Backpacking group posting on GLOBOsapiens

Visiting Peru and Chile

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staefs Joined: Sep 06 Points: 8 Posts: 2 Posted: 2006-09-14 09:36:00    Hi everyone! I just joined globosapiens as a new member and I have several questions as far as a travel to Peru and Chile is concerned. I'm going to start from Lima (inevitably) on the beginning of November and try to visit Nazca, Cuzco and Macchu Picchu, Puno, and Arequipa (or Moquegua) before entering Chile via Tacna. Those who've made the journey, could you please tell me if there is a bus connection directly from Nazca to Cuzco crossing the Andes? How heavy can the consequences of soroche on that specific route be? Additionally, are there buses connecting Puno and Tacna, or one has rather to head to Arequipa/Moquegua? Subject vaccinations: taking in account that I have no plans for the Amazon region, are any necessary? And a last thing, about safety there: my guide (an older edition of 2003) mentions things that I find hard to believe, like "strangle mobbing". has anyone of you experienced anything such, or generally an armed robbery? How grave is the situation? Thanks in advance. --- Not all who wander are lost. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact staefs   aremisa Joined: Feb 06 Points: 66 Posts: 3 Posted: 2006-09-20 18:21:00    hi, Peru is becoming more sure but still people robbed tourist take care with your camera , and personal thing if you travel alone there´s buses from Nazca to Cusco and how bad is Soroche depends of you Don´t drink alcohol before arrive n to Cusco and rest the first day , derink coca tea is good too. The route from Puno to Tacna isn´t good , travelers go by Arequipa and then to Tacna . Moquegua isn´t interesting , a small city not much to see. hope this info could help you. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact aremisa   eirekay Premium account Joined: Aug 03 Points: 19539 Posts: 214 Posted: 2006-09-22 04:05:00    You are intending to go Machu Picchu - are you planning on hiking the Inka Trail? If so, the trail is now closed to individuals - you must go with an approved tour operator. There are several on the Plaza d'Armas, or on the side street imediately off it, that will hook you up for a trip leaving the next day. We used Mayuc. Take two days to aclimitize in Cusco before hiking the trail. Coca Tea is a must - it helps with the altitude. A porter to carry your pack is only $20 USD extra and well worth it, as there are a couple of high passes. Eire --- Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. Profile Pic: Tikal, Guatemala Reply    Reply with quote    Contact eirekay   staefs Joined: Sep 06 Points: 8 Posts: 2 Posted: 2006-09-22 07:32:00    Hi eirekay, thanks for the info, although I don't think I'll follow the Inca Trail; I'll rather take the train to Aguas Calientes. Don't tell me the Macchu Picchu archaeological site itself is closed too! That would be the nastiest surprise, but at least I need to know. --- Not all who wander are lost. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact staefs   eirekay Premium account Joined: Aug 03 Points: 19539 Posts: 214 Posted: 2006-09-22 21:43:00    If you taking the train, you can go on your own. A word of caution - lots of people do take the train, and as a result, you will arrive there with scores of people. If you spend the night at Agua Caliente, you can climb Wyuna Picchu, the mountian that overlooks the ruins, on day 1 when you get off the train, or climb down (same trail head) to the Princess Tomb, which is also very cool, then go up first thing in the morning on day 2 and have Machu Picchu pretty much to yourself. We went up at 6am and watched the sunrise. It feels totally different without the crowds of people. Have a great time - your trip sounds amazing! Eire --- Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. Profile Pic: Tikal, Guatemala Reply    Reply with quote    Contact eirekay