Kris and I are looking at our next trip, potentially set for Sept/Oct this year to Peru, I know some of you have been there so do you have any advice?

I think what we'd plan is to get to Cusco somehow, take the Inca Trail backpacking up to Machu Pichu, then train it back to town. I'm not sure how long of a timeline this would take or if we'd want to head to other cities in Peru while we were there.

Anyway, I figured I'd ask here, we will probably go to our travel agent pretty soon to make them do the dirty work for us and get it all booked.

^ Anthony Bourdane liked the oxygen in his room and cocoa leaves for the altitude! (how high is it anyway?)

and I have nothing else to add other than I'm incredibly jealous!!!

I went to Peru in Dec 2004 for 3 weeks. Had an awesome time! I backpacked the Camino Inca trail to Machu Picchu (you have to go with a tour operator). I did the standard 3 nights/4 day backpack and it was an unforgettable experience. I also went to Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno. I have the complete itinerary at home with the hostels/hotels, transportation, tour guides etc. Will send you email soon with all the info.

Originally Posted by smizar

I went to Peru in Dec 2004 for 3 weeks. Had an awesome time! I backpacked the Camino Inca trail to Machu Picchu (you have to go with a tour operator). I did the standard 3 nights/4 day backpack and it was an unforgettable experience. I also went to Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno. I have the complete itinerary at home with the hostels/hotels, transportation, tour guides etc. Will send you email soon with all the info.

That would be awesome, I saw your facebook message but I don't go on facebook at work so I was going to wait until I got home.

We aren't sure if we need to go through a travel agent or just go on our own, it looks like my sister and her boyfriend may come too which would be rad, he's of venezuelan descent and is fluent in spanish which makes it very easy to get around places. Both Kris and I speak a little bit but it'd be easier with him.

I'm also unsure if going to the rest of peru is worth it or if it'd be better just concentrating on this (I think this is probably the best part?).

And yeah Sam, I was reading already that it'd be best to head to altitude for a couple days. I've never really been sick from it while going out west but I believe Cuscu is 3300m so its pretty high for a starting point. I think Machu Pichu is like 4200m?

sounds awesome!

I'll have to figure out if I want to bring my 40d or just a p&s, whatcha think Sujatha?

I see what you're saying. Probably the 10-20 and the 17-55 would be must haves I suppose. I assumed whatever I brought I'd want it to be wide.

You can definitely go on your own to Peru and travel around on your own. I traveled around in Peru with only "rudimentary" Spanish by myself and felt totally safe at all times. For the Machu Picchu backpack I think the rules stipulate that you have to hire a guide. The backpack is actually pretty moderate with Day #2 being the longest/hardest but totally awesome!! The highest point of the hike was Dead Woman's Pass (Day 2) at 4,125m . Machu Picchu was at 2400m. Also, try and acclimatize at least 1-2 days in Cusco before the hike. There are plenty of things to see/do in Cusco and around that area.

I would defintiely take the 40D. Back in 2004, I had a lousy P&S and was also not that into photography and regret the fact now that most of my pics do not represent the true beauty of the place.

Also, I think the rest of Peru is VERY underated.
Few other places to explore in Peru:
1) I hiked around the Colca Canyons which was AWESOME:
http://www.go2peru.com/gal_colca_canyon.htm
2) I visited the floating islands on Lake Titicaca and did a homestay with a local Aymara Indian family:
http://www.gonomad.com/alternatives/0602/titicaca.html
3) I've heard that the Cordillera Blanca near Huarez has some great backpacking in the High Andes:
http://www.cordillerablancaclimbing.com/

Will send you more information later tonight after I get home from work.

And yes - Chewing Coca leaves helps "disguise" the symptoms of altitude sickness BTW: The tour operators wake you up every morning with a steaming cup of coca tea every morning to beat the altitude blues

Here is some info/tips from my Peru trip:
1) Hotel in Arequipa (nice little quaint hotel very close to the main square)
http://www.lacasademiabuela.com/
Calle Jerusalen 606, Cercado, Arequipa - Perú.
Central telefónica: 51+54+241206
FAx: 51+54+242761
Email: lacasa@terra.com.pe

2) From Arequipa I did a 2-day side trip to Colca Canyon. We stayed en-route here. We did a really nice hike around the lodge too.
http://www.lacasademamayacchi.com/principal_en.html

3) I used Giardino Tours to visit Colca Canyon. I would highly recommend them!
http://www.giardinotours.com/english/colcae.html

4) Hotel in Cuzco:
http://www.hostalmarani.com/english/index.html
Very reasonably priced and a short walk to the main square (Plaza de Armas).

5) For the Inca hike I used this operator:
http://www.andeanlife.com/
I did the Classic 4-day hike to Machu Picchu. Unforgettable hike This is a very reliable and inexpensive outfitter with very good guides.

6) Hotel in Puno (base city for Lake Titicaca). I loved this hotel - very cozy and reasonably priced.
http://www.posadadongiorgio.com/

7) Hotel in Lima (very reasonably priced in a decent neighborhood)
http://www.mamipanchita.com/
Not walking distance to the town center though

8) From Cuzco to Puno I took the local bus called IMEX Tours. I can't seem to find them online. The Lonely Planet guidebook might provide you with more info.

We're going, October!

Originally Posted by thechickencow

We're going, October!

freakin awesome!

So my choices of lenses are overall:
10mm fisheye
10-20mm sigma 4-5.6
17-55 f/2.8IS
50mm f/1.8
70-200 f/4IS
macro tubes


I'm sure I'll bring the 40d, and I'm sure I'll bring my 10-20mm sigma. Probably won't bring the fish. I'm torn on the 70-200 as its 'look at me white' and I don't know if I'll like it.

I'm going to try to use my 50 f/1.8 a lot this week. Usually I hate the lens, hate the FL, hate the focus, etc, but I'm going to try to use it to see if I can be happy bringing it to Peru with me for a light, cheap, longish lens (maybe I'd just bring it and the 10-20?)

I'm guessing I'll end up with the 10-20 and the 17-55, no tele.
----------

As for the trip, we're flying to Lima, then pretty much straight to Cusco, staying there for like 6 days, back to Lima for a day, then home.

I know we'll be doing Macchu Pichu, probably staying the town there. I think the plan would be take the afternoon/evening train to Aquilles Cantielles (sp?), spend the night there, get up early for MP, then take the train back the next night. That'd likely be more towards the end of the trip (any hotel/hostel recommendations?)

In Cusco, any more recommendations of things to not miss? Hostel/hotel recommendations?

What stuff in the sacred valley is cool? Is a day trip enough, or should we go for a night somewhere there to see more?

I'm also considering renting a motorcycle down there. I think there's a place that rents enduros, and one that rents harleys. Either would be rad, but maybe a bit risky?

dont forget to chew the coca leaves they give you.

i'm excited for that.

Kris is concerned with security of stuff in general, any feedback on that as well?

Very cool! excited for you...its on mine and Cats list of places to see as well.

and from the people contributing info thanks this is very helpful for me also!

Originally Posted by Markitos

I'd leave the 70-200 at home, personally, except that you don't have a lens in the ~100mm range. I find that traveling, I rarely need a telephoto, and the times when I do, I can live without it. You might miss it a little, but not as much as you'd miss some others.

agreed. And usually, when I do need it, 200 isn't enough (back when I had my 70-200, TCs and a 1.6 and went to canada). 10-20 MUST go IMHO, then a fast prime or two would be my pick over a 17-55 but you don't have any. I agree on not loving the 50 on a cropper though.

or:
Buy 5D.
Sell 10-20
buy 17-40
buy 35mm f/2
take 5D & 40D, 17-40, then 35 f/2 & 50 1.8.

This gives you 17-40 & 27~64 with the zoom and 35, 50, 56, & 80mm prime options in a package about as big as your 40D with 2 zooms and the prime.



and dude, I'm SOOOOOOOO jealous!

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

or:
Buy 5D.
Sell 10-20
buy 17-40
buy 35mm f/2
take 5D & 40D, 17-40, then 35 f/2 & 50 1.8.

This gives you 17-40 & 27~64 with the zoom and 35, 50, 56, & 80mm prime options in a package about as big as your 40D with 2 zooms and the prime.

You seriously are the devil. I JUST posted something similar in my 5d 'it' thread. I think though honestly I'd just do the 5d, 17-40, 70-200, and 50.

I'm looking at it like I could probably sell the 40d & 17-55 to fund the 5d and 17-40. Sell the 10-20 to fund a 50 f/1.4 and I've got a decently rounded kit.

Originally Posted by another

I'm going to chime here again about the tele cuz, in general, I fall into the same rarely-use-a-tele category as some of the other folks in here ... but what I was trying to get at is this is likely one of your "trips of a lifetime" and why in the heck would you (or anybody) limit your kit when weight and theft aren't much an issue??? If you've got a walk-around camera bag that fits the lenses you like, bring them!!

1) It doesn't sound like you will be doing any trekking. That means when you are out and about with a camera you will not have your luggage/pack with you ... just a camera bag. (i.e. weight should not be an issue)

2) There is always risk of theft/mugging when you travel (or around home!), however, I would have no fear bringing anything with me to Peru. I've been around most of south america and though Peru can feel more third world than a lot of other countries, it has never seemed dangerous to me. I have never been mugged in that country. I've never been threatened. You will likely be more frightened reading Lonely Planet's recommendations for places to avoid than in any real life situation you find yourself. I mean, you are going to one of the most popular tourist areas in the world ... you will not find yourself in a dark alley surrounded by the Shining Path. (i.e. theft shouldn't be an above average concern)

3) Speaking probabilistically, it is unlikely you will ever be back. Even if you take only a single photo with that lens, it is a photo/memory you would not have otherwise. IMO, you either bring all your photo stuff and try to maximize your photography, or you leave it all at home and maximize your experience. (i.e. don't miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot or don't travel through your viewfinder)

4) In Peru (and most of south america) you have to pay people to take their picture. Or rather, you will be hassled endlessly by the poor if they catch you snapping a shot of them. And you will surely take photos of them. Many dress in traditional clothing and hang around town for just that purpose. If you want free, less posed, and more natural shots of the locals you will want some distance.

5) I have only a handful of tele shots from all my hiking trips in south america (where weight was a big deal), but I would never consider going without one. Especially the 70-200 f/4 which is ideally suited for it and makes many a Nikon hiker jealous.

Obviously you gotta do what you are comfortable doing, but speaking from experience, and knowing I like photography a hell of a lot less than anybody else on here, I would never limit my kit if I were going someplace special.

My $.02, hope it helps. Most importantly, have a kick ass adventure!

First off, thanks for chiming in. I was hoping you'd see this and it really helps.

No trekking, we'd booked a inca trail thing but changed plans now. We aren't sure where we'd be staying yet, but I'm assuming a hostel/hotel can keep most of our luggage when we're touristing.

You're dead nuts on with the Lonely Planet thing. My wife is all worried. me, not so much. I told her "I'm 6'4, 215#, I don't think they'd pick me to mess with". Plus, we're not idiots so we should be fine.

I did think about the 70-200 for the 'candid' shot thing. It may be better to have for that sort of deal. Its pretty light too (and weight is exactly why I sold my 2.8 and went to the f/4)

Originally Posted by thechickencow

I'm looking at it like I could probably sell the 40d & 17-55 to fund the 5d and 17-40. Sell the 10-20 to fund a 50 f/1.4 and I've got a decently rounded kit.

my only concern for you with that is the 17-55 is your most used lens (I think right?). So you'd lose that FL range unless you kept the 40D or bought a new version?

Originally Posted by Markitos

That'd be a great travel set-up.

+1

The 17-55 I use most, but its also my nicest lens. its mostly at the wide end, which the 17-40 on the 5d would cover. I usually pick it over my 10-20 due to contrast.

I do want to hike up there. Maybe we should do 2 nights in Aguas Calientes?

I want to do this next year... the 5 day hike

It'd be fun, but I think the non-hike version will be cool, especially if we rent a motorcycle for a day or something.

Only about 25 days away! ack!

I wanna go!

Drink lots of water when you get there if you want to minimize altitude effects. But honestly, if Machu Pichu is 2400 m (~7600 ft), you shouldn't have much of an issue with altitude. Hell, even the summit of the big peak (which you better climb) next to Machu Pichu is only 8,900 feet according to Google. In my experience, the vast majority of people don't experience anything related to altitude sickness until 9,500-10,000 feet with the minimum being around 9,000.

Man. After reading this, I want to go back so bad.

My best friend and I went when we were 19 (in 2003). We spend most of it at his grandparents' in Lima but were on our own in Cusco and Machu Picchu. I had my brother's old Canon AE-1 with me. hehe.

The altitude was worst when we flew into Cusco from Lima (it is 10,500 feet or so). It took us a day to get used to it. Machu Picchu is actually lower in elevation. You probably won't want to start you hike immediately when flying into Cusco. haha. If I could do it again, I would definitely hike the trail. And I would go up Huaynu Picchu (I don't know why I didn't when I was there).





Have fun!

Getting closer, gonna be rad!!

Do you guys have any other hostel/hotel recommendations in Cuzco?

I stayed at the Hostal Marani in Cusco- very reasonably priced and comfortable hostel and only a short 5 min walk to the main square
http://www.hostalmarani.com/english/index.html

Almost like a teaser

[ame="http://www.hulu.com/watch/70079/national-geographic-specials-inca-mummies-secrets-of-the-lost-world"]Hulu - National Geographic Specials: Inca Mummies: Secrets of the Lost World - Watch the full feature film now.@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.hulu.com/embed/rg1DVkOOmcFAxRixZD9lXQ@@AMEPARAM@@rg1DVkOOmcFAxRix ZD9lXQ[/ame]

Ooh...and the "Llama Green Curry" is really good at a restaurant at the Plaza de Armas. I forget the name of the restaurant -it's a Chinese/Thai restaurant on the second floor with a balcony that overlooks the square and is on the LHS of the Cathedral. It was wicked good!

Originally Posted by smizar

I stayed at the Hostal Marani in Cusco- very reasonably priced and comfortable hostel and only a short 5 min walk to the main square
http://www.hostalmarani.com/english/index.html

I think I may be staying here. I checked them out after looking at your post earlier in the thread and they seem nice.

Now I've gotta work on my spanglish a bit!

Only a few more days left to get ready...

Got hostels booked already, train trip to MP already, everything all set, or at least as much as its gonna be.

What's typical clothes I should be wearing down there? Seems like shorts are less common, is it jeans, khaki type stuff, or something else?

pants for you, Bikini for kris?

leaving in less than 24 hours!

Awesome! Have a great time! While you're there - try some Cuy

http://deathby1000papercuts.com/2008...ed-guinea-pig/

I loved it!

Weird.

Originally Posted by mainy09

I love taking pictures every time I am on a trip.
Of course, in taking pictures we need a beautiful view.

As I rest in the lodging or hotel, I also take some pictures.
So, I want a good and nice hotel.

Not only for that reason, I also want to make my trip a great one.
So guys, any idea about good hostels Cusco?

^^ Some very tricky spam. Well done tricky spammer...