Two Week Peru Itinerary

Extensive research and countless hours went into the final version of our backpacking trip to Peru. A couple notes on the (tough) decisions made along the way:

– To reach Machu Picchu, the traditional Inca trail tour packages were much more expensive and were reported to be far more touristy in blogs. The Jungle Trek option, available at a number of Peruvian travel companies such as Lorenzo adventures and Loki travel, appealed to us due to the extras (zip-lining, rafting, biking, etc) as well as the reduced cost.

– While a number of tour companies offer packages to visit Colca Canyon, we found a number of invaluable blogs (such as this up-to-date one) to guide us on an independent adventure. Looking back, I am incredibly happy that we opted for the independent option and believe we had a much more satisfying experience!

– Traveling to the jungle (Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado) or along the coast (Nazca) fell secondary to Lake Titicaca and visiting Los Uros, Amantani, and Taquile. Doing a homestay with a native family and visiting the floating islands is a MUST!

– We did quite a bit of research on hostels, and were very happy with all that we selected. Traveling as a pair made it very affordable to get a 2 bed room throughout the trip, although sharing bunks in the larger rooms was also an experience. Our one splurge was for a stay on the (very cool) Yavari floating Bed and Breakfast

– The train (Perurail, $161) between Puno and Cusco is reported to offer amazing views. However, after reading blogs on the comparison of a tour bus and the train, we opted for the Turismo Mer bus due to the stops along the way and the reduced price ($46), especially since both the train and bus loosely follow the same sightseeing route

– Taking flights from Lima to Arequipa and from Cusco to Lima saved us large amounts of time traveling, although at a cost. Each one way flight was ~$150, compared to the much cheaper overnight tour buses (~$50). We deemed the expense welcome, however, in that it saved us two overnight 15+ hour buses and I would highly recommend the flights to anyone trying to fit Peru into just two weeks! Peruvian airlines and Star Peru both provided excellent service at reasonable prices, particularly in comparison to the bigger airlines

Itinerary details:

TRAVEL TO MIAMI – AUGUST 22

Depart RDU at 3:51 PM on AirTran Flight #5035

Layover ATL 5:12 to 6:35 PM

Arrive FLL at 8:30 PM

Transfer to MIA via Tri-Rail

Exit FLL airport through lower level, walk to the bus stop located adjacent to Terminal 1 or in between Terminals 3 and 4. Take Tri-Rail Shuttle Route FLA 1 directly to Tri-Rail Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach. Take Tri-Rail to the Hialeah Market/Miami Airport Station and transfer to the Tri-Rail Shuttle MIA 133 directly to airport.

MIAMI LODGING – BEST MIAMI HOTEL – AUGUST 22

Booked: Standard room, 2 guests, paid

Address: 5959 S.W. 71st, Miami, FL 33143

Phone: (305) 667-6664

Notes:

• WiFi, continental breakfast, pool
• Airport shuttle offered, but limited hours

TRAVEL TO AREQUIPA – AUGUST 23

Depart MIA at 9:42 AM on Avianca on Flight #AV9

Layover BOG 12:15 to 1:41 PM

Arrive LIM at 4:35 on Avianca on Flight #A25

Depart LIM at 7:00 PM on Peruvian Airlines on Flight #P90232

Arrive AQP at 8:25 PM

 

AREQUIPA LODGING – HOME SWEET HOME – AUGUST 23-25

Booked: Twin shared room

To pay: S/50 per night (S/100 total)

Address: Calle Rivero 509 A – Cercado

Phone Number: 054-405982

Email Address: reservas@homesweethome-peru.com

Notes:

• WiFi, breakfast, laundry service
• 10-15min walk to Plaza de Armas

 

EXPLORE AREQUIPA

*Tickets MUST be bought day for next day at Terminal Terrestre for S/17*

Map http://www.mappery.com/map-of/Arequipa-Tourist-Map

Plaza de Armas, Mercado San Camilo, Convento de santa catalina covered market good for knit good and bags

TRAVEL TO CABACONDE – AUGUST 25

Depart 1 am (Reyna) or 3:30 AM (Señor de los Milagros)

Trip time 6 hours including stops

COLCA CANYON TREK – AUGUST 25-27

Get tourist boleto S/70

http://smashadventures.com/2013/04/30/hiking-the-colca-canyon-without-a-guide-updated/

Day 1: 3 AM bus to Cabanaconde. Begin hiking at 9:30 AM. Hike down into the canyon past Sangalle and back up to Fure (est. 6 hours). Fure is a beautiful, tiny village perched between two sheer faces that our Peruvian hosts at Posada Roy raved about, and we wished we’d gotten to see it!

Day 2: Hike to the 35m waterfall beyond Fure (est. 1.5 hours round trip). Descend from Fure to Llahuar (est. 4 hours) Enjoy the hot springs.

Day 3: Early start, hike from Llahuar to Cabanaconde (est. 4 hours).

*Potentially should stay in Sangalle oasis the 2^nd night to reduce hiking on third day. Play by ear.*

Specifies new bus times/routes: http://cabanacondeturismo.com/travel-advice/getting-there-away/

See blog: http://theparallellife.com/2011/11/28/how-to-hike-colca-canyon-without-a-guide/

• UDATED blog: http://smashadventures.com/2013/04/30/hiking-the-colca-canyon-without-a-guide-updated/
• Other route option suggested in previous blog (but we may not have time!): http://www.whereisyourtoothbrush.com/tag/peru/

TRAVEL TO PUNO –AUGUST 27

Travel to Chivay on bus from Cabaconde (2 hours):

“You simply find a seat and pay on the bus (S/.5). It is worth getting to the plaza early to be sure of finding a seat (preferably on the right side, as the left side is reserved for those travelling to Arequipa).”

Depart Chivay 1:00 PM on 4M Express bus from La Paskana Hotel, Main Square Chivay

Stop 2:15 PM in Patapampa to view volcanoes

Stop 3:35 PM in Patawasi for coca tea

Stop 5:00 PM in Laguinillas for bird watching

Arrive Puno 7:30 PM Terminal Terrestre

PUNO LODGING – BOTHY HOSTEL – AUGUST 27-28

Booked: Private 2 bedroom

To pay: S/58

Address: Jiron Loreto – Iquitos 136 Puno with Deza

Phone Number: (+51 54) 355433  /  Mobile Number: (+51 54)973581728

Email Address: bothypuno@gmail.com

Notes:

• WiFi, breakfast, baggage storage, rooftop terrace with view, tripadvisor 2013 winner
• Taxi cost should be 4-5 soles; known scam for taxis to redirect foreigners to alternate locations

LAKE TITICACA HOMESTAY / UROS ISLANDS / AMANTANI – AUGUST 28-29

Arrange independently morning of trip at port – should cost S/60

http://beyondblighty.com/homestay-on-amantani-island-on-lake-titicaca/

PUNO LODGING – YAVARI BED AND BREAKFAST – AUGUST 29-30

Booked: Two bunks, paid online

Location: Muelle del Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca

Number: +51 51 36-9329

Notes:

• Breakfast included, restaurant available on boat, museum hours 9am to 5pm
• Built in 1862, maximum of seven guests per night!

TRAVEL TO CUSCO – AUGUST 30

Depart Turismo Mer 7:30 AM from station on Avenida Costanera

Stop 9:30 AM at El Museo Litico de Pukara (S/8)

Stop 11:10 AM at El Paso de la Raya

Stop 12:30 PM for lunch

Stop 1:30 PM at Raqchi / el Templo del dios Wirachocha (S/10)

Stop 3:20 PM at La Capilla de Andahuayillas (S/10)

Arrive Cusco 5:00 PM at station on LA AV. 28 DE JULIO

CUSCO LODGING – ECOPACKERS – AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 1

Booked: 2 beds in 15 bed dorm

To Pay: S/49 per person per night

Address: Calle Santa Teresa # 375

Phone number: (51) 084 231 800

Email: reservas@ecopackersperu.com

Notes:

• WiFi, breakfast included, laundry service available

INDEPENDENT SACRED VALLEY TOUR – AUGUST 31

Easy to arrange upon arrival for S/60

 

CUSCO CITY EXPLORATION – SEPTEMBER 1

Loki tour briefing at 7:30 PM

Remainder of tour cost due: $144, must be completed before 5 PM

• Viator
  • http://www.viator.com/tours/Cusco/Cusco-City-Sightseeing-Tour/d937-5243CUSCITY
  • http://www.viator.com/tours/Cusco/Cusco-Archeological-and-Religious-Sites-Tour-Including-Sacsayhuaman-and-Cathedral-of-Santo-Domingo/d937-5243CUZCT
• Peru Treks $15
  • http://www.perutreks.com/cusco_day_trip_options.html
• Rafting $55 9am to 5pm
  • http://www.llamapath.com/white-water-rafting-tour-cusco.html
• Horseback riding $20
  • Timing unknown
  • http://www.llamapath.com/horse-riding-tour-cusco.html
• Paragliding
  • http://www.paragliding-peru.com/tandem-flights
  • http://www.perufly.com/flights/index.php?page=site_cuzco

CUSCO LODGING – LOKI – SEPTEMBER 1-2

Booked: 2 beds private room with shared bathroom

To pay: S/80

Address: Cuesta Santa Ana 601

Phone: 084 – 243705

E-mail: cusco@lokihostel.com

Notes:

• WiFi, luggage storage, breakfast included

INCA JUNGLE TREK – SEPTEMBER 2-5

September 2: Cusco to Santa Maria

• Begin at 6:30 AM
• Driven to top of Abra Malag
• Mountain bike 3 hours
• Lunch in Alfamyo
• Rafting tour in Santa Maria (to pay $38)
• 30 minutes jungle trek
• Jungle lodge

September 3 – Santa Maria to Santa Teresa

• Inka Trail hike (16km)
• Santa Theresa hot springs
• Lodging in Santa Theresa

September 4- Santa Teresa To Aguas Calientes

• Ziplining (to pay $30)
• Three hours trek
• Hot springs in Aguas Calientes

 

September 5 – Machu Picchu / Huayna Picchu To Cusco

• 2 hour guided tour in Machu Pichu
• Climb Huayna Picchu
• Return to Aguas Calientes, then Cusco

CUSCO LODGING – LOKI – SEPTEMBER 5-6

See above; will have stored luggage here

TRAVEL TO LIMA – SEPTEMBER 6

Depart CUZ 12:55 PM on StarPeru on Flight #2I1182

Arrive 2:30 PM LIM

Must eat chifa

LIMA LODGING – TBD – SEPTEMBER 6

Can arrange upon arrival

EXPLORE LIMA – SEPTEMBER 7

• Horseback riding on beach $40 for 2.5 hours
  • Departs 9am or 2pm
  • http://www.hakutours.com/pasobeach.php
• Magic Water and Lasers Dance Show
  • Likely can do on own
  • http://www.hakutours.com/cmagico.php
• Paragliding
  • $65 (1 hour)http://www.hakutours.com/paragliding.php
  • http://www.aeroxtreme.com/ingles/vuelos_tandem.php

TRAVEL TO MIAMI – SEPTEMBER 7

Depart LIM 5:38 PM on Avianca on Flight #AV24

Layover BOG 8:38 to 9:34 PM

Arrive MIA 2:14 AM on Avianca on Flight #AV8 

Transfer to FLL via Tri-Rail

Exit MIA airport through lower level, walk to the bus stop located across from Terminal E or at Terminal J. Take Tri-Rail Shuttle MIA 133 directly to Tri-Rail Hialeah Market/Miami Airport Station. Take Tri-Rail to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach and transfer to the Tri-Rail Shuttle Route FLA 1 directly to airport.

Depart FLL at 7:15 AM on Southwest Flight #739

Arrive RDU at 10:20 AM