Jump to content

PERU - Machu Picchu & the Plains of Nazca


Trainman-2

Recommended Posts

We are sailing on RCI's Radiance of the Seas departing Buenos Aires on 18 Jan 2009 and ending in Valparaiso, Chile.

 

We would like to visit Machu Picchu and the Plains of Nazca after the cruise.

 

We have found the Peru Travel site which seems to have some nice tours of Machu Picchu but nothing for the Plains of Nazca.

 

http://peru-travel.info/eng/perutraveltours.asp

 

Can anyone suggest a good US based Travel Agent, experienced with South America travel who can help us set up all of the tours and airline flights?

 

Thanks...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are sailing on RCI's Radiance of the Seas departing Buenos Aires on 18 Jan 2009 and ending in Valparaiso, Chile.

 

We would like to visit Machu Picchu and the Plains of Nazca after the cruise.

 

We have found the Peru Travel site which seems to have some nice tours of Machu Picchu but nothing for the Plains of Nazca.

 

http://peru-travel.info/eng/perutraveltours.asp

 

Can anyone suggest a good US based Travel Agent, experienced with South America travel who can help us set up all of the tours and airline flights?

 

Thanks...

 

 

You DON'T need a tour/TA to plan a trip to MP. It is VERY easy to do it yourself at your own pace. All the trips from the TA you posted are TOO aggressive. You need TIME to acclimate. TIME to do NOTHING, not running around the first day at a tour pace. Going from sea level (Santiago/Lima) to 11,000 feet OFTEN brings on altitude sickness (AMS). If you are prone to it, you need to be VERY careful.

 

Nazca can only be seen from the air. The flights are VERY easy to book out of Lima. I know two or three people to book with

 

As a frequent business traveler to Santiago, Lima and Cusco, I will be more than glad to point you in the right direction. I need info on budget, what type of hotels, how many days you have available (I personally recommend 4 full days), and the exact dates. You may either email-greatam@earthlink.net-or post on this forum.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Greatam,

 

Thanks so much for your offer to help and your advise so far. I had not even considered a need to adjust to the altitude.

 

We are currently booked directly with RCI for air travel from Miami to Buenos Aires on 17 Jan 09. We had planned to "hang out" there for two days before boarding the Radiance on Jan 18th.

 

I guess that the best thing will be to cancel the air reservations RCI has made for us and book my own. We live in South Carolina, just south of Charlotte and had planned to drive to Florida and visit relatives for a few days and then drive to the Miami Area and leave our car there during the cruise.

 

I know that the figures on the plains of Nazca can best be seen from the air but I would really like to visit the area on the ground also if it is possible and practical. I have read somewhere that the figures are all fenced off now and not open for visitors.

 

The company I mentioned above had a 2 night 3 day tour from Lima to Cuzco and back to Lima that looked interesting but only allowed one morning to adjust to the altitude. However, there seem to be local taxi operators in every city I have ever visited that can spend time showing people around.

 

It looks like we will need to fly from Valparaiso to Lima and then to Cuzco and then back to Lima and then probably to Panama City to catch a flight back to Miami with a flight to Nazca somewhere too.

 

We are not rich but mid range to lower high class hotels would be appropriate for us. We don't need the deluxe jacuzzi suites as we are there to tour, not hang out in the hotel.

 

We are open to any other suggestions you might have for us on the trip.

 

The Radiance docks in Valparaiso, Chile at 0400 on Feb 1st, 2009.

 

Thanks...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your cruise is 1.5 years away. So everything I am posting is based on what's available now, subject to change.

 

1. There are only two flights out of Santiago which work for you-one leaves about 9:00PM and one leaves about 10:30PM. One way per person, Santiago to Lima is usually $400-450.00. Sometimes there are sales on the LAN website so sign up for everything you can-email alerts, fare sales, etc. Flight is almost 4 hours, but with the time changes, you arrive Lima either 11:00PM or 12:30AM. I recommend the 11:00PM arrival.

 

Now you have two choices-hang out at the airport until the early flights to Cusco leave or spend a couple days in Lima-you go to Ica (Nazca) from Lima.

 

I have done it both ways, but I think going to a hotel when you have already been up all day is the way to go.

 

I have a favorite little hotel in Miraflores-nothing fancy, but they will pick you up at the airport. Room rate is $55.00, including breakfast (very good) and airport pick up. Please ask for Luis and reserve the room on the first floor with the little patio and all the wood. Twin beds. Otherwise, you have to go upstairs. I love that little room. http://www.hotelsanantonioabad.com/

 

The next day, I would just go see some of Lima-Gold Museum, LarcoMar shopping center, tennis club on the ocean, market, etc. etc.

 

The following day-three choices. One day tour to Nazca (bus/flight over figures/bus return to Lima). Overnight tour in a private car. Or one day tour in private car. They are comparable in price, but a lot depends on how much time you have.

 

You will have to be up early to take any of the tours. RT one day bus tour, including flight over the area, is $266.00pp. It's a 4 hour bus ride each way from Lima. But you will be on the ground for about 3 hours. The only way to get to the area is either charter plane, bus, or private car. There is no regularly scheduled air service. So if you want to stay for an overnight, you will need to take the private car tour. The overnight private car tour is $289.00, includes lunch, hotel and breakfast the next morning.

 

The private car tour is cheaper than either, but I think in one day, you would not see much in a car. The bus would be better going up the Pan Am Highway-you sit so much higher.

 

Third/fourth day-ANOTHER early day-but this works out well, as you won't feel like pushing it too much in Cusco. There are flights that leave from 5:50AM, three flights before 9:00AM. The earlier you fly, the better chance you have to land in Cusco. The fog and mist often comes in around 11:00AM and the planes have to go back to Lima. RT air is usually about $250.00, but then again, LAN often has specials for about $180.00. You will pay for transport to return to the Lima airport-I think it is $15.00, but I just give them a $20.00 bill. Luis will keep your extra luggage, since you have to return to Lima.

 

Almost all hotels in Cusco have airport pick up service.

 

I have three favorites. 1. Casa de Campo-the cheapest/least fancy of the three-$55.00 including airport pickup and breakfast. HOWEVER, it is 110 steps from street level up a hill to my favorite room. It is definitely a hike up that hill. The views are to die for and the owner is very nice-he gets up at 5:00AM to cook everyone breakfast. It is VERY Peruvian. Has a Spanish language school attached to it and for some reason, lots of Germans and Dutch stay there.

 

I stay there AFTER I have become acclimated, so maybe not good for the first night.

 

http://www.hotelcasadecampo.com/ingles/indexin.php

 

PS-my favorite room is the glassed in one in the front-fireplace and everything. Plus the view is simply spectacular.

 

2.Torre Dorada-in a very quiet neighborhood, but NOT walking distance to anyplace. They have a car to take you to the Plaza (about 5 minutes), pick you up from the airport, etc. Otherwise, taxis are available very cheap ($5.00 from the airport to the Plaza). It is a very narrow, 4 story hotel. No elevator. The service is VERY good. Home cooked breakfast in the morning. Peggy also is VERY good about arranging any kind of tour you may want and helping you out with shopping. She must speak every language you can imagine. About $70.00 per night with airport pickup and breakfast

 

http://www.torredorada.com.pe/index.html

 

 

3. Casa Andina Cusco Plaza-one block off the Plaza so close to everything. It will be noisier and more "crowded" than staying at either of the other places. It is not nearly as personal an experience, but it is a nice place to stay. The Casa Andina chain has only recently started (Peruvian owned) in the last 3/4 years. They have quite a few hotels in Peru. I have stayed at three (Arequippa, Puna and Cusco) and have had decent experiences in all three. The Casa Andina's are much more "Americanized" than the other two-carpet on the floor, heat (which is NOT standard in Cusco hotels), just more "American" features. About $125 per night.

 

There are much more expensive hotels and the Monasterio is to die for. But at almost $500.00 per night, it was a once in a lifetime stay for me. The Libradator, Novatel, and Sonesta Posada are all nice (never stayed there, but been in the lobbies just snooping), but again, "Americanized" tourist hotels. The Novatel has central heating, which is very rare for all the finest hotels in Cusco.

 

Now to what you came to Cusco for.

 

The second day-a simple day tour to some of the sights. Bus tour to the Pisac market, Sacsayhuaman (pronounced like "sexy woman) and some of the temples in the Sacred Valley. Leaves the Plaza about 9:00AM and returns about 4:00PM. The Pisac market is only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

 

My suggestion for dinner-Norton's Rat Tavern on the south side of the Plaza. BEST hamburger's in all of South America (they have other stuff to eat, including some Peruvian stuff). Owned by an expat American who rode his motorcycle to Cusco many years ago. Upstairs, great views of the night's going on in the Plaza.

 

Third day-EARLY (6:00AM) train to MP. Don't let anyone talk you into taking the train from Ollaytaytambo. They bus you over the hill to the train station. You miss the "zig zag" out of Cusco. A great thrill-going backwards on a train 3 times while they switch tracks to get you over the hill. You also get to see just how poor it is in that part of the world. Cusco waking up is definitely an eye opener if you have never seen real poverty.

 

You get to Agua Calientes and then take the bus up the hill to the ruins. You really do not need a guide. There is a travel agency on the North side of the Plaza next door and upstairs from the InKa Grill-they have a GREAT selection of MP guides. Just take your time, use your guide book, and if you need some help explaining something, hang out at the back of one of the organized tour groups in areas where you have questions.

 

The train returns about 3:00PM to Cusco. Or you could stay one night in Agua Calientes. You can book the train via email. Then you pick up the tickets in the train station in Cusco. Another VERY Peruvian experience. You can also make arrangements to pay for the train in advance and they will deliver the tickets to your hotel. But there are no refunds if you pay in advance.

 

http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/journeys/4_53409.jsp

 

Day four-pick a flight to get back to Lima. If you are leaving on the same day for home, take one of the flights before 11:00AM. Not only will you avoid most of the fog/mist problems, you will have time to get your luggage from Hotel San Antonio Abad, relax and maybe have dinner before you return to the airport.

 

I know this is a lot to think about. But should give you a basis to ask questions and refine an itinerary. Enjoy!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for your comments. You have given me a lot to think about.

 

The question that comes to mind immediately is how do I pay for all of this? Do they take credit or debit cards? Do I need to carry cash or traveler's checks? Should I plan to convert US Dollars to Peruvian money?

 

As you said, it is a year and a half away. Lots of time for planning and my wife and I both want to learn some basic Spanish.

 

Thanks again...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for your comments. You have given me a lot to think about.

 

The question that comes to mind immediately is how do I pay for all of this? Do they take credit or debit cards? Do I need to carry cash or traveler's checks? Should I plan to convert US Dollars to Peruvian money?

 

As you said, it is a year and a half away. Lots of time for planning and my wife and I both want to learn some basic Spanish.

 

Thanks again...

 

LAN airline tickets can be booked online using credit card.

 

Most Cusco hotels take credit cards and all the ones I posted do.

 

MP entrance fee is cash. Train can be paid in cash in Cusco at the train station or booked online with credit card through Orient Express (no refunds if plans change). I always pay cash at the train station-as I posted, another VERY Peruvian experience. The ATM at the Inka Grill will dispense either soles or dollars. Easy to do for cash in Cusco. You can also get cash an most any ATM in Lima, although most dispense in soles.

 

US dollars are fine in Peru. Don't take travelers checks. They are usually surcharged about 15%. Very easy in Peru.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Greatam,

 

It looks like we will be changing to a later cruise that would debark us in Valparaiso on 29 March 2009.

 

Any advantages or disadvantages from a weather viewpoint to a two month delay in visiting Machu Picchu?

 

Thanks...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Greatam,

 

It looks like we will be changing to a later cruise that would debark us in Valparaiso on 29 March 2009.

 

Any advantages or disadvantages from a weather viewpoint to a two month delay in visiting Machu Picchu?

 

Thanks...

 

The weather doesn't change that much-you will be there in the rainy season no matter which time you go. But you will miss most of the penguins on your cruise. They usually leave their nesting areas by the first of March.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why Machu Picchu & the Plains of Nazca?

 

All of my life I have been interested in ancient and mysterious places. I simply find them to be fascinating! Now we are signed up for the 16 day cruise on the Radiance of the Seas from San Paulo, (Santos) Brazil to Valparaiso, Chile sailing on 13 March 2009. So the time is right for us to visit two of the places that have always interested me. I may never have this opportunity again. A special thanks to Greatam who is helping and advising me and with the support of my wife, we are going to take the time to do some serious visiting and exploring.

 

I have noted that a lot of CC members are checking out this thread so here is some nifty stuff for you. Maybe some of you will join us on this grand adventure and maybe some of you will follow along as we plan and take the trip.

 

First - Machu Picchu

 

This is the "classic" view of the site

 

machu-picchu-5.jpg

 

Here is a view showing the train from Cuzco down in the valley below

 

Machu-urubamba2.jpg

 

And here is a view of the road and the switchbacks that the buses take to carry tourists up to the site.

 

800px-Machu_Picchu_seen_from_Huayna.jpg

 

Wikipedia has an excellent write up of about Machu Picchu here:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

 

And I found a new forum on travel to Machu Picchu here:

 

http://rediscovermachupicchu.com/forum/YaBB.pl

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Second - The Plains of Nazca

 

Here is a sketch of the major figures on the Nazca Plain

 

nascamap.jpg

 

Figure 14 (above) and the photo below are alleged to represent people from outer space. Nobody knows why the lines were constructed but it is known that they were made before air planes were invented. They can only be seen from the air.

 

nazca_human.jpg

 

And here is the "Humming Bird"

 

nazca_hum.jpg

 

Here is a low angle view of some of the lines. It gives you an idea of their size and makes you wonder how they were made.

 

19991012-landscape2big.jpg

 

The lines were made by removing the top layer of stones and gravel and exposing the lighter colored stones below. What is unknown about them is how they laid out the figures. Imagine trying to make the humming bird figure in a field yourself. It is bigger than a city block!

 

Here is a link to Wikipedia

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazca_plains

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Again Everyone,

 

I am sort of posting to myself here with the exception of Greatam. But I see that the view count continues to rise every day so I suspect that many people are interested in this thread but not quite ready to chime in or make a reservation for the trip.

 

First a comment on HEALTH!

 

I am 63 and my DW is 58. We have both smokers and have had some serious health problems and surgery in the last year. I met with my Cardiologist a few days ago for a routine checkup (I had a heart attack 6 months ago) and we talked about visiting Peru and the elevation (Cuzco is 11,300') and he said that he did not see any problems for us but that we would have to take some time to adjust to the altitude and be prepared to take lots of breaks if we do a lot of walking. Greatam gave me the same advise and suggested an extra day in Cuzco to adjust to the altitude. My younger brother always says:

 

"Old Age Ain't For Sissies!"

 

So, on to today's update!

 

Here is a link to a trip report by "Andry" of a visit to Machu Picchu that is excellent and well worth reading.

 

http://www.andrys.com/peru25.html

 

From this write up I learned that there is a hotel up on the mountain, right next to Machu Picchu. If you scroll up and look again at the third photo of Machu Picchu you can see a building right in the center of the photo. This is the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and it is a "high end" hotel and certainly not cheap with 2007 rates in US Dollars between $715 and $1,165 per night! Here are some photos...

 

SanctuaryLodge.jpg

 

SanctuaryLodge-01.jpg

 

SanctuaryLodge-02.jpg

 

Here is a link to the Hotel's web site. It is worth exploring and taking their virtual tours.

 

http://machupicchu.orient-express.com/web/omac/omac_a2a_home.jsp

 

Greatam told me that if I want to stay in this hotel I also have to stay in their sister hotel in Cuzco, the "Monistario" and that both hotels and the train are owned by the Orient Express. So I checked out the Orient Express web site and learned that they offer deluxe, all inclusive, tours which include staying in both hotels and the train ride. Their 7 night package is $4,948 (2007) US Dollars per person. It is an impressive, all inclusive, high-end package. Here is the link.

 

http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/packages/4_76002.jsp

 

I also found that there are many more escorted tours available and that most of them start out in Lima, Peru. Here is another link.

 

http://www.amazingperu.com/peru/peru_tours/escorted_escapes/escorted_escapes.asp

 

There are plenty of less expensive opportunities to visit these areas other than the high-end tour packages.

 

Take your time and explore the links above.

 

Trainman-2

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi - I just got back from Peru. Things you might find helpful.

 

I did not see Machu Picchu, which I'm sad about, but had prior committments that made me stay near Lima/Callao.

 

Callao, the port, is a pit - and 45 minutes away from Miraflores, the only part of Lima you will want to visit on your own. Safety is a big concern.

 

I flew to Ica, then toured, and an overflight of the Nazca Lines. Very interesting, but we weren't able to see the lines from the ground. There is a tower in the area that people can climb to see the lines from a closer vantage point, but I was only able to see the tower from the air.

 

Do not, not, not count on LAN Peru or LAN Chile flights. I was in South America visiting family on Semester at Sea. I was told horror stories of people being bumped from Santiago/Easter Island flights, Cusco/Lima flights, and my flight Ica/Lima was three hours late. One student aboard Semester at Sea missed the ship because of being bumped from a full day of Cusco/Lima flights, and he had a "confirmed" ticket.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi there-I can't tell you how informative Andry's Peru photos and info were!! I printed it all out and will now settle back and read! We are booked on HAL's S. American Ft. Lauderdale-Lima trip next Nov. and plan a post-cruise excursion to Machu Picchu. This information is a God-send! Thanks again and have a good day. Shelly

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Again Everyone,

 

 

 

First a comment on HEALTH!

 

I am 63 and my DW is 58. We have both smokers and have had some serious health problems and surgery in the last year. I met with my Cardiologist a few days ago for a routine checkup (I had a heart attack 6 months ago) and we talked about visiting Peru and the elevation (Cuzco is 11,300') and he said that he did not see any problems for us but that we would have to take some time to adjust to the altitude and be prepared to take lots of breaks if we do a lot of walking. Greatam gave me the same advise and suggested an extra day in Cuzco to adjust to the altitude. My younger brother always says:

 

"Old Age Ain't For Sissies!"

 

 

The best and I do mean the best thing you can do to alleviate AMS (altitude sickness)-drink coca tea IMMEDIATELY on arrival in Cusco and keep drinking it for the duration. There is a little stand at the airport in the parking lot that sells both coca leaves and coca tea. I RUN to the stand the minute I get off the plane (although running is an absolute no-no if you want to avoid AMS). I buy both a bag of coca leaves AND drink a couple of cups of tea.

 

YES, coca leaves are what cocaine is made of. But it is the only natural way to stave off AMS that I know of. You can take Diamoxx (available by prescription in the US or all over the place in Cusco with no script). However, if you have any allergies to sulfa drugs, you cannot take it. And it also makes you pee an inordinate amount (it is a diuretic). So not only do you have to go to the bathroom all the time, but you will need to drink A LOT of water.

 

I chew the leaves on occasion (if I start feeling the AMS headache coming on), but generally get by with drinking 4-6 cups of coca tea a day. I also drink 2-3 big bottles of water a day. I smoke and I am 59 yo. I have been to Cusco 13 times in the last 5 years. I have had AMS twice-the second time so severely that I was on constant oxygen and they recommended I get on the first plane out of Cusco. Since I started with the coca leaves, I have not had AMS. And I made a trip to Lake Titicaca, which is even higher than Cusco. The train climbs to 16,000 feet on the journey from Cusco to Puno. Lake Titicaca is 12,000+ feet and there is no place to get away from the altitude like there is in Cusco (an hour trip over the mountain to the Sacred Valley is about 2500 feet lower). I swear by the coca leaves.

 

Here is a link to the Hotel's web site. It is worth exploring and taking their virtual tours.

 

http://machupicchu.orient-express.com/web/omac/omac_a2a_home.jsp

 

Greatam told me that if I want to stay in this hotel I also have to stay in their sister hotel in Cuzco, the "Monistario" and that both hotels and the train are owned by the Orient Express. So I checked out the Orient Express web site and learned that they offer deluxe, all inclusive, tours which include staying in both hotels and the train ride. Their 7 night package is $4,948 (2007) US Dollars per person. It is an impressive, all inclusive, high-end package. Here is the link.

 

http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/packages/4_76002.jsp

 

I also found that there are many more escorted tours available and that most of them start out in Lima, Peru. Here is another link.

 

http://www.amazingperu.com/peru/peru_tours/escorted_escapes/escorted_escapes.asp

 

There are plenty of less expensive opportunities to visit these areas other than the high-end tour packages.

 

Take your time and explore the links above.

 

Trainman-2

 

The Orient Express Highram Bingham train is NOT worth the extra money-difference is about $300 from the first class Vistadome train. You get a fancy meal and a later departure. But you miss one of the best parts of the train ride-the zig zag out of Cusco. They bus you over the hill and you miss a lot of spectacular scenery. You do get to stay at the ruins after the regular trains have left, but 2 hours, a couple of meals, and a tour guide, IMHO, is NOT worth the extra money. Tour guides at the ruins are $25-30 dollars, entry fee is $20.00, you can purchase your own meal at the Sanctuary for about $25.00. I spent the money once, would not do it again.

 

Most of the packaged tours are just toooo strenuous the first day. You fly an early flight to Cusco, get to your hotel about 10:00AM, then after lunch they have you running around looking at cathedrals and ruins in the afternoon. Some of the ruins have a lot of climbing. VERY good way to get AMS, even if you have been drinking coca tea. You really need to do NOTHING except a very gentle walk around the plaza and dinner on the first day.

 

The Sanctuary on top of the mountain is VERY good. However, the prices are now exorbitant. And as Trainman-2 posted, Orient Express is now requiring booking in both the Sanctuary and Monasterio (Cusco), so the price is REALLY pricey.

 

Lima/Cusco and vice versa flights ARE over booked, primarily Cusco/Lima. There are sooo many tourists (backpackers especially) that book flights and don't show up, that LAN has taken to overbooking to account for the tremendous amount of no shows.

 

And there are times when the planes to/from Cusco cannot land or depart. You will go back to Lima or stay in Cusco until the fog/mist leaves and planes are given the OK to fly. So again, planes canceled on any day put pax over to the next day. Sometimes it is a hassle, but not often if you plan your trip well. I have only been delayed arriving or departing three times in 13 trips (26 flights).

 

I fly a lot-over 100,000 miles per year for business, including 4 business trips per year to South America. I usually fly AA to/from the USA. But I guarantee, if I have my choice, it is the LAN flights I take. Truly one of the best airlines in the world.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi there-I can't tell you how informative Andry's Peru photos and info were!! I printed it all out and will now settle back and read! We are booked on HAL's S. American Ft. Lauderdale-Lima trip next Nov. and plan a post-cruise excursion to Machu Picchu. This information is a God-send! Thanks again and have a good day. Shelly

 

 

Shelly,

 

I am glad thay my posts are of help to you.

 

Please continue to post to this thread as you plan and take your trip to Machu Picchu. I will look forward to learning about your experiences.

 

Jim

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just found this thread and am so grateful for all of the information posted.

 

We are planning a South America trip for October/November 2008. At the moment the idea is to fly Toronto - Lima. Overnight in Lima and then Lima-Cusco for 3 days then Plains of Nazca - one day?.

 

Then fly Lima - Quito and join a Galapagos cruise for a week - probably on the Xpedition.

 

Then Quito - Lima and Lima-Toronto home.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just found this thread and am so grateful for all of the information posted.

 

We are planning a South America trip for October/November 2008. At the moment the idea is to fly Toronto - Lima. Overnight in Lima and then Lima-Cusco for 3 days then Plains of Nazca - one day?.

 

Then fly Lima - Quito and join a Galapagos cruise for a week - probably on the Xpedition.

 

Then Quito - Lima and Lima-Toronto home.

 

Having just returned from Lima, and having visited Quito/Galapago aboard Lindblad Polaris, I think your trip sounds great!

 

Suggestions - minimize your time in Lima, though at least you'll have sun since it's summer in November.

 

You can fly to Ica for an overflight of the Nazca lines in one day - departing Lima airport about 8 or 9 am, and returning between 5 and 8 pm (don't count on set schedules - things rarely happened as scheduled for us in Peru.) We weren't able to see the Nazca lines from the ground. We did take a 'Desert Tour' in Ica where we went very fast on a 9-person sand dune buggy, and sandboarded! Given the inexperience of our group, we all sandboarded laying down on the board; it was still an adventure - trust me.

 

Make sure you do Otavalo, a day trip from Quito.

 

As for Galapagos suggestions, check out the Eco Cruising board. There are a ton of good suggestions there for that segment of your trip.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just found this thread and am so grateful for all of the information posted.

 

We are planning a South America trip for October/November 2008. At the moment the idea is to fly Toronto - Lima. Overnight in Lima and then Lima-Cusco for 3 days then Plains of Nazca - one day?.

 

Then fly Lima - Quito and join a Galapagos cruise for a week - probably on the Xpedition.

 

Then Quito - Lima and Lima-Toronto home.

 

You may want to investigate open jaw flights-Toronto/Lima, Lima/Quito, then Quito/Toronto, instead of returning to Lima. I can price it out today at $1350pp.

 

Intra country South American flights are generally NOT cheap. Usually about $450.00 RT Lima/Quito. And for Nov. 2007, RT Toronto/Lima on AA via Miami is $1023.00pp. Add the two together and you have spend an additional $100.00pp. AND had to take an additional flight-time wasted, IMHO

 

Unless you find a bargain RT from Toronto/Lima, I would fly home on AA from Quito. No sense taking another plane ride back to Lima, JUST to fly home to Toronto. The Lima airport is a DUMP. You don't want to hang around there anymore than necessary. And it is NOT safe to go wandering around outside the airport. So you are kinda stuck, until you leave for Toronto.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The reason for flying home from Lima is that Air Canada has direct non-stop flights to and from Toronto. I like to avoid changing planes and airport waits.

 

Much as I like individual Americans I really try to avoid flying into the US if at all possible. Coming home from Europe last year we missed a connection in Germany and Lufthansa rerouted us home through Washington DC. We had to go through security twice more than if we'd gone straight to Toronto and our flight was delayed by four hours. It was an exhausting day.

 

I think AC is a better airline than AA - not much better but a bit.;) If all goes well we MIGHT have enough FF point to go business.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make tea from Muna leaves mixed with the coca leaves is even better yet. You can buy the Muna leaves (Name in paharmacy is MATE DIGESVO) in any pharmacy in Lima or Cusco. Muna is not a drug it is a plant that looks like tyme. But this combo is almost a guarantee to work.

My wife is from Peru and we spend at least a couple of months every year there

And we agree you defiitely need to rest at least til the next day before starting any tours. It is a fantastic place and no sense to miss it because your sick. Most of the good hotels do have oxygen just in case you need it though.

We have done the cruise BA to Santiago cruise and are doing it again this December and we think it is better than Alaska. Peru has a lot to offer so try to see what you can while you are there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Even though I'm checking Cruise Critic for our upcoming Canadian cruise, I decided to check out the South America section because we are going to Peru in September for a wedding (not as part of a cruise). But this is a great thread - thanks!

 

I have a question for those of you who have traveled to Peru before...yes, it's the dreaded "what to wear" question. Now, we have traveled extensively throughout Europe, all 50 US states, Canada....I can handle all of those "clothing questions". But we are totally new to South American travel. The wedding is in late September, and I've been told the weather will be "springish" in Lima...does that mean long pants, short sleeves, with a jacket at night? That would be "springish" to me here in NYS. The wedding will be very formal, so we will have to pack a lot of clothes I wouldn't normally take on a vacation, so I really want to pack smartly for the rest of our time there to minimize the luggage. We will spend a few days around Ica and Nazca (we plan to see the 3 Nazca lines visible from the observation tower rather than a flight over), then a few days in Lima. I know Ica/Nazca is a totally different climate than Lima, so what is "springish" there? What about the casual/formal aspect of both areas - jeans okay? Khakis better? Doesn't matter?

 

BTW, this is the tour company that has been doing all of the arrangements for the wedding guests, and they arranged our custom tour for Ica/Nazca. So far they've been very accomodating, but I can report on their actual ground services when I return in Oct. http://www.magicalcuzcotours.com/

 

Thanks alot -

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

My husband and I are leaving tomorrow for a 17 day tour to MP (10 day) and Galapagos (7 day) back to back.

 

We did a lot of research on the internet and chose Globus for our tour operator. We made our decisions mainly on hotel choices and visiting the Nazca Lines. Globus is one of the few tours who go there.

 

Last Wednesday there was a devistating earthquake with destroyed Pisco and Ica. Our tour http://www.tourvacationstogo.com/globus_tours.cfm?tid=20529 was supposed to drive along the Pan American Hwy which was destroyed and is over run with armed gangs to Ica (also 90% destroyed no electricity, no water, no food). We were supposed to stay at the Hotel Dumas in Ica then the next day drive to the Ballestas Islands from Ica and take a nature cruise. Well, now, we are flying to Ica to see the Nazca Lines rather than drive there and we will be flying back to Lima and spending the night in Lima.

 

The Ballestas Island portion has been cancelled and we will be going to some ruins southeast of Lima instead.

 

I am not "brave" enough to put pieces of a vacation together. I rather rely on a reputable tour operator who has done this many times before. Call me crazy.

 

The Galapagos portion is back to back and we fly from Lima to Quito to pick up the second leg. All arranged seamlessly by Globus.

 

I return Sept 11th. I'll tell you how it turned out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...