Inca Trail and Amazon headwaters

Pepe T. Pirate · Post by **Pepe T. Pirate** » October 8, 2007 4:25 pm

My friend and I will be going to Peru next June. She'll be there for 2 weeks and I'll be there for a month or 5 weeks. She and I will do the Inca Trail and then we're going to hang out with monkeys, parrots, anacondas and paranas in the Madre de Dios River region for a week.

My question for those of you who have traveled to those parts. I'm deciding whether to travel the length of the Amazon during my solo 2-3 weeks OR whether to return to the Andes and attend the Inti Raymi festival and shop for beautiful textiles when not partying at one of the biggest festivals in Latin America. Decisions, decisions.......life's rough, huh? I have wanted to do both since I was three feet high. Maybe I should look into a leave of absence at work? Win the lottery? Dunno.

Input anyone? About the above dilemma or places to stay or incredible things to do and see, any info and feedback would be appreciated. We're definitely backpackers and plan to do the budget hotel/hostel thing when possible.

Thanks!

britparrothead · Post by **britparrothead** » October 9, 2007 12:13 pm

Me & my family are going to do the Inca trail next June too! I am not too sure of the dates yet, but will post when I do know. The boys did the Great Wall 2 years ago and we all went trekking in the Sahara last October. This will be my first attempt at a mountain! Yikes

Pepe T. Pirate · Post by **Pepe T. Pirate** » October 9, 2007 1:37 pm

Oh, cool! It sounds like your family is into doing really great adventures.

The Peruvian gvt. requires everyone to hike the trail with guides and allows a total of just 500 people a day on the trail. Of the 500, 200 to 300 (can't remember exactly) are guides, porters, cleaner-uppers....my point is that it's good to get that part of the trip finalized soon. I've read that it's booked at least 4 months in advance. We're getting together next week to decide our dates. A friend who went recently really liked their guide, so if he remembers the name of the guide, I'll post it for you when I find out.

Have you checked out the Thorn Tree Forum on the Lonely Planet website? Also Fodor's has a well-used discussion area on their page.

Later!

britparrothead · Post by **britparrothead** » October 9, 2007 6:28 pm

I got an email today telling us that our licenses had been ordered. Just got to get the exact numbers of party organised.
This should be an interesting trip??
I want to go to Chichen Itza next. I have seen the pyramids in Egypt, so would like to see the 'original' ones in Mexico. One day.

UpstateNYPH · Post by **UpstateNYPH** » October 9, 2007 9:06 pm

I have been to Machu Picchu, but did not hike the Inca trail to it. Machu Picchu is a pain in the a** to get to normally, so I cant imagine the trek on the trail, although I am sure it will be a blast! It is well worth it because Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking sites I have visited in the world. Although it is a GIANT tourist trap, you still MUST see it. If you get there early enough, hike Waynu Picchu if the weather is permitting, and then explore Machu Picchu later in the day when most of the tour groups have dissipated. You have to be in line for Waynu Pichu really early though because they only let something like 200 people climb it per day, and I think it closes at like noon. Prepare for rain, because I was there this summer and even when they predict no rain, it WILL rain. Enjoy the city of Cuzco, which is where you will probably start out. Cuzco is a lot of fun! (try eating alpaca (llama), and guinea pig). Eat at Jack's Cafe in Cuzco, and visit the catacombs in the monastaries, very cool. I have not been to the Amazon region of Peru but have friends who have and they loved it. If you make it to Lima let me know, I will give you some restaurant recommendations.

britparrothead · Post by **britparrothead** » October 10, 2007 8:38 am

This is the organisation we are going to Peru with :

Global Adventure Challenges

WEBSITE: www.globaladv.org

I would think alpaca tastes like goat meat? I have always wanted to try the guinea pig too

My son had kangaroo in Alice Springs, they advertised it as Jurasic Lamb

Pepe T. Pirate · Post by **Pepe T. Pirate** » October 11, 2007 4:41 pm

I've seen photos of Guinea-on-a-skewer........looks too much like rat!

We're getting together Tuesday with our friend who did the Inca Trail and has hung out in the Amazon headwaters.....stay tuned!

UpstateNYPH · Post by **UpstateNYPH** » October 11, 2007 10:17 pm

britparrothead wrote:This is the organisation we are going to Peru with :

Global Adventure Challenges

WEBSITE: www.globaladv.org

I would think alpaca tastes like goat meat? I have always wanted to try the guinea pig too My son had kangaroo in Alice Springs, they advertised it as Jurasic Lamb

Guinea Pig tastes like chicken, and the alpaca tastes like tough steak. The taste is nothing interesting, its the fact that your eating it thats cool.

Pepe T. Pirate · Post by **Pepe T. Pirate** » May 3, 2008 5:04 am

Ok.....getting close! A third friend is joining us for the first 2 1/2 weeks.hiking the Inca Trail and spending some time in the Amazon jungle. Then I'm on my own for about a month. Any suggestions guys? I'm going to Lake Titicaca for a several days and maybe to La Paz to experience the Witches Market. Then back to Cusco for the Inti Raymi Festival (Sun, Sun, Sun, here it comes!). Then I've got about 10 days to do something fabulous before I have to book it back to Lima and then home. Any ideas?

So Britparrothead..........want to meet up in Cusco for a few Pisco Sours?

Pepe T.

britparrothead · Post by **britparrothead** » May 4, 2008 12:40 pm

Hi Pepe

would love to!

BUT, we have a problem, one our group has been told he can not do the trip this year, he has a heart problem.

So we put it to a vote and decided to put it on hold until next year!!
We were all so looking forward to this trip, but not without our friend Nick. He does all our treks & trips with us.

So to compensate,(?)

we are going back to marakesh for 5 days starting the 5th June, my husband & sons will climb the highest mountain in the High Atlas & Nick & I will stay by the pool enjoying the champagne

Have a great trip and think of us when you have your drink.

Pepe T. Pirate · Post by **Pepe T. Pirate** » May 4, 2008 1:37 pm

Hey, Britparrothead!

So sorry about Nick........it's best that he has discovered this condition now and that he's following his doctor's advice. Fins up for Nick, yes!

I've been thinking about going to Morocco next year, so that doesn't sound like compensation to me at all!!! It's just a different, unique location on the planet. We'll have to share!

Wherever you go, there you are!
Pepe T.

britparrothead · Post by **britparrothead** » July 7, 2008 10:45 am

Hi Pepe

how was it??

I have heard and read in the news over here about a lot of health problems in the last few weeks in and arround Cusco. You OK??
It said about 6 cases of yellow fever so far and expecting more to come!

Hope you are well.