Hi Karen,<BR><BR>September and October are in the dry season for peru, so it a great time for both the mountains, and the amazon. From Cusco you can get to Machu Picchu and the amazon areas of Manu and Tambopata. From Lima you can fly to Iquitos. <BR>Some stories of my travels in Peru are at http://expphoto.com<BR>Have a great trip!<BR>dav<BR>[email protected]

Hi, Jose<BR>I am going to Peru and Bolivia in January and staying till middle of March. Can you give me information how weather is going to be and when during these months is best to visit Inca trail and Colca canyon.<BR>Thanks, Matjaž

Jose,<BR>A fried and I are planning a trip to Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu in July, or maybe Dec. What is the weather like in July and December. What tour operator would you recommend. We are interested in Air/Hotel/Tour from SFO (San Francisco). Nothing too rushed. More leisure- 9-10 days. Would like to leisurey see MP. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

A family of 4 will be traveling to Peru - machu Pichu, Amazon, etc. in February - Help - do we need yellow fever shots? what should we watch out for - what do you know about Tambo Tours? Are there any places along the coast near Lima that are nice for swimming? that you.

Hello Jose, My son (28) and me (52) are planning to travel to Cuzco & Machu Picchu on October. We were traveling in China & India together but my son says that it is very difficult to travel to the Incas' empire because we have to walk for at least 3 days with backpacks and sleeping in tends. He really scared me. Is it true that the only way to know Cuzco & Machu Picchu is by trekking? Is it very hard to do it or is there any other way to get to enjoy that beautiful part of South America?<BR>Any suggestions welcome.<BR>Elena

Hi Elena,<BR>Trekking the Inca Trail for 2-4 days is what backpackers do to get to Machu Picchu.<BR>For people who do not want to hike, you can take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, a town at the base of the mountain upon which Machu Picchu sits. Here there are buses that take you to the ruins. You can do this as a one-day trip, returning to Cusco in the late afternoon. Or you can stay in Aguas Calientes so you can visit Machu Picchu early the next day for an extended time. Or, for big bucks, you can stay at a hotle that is next to Machu Picchu (usually sold out June-November).<BR>Foe some ideas on different p

Hi Elena,<BR>Trekking the Inca Trail for 2-4 days is what backpackers do to get to Machu Picchu.<BR>For people who do not want to hike, you can take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, a town at the base of the mountain upon which Machu Picchu sits. Here there are buses that take you to the ruins. You can do this as a one-day trip, returning to Cusco in the late afternoon. Or you can stay in Aguas Calientes so you can visit Machu Picchu early the next day for an extended time. Or, for big bucks, you can stay at a hotel that is next to Machu Picchu (usually sold out June-November).<BR>For some ideas on different options and prices check out:<BR>http://rainforestexpeditions.net<BR><BR>Happy Trails,<BR>dav<BR>[email protected]

Hi Jose, I am considering a trip to Peru with my 16 year old daughter at the end of March. We have only 7 days and would like to visit Machu Pichu and the Amazon. I am concerned about political unrest presently. What is the situation for Americans from a security perspective? And any advice for an ideal itinerary given my time limitations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Michael

Hi Michael,<BR><BR>The Jose person who started this message list a couple years ago has long since disappeared, but I will be glad to pass on some info to you, I just got back from my trip to Tambopata and Cusco a couple weeks ago.<BR><BR>With 7 days to work with one of the best things to do is fly directly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado in the Tambopata jungle. Here is a great place called the Sandoval Lake Lodge that is located on a large lake inside the Tambopata Reserve. Giant Otters, monkeys and birds are the big attractions. The lodge itself has rooms with private bath with even hot water showers. After a 3-day trip to this area you can then fly to Cusco (about a 45 minute flight). It takes a day in Cusco to get used to being at the 9000 feet altitude so don’t push it too much this first day, but you can get to a couple of ruin sites outside of town and have the chance to see Cusco. The next day you can take the train to Machu Picchu, at the train station there are buses that take you to the ruin site for the afternoon. You can return to Cusco on the afternoon train if your time is short, but I suggest you stay overnight, there are places at the foot of the mountain, so that you can then see Machu Picchu in the early morning (before the tourist train people show up). Then in the afternoon return to Cusco by train. The next day you can fly to Lima. <BR><BR>You can find info about Sandoval Lodge at http://naturelodges.com<BR>A site http://rainforestexpeditions.net has an itinerary that includes Machu Picchu and Tambopata that might be changed a bit to fit your schedule.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!<BR>Dav<BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>

Dave, I would prefer to do a couple day hiking trip up to Machu Pichu and am wondering if I should wait till we get there or plan somethingin advance? Any ideas?Susan

Hi Susan,<BR><BR>If you are leaving for Peru within the next couple weeks then it is probably ok to wait and make arrangements to take a 2-day Inca Trail trek when you get to Cusco. Once in Cusco there is a 2-day wait to get permission to trek on the trail, but during that 2-days there are plenty of things to do around Cusco (and adjust to the altitude).<BR><BR>If you are taking your trip June-August then it is probably better to make reservations ahead of time for the Inca Trail (the busy time for the trail). New regulations have just hit and most of the operators for the trail are trying to keep up with now making reservations for people ahead of time. <BR><BR>For a bunch of info on what is now happening with the Inca Trail visit www.peruperu.com<BR><BR>If you are really into adventure and trekking mountain areas of Peru then you might want to consider one of the newest destinations for archaeology and hiking: Chachapoyas. The fortress ruins of Kuelap were built 600 years before Machu Picchu, very little is even now known about the ruins. Last year maybe 600 people visited the area, compared to 60,000 that went to Machu Picchu.<BR>If by chance you are traveling during August, let me know. I will be trekking Chachapoyas (my 4th trip). It will be an adventure.<BR><BR>Have a safe and exciting journey! Let me know how you trip goes!<BR>dav<BR>

Hi Dav,<BR>First, thanks so much for all your info on Peru!<BR><BR>Second, I'm leaving on Saturday (May18) for Peru and just have a few last minute questions. I'm curious about the timing of the train that leaves Machu Picchu (or Agua Calientes) and heads back to Cusco in the afternoon. How long is the ride and when does it arrive in Cusco?<BR>Also, if you can explain the difference between the various taxis at the Lima airport, I'd greatly appreciate it! It seems somewhat confusing . . .<BR>Thanks!

Hi Dave-<BR><BR>I am leaving on Sat. May 18th for Lima. I am meeting my girlfriend who lives in Miraflores. We are spending a few days in Lima and then we are off to Cusco and Aguas Calientes...and, of course, MP. We are going to fly from Lima to Cusco. Any helpful tips? She has been to MP several times but I am a first-timer and filled with anxious curiousity.<BR><BR>Is Lima as safe as any other big city? Do most travelers get ill while visiting Lima and/or MP? Will the altitude difference in Cusco make me sick? Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated. Thanks.<BR><BR>Sue

Hi Meagan, Hi Sue!<BR><BR>Great questions!<BR><BR>The train from Aguas Calientes: there are two trains, one is the tourist train and the other is the First Class train (called the Autovagon). (there is a local train but tourists are not allowed to use it) The Autovagon train leaves Aguas Calientes about 3 pm, arrives Cusco about 6:30pm. The Tourist train leaves about 4 pm and arrives Cusco about 8:30pm.<BR><BR>Lima airport taxis: When you finish at the baggage pickup and then clear customs, you will see a large group of people waiting outside the gate offering you taxis. These people will tell you it is 20$US for a trip to Miraflores. KEEP a grip on your luggage and walk past this area toward the parking lot and the price people then offer will go down. 15$ is ok, sometimes I can get it to 10$. Make sure you agree on the price before leaving, and that is the total price even if you are traveling with someone else. (not 15 per person!). <BR>If you are Spanish savvy and only a small luggage amount, walk thought the parking lot to the street outside the airport, taxis will be 5-7$ to Miraflores.<BR>Lima is a great place and definitely safe, but always use caution. For women I suggest you travel with others when possible, or if you must go someplace alone, take only a regulated taxi (one your hotels calls for you). Getting to Miraflores or Barranco you will find yourself in very modern up-beat areas. <BR><BR>Getting to Cusco give yourself the day to adjust to the altitude, drink some coca tea and plenty of water. Enjoy short walks around the Plaza, visit the nearby Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Check out the night life, and drink more water! Usually a day, some people 2 days, and you will be ready to take on the world full steam. Drink bottled water, always wash fresh fruits that you get from venders. Restaurants in Cusco and Aguas Calientes should be no problem.<BR><BR>Some great places to eat in Cusco:<BR>1. Los Perros Couch Bar: Bum-sucking sofas, groovy funky music, couch munchies, and a full bar.<BR>Games, books, magazines.<BR>436 Tecsecocha: tell OranaMaria "Hi" for me ! <BR>2. Rosie o Grady's Irish Pub & Restaurant: Cable TV, Happy Hour, Live Music.<BR>Santa Catalina Ancha 360 <BR>3. Bagdad's Cafe: Balcony view over the plaza de Armas, ask anyone to point it out, watch the Plaza spin. <BR>4. Greens Restaurant: Traditional English breakfast. Curry (and it is Great). Groovy Music.<BR>(One block behind the Plaza San Blas Church)<BR>Tandapata 700, Plaza San Blas. phone: 65-1332<BR> <BR>Hope this helps!<BR>Meagan, Sue, have a great trip and let me know how it goes so I can live vicariously from your travels until I can jump on a plane! (pushing for August).<BR><BR>a bunch of info about peru is at www.peruperu.com<BR><BR>dav <BR>

Hello Jose<BR><BR>My friend and I are visiting Peru in June/July. We need some information about things to do in Cozco. We also want to have a trip in the jungel (Manu), can you recommend something for us. Please send to my privat mail. <BR>Unni

I am considering bidding on a International Expeditions trip boat trip on into the Amazon Basin starting at Iquitos Peru upriver. I would love to hear from someone who has gone before us! Thanks G

Helloo Jose,<BR>I really hope you can help me as I'm suffering from web induced psychosis at the minute and cannot find the info I need! I have a couple of questions about the inca trail. I understand that the 2 day hike to macchu p. only has about 5 hours of hiking. Is it possible to do this in one day as we want to do alternative hikes when we get up there. Also, if you do not participate in one of the organised hikes, is it possible to backtrack from macchu p. back towards the train stops to see a bit more of the trail. I understand that there are a lot more access restrictions to the trail now.<BR>Also, any advice on where to stay in cuzco or macchu. Thanks much for the help....Martin

Jose, I hope you see this in time. I am leaving in 11 days. I woul like to know if you know of any hostales in Ica or in Trujillo that you can personally reccommend. I am looking for something inexpensive, private bathroom, hot water, good sevice and most of all clean.<BR>Thanks

We are planning our trip for January/03 (25th anniversary) to Cuzco and M-P. Great advice on this chat board! Can anyone prepare me for the weather at this time of year? Will the rains be all the time, or once a day, or always foggy, or what? Is there any point in going in January? Also, no one has mentioned taxis in these places, only buses and trains. Are taxis easy to come by? Can you go from the train station at M-P to the ruins by taxi? Thanks for any help!<BR><BR>Shirley

Shirley--<BR>bone up on your spanish numbers. Taxis are abundant, but you have to negotiate the price before you get in. Getting around town almost never costs more than 10 new soles ($3) -- even getting to Sacsywuman (sp?) from town.