Peru, Amazon, Brazil... best solo? Tour?
Oct 1st, 2014, 01:24 PM
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Peru, Amazon, Brazil... best solo? Tour?
I am interested in seeing the wildlife—nature, animals, and history... Is an Avalon cruise (along Amazon, and includes Machu Picchu, SacredValley, etc. way over the top? Can it be done cheaper, better? It's an 11-day cruise, about $6,000 person, not including airfare to Lima... any suggestions appreciated... Thanks!
Oct 2nd, 2014, 08:36 AM
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Hi Bellatravel,
Having done Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and visited the Amazon solo, and not having spent anywhere close to six grand, my first impression would be that it's way over the top. But you have to determine your physical fitness, comfort level, and willingness to be out of your comfort zone first. What kind of traveler are you? do you like something a little more epic? do you want to hike the Inca Trail or do you just want to see Machu Picchu without the adventure piece? Is it important to you to have comfort, Western bathrooms, a certain level of luxury? Or are you willing to forgo those things in order to have some pretty epic experiences, stories, adventures?
These are questions only you can answer, and they determine the kind of traveler you are. The mode you will prefer to take. If you love adventure more than you love comfort, then you can plan your own journey, stay in hostels, and have an amazing time. Or you can go the very controlled, guided route of a cruise, where you are well-fed, sleep comfy every night, and are cosseted. Lots of ways to go. There is cheaper. But "better" has everything to do with who you are and the kind of traveler you are, and what kinds of experiences delight you. If you prefer pampering and don't like to get your nails dirty, take the cruise. But if you want to immerse yourself in this amazing area, don't set foot on a cruise. Get out there and walk, ride the Paso horses, hire guides, and really BE there.
Having done Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and visited the Amazon solo, and not having spent anywhere close to six grand, my first impression would be that it's way over the top. But you have to determine your physical fitness, comfort level, and willingness to be out of your comfort zone first. What kind of traveler are you? do you like something a little more epic? do you want to hike the Inca Trail or do you just want to see Machu Picchu without the adventure piece? Is it important to you to have comfort, Western bathrooms, a certain level of luxury? Or are you willing to forgo those things in order to have some pretty epic experiences, stories, adventures?
These are questions only you can answer, and they determine the kind of traveler you are. The mode you will prefer to take. If you love adventure more than you love comfort, then you can plan your own journey, stay in hostels, and have an amazing time. Or you can go the very controlled, guided route of a cruise, where you are well-fed, sleep comfy every night, and are cosseted. Lots of ways to go. There is cheaper. But "better" has everything to do with who you are and the kind of traveler you are, and what kinds of experiences delight you. If you prefer pampering and don't like to get your nails dirty, take the cruise. But if you want to immerse yourself in this amazing area, don't set foot on a cruise. Get out there and walk, ride the Paso horses, hire guides, and really BE there.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 10:44 AM
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how do I do that... where to start... My husband speaks Spanish and we have 2 weeks, Book a flight and then get to Cusco, where I can book a room and there is Toucon Travel type places that offer guides, etc. When time is short I like to have it all pre-arranged somehow. We are agile, youngish 50s types, travel light, etc. But nice to have wine with dinner, and doing the Amazon I think I would want to be somewhat comfortable...Any suggestions?
Thnx
Thnx
Oct 3rd, 2014, 01:28 PM
#4
It's just as easy to book a hotel online in Peru as it is anywhere else in the world.
It does require doing some research, but even Fodor's has a good online guidebook with recommendations. Just look for the "Fodor's Choice" hotels.
It does require doing some research, but even Fodor's has a good online guidebook with recommendations. Just look for the "Fodor's Choice" hotels.
Oct 4th, 2014, 08:43 AM
#6
Tripadvisor is probably a better place to search for comments on travel agencies. I think the correct spelling is "Tucan".
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...back-Peru.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...back-Peru.html
