Help! No Idea Where to Go.
Feb 7th, 2015, 07:16 PM
#1
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Help! No Idea Where to Go.
My family and I have been (trying) to plan three weeks in South America this summer. We plan to go in early June. However, the only problem is that we have almost no idea what we would like to see, besides Machu Picchu. South America has so much to offer, it's hard to choose. A couple places we've been considering are: Cuzco, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Valparasio, Igauzu Falls, and Torres Del Paine. We are all avid lovers of history and culture, so we'd like to go to a city with lots of South American history (but not necessarily a crazy nightlife). We would also like to see one of the amazing natural features (like Iguazu Falls) of the continent.
As far as other facts about our group goes, we are all fit and happy to do some walking. I also speak a little bit of Spanish ((I've been taking classes for the past four years), if that makes a difference.
So, I suppose my question is, which of these places is, in your opinion, most worth seeing?
As far as other facts about our group goes, we are all fit and happy to do some walking. I also speak a little bit of Spanish ((I've been taking classes for the past four years), if that makes a difference.
So, I suppose my question is, which of these places is, in your opinion, most worth seeing?
Feb 8th, 2015, 05:46 AM
#2
You can forget Patagonia and TDelP in June (SA winter) which cuts the list down. Three weeks isn't very long, you could easily spend all of it in Peru, and if you're going to MP, you're certainly going to Cusco.
You could go south to Lake Titicaca and see some of Bolivia. Otherwise you'd need to fly - either Santiago and Valpo, or Buenos Aires and Iguazu. I have to say that I preferred the scenery to the cities in SA, and Iguazu is stunning....
You could go south to Lake Titicaca and see some of Bolivia. Otherwise you'd need to fly - either Santiago and Valpo, or Buenos Aires and Iguazu. I have to say that I preferred the scenery to the cities in SA, and Iguazu is stunning....
Feb 8th, 2015, 08:06 AM
#3
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So our trip could look like this:
Fly into Cusco from LAX- Spend a week and a half in Peru
Fly into Iguazu- spend five days there
Fly into Buenos Aires- spend the rest of the time there
One member of our group is particularly keen to go to Santiago for some reason, which is turning out to be a problem, since another member of our group is keen to go to Iguazu, and I'd prefer not to spend our entire trip on an airplane.
Any suggestions on how to appease these two are welcome. If there are any other suggested places we should (to replace one of these locations), those are welcome too.
Fly into Cusco from LAX- Spend a week and a half in Peru
Fly into Iguazu- spend five days there
Fly into Buenos Aires- spend the rest of the time there
One member of our group is particularly keen to go to Santiago for some reason, which is turning out to be a problem, since another member of our group is keen to go to Iguazu, and I'd prefer not to spend our entire trip on an airplane.
Any suggestions on how to appease these two are welcome. If there are any other suggested places we should (to replace one of these locations), those are welcome too.
Feb 8th, 2015, 08:50 AM
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My suggestions:
1) Vote down the group member who wants to go to Santiago, unless he/she makes a VERY good case for going there.
2) Three days are considered more than enough for Iguazú, even if you take in both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. I would stay at the Sheraton, which is the only hotel INSIDE the park.
3) One alternative: Our NW and then, from there, on to Iguazú and finally BA.
I assume you have read all about the "blue" rate of exchange in Argentina, safety rules, etc. If you have NOT, I strongly suggest you do so.
Have a great time in my country with your family, england 1780.
1) Vote down the group member who wants to go to Santiago, unless he/she makes a VERY good case for going there.
2) Three days are considered more than enough for Iguazú, even if you take in both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. I would stay at the Sheraton, which is the only hotel INSIDE the park.
3) One alternative: Our NW and then, from there, on to Iguazú and finally BA.
I assume you have read all about the "blue" rate of exchange in Argentina, safety rules, etc. If you have NOT, I strongly suggest you do so.
Have a great time in my country with your family, england 1780.
Feb 8th, 2015, 08:50 AM
#5
I have to say I don't think Santiago is the most interesting city I've ever been too, most of it has been rebuilt due to the numerous severe earthquakes. What is the reason for wanting to go there?
I have not been to Iguazu so I would defer to others, it seems 5 days is a lot of time there based on trip reports.
And I do think you could spend more time in Peru.
Lima is worth at least a day or two, it has some exceptional museums and the Barranco district is a great place to stay for a few nights. For Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu together, about 7 or 8 days works well, if you are interested in seeing Lake Titicaca add another 2 or 3 days, you can take a bus (or expensive train) one way and then fly back to Lima if that is where you need to catch the next flight from. There may be infrequent flights from Cusco to Iguazu, I'm not sure about that.
I have not been to Iguazu so I would defer to others, it seems 5 days is a lot of time there based on trip reports.
And I do think you could spend more time in Peru.
Lima is worth at least a day or two, it has some exceptional museums and the Barranco district is a great place to stay for a few nights. For Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu together, about 7 or 8 days works well, if you are interested in seeing Lake Titicaca add another 2 or 3 days, you can take a bus (or expensive train) one way and then fly back to Lima if that is where you need to catch the next flight from. There may be infrequent flights from Cusco to Iguazu, I'm not sure about that.
Feb 8th, 2015, 09:41 AM
#6
You need to allow time to acclimate to the altitude at MP.
Five days is really too long for Iguazu. Two full days (three nights) are fine, but don't forget that you may, depending on nationality, need a visa for Brazil. I would not, and did not, stay in the remarkably ugly Sheraton, as it traps you inside the park.
The idea of starting in Lima and heading east via, perhaps, Salta, is a good one.
I can't think of any especially good reasons for visiting Santiago. Certainly not if the alternative is Iguazu! For my SA photos, including both Santiago and Iguazu, go here: http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/South-America-2012
Five days is really too long for Iguazu. Two full days (three nights) are fine, but don't forget that you may, depending on nationality, need a visa for Brazil. I would not, and did not, stay in the remarkably ugly Sheraton, as it traps you inside the park.
The idea of starting in Lima and heading east via, perhaps, Salta, is a good one.
I can't think of any especially good reasons for visiting Santiago. Certainly not if the alternative is Iguazu! For my SA photos, including both Santiago and Iguazu, go here: http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/South-America-2012
Feb 8th, 2015, 10:17 AM
#7
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Thanks for all your help!
The member that wants to go to Santiago seems to have some interest in finishing our trip off there and going to a language school of sorts afterwards. I personally think this is a bad idea, since there are cheaper language schools in Central America she can go to some other time.
@avrooster- I have yet to read about safety in Argentina, but I will be sure to look into it.
@thursdaysd- We live about 7,000 feet, so hopefully we won't experience any altitude sickness whilst at MP. I think it's at about 8,000 feet?...
Here's what I'm thinking now:
Peru- 2 weeks
Fly into Lima, spend 3 days there
Take the train into Cusco- spend 4 days there
Take the Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley (this is the part that needs a lot more research). - spend 3 days in the Sacred Valley area
And from there somehow see the Amazon rainforest (again, more research needed)
Iguazu- 2 nights, 3 days
Buenos Aires-whatever ends up being left
Obviously this needs a lot more work, but I'm thinking this is a good basic plan.
The member that wants to go to Santiago seems to have some interest in finishing our trip off there and going to a language school of sorts afterwards. I personally think this is a bad idea, since there are cheaper language schools in Central America she can go to some other time.
@avrooster- I have yet to read about safety in Argentina, but I will be sure to look into it.
@thursdaysd- We live about 7,000 feet, so hopefully we won't experience any altitude sickness whilst at MP. I think it's at about 8,000 feet?...
Here's what I'm thinking now:
Peru- 2 weeks
Fly into Lima, spend 3 days there
Take the train into Cusco- spend 4 days there
Take the Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley (this is the part that needs a lot more research). - spend 3 days in the Sacred Valley area
And from there somehow see the Amazon rainforest (again, more research needed)
Iguazu- 2 nights, 3 days
Buenos Aires-whatever ends up being left
Obviously this needs a lot more work, but I'm thinking this is a good basic plan.
Feb 8th, 2015, 12:08 PM
#9
There are definitely better places to take Spanish lessons, I found Chilean Spanish very slangy, fast, and difficult to understand. Poster crellston had some recommendations for a teacher in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. There are also schools in Cusco but Ollantaytambo is a more comfortable altitude, plus you will have a chance to actually use the Spanish on the trip!
You cannot "take the train to Cusco". It is about an hour or so flight from Lima. It is worth checking to see if you can combine them with your flight into Peru, sometimes but not always it costs less that way. Also if you have miles on one world or star alliance, it's a good place to use them.
In my opinion the best way to acclimate to altitude is to fly from Lima to Cusco, go immediately to the Sacred Valley for a few nights (my preference is Ollantaytambo but there are also larger hotels in Urubamba). Then see Machu Picchu, and THEN return to Cusco for a few nights. If you are not hiking the Inca Trail, starting your trip in Cusco, to "acclimate for Machu Picchu" is backwards. Cusco is over 11,100 feet, whereas Ollantaytambo is about 9,000 (still high, so take it easy for a day), and Machu Picchu pueblo (the town of Aguas Calientes) is at 6,700 feet although the citadel is higher (8,000 feet).
Lake Titicaca does seem to knock many people back for a day, as it is about 1,400 feet higher than Cusco.
If you are going to Iguazu, isn't that rainforest? I wouldn't take days out to see another one from Cusco.
As far as Cusco, I think 2 or 3 nights is enough. It has the best food and bars in the area, but drinking at that altitude can be a problem. Plus the food and bars are better in Lima!
You cannot "take the train to Cusco". It is about an hour or so flight from Lima. It is worth checking to see if you can combine them with your flight into Peru, sometimes but not always it costs less that way. Also if you have miles on one world or star alliance, it's a good place to use them.
In my opinion the best way to acclimate to altitude is to fly from Lima to Cusco, go immediately to the Sacred Valley for a few nights (my preference is Ollantaytambo but there are also larger hotels in Urubamba). Then see Machu Picchu, and THEN return to Cusco for a few nights. If you are not hiking the Inca Trail, starting your trip in Cusco, to "acclimate for Machu Picchu" is backwards. Cusco is over 11,100 feet, whereas Ollantaytambo is about 9,000 (still high, so take it easy for a day), and Machu Picchu pueblo (the town of Aguas Calientes) is at 6,700 feet although the citadel is higher (8,000 feet).
Lake Titicaca does seem to knock many people back for a day, as it is about 1,400 feet higher than Cusco.
If you are going to Iguazu, isn't that rainforest? I wouldn't take days out to see another one from Cusco.
As far as Cusco, I think 2 or 3 nights is enough. It has the best food and bars in the area, but drinking at that altitude can be a problem. Plus the food and bars are better in Lima!
Feb 8th, 2015, 05:55 PM
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@mlb- As we live in a ski town at 7,000 feet (would update in the profile, but am paranoid about giving specifics), sometimes taking ski trips at 10,000 feet, is the altitude going to be a problem? I understand there's got to be a difference going from 7,000 to 11,000 feet
As far as visas and that stuff goes, one member of our group has a British passport, another an Australian one. The other two have both an Aussie and British passport. However, we live in the states (don't have passports for the US yet, though).
I don't think we really feel a need to see Lake Titicaca, so I'd rather spend the time elsewhere.
With all that said, I really don't want to spend the whole trip plane hopping. I am floundering to figure this trip out, with almost no prior knowledge of SA.
Revised Itinerary:
Peru- 2 weeks
Fly into Lima from LAX. Hopefully catch a later flight to Cusco from there - 1 day
Spend 4 days in Cusco.
Take the Hiram Bingham to the Macchu Picchu from Cusco- Spend a day in Macchu Picchu, and maybe another day or two in the Sacred Valley
Take the train back into Cusco, then fly back to Lima and spend three days there.
^^ I realize this is not 2 full weeks... I am allowing a little bit of room to add days here and there, figure out travel times. I would also really like to spend some time in the markets, exploring the local culture. Hopefully that doesn't sound too ridiculous
Argentina- 1 week
Fly into Iguazu- if I plan our trip correctly, there are irregular flights that go there. Spend 2-3 days there.
Fly to Buenos Aires- spend whatever time is left there!
As far as visas and that stuff goes, one member of our group has a British passport, another an Australian one. The other two have both an Aussie and British passport. However, we live in the states (don't have passports for the US yet, though).
I don't think we really feel a need to see Lake Titicaca, so I'd rather spend the time elsewhere.
With all that said, I really don't want to spend the whole trip plane hopping. I am floundering to figure this trip out, with almost no prior knowledge of SA.
Revised Itinerary:
Peru- 2 weeks
Fly into Lima from LAX. Hopefully catch a later flight to Cusco from there - 1 day
Spend 4 days in Cusco.
Take the Hiram Bingham to the Macchu Picchu from Cusco- Spend a day in Macchu Picchu, and maybe another day or two in the Sacred Valley
Take the train back into Cusco, then fly back to Lima and spend three days there.
^^ I realize this is not 2 full weeks... I am allowing a little bit of room to add days here and there, figure out travel times. I would also really like to spend some time in the markets, exploring the local culture. Hopefully that doesn't sound too ridiculous
Argentina- 1 week
Fly into Iguazu- if I plan our trip correctly, there are irregular flights that go there. Spend 2-3 days there.
Fly to Buenos Aires- spend whatever time is left there!
Feb 9th, 2015, 12:16 AM
#14
No way to predict the altitude thing, some people are fine in Ollantaytambo and then don't feel so well in Cusco, which is just over the threshold where more Doctors suggest taking Diamox to help. Other people don't have too many problems in Cusco, other than shortness of breath.
I don't have a headache in Ollantaytambo, for example, but both times had one in Cusco for a few nights even after a few days in Cusco. When I get off the plane going from 0 to 11,000 feet I can feel my heart rate accelerating (it's hard to remember to slow down). With four people, it's likely that one of them won't feel great in Cusco for a day or two. If you have a short trip that means they might have to spend a day or two resting rather than sightseeing.
Personally I can't really fill that many days in Cusco, I would rather do the 3 or 4 nights at the end, and by then you will be better able to go out to bars and eat larger meals at night.
I don't have a headache in Ollantaytambo, for example, but both times had one in Cusco for a few nights even after a few days in Cusco. When I get off the plane going from 0 to 11,000 feet I can feel my heart rate accelerating (it's hard to remember to slow down). With four people, it's likely that one of them won't feel great in Cusco for a day or two. If you have a short trip that means they might have to spend a day or two resting rather than sightseeing.
Personally I can't really fill that many days in Cusco, I would rather do the 3 or 4 nights at the end, and by then you will be better able to go out to bars and eat larger meals at night.
Feb 9th, 2015, 04:09 AM
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"Five days is really too long for Iguazu. Two full days (three nights) are fine, but don't forget that you may, depending on nationality, need a visa for Brazil. I would not, and did not, stay in the remarkably ugly Sheraton, as it traps you inside the park."
Completely agree. Three days and two nights is perfect.
I enjoyed Santiago and from there you can easily get to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. It's too bad that it will not be possible (due to snow) to take the bus over the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza.
_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Completely agree. Three days and two nights is perfect.
I enjoyed Santiago and from there you can easily get to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. It's too bad that it will not be possible (due to snow) to take the bus over the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza.
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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Feb 17th, 2015, 09:24 AM
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I'm a bit late to the discussion but hope to still be of some help!
Given 2 weeks in just Peru, I'd suggest 2-3 days in Lima, about 7 days in the Cusco/Sacred Valley area, then going either to the Amazon (Iquitos is more "wild" but the Puerto Maldonado/Manu area is more convenient from Cusco) or somewhere like volcano country Arequipa and hike the Colca Canyon. If you like beaches, you could consider going up north of Lima along the coast to Mancora and such, but while they are really beautiful, aren't among the world's best or anything.
I see you're also thinking about the Hiram Bingham train. Unless you really just want a touch of luxury in your trip, I'd say save the money for something else (a nice meal in Lima or Cusco? A nicer hotel?) since I've known people who have taken it and I'd say 50-50 think it was worth the extra cost.
Altitude in the southern areas of Peru shouldn't be a huge problem especially since you're already semi-acclimated. Just take it easy the first day or two, drink plenty of fluids, and go at your own pace.
Iguazu is AMAZING!! As many have already said, 2-3 days is plenty.
Another option you should consider is Colombia. It's safer now than ever and the country is simply beautiful, and the people are on another level of hospitable even by Latino/South American standards. I traveled there for 3 months not long ago and completely fell in love with Colombia.
Connie
Lima te Llena: Peru's Top Food & Art Tours
Given 2 weeks in just Peru, I'd suggest 2-3 days in Lima, about 7 days in the Cusco/Sacred Valley area, then going either to the Amazon (Iquitos is more "wild" but the Puerto Maldonado/Manu area is more convenient from Cusco) or somewhere like volcano country Arequipa and hike the Colca Canyon. If you like beaches, you could consider going up north of Lima along the coast to Mancora and such, but while they are really beautiful, aren't among the world's best or anything.
I see you're also thinking about the Hiram Bingham train. Unless you really just want a touch of luxury in your trip, I'd say save the money for something else (a nice meal in Lima or Cusco? A nicer hotel?) since I've known people who have taken it and I'd say 50-50 think it was worth the extra cost.
Altitude in the southern areas of Peru shouldn't be a huge problem especially since you're already semi-acclimated. Just take it easy the first day or two, drink plenty of fluids, and go at your own pace.
Iguazu is AMAZING!! As many have already said, 2-3 days is plenty.
Another option you should consider is Colombia. It's safer now than ever and the country is simply beautiful, and the people are on another level of hospitable even by Latino/South American standards. I traveled there for 3 months not long ago and completely fell in love with Colombia.
Connie
Lima te Llena: Peru's Top Food & Art Tours
Feb 17th, 2015, 12:33 PM
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Hi, Connie, welcome to the Fodor's South America forum!
I agree with mlgb that you know what you are talking about, which is not surprising, since you are a tourism pro.
However, your post would be much better if you hadn't signed with the name of your business, which is considered self-promotion and frowned upon here.
Have a great time in South America with your family, england1780
I agree with mlgb that you know what you are talking about, which is not surprising, since you are a tourism pro.
However, your post would be much better if you hadn't signed with the name of your business, which is considered self-promotion and frowned upon here.
Have a great time in South America with your family, england1780
Feb 17th, 2015, 05:00 PM
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Important factors to consider when planning travel in South America are the weather, the altitude and transport. It may seem obvious but the continent is vast and all three of these factor vary tremendously. I would first decide which of the many iconic sights you want to see and work from there.
You could easily spend the whole three weeks in Peru. In addition to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the bus ride to Lake Titicaca on the Inka Express is worth the trip alone even if there weren't Titicaca at the end of it. From there you could head on down to Arequipa, a truly beautiful city that keeps drawing is back. A side trip from there would take you into the Colca Canyon for a couple of days. Also worth considering is northern Peru, maybe Trujillo for Chan Chan etc. And the amazing Chachapoyas (forever grateful to mlgb for suggesting this place to me .
Other favourite places in South America which could be combined include:
- hiring a car and driving a circuit of North West Argentina
- bolivia - instead of carrying on to arequipa. Cross over to Copacabana and its only a 5 hour journey to La Paz from where you can get just about anywhere in Bolivia especially Salar de Uyuni
Do check the weather for these place though. Travel can be problematic in Bolivia in the wet season.
For more detail on these places and lots of photos, have a look at our blog of our last trip to SA in 2013.
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/6/tpod.html
You could easily spend the whole three weeks in Peru. In addition to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the bus ride to Lake Titicaca on the Inka Express is worth the trip alone even if there weren't Titicaca at the end of it. From there you could head on down to Arequipa, a truly beautiful city that keeps drawing is back. A side trip from there would take you into the Colca Canyon for a couple of days. Also worth considering is northern Peru, maybe Trujillo for Chan Chan etc. And the amazing Chachapoyas (forever grateful to mlgb for suggesting this place to me
.Other favourite places in South America which could be combined include:
- hiring a car and driving a circuit of North West Argentina
- bolivia - instead of carrying on to arequipa. Cross over to Copacabana and its only a 5 hour journey to La Paz from where you can get just about anywhere in Bolivia especially Salar de Uyuni
Do check the weather for these place though. Travel can be problematic in Bolivia in the wet season.
For more detail on these places and lots of photos, have a look at our blog of our last trip to SA in 2013.
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/6/tpod.html
Feb 23rd, 2015, 10:37 PM
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Nothing wrong with being trapped inside the park and staying at the Sheraton. My friend and I did that in 2009. But amazingly, we managed to take a taxi to town to eat, go over the border to Brazil and take a jeep tour and go under the falls, and take a full moon walk. And we got to be in the park in the morning before anyone else. So I guess we weren't trapped after all.
In all seriousness, I recommend staying at the Sheraton, and was really glad my friend insisted on 3 nights in Iguazu. I might even have liked one more to see the hydroelectric dam and go into Paraguay.
In all seriousness, I recommend staying at the Sheraton, and was really glad my friend insisted on 3 nights in Iguazu. I might even have liked one more to see the hydroelectric dam and go into Paraguay.
