Thank you again! All this input is really helpful!

I've just booked El Albergue and Second Home Peru and am really excited about both choices. Also, mlgb, I love your Lima photos -- especially of that museum.

It looks like Lake Titicaca will definitely be part of my next South America trip instead of this one. I'll miss seeing it this time, but I'm happy with how this has shaped up -- I'll be able to give Lake Titicaca the proper amount of time on the next trip.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!
Sasha

It's gratifying to help another lover of cities, museums and ruins!

I think on your next trip to Peru you MUST go to the Trujillo/Chiclayo area aka the Egypt of Peru. And definitely "La Señora de Cao", that area is deserving of 3 to 4 days.

http://www.fundacionwiese.com/in/arq...asradecao.html

mlgb, just to check, you mentioned that the 8 soles Mirabus in Lima's Plaza de Armas is a good place to take photos at dusk "without worrying about your camera." Did you mean that it's not a good idea to flash a camera around Lima? I just want to make sure I understand that part.

La Señora looks amazing!!

I think your itinerary sounds great! I did the same trip in
Peru last year and it was fantastic. from Lima to Cusco I took a bus and visited paracas and Nazca, Once I arrived to Cusco my friend contacted Mythical trails peru to organize a tour to Machu Picchu, i heard that tourist have to book in advance and secure a place forthe train and Machu Picchu. so it was good because we got our tickets for Machu Picchu and the train as soon we arrive to Cusco and everything was ready fro us.
http://mythicaltrailsperu.com/machup...ress-3-day.htm

MTP helped us with our conection to Puno, you should contact Inca express bus company, they offer a nice tour to Puno.

Sasark, I was paranoid in Lima on my first trip, with everyone talking about how dangerous it was. When you are up on the top of the bus you can snap away without fear of attracting attention. On reflection, I think Lima is far safer than many other large South Amercian cities (for example Buenos Aires). On my second trip, I carried my little point and shoot everywhere and wore it with a neck strap inside my shirt when not in use. I was glad I had when I went to the supermarket and there was a celebration with live music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvZ5pDChVS4

frank21, thank you!

mlgb, thanks yet again -- what a great video!