venturesome4

Hi ,I have used the Fodor's site for several years and have gotten great advice so I thought I would put this question to the group. Our family of four ( 2 kids ages 12 and 16) are looking at booking a trip to Galapagos, Amazon and Machu Picchu in three weeks this June. I understand this is the high season. Any tips? How crowded is it likely to be? I have started the emailing process and usually plan our trips on my own but I haven't gotten much info back yet.Appreciate any advice!

Jeff_Costa_Rica

The busiest week will be the week bracketing June 24. That's Cusco's famous Inti Raymi festival. If you can go any other week in June, that would be better, assuming you don't want crowds. It will still be very busy in June, though.

hopefulist

That's +/- 4 months out - how far in advance would they need to book the trail?

venturesome4

Thanks Jeff_Costa_Rica. Since we made the decision to go at this time ( this weekend!), I've been reading like crazy, trying to digest all the material to make the best decisions for the family-but there are so many options. Thank Goodness for the Forum. You guys are great!

hopefulist

Your kids are lucky to be looking forward to that amazing experience - please keep us posted and post a trip report when you get home. Happy trails!

janelp

Jeff, check my answer on the Ecuador board.

janelp

The Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco is a great experience in terms of cultural event and pure entertainment. I really recommend trying to be there at that time. If you go to this link http://www.janeandken.com/Peru_Inti_Raymi_Festival.html
I have many pictures of it as well as narrative. If you can make it there then, you will want to hook up with some agency that can reserve seats for you in the stands.

venturesome4

Thanks janelp. We hadn't really considered going to the festival. I had spoken with other folks who said that they booked it a year in advance and that it was very crowded. If it works out after we get the Galapagos tour taken care of, we will definitely consider!

venturesome4

Hi Hopefulist.Thanks for your kind words. I couldn't do it if I didn't have an adventurous, good natured family, so I count myself pretty lucky! I will plan to do a trip report. It is a little intimidating to read all the ones of amazing writers. And the photos are all so stunning.
Wow, janelp. I just looked at your pictures. What pageantry! I'm sold on the idea of going. How far in advance did you set up this event?

hopefulist

I'm blessed with an adventurous, good-natured family, too. Traveling with them as they grew up has meant continually having kids living and studying in other countries, sometimes all 3 at once - children of the world. Happy trails!

janelp

We had an agency here in the US book our seats for us and a guide who ushered us through the pageantry in Cusco and then on to the Festival. I really recommend that you get a good, knowledgeable guide for this as it will enrich your experience. The crowds are part of the experience as most of the crowd will be Peruvians. I think we began planning a few months a head.