peru recommendations

by **kell88** » October 14th, 2009

Hi, I'm taking a peru vacations and I'm not sure about wich cities I should visit, of course I'm going to machu picchu and cusco and I'm so exited about that, I have a machu picchu tour, and I'm happy it was a very good deal but I want to go to arequipa, puno and the north of peru too, do you think I should keep taking tour or that I can go by my own. please some recommendations and advice, or if you have a suggestion please I will appreciate it.

by **moniak** » October 20th, 2009

Peru is verey well suited for individual travellers. There are numerous tour operators in every city and you can get good deals first hand. That is if you plan on going on tours like trekking to Machu Picchu or Colca Canyon.
The most popular route, if you're starting from Lima is: Pisco/Paracas - Ica - Nazca - Cusco - Puno - Arequipa - Lima.
You're not saying how much time you've got, but, you'd need about four weeks for that route.
If you have more than that you can also go to northern Peru - Iquitos, Kuélap, Trujillo , Mancora, Piura.
Bus is the best way to travel, except for Iquitos where you can only get to by flight.

by **moniak** » October 20th, 2009

I just took a look at the link in your post. OMG! US$ 1,075 for a 5 day trek to Macchu Pichu. (it must be a USA or UK based travel agent, ripping naive travellers off).
You'll get it for under US$ 200, if you buy it locally in Cusco. Go for Salkantay trail instead of the Classic Inca trail. No prebookings, better deals.

by **moniak** » October 20th, 2009

Ok, the website says they're based in Peru, British/Peruvian owned. Doesn't make it any better.
Anyway, forget about them

by **marichi638** » October 22nd, 2009

Seriously Kell88,

You would be paying a lot on that tour. Look at tripadvisor. Xochitl is an expert & he recommends www.peruchasquitur.com.pe - based in Lima. Remember to stay in Machu Picchu at least for 2 days so you can explore the many beautiful places. If you think about it, you are traveling thousands of miles to go see this World Heritage Site so allow enough time for it to work its magic on you. The same for Cusco. Don't rush it, enjoy this once in a life time experience! Pay a little extra for great guides & equipment but shop around!.