we're taking a 10 day trip to peru in may, and was wondering if anyone has suggestions on our plan...
would 3 days be enough for cusco/sacred valley or would 5 be better, & is it worth spending a day or 2 in lima?

sat am - arrive in cusco,

sun - cusco/sacred valley

mon - cusco/sacred valley

tues,weds,thurs, fri - 4 day inca trail

sat & sun - not sure

mon - early am flight out of lima.

I took this same trip in August, but we did it in eight days - two days in Cusco before the Inca Trail and two days after - and I very much wish that we had had MORE time to spend in CUSCO and the Sacred Valley!

It is a long flight to Lima (from NA) and then on to Cusco and you will be tired when you get there. Plus, the altitude does take some getting used to. You may not be able to do as much those first two days as you would like. Everybody reacts a bit differently.

The trek itself is fabulous, but again, you won't be racing around Cusco the minute you return - a HOT shower and decent bed will be a major priority after your trekking adventure! (or at least they were for me.....)

There are many things to see in the area and tons of stuff to do and see in Cusco itself. If you like to shop(and I do) you will need LOTS of time - the markets are great fun.

For me, I'd spend those last two days in Cusco rather than Lima.

Have a great trip!

thanks for the advise.

what tour company did you use for your trek?

we're looking into llamapath...it seems to have gotten good reviews & isn't the most expensive out of the ones. i would be interested to hear your thoughts on the one you took. thanks again.

Check into G.A.P. Adventures (www.gapadventures.com). We (my husband and I) traveled with them over the Christmas Break. We have nothing but raves for their organization, accommodations, and people they have working for them. We would definitely use them again.

Forget Lima nothing of great interest. Cusco is much better.

Forget Lima nothing of great interest. Cusco is much better. Have you considered a day or two in Arequipa, interesting town and some great restaurants.