DavidBL

Wide open thoughts. I'm looking for a 3 weeks trip including Machu Pichu, rain forest, Galapagos and ?

DavidBL

I am told a little more information would be helpful. My wife and I are in mid 60's; adventuresome but not athletic. We're able to spend the money to stay nice places (but not 5*). Plenty of time and flexible schedules. Wife won't slosh through the jungle (but did enjoy the African safari tremendously).

Kathie

My sweetie and I are currently on our first South American adventure, and we are spending just over two weeks all in Peru. There are plenty of other places in Peru I'd like to go, but they will have to wait for next trip.

While plenty of people do combine Peru and Galapagos in say, three weeks, I prefer slower travel where I can really savor the experiences. I think trying to do the rainforest as well is pushing it - why not add another week?

If you are going to Machu Picchu, you will also want to spend some time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. And it makes sense to have a couple of days in Lima as well.

crellston

The options are endless! You could easily spend the whole three weeks in either Peru or Ecuador. Both have a huge amount to offer and those weeks would fly by. Both are easy to travef around ( at least for South america) but Peru has the better travel infrastructure largely because it gets way more visitors.

A well worn "gringo trail" in Peru is Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Titicaca, Arequipa, Nazca and back to Lima with maybe a side trip to the jungle.

Most people go to ecuador mostly for theGalapagos which is a shame because there is a lot more to the country ( we spent over a month there and didn't visit the Galapagos ). It would be possible to combine a Galapagos from Guayacil with visit with Peru or send the entire time in Ecuador.

Another country you may want to consider is Bolivia, one of my favourites. A little more challenging to travel around but still ok. Could be combined with Peru but don't spread yourselves to thinly.

Two major factors in your planning should be the weather which varies widely by location and time of year and altitude - aim to start low and finish high.

Here is a link to our blog which covers our last trip to South America http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/6/tpod.html

DavidBL

Great insight and help. Thank you both. Some good ideas for starting to plan a trip.