I am trying to finalize my 2 week trip to Peru in May/June. I've already received valuable advice from people on this board, so though I would throw out another question. We are doing the typical Arequipa, Puno, Cusco and surrounding areas that most people do. Originally we had decided to go to Colca Canon for 2 days and skip Nazca. Now I am thinking the opposite. Skip Colca Canon to make time for Nazca and Huacachina.

I realize there are going to be differing opinions on this matter, but wanted to see what the general consensus was. If we can't do both, Colca or Nazca and Huacachina?

Thanks!

Without knowing what you like it is hard to make a recommendation.

Photos from Colca in November, below. I would expect May would be cold, but gorgeous!
https://picasaweb.google.com/kiwifann/ColcaCanyon

BTW don't miss the San Camilo market in Arequipa, go around 9 or 10 and try some of the best food in AQP in the market stalls on the ground floor. Pejerrey ceviche ! After Santa Catalina it was my favorite thing in AQP.

AQP market photos in the center section of this album
https://picasaweb.google.com/kiwifan...AndBolivia2011

Yes, I would skip Nazca and do Colca canyon.

I'd say the opposite. I found Colca really overrated but Nazca with its lines, cemeteries, and pyramids to be amazing. It all depends what you like. If you want nature, do Colca. If you want ruins and history, do Nazca.

I will say that if you go to Nazca, you really have to do a flight over the lines to make it worthwhile.

www.colca-lodge.com for me if you only had do do one.
It is the prettiest by far.

Nasca is interesting for the largest geoglyphs in the world but otherwise quite underwhelming just a little desert town not much there there. Hotel of the Lines best stay for me there pretty easy to do an overnite fly the lines in the early AM and head on up to Paracas/Ballestas or Lima or hotellasdunas.com in Ica on the same day. I paid $55 for my Nasca flight with Brabant Tours they were brilliant.

Happy Trails!

I would add that if you do Colca do allow a night or two to explore the valley on foot and visit some of the churches.

The condors are just an excuse for the development of tourism infrastructure, but it is so much more than that.

Thanks everyone for the advice. After playing around with the itinerary, we realized it is possible to do both. We are traveling around a bit, but I think it will be worth it!