In Two Weeks
This 2-week itinerary will allow you to experience the greatest of southern Peru, from its historic colonial cities to its natural wonders. First on everyone's list, of course, are the lively ancient Inca capital Cusco and that empire's legendary lost city, Machu Picchu. But in a relatively short amount of time you can also delve into dense Amazonian jungle; Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable body of water; and one of the world's deepest canyons, Colca (but keep in mind, this is a very full itinerary, and you may need to cut either the jungle or Colca Canyon). Plenty of people find it irresistible and linger in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas (especially if they want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or do another highland trek), or don't have a full 2 weeks for travel in Peru. In that case, it's probably best to concentrate on a particular region so that you don't lose too much time traveling. Of course, if your primary interest is wildlife viewing in the great Amazon, you'll want to plan everything around a 4- to 7-day jungle expedition deep into Tambopata National Reserve, Manu Biosphere Reserve, or the jungle around Iquitos in northern Peru.
All international flights arrive into the rather chaotic capital, Lima, and even though most people are headed elsewhere, you may find yourself obligated to spend at least a day in Lima. Make the most of it by touring the colonial quarter, or perhaps visiting one of the country's great museums, such as the Museo Larco or Museo de la Nación, and hitting either a great cevichería or a cutting-edge novo andino restaurant.
Then get out of Lima and on your way to Peru's greatest attractions. (If you're able to get an overnight flight that puts you into Lima early in the morning, you may want to consider flying immediately to Cusco to save time and avoid the hassles of Lima.)
Days 2-3: On to Cusco, Old Inca Capital
Although you may want to hit Cusco running, the city's altitude, more than 3,400m (11,000 ft.), is daunting to most travelers. Spend a couple of days seeing the old Inca capital at a relaxed pace, making sure to hang out around the Plaza de Armas and visit the La Catedral (Cathedral), Convento de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Convent), and Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun). Cusco is one of the best places in Peru to shop, eat, and party, so make sure to squeeze those vital activities in with sightseeing.
Day 4: The Stuff of Legend: Machu Picchu
Though I think Machu Picchu deserves an overnight stay (and even 2 days exploring the ruins), if you're trying to see the best of Peru in 2 weeks, you can't afford the time. So take the morning train from Cusco to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes), South America's number-one attraction. Spend the middle part of the day exploring the ruins here and then head back to Cusco on the train.
Day 5: Cusco
If you weren't able to catch an archaeology museum in Lima, or even if you did, check out the beautifully designed Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP). Enjoy some of the lively cafes, bars, and restaurants of Cusco; you'll find plenty while strolling around the Barrio de San Blas. If you have time and plenty of energy, catch a cab (or walk up to) the fantastic ruins, Sacsayhuamán, overlooking the city.
Days 6-8: Into the Jungle
Take an early morning, half-hour flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the southern Peruvian Amazon jungle of Tambopata National Reserve. Board a boat for a 2-day, 1-night trip to one of the jungle lodges along the Río Madre de Dios. A 3-day, 2-night adventure, either within 1 hour of Puerto Maldonado or 4 to 5 hours away along the Río Tambopata, is even better, if you have the time. On the third day, head back to Puerto and then catch a flight to Cusco. Spend the night in Cusco.
Day 9: South to Lake Titicaca
From Cusco, take the extraordinarily scenic train to Puno and Lake Titicaca (or if you want to visit some of the Inca ruins en route, take one of the premium tour bus services that make a day of the journey). Spend the night in Puno and rest up (and get accustomed to the even higher altitude) for the next day's boat trip out on the lake.
Day 10: Lake Titicaca and Isla Taquile
While an overnight trip that allows you to spend a night with a family either on Isla Taquile or Amantaní is the best way to experience the people and customs of Titicaca, you can also do a 1-day trip that lets you to visit the Uros floating islands and the fascinating culture of Isla Taquile. If you have an extra couple days, an unforgettable Titicaca experience is the Suasi Island ecolodge.
Day 11: Arequipa
Catch an early morning flight from Juliaca (the nearest airport, an hour from Puno) to Arequipa, the elegant southern city known as "La Ciudad Blanca" for its beautiful colonial buildings made of sillar, or white volcanic stone. Stay close to the gorgeous Plaza de Armas and spend the afternoon at the wondrous Monasterio de Santa Catalina, one of the finest examples of colonial religious architecture in the Americas.
Days 12-13: Colca Valley
From Arequipa, set off on a 2-day, 1-night exploration of Colca Canyon, the best spot in South America to observe giant Andean condors, which soar overhead at Cruz del Cóndor. Explore some of the villages of the valley, as well as the thermal baths, on the first day and spend the night at a rustic hotel in Colca before marveling at the condors the next morning. For those with less time, it's possible, though brutal, to "do" Colca on a 1-day adventure, leaving very early in the morning (practically the middle of the night) to get there in time for the condors' lift-off at 9am.
Day 14: Morning in Arequipa, Then Back to Lima
Spend the morning shopping for alpaca goods before flying to Lima, where you'll catch your flight back home.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/peru/0814020795.html#ixzz1xRZCQPzX
No comments:
Post a Comment