Peru

Hey guys

Im planning a two month trip around south america next april-june and was planning on spending two-three weeks of it in Peru. While there my priorities are; to explore the amazon area surrounding Iquitos, cuzco and Machu Picchu, although probably not via the full Inca trail, and expore colca canyon, maybe go rafting. Is this two ambitous given the timeframe? Also what is the cheapest and safest way to travel from northern to southern peru. Ive heard planes are horrendously unsafe and the buses arent much better. if anyone has any other recommendation on places to go, things to see and do, im very much open to suggestions.

Cheers

Quoting Bronco

Is this two ambitous given the timeframe?

I'd say it is. Including transport time, Cuzco/Machu Picchu easily takes a week (take into account that you need time to acclimatise), Iquitos and surroundings another week. Colca takes less time and can be done on the way to Bolivia/Lima, but still I think you'd be rushing.

If you have just two months, don't try to do an entire continent. In that time frame, you can 'do' two countries at most. Peru-Bolivia would be a good choice.

thanks

well. the trip will probably be about 8-10 weeks all up so was hoping to see Peru for three of those, maybe just spend one in bolivia on my way passing through to northern argentina where i was hoping to spend maybe another three weeks before heading to Iguazu falls and toward Rio and the surrounding area of brazil for a week or two. is the best way to travel by air in south america, if i want to see all these things in such a limited timeframe?

I'm gonna be spending 3 and a bit weeks in Peru from 30/7, 15 days to go! So I'm sure it's doable.
Im traveling from Lima, to Ica, staying in the oasis at huacachina, then on to Arequipa, do the Colca Canyon trek and see the giant condors!
Then it's up to Cuzco. Spending most of my time here, bout a week. I'm gonna do a whole load of stuff here, Lares trek to Machu Picchu (cheaper less hassle and quieter than the Inca trail), River Rafting, horse treks, Sacred Valley trek, lots of site seeing and anything else that catches the eye.
Next we fly up to Puerto Maldonado for some jungle trekking in the Corto Maltes Lodges, then home!

If it's bus you want then Cruz Del Sur has been top all the way through my research. I'm flying to Puerto Maldonado to save some time (more time in the Jungle!)

I'm planning on booking all the trips and treks I want to do throughout Peru with SAS Travel, they were recommended to me and I've researched them. They come off cheaper than a lot of others but still treat the countriside, their staff and the local community with respect. Have a look at their price list and yu can see everything they do in one hit, and plan away!

Thanks Katie.

Sounds like you've got an amazing trip lined up, let me know how it goes. all the best