Is a Peruvian Vacation worth the $$?

[juliank]

Has anybody who has been on a vacation to Peru and visited Machu Picchu and Cuzco make a strong recommendation, one way or another? Also, what were your best/worst memories, what was the approximate full cost of the trip (including air fares, etc.), did you go with a tour group or travel solo, how was the food, etc., etc.? All responses welcomed...

[shagman]

Never been to Peru but make sure your stomach is ready for some Pisco, definitly ask for piscola (which is mixed with cola) its a bit hard on the stomach alone. Im not sure about Peruvians, but Chileans can party until 5am and still get up at 7am to go snowboard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisco

[Art]

My sister vacationed in Peru and spent a year on a Fulbright scholorship in Chili. I know she loved Peru. If you want a nice look at Machu Picchu, turn on the discovery channel or one of those in that range -- near the military channel. They have Machu Picchu on in like 45 minutes.

I only know this because I'm watching the evil of Hitler now ;).

[KAOSkins]

I went when I was a little kid. All these years later it's still one of the most vivid memories I have. Awesome. If you have a chance DO IT!

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

My stepmother is from Peru and her and my dad own a couple of houses there. They go every few months for a month or so. When they get back my father makes me look at pics nonstop. He loves it there. I haven't been but from what I've seen and heard I definitely think it's worth the money. I plan on going sometime in the near future.

BTW, the pictures I've seen of Machu Pichu are amazing.

[Tarhog]

I only know this because I'm watching the evil of Hitler now ;).


Picked up any good tips?

:laugh:

[Blighty Skins]

I can give you some pretty accurate advice about Peru. They have Llamas there:

http://www.billybear4kids.com/animal/whose-toes/llama2.jpg

Basically sheep with long necks.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

And alpacas.

http://www.estesnet.com/events/alpacas.jpg

[Blighty Skins]

Llama Vs. Alpaca?

Worth a thread? :D

[Om]

I've been. Links to a past post and thread with comments/observations:

http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2730154&postcount=19

http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193374&highlight=Machu+Picchu

Oh, and Art ... chili is for sopping up beer. Chile is a country. :)

[Quixote]

I had a really good friend that went off the cuff and without much planning and ever since I've wanted to go in a similar fashion. I think you'll see the reality of Peru if you stick to planning your own trip. DO LOADS OF RESEARCH.

I'm assuming that you've never been to this or similar countries, forgive me if that is an incorrect assumption. I've asked my friend that went what to expect if I were to go and these are a few of the things I remember from the conversation:

- Learn Spanish to get you here and there with as little conflict as possible (and especially enough to deal in resturants and other commerical ventures.)
- Don't take your shoes off in public, for anyreason, or they'll disappear.
- Be prepared to have your outlook on the world changed forever.
- Be prepared to fall in love with hand woven alpaca garments.
- Be prepared come back to America with the biggest appreciation for home you've ever known.
- Be prepared to understand the term "culture shock".
- Try as hard as you can to remove yourself from the American mindset.
- Anticipate intestinal distress.
- Prepare for all types of weather.


This is paraphrasing what my friend said to me when I asked him if I should go and see things: "If you were to go, I say you take the opportunity as a learning experiance more than a sight seeing adventure. You'll still see the sights, but approaching it this way, the investment you make in the trip will stick with you in more ways than remembering the physical beauty of the country. You'll leave feeling like you have a real emotional attachment to the country, both good and bad emotions."

[PokerPacker]

My sister vacationed in Peru and spent a year on a Fulbright scholorship in Chili. I know she loved Peru. If you want a nice look at Machu Picchu, turn on the discovery channel or one of those in that range -- near the military channel. They have Machu Picchu on in like 45 minutes.

I only know this because I'm watching the evil of Hitler now ;).
shouldn't that have been on yesterday?