So, I decided at the last minute to head to Peru in about 5 weeks. I want to spend a week and not have an overpacked schedule. Anyone been there? Anything I have to see while in Peru? Anything to forget seeing? Any other advice?????
Life is TOO short to wait on bucket list items. I'd hate to kick over an empty bucket. LOL I save most of my non-retirement money on vacations (no car payments, no cable TV, no expensive clothes, etc). I want to see the world!!!! My husband is taking all 4 kids to see his parents while I'm grabbing my best friend (who is 25 years older), taking time off work and going to Peru! This is actually #1 on HER bucket list, so I'm making it happen for her. I told her, "You'll be 62 next month and you aren't getting any younger. Let's go to Machu Picchu in September." This woman has never left the country and a few hours after I told her about Machu Picchu, she calls me and says, "I just got finished at the post office for my passport and I got it expedited."
Oh please allow us to live vicariously through you and give us an update! On on my personal bucket list. Have a fantastic time!
I only have one tip: Make sure you tour the right attraction: Machu Picchu. Don't buy a package that includes a tour of Manchu Picchu ;-)
Sounds like a great trip! Have fun!!
If you go to Machu Picchu, remember it is very high and the air is much thinner. Be prepared to have issues with that. I did. I passed out! I am one of those folks that can't go very high at all. =(
Just be careful and enjoy yourself. Watch out for the food at some places. Make sure everything is cooked through. HAVE FUN!!! It will be cold up in the mountains. Its winter time!!
I love your adventurous spirit and hope you have a blast. I need some friends like you :)
Hi J., I went back in 2004 for 2 weeks. Yes, you need to see Cuzco as well as Machu Picchu. You can take the train from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes which is the little town below Machu Picchu or you could try to hike the Incan trail to Machu Picchu. My cousin did it and said it was amazing, though it will take approx. 3 days and you need to be in good shape for that kind of hike. We were with my parents so we took the train, which was great. I actually purchased a package here in L.A. that included all of our transfers to different cities and several private tours. We did not purchase a tour of Macchu Picchu. I agree with "queen of the castle" you don't want to pay for someone to give you a tour because it will limit the amount of time you can spend there. Frankly you can always stand near one of the many tour guides and listen in if you want to hear specific stats. Otherwise, you're better off wandering the site yourself. One thing you should definitely NOT miss out on is hiking Wayna Picchu. This is the mountain right next door. It costs about $30-$40 bucks and is worth every penny. The views are spectacular. It is a moderately tough climb but totally doable. I had a gnarly stomach virus that had me puking every other hour and I still did it. Speaking of which, don't take chances with the water and try to only drink bottled. Avoid ice and pack some anti nausea or anti diarrheal meds. Better safe, than sorry. Also you really don't want to miss lake Titicaca. You can work that into your tour and see these floating cities that the indigenous people live in. Amazing. Lima is also a great city with plenty of shopping and interesting colonial architecture. Have fun!
You'll wish you had more time!! Machu Picchu is amazing as is Cuzco. I think there's a "fast" train to Machu Picchu which I would take if you have the money. You need to fly from Lima to Cuzco (and pretty much anywhere you need to go in the country). We also had a day tour out of Cuzco to the Sacred Valley ("Sacred Valley of the Incas including a visit to Pisac traditional market, Ollantaytambo village and Inca ruins, Chinchero plaza, church and Inca ruins."- You have to be sure it's a market day!)
If you had more than a week I would highly recommend a trip to Iquitos and the Amazon River. We did a few nights trip on the river through the rainforest which was unforgettable. - I think we went with Explorama, but I'm not sure. I wish we had time to go to Lake Titicaca; I hear it's amazing as well.
Make sure you have camera batteries! Enjoy!
Ya! Good for you! Have fun and be safe!
You should also go to Cuzsco (I forget if thats how you spell it.) The town is so quaint and beautiful to walk around and check out. There are great markets where you can buy beautiful artifacts and genuine hand made souvenirs for cheap. Try the lomas saltada for dinner - YUM! I ate it every night while I was there! Macchuu Pichhu is such a magical and wonderous place...get yourself lost in the feeling of history and culture just walking around it! Have a blast!!
I thought this was a Pokemon question . . . was prepared to to ask my son for the correct answer! :P
Have a great trip!
You Go Girl!!!!!!!
My only tip is bring silk long underwear -- it packs really small, is very light and can be used in layering your clothing and is amazing at keeping your body temperature even. You can get it at any sporting goods stores, around here at RCI, Dicks and Sports Chalet. I always travel (during potential cold months) with two pairs, white and black, and I use them as underneath shirts with a vest, a T-shirt, or button down shirt, as a hidden layer under clothes for added warmth and even when needed as extra pajamas.
Oh, one more tip, bring 2 digital cameras, extra memory cards and batteries. If one camera doesn't work you don't have to spend your trip trying to get it fixed, you have another way to capture the memories. And remember to take Lots and Lots of pictures so you can save the moments for yourself and you have ways to help you share your adventures with others.
Have an amazing life journey!!!!
