice breakfast. A great value, to me.

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sloopskipper says on Apr 17, 2008, 05:16:

My absolute favorite was My Second Home Perú. It is a beautiful mansion on a palisade, overlooking the Pacific in Barranco. It is the former home of famous Peruano artist and sculptor, Victor Delfin. On the grounds and in the house are hundreds of his scupltures and artworks. It was like having a roon at The Museum of Modern Art. I spent hours photographing in, and around, the house.

He lives in an ajoining property, and daughter Lilian operates the B&B. She was such a delight. I had a huge, beautifully decorated, room/bath with an amazing sea view.








The artist's current home, below the mansion, and his son's house, beneath that. His studio is to the right, with a wood sculpture in progress on the terreace.

The B&B was not operating long when I was there, and I was told I could use the pool, but didn't. It is probably hard to get a room there now, as it is such a fantastic place.

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houstongal says on Apr 17, 2008, 10:25:

Very cool Sloop! I'll post my photos of a couple of the hotels in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba and Ollantaytambo) tomorrow.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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MaFe says on Apr 17, 2008, 19:01:

Sloop...great pictures!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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Robert Jorge says on Apr 17, 2008, 20:52:

That is real cool Sloop.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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sloopskipper says on Apr 18, 2008, 03:01:

Thanx, but I simply push the button, the camera does the magic.

I made more than 50 fotos around that property, and probably, at least, 800 in Perú.

I had a couple hundred on photoclub.com, but they went bust just after I paid a second year membership, and they took a long time to upload.

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sloopskipper says on Apr 18, 2008, 03:42:

Just a few more:
















About twenty feet tall

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