Paula

My husband and I are planning a trip to Peru in 2000. Which is a better time to go - April/May or September/October? (We're planning on a trip to Morocco next year, too, and we're trying to decide which trip to do when.) <BR> <BR>Also, we'll only have a long week (8-9 days) - what's the best way to spend our time? We're not particularly interested in Lima - we're planning on Cuzco, Arequipa and perhaps Lake Titicaca-area. Thanks!

Hal Glaser

The tourest season is during our summer (their winter) We spent 14 days in Peru and Bolivia last Feburary. While we did encounter some rain, it was not enough to be any real problem. I think we were better off for avoiding crouds during the main tourest season. <BR> <BR>I don't think there's much to see in Arequipa unless you want to see Colca Canyon. It was very interesting but requires two days if you are to get anyrthing out of it. While only 90 miles from Arequipa, its a 5 dour drive. <BR>You might be better off to spend two days at Machu Picchu.

michelle

I went to Peru at the end of last September and loved it! It was considered the off season so the prices were reasonable and we didn't have any problems finding a hotel. If you only have 8 days I would recommend spending time in Cuzco and a day or two at Macchu Picchu. We took the helicopter ride from Macchu Picchu back to Cuzco which was fantastic and it was only about 30 minutes whereas the train is about 5 or so hours . Taking the helicopter will allow you a couple of extra hours at Macchu Picchu as it leaves late in the afternoon and I think the train leaves early afternoon. There are many day trips you can take from Cuzco, although we didn't take any. <BR> <BR> We also went to Lake Tittica area and took a boat trip to the floating islands and Taquisle Island (very remote). You really only need about two days in the Lake Titticaca area. The boat trip was really nice & we stayed overnight on Taquisle Island but we didn't really enjoy Puno very much at all. If you go you should try to schedule a flight from Cuzco to Puno and back as the train takes about 8-10 hours each way so you'll really waste a whole two days on the train. <BR> <BR>We didn't go to Lima or Arequipa but I've heard Arequipa is very pretty. <BR> <BR>The only thing that we didn't like so much about going in September is that we noticed while hiking the Inca Trail that it wasn't as lush as it ususally is and we didn't get to see as many of the flowers that you would see along the trails. We were told the best time to go is right after the rainy season.

RickPerez

We are planning to go Macchu Picchu from Cuzco using the helicopter. Would you suggest using the hotel that is at site which would allow us a couple of extra days at Macchu Picchu. Is this enough time to see the site. We are flying into Lima from the States. <BR>How time would you suggest spending in Lima? <BR>

shell

Rick, <BR> <BR>The Helicopter to and From Machu Picchu does not land at Machu Picchu --it lands in Aguas Calientes (the same place the train stops). So you don't get any closer to MP by taking the Helicopter. You will still need to take the bus up the mountain -- or hike it. There are a number of hotels in Aguas Caliente, and only the one hotel (Machu Picchu Ruinas) at the top of the mountain. The Ruinas Hotel is outrageously expensive for Peru (Over $250 per night)a and the food is atrocious. There is an awesome cafe in Aguas Calientes called Indi Feliz that is owned by a frenchman -- some of the best food in all of Peru. If you stay at Aguas Caliente, you can take a 6 am bus up to the ruins to see the sunrise.

Dave

The Aztec ruins around Cuzco are remarkable. Sacsahuaman is near Cuzco, while Pisac and Ollantaytambo are in the Sacred Valley. You won't forget any of them. <BR> <BR>MP is a must. The Pueblo Hotel at the base of MP is very nice with cabins. The bus ride up and down the mountain is not to be missed. <BR> <BR>The train ride isn't bad, (at least one way,) and lets you see the whole area up close. <BR> <BR>If you can, see the Nazca lines (takes one day).