meliss35

My family (2 kids- 13 and 17) are thinking about going to Peru around Christmas time. We were planning on going to Thailand but the flights are really expensive especially for 4 people. Is going to Peru in December a bad idea? Does it rain alot in December? Is the dollar good in Peru? In Thailand, the dollar is really good and is not so expensive once you get there. How is it in Peru?
We have two weeks for a trip. I am just starting to research Peru. What do people recommend? I know that I want to go to Manchu Picho and possibly the Amazon. I guess we would fly to Lima and then go to Cusco. Any budget hotels you recommend for Lima and Cusco. Are there tour companies that take you to the Amazon? Is the 2 day inca trail difficult to take especially with two kids. Any information would be great.

dockruins

Hey,

I don't think its a bad idea to go to Peru in December, although in places like Cusco and Machu Picchu, it is the rainy season. It hardly ever rains in Lima.

I was in Machu Picchu for two days, one day it rained, so I was glad I had a second day because then it was everything I expected an more. The two day trail is really a one day hike to MP, then visit the ruins the next day staying in a hotel the previous night, so as long as the kids can hike like 10 miles in a day, they'll be fine.

Haven't been to the Amazon, but I would imagine you'll need at least 5 days to do that trip from Cusco through a tour company. And the dollar is still in my opinion strong in Peru, but along the tourist path (i.e. Cusco and MP) it won't get you as much because the prices are high as they know the tourists will pay.

meliss35

When it says it is the rainy season, can it rain all day or just for an hour or so? We went to Costa Rica during the rainy season and it didn't rain at all.

chacheetah

Hi Meliss,
I can give you an idea of our l1 day itinerary staring in Amazon (recommended just to have time to adjust to area)
Fly into Lima (ovenight at Ramada by airport-got a great price of l35 from a peruvian travel agent I just happened to pick off internet site) -- 1st day - fly Lima to puerto Maldonada and stay 3 Nights at Inkaterra Amazonica
then fly to Cusco, transfer via guide and driver to SV (seeing ruins along the way)
2 nights in SV (Sol y Luna) 3rd day take train to MP - stay 2 nights (Inkaterra MP Pueblo)
then train back to Ollante and one more night in SV (villa to ride horses) then 3 nights in Cusco (Monasterio) seeing city sights, ruins, shop, etc.
Fly back to Lima for late afternoon flight home.

I arranged this myself through internet and emailing - was very easy to do ...
They have a web site where they offer specials, on line reservations etc. or use lesser priced lodgings in same areas.

Since you have two weeks you can include Lake Tititaka.
Good luck and enjoy your travels, CC

meliss35

Chacheetah: Thanks for your suggestions. How was Inkaterra Amazonica? What did you do while on the amazon? Was it expensive to fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonada? Did you enjoy your trip to Peru?