Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Free World]

Has anyone been to Peru? Anything you would not want to miss?
I am going to Peru from Nov. 10 to Dec. 14. Three weeks will be spent volunteering at an orphanage but we want to travel for the other two weeks.
So far we plan on seeing Lima, Machu Picchu & Cuzco, Lake Titicaca, and somewhere in the Amazon basin.
It will be our first time in South America and we want to make the most of it. Any stories, adventures, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Especially recommendations for the basin because our plans in that area are pretty vague.
Thanks so much.

[Tiger Beer]

I've been to all of those places.

Cuzco/Macchu Picchu/Lake Titicaca is a great place to spend your time. They are all right next to each other. I spent a couple weeks in Cuzco alone. So much there - language courses, ruins, clubs, excursions everywhere. I'd stay stationed right in Cuzco and the best of Peru is all nearby. There is also the INCA TRAIL which takes a few days of hiking and arrives right at Macchu Picchu - well worth it!!

Lima is a really fun city for nightlife.

One thing though.. wherever you go in Peru.. watch your stuff. Quite a few things can just disappear off buses easily! Also.. don't take a long-distance bus from Lima to Cuzco. Flying isn't much more expensive, and much better security. A lot of buses get pulled over by various guerilla groups imbetween these two areas - if are really insistent on bus travel between Peru and Cuzco, go through Arequipa (sp?) where there is a good canyon to visit anyways - if you have that time.

If I were you though, I'd just spend maybe 3 days in Lima.. and all the rest in Cuzco area (which includes proximity to Macchu Picchu and Lake Titicaca).

For the Amazon Basin - that would be Iquitos. You'll have to fly there (with your time limitations). Would take a few days there as well at least - I never stayed in that region of the Amazon Basin - but thats the Peruvian place for that.

[socrates flitcraft]

the inca trail can be booked out well in advance, I did it in april 05 without booking but I was quite lucky, even got a good price

I would make sure I went to bolivia if I was you, salt flats/ mines/ mountain biking were all quality experiences...they have ahd a little trouble in the mines lately though- a riot involving good old acme tnt...40 dead...not very amusing really , especially when you see how they work...it's straight out of a extra bleak dickens novel.

I have seen a few places and enjoyed south america more than anywhere I have been, stayed until i had maxed everything and will definitely go back. I only had 3 months where six would have been reasonable.

I found the relaxed culture meant you don't feel that blistering fatigue that SE asia can engender.
el coca es no el droga apparently

[Tiger Beer]

[Free World]

Thanks so much!

So far the plan is Cuzco first (including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley).
Then crossing into Bolivia but only as far as Copacabana so we can spend a couple days on the islands of Titicaca.

After that we have to decide between seeing the volcanos and canyons in Arequipa OR sandboarding and riding dune buggies in the desert near Ica.

We will be doing stuff in and around Lima for the 2 days we have after the project.

If you have done one or both of Arequipa and Ica, can you let us know which is more worth while?

[Tiger Beer]

I'm not so sure I know Ica.. but if thats near, in or around the salt plains of Bolivia.. I'd do that in a heartbeat. We rented a jeep and driver and got out in the salt plains.. very very fun! I'd think with buggies it would be a blast. Real strange feeling out there as well. Otherworldly.

Even if thats not the salt plains.. (desert with sanddunes?).. still sounds like more fun to me.

Canyons are more fun if you have a lot of time to hike into them and explore. Otherwise its just visual from the top. My opinion anyways.

[Free World]

Ica is on the west coast... a 4 or 5 hour bus ride south of Lima.
I think your point still stands though. We don't have a lot of time so it would be more just looking at the canyons from above.
Thanks TB!

[RnH]

We worked in Ecuador and Peru last year as naturalist guides in the amazon..Peru is a really great place and you'll LOVE it! Really hope you're planning a trip to the jungle if you're interested in Wildlife. Its out of this world. As for your arequipa/Ica question -Arequipa is a really beautiful town..especially with 'El misti' volcano in the background and its easy to get to the Colca canyon from there to see the massive Andean Condors. Theres also a century old nunnery and also a museum where you can see a 500 year old Inca mummy who was sacrificed on top of a nearby volcano. I would only recommend Ica for the adventure sports eg dune buggys etc and of course the Famous Nazca lines are nearby if you're interested..but we weren't that impressed by them. In my opinion, skip the dunes and head to Arequipa, cos theres far better dunes around the world (especially Namibia -just awesome!). Theres also the Cordillera Blanca which is high on my list for scenery- a town called Huaraz. Beautiful snowy mountains and the most beautiful lakes..and here you'll see loads of traditional Andean Indians.
But whatever you decide..Peru is an awesome place to go, Ecuador too. We are dying to go back there! And just a hint - get up to Macchu picchu early before the crowds-the sunrise is amazing..and take water with you -the tourist shop at the entrance is a complete rip-off! Also, keep an eye on your belongings all the time - we had a bag stolen at the bus stop in Cuzco. Enjoy your trip!

[RnH]

PS sorry, didnt see you asked about the amazon - there are loads of lodges around.You dont need to fly to iquitos..you can take a quick flight from Lima/Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. From Puerto Maldonado you can head out to manu national park or head into the Tambopata area. Manu is slightly better for wildlife, but Tambopata is really good too and perhaps easier. In Tambopata, most people do 3 or 4 day tours, all with a guide and will even take you camping for a night in the national park where theres a good chance you'll see jaguars and tapir. The Macaw Lick is something that should NOT be missed! And lake sandoval is ok, you can see the rare giant otters and have a go at swimming with pirahnas..dont worry, they wont bite! Also dont miss out on a night time canoe ride to look for caimen (small alligators). In my opinion, you cant visit Peru without going to the amazon....I'd even say its better than macchu picchu!!!! PM if you need anymore info!

[Tiger Beer]

[Free World]

Thanks so much for all the information.
We are really excited, only 2 more days!!