Experienced Peru Traveler Here

[d360]

Just ask me a question I've been several times and can give you some great advice.

Dan

Hi

my fiance adn I are travelling to brazil, peru, bolivia, chile and argentina. We are starting in Peru then bolivia down to the southern tip then finishign in brazil.

We are on a tight budget but want to only stay in probate bedrooms with bathrooms (hot water), will we be abel to get good moderate accomodation if we book while there? we're goign from 1st december 2006, We dont want to book all the accomodation now as we want flexability, can we be certain that we can still get accomodation? would it be cheaper there? Shoud we pay in the local curreny to save money?

Are tours cheaper if we book online or can we get places on the inca trail etc when we get there, as we are arriving in the off season, will tour spots or costs be a problem, everyone keeps tellings me jun-september is expensive and its better/more cost effective in december?

What tips and must haves can you tell me about.

Any warnings would be appreciated.

What good moderate priced hotels/BB or anyplace really that you would suggest for a couple, with not to much money to spare but still willing to pay for a little comfort and safety

[Richard Leon]

Hi Tyron,

Maybe I can help, you can by all means book all cheap hotel once you are in these countries and yes you will save money if you book it all yourself (versus prebooking with an agency). You will find a great offer of hostels ranging from $3 to $15 per night; although if you want hot water, which is not easy to find in Bolivia and the Andes, you are looking at at least $10 per night per person. A true 3star hotel will range between $30 and $50/night/person.

Regarding the Inka Trail, I highly reccomend pre-booking them well in advance (at least 3 months in advance). It is highly popular and there are limited spaces. I have lived in Cuzco most of last year and you wouldnt believe the hundreds of travelers who arrive to Cuzco to do the Inka Trail only to find out that it is completly sold out. You also have to watch out as in Cuzco many local agencies will sell you anything; for example sell you a different trek but still call it the Inka Trail. There is a lot of that with local agencies. what I do know is that the Inka Trail is fully booked until late October.

I reccomened the following link for more information for the Inka Trail:
http://www.peruforless.com/adventure..._incatrail.php

These guys have great testimonials and the cheapest price guaranteed. They can also help with other parts of your trip.

Ric

[d360]

Hi Tyron,

Since you'll be traveling after the summer holidays you'll find rates a bit better. your not listing your cities so I'd say in general you should be able to find accomodations while there but that will also eat away at your time during the day searching for "decent" accomodations.

Anytime your on a budget it takes more work to save money. I've found I like to do most of the preplanning and booking of key spots that I know I'll be. Then keep some days open and/or flexible. For budget accomodations we use HostelBooker booked in advance.

I agree with Richard in saying to book the Inca Trail in advance since its a very popular destination

Yes pay local currency if your staying in budget accomodations.

Be prepared for extra time in traveling when using trains and buses. Plan as much as you can in advance and then just take the rest as it comes. Sounds like your on a great adventure enjoy your time and write back if you have more questions.

We would welcome a trip report if you care to write back.

Cheers,
Dan

[boisseln]

hi Dan, my friends and I are traveling around South America starting in January and we were wondering if there is some kind of continental rail system like in Europe? Also what is the best way to get from Lake Titicaca to Santiago? Do we have to go back to Lima and fly or is there a way that we could just take a train or bus down? Please help us...thank you!
Lauren

[d360]

Hi Lauren.

Sorry no train like Europe exists, buses yes but how much time do you have?

Will you be traveling across Lake Titicaca or just to Puno? If going across the lake you could end up in La Paz, and see Bolivia! (which is amazing) and then fly on to Santiago. A flight will set you back about 300-400.

[boisseln]

Thanks Dan for the info, but another question...could we take a bus from La Paz to Santiago? If so, do you know through what company, and also, how do we go across Lake Titicaca? Do you know of any consolidated websites that we can look at about bus travel thoughout the continent. Also any advice on travel from Rio to Lima? Thank you so much for your expertise!!!
Lauren

[d360]

Originally Posted by boisseln

Thanks Dan for the info, but another question...could we take a bus from La Paz to Santiago? If so, do you know through what company, and also, how do we go across Lake Titicaca? Do you know of any consolidated websites that we can look at about bus travel thoughout the continent. Also any advice on travel from Rio to Lima? Thank you so much for your expertise!!!
Lauren

Assuming you may be traveling from Cusco I would say take the Train from Cusco to Puno. Catch a boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit/stay on one of the islands in Lake Titicaca. Then travel boat hydrofoil to the Bolivian shores of Titicaca. Bus to La PAz. La Paz to Sucre, to Potosi. Then the long journey across Salar de Uyuni. Salta to to Santiago..

All the places I mention above are fantastic. Its just a question if you have enough time. You'll find that arranging/booking this trip will take a long time if you do it yourself. I've worked with the company Peruforless.com and I believe they can take care of all your trip needs.
Contact Anthony: banthony@peruforless.com

I use Kayak for flights

[Richard Leon]

Hi Lauren,

I would like to be of help.

**Yes you can take a bus from La Paz to Santiago. Altought it would take maybe 2 full days and a very winding mountaneous road. I am sure we can help you purchase that bus ticket.

**You can cross Lake Titikaka two ways:
a) By bus from La Paz to Puno (@ 9 hours)
b) Private Transfer with stop in Tiauhanaco (reccomended)
c) Hydrofoil from Copacabana-Sun Island-Puno (you can do this on 1 day, or 2 days with overnight in Sun Island). Most expensive options but the best.

**I dont think there is any website wth bus routes. Some bus companies are "Ormeño" or "Cruz del Sur" . They might be of help but there websigths are basic and hard to navigate.

**Rio-Lima? You have to fly ... international flight (we can quote you). Only option at this moment.

Hope this helps with your travel plans and do not hesitate contactign us at www.peruforless.com or at richard@peruforless.com

enjoy ....