erininma

We are going to Peru and besides Lima, Cuzco and Manchu Picchu the two of us are deadlocked on where to go next.

We arrive 8pm-ish in Cuzco on train on a SATURDAY night and need to catch an 11:30am flight from Lima airport on THURSDAY. We expect to probably spend Sat night in a Cuzco hotel but are open to any an all suggestions for the open part of our trip, either within Peru or elsewhere in South America starting early SUNDAY morning and likely returning to LIMA to crash at an airport hotel on WEDNESDAY night.

Under consideration:
- Puerto Maldonado
- Colca Canyon
- Puno/Lake Titicaca
- Bolivia
- Ecuador
- ANYWHERE ELSE

One of us (not me) is a native Spanish speaker, in case that makes a difference in the recommendations and/or finessing the travel arrangements.

Thanks!

mlgb

Will you have spent time in the Sacred valley already? Sunday is the day to see the markets in Chinchero or Cusco so I would delay departure until Sunday afternoon or Monday.

Lake Titicaca and time im Lima would get my votes. If you've never been to any jungke anywhere then PM.

mlgb

Oops should say Chinchero or Pisac.

erininma

Wow, thanks for the tip! We are going to the Sacred Valley for sure.

We love local markets so we will for sure make our plans not to miss these -- which is the best one and what times are best to visit?

We'd love to hear some thoughts on additional time in Lima too.

Did you take the train from Cuzco to Puno? It seems a bit pricey, and I've read a lot of mixed feedback about it on the internet.

Please send us a link to your blog or any photos you have posted on the internet

Thanks,
E & O

mlgb

The Chinchero market is supposed to be more "authentic" but the Pisac one is also good, with lots of villagers coming in from the surrounding area for produce (and also to earn money for photos). If you are there around 9:30 it should be in full swing, also at 10:30 to 11 am the "Mayors" arrive for a Quecha Mass in costume. I was just there in May. If you go to Pisac the ruins are nearby, but you will need a valid Boleto Turistico (at least the 70 soles one).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/buddysa...7630074643072/

I posted a topic about Lima here on Fodors.

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-lima-peru.cfm

My post does not mention the main sights that first time visitors might also include

Additonal sights around the Plaza de Armas/San Francisco monastery/Jiron de la Union and Plaza San Martin historic center

Larco Museum, relatively high admission but worthwhile if you like museums

Many go to Larcomar Mall but it is on my "must do" list, however it seems I always wind up there at some point. I try not to visit malls on my vacation, but it has a good view of the coast.

I have not taken that train to Puno, I went Arequipa-Chivay-Puno-La Paz last year. Never wrote a trip report and my photos of the Uros Islands look like everyone elses.

mlgb

Typo, Larcomar is NOT on my must do list. On my first visit to Lima for just a few days I was not happy that I had dropped other things to go to Larcomar and find a MALL with shops like Tony Roma's and Starbucks.

erininma

Thanks so much! We've decided to scrap the idea of the third destination. That gives us 10 full days to split between Lima and the Sacred Valley. Pisac will be on our itinerary for sure!

We'll heed your tip to steer clear of Larcomar and will for sure plan to go to the market in Lima.

Your Flickr photos are awesome, thanks for sharing

mlgb

I don't think you will regret time in the Sacred Valley.

For Lima two good sources as well are

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima

www.limaeasy.com which has lots of links.

The Metropolitano in Lima is a great way to get around.

Two of my favorite lodgings in Barranco (neighborhood just south of Lima)

Second Home Peru (www.secondhomeperu.com)
3B Barranco (www.3bhostal.com)

They are different, give the tip to 3B for your first days in Lima as the staff are exceptional and enjoy helping first timers with travel advice. Second Home Peru is beautiful but it is hit or miss on advice, just depends on how well you get along with Lilian and what mood she is in!

erininma

mlgb -- thanks again! We will book ourselves for at least two nights in 3B Barranco.

Also we knew that when we booked our r/t to Lima that the popular Inca trail trek was sold out, but with that Taca special from LAX earlier this month we decided to pull the trigger anyway. Now with additional time in the Sacred Valley we are looking into other treks (preferably 1-2 nights) in the area.

If you or someone else could recommend a trek and reputable company we would appreciate it very much!

mlgb

KB leads some shorter tours around Ollantaytambo as well as bike rides
http://www.kbperu.com/trektour.html
http://www.kbperu.com/mbtours/dt9-abra.html

Hiking around Pisac is rewarding and if you also do the upper part of the trail is easily a half day excursion.