Considering Peru
 

I am thinking about a trip to Peru in October - Lima, Sacred Valley, MP, maybe Lake Titicaca. My concern is that these areas are way too popular and will be overrun with tour groups and locals catering to them. Is this the case? And is it easy enough to get off the tourist track?

There really isnt a way around the mass tourist presence at Machu Picchu, but you can get away from crowds pretty easily in the Sacred Valley. Even in Cuzco it quiets down away from the Plaza.

Peru is a large country and you can also go to places that are not as highly developed for international tourism.

Are you still considering Bolivia?

If I went to Bolivia, it would be the continuation of a Peru trip, though I'm not sure I'd have the time. I'd also prefer to avoid a yellow fever shot, which I believe is required for Bolivia.

Can you recommend some less touristy sites in Peru?

Try northern Peru: great archaeology in Trujillo, Chiclayo, Cajamarca and then east to virgin Amazon Territoty, i.e. Tingana / El Avisado in San Martin.

As far as I know they are not requiring yellow fever shots in Bolivia at the moment (at least if you are only going to the Andes). Also, you can get one at the Lima airport if it's a matter of cost.

I agree with the northern coast (for archaeology and beaches). Haven't been to Cajamarca and it would be a no go zone for me at the moment due to ongoing protests over Conga Mine.

If you aren't too late into the year you could go by train to Huancayo. There is a glacier, 3 hours hike each way, Huaytapallana. I went independently to a few of the communities around Huancayo, and the town has the Sunday market as well as Mercado Modelo. It's possible to then take a bus or combi from Huancayo to Ayacucho and on to Cusco.

There are lots of treks around the Sacred Valley that are less traveled. If you are really fit, Choquequirao is an alternative to the Inca Trail. Check the KB Tambo website or email KB. You can also do homestays in the SV area, either in the tourist towns such as Ollantaytambo, or at higher altitude communities such as Patacancha.

It isn't always bad thing when there is a tourism infrastructure. Colca Canyon is an example, there are local guides and lodgings and most people just go for the Condors, but there are other interesting hikes and walks.

Machu Picchu is still worth seeing, even with the tourists.

Thanks. I suppose my other concern is the distances. I was in Ecuador a few months ago and there you can get to plenty of places within a few hours bus ride. In Peru, it seems that it is either a flight or a 16-18 hour bus ride.

Yes Peru is far larger than Ecuador.
Huaraz and Huancayo are not far from Lima on the bus (7 to 8 hours). But I liked the train, would do it again.

Trujillo/Chiclayo are far but there are good overnight busses (I'd go to Chiclayo first) Transportes Linea was pretty comfortable.

Star Peru often can get a good sale air fares Lima to Cusco.

Dear Trebex,

If this will be your first time in Peru, Cusco and Machu Picchu are a must! There are many ways to avoid big groups even in Machu Picchu.
Distances in Peru are long plus the factor of the high altitude, flights are the best options.
Lake Titicaca is a great option. You could visit Llachon Peninsula instead of Taquile Island to stay away from tourists. You can miss the floating islands.


The north is also great but I'd considering it for a second journey.

My recommendation would be to focus in a couple of destinations if you have a week for this trip. If you have two weeks you could add Colca Canyon, the Amazon, Nazca Lines and if you have like 3 weeks, add the North where you will learn a lot about our pre-Inca's cultures.

I vote for Colcha canyon. The condors are truly a great experience, but there are interesting ruins scattered up and down the valley, as well as beautiful little villages. The natural beauty is outstanding, both in the canyon, and on the ride there from Arequipa you can see wild vicuna grazing, as well as the feeling of being surrounded by volcanoes