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[whereshegoes]

Here are the stops:

Ica, Paracas National Reserve

Nazca Lines

Arequipa, Colca Canyon

Cuzco, Macchu Picchu

Manu National Park

Any info on how best to get around, recommended buses through Lima > Ica > Nazca > Arequipa > Cuzco, then flying out of Cuzco back to Lima.

Any info or special secrets one should know for this journey?

[degraaf]

Here are the stops:

Ica, Paracas National Reserve

Nazca Lines

Arequipa, Colca Canyon

Cuzco, Macchu Picchu

Manu National Park

Any info on how best to get around, recommended buses through Lima > Ica > Nazca > Arequipa > Cuzco, then flying out of Cuzco back to Lima.

Any info or special secrets one should know for this journey?

It looks like a good trip to me. While in Ica I would definitely check out Hucachina and try out the dune boarding - its a lot of fun. Paracas is austere - very desolate - very beautiful. I recently went to a place called Tambo Colorado outside of Paracas and was very impressed. It’s a small age old Inca settlement with some amazing designs and attractive colors. It’s relatively unknown to most tourists and quite hard to find – but a very special place to visit if you do. Ask around or find a good operator and you’ll get there. While you’re in this area you may as well pass through Nazca to see the lines – very impressive – especially as Nazca is on the bus route from Paracas to Arequipa

Arequipa and the Colca Canyon are both stunning – if you can spend a few nights in the Canyon. Often just one night isn’t enough – it’s a spectacular place and deserves a good look around.

From Arequipa I would recommend going to Puno before heading to Cusco. Puno and Lake Titicaca are amazing. I recommend spending a night with a family on one of the islands such as Taquile. It’s a great way to get to experience the culture of the Lake and the families are all incredibly friendly. If you do make sure you bring some stationary or sweets to give as gifts to kids on the Islands.

From Puno you can take the train to Cusco which is stunning. The views are spectacular and the train cars are really comfortable. There is a never ending list of things to do and see in and around Cusco and Machu Picchu. I recommend the church of Chinchero, Moras and Moray – all of which can be seen in an afternoon. Otherwise all the other major sites in the area come pretty standard. If you have enough time to undertake a trek in the area I would recommend the Classic Inca Trail or perhaps the Salcantay Trail – both of which lead to Machu Picchu. There is another relatively unknown yet fascinating trail called the Choquequirao Trek. Choquequirao is described as the sister city to Machu Picchu and is both awe-inspiring and visually stunning.

Lastly – Manu. It’s a spectacular adventure and is one you will never forget. Make sure you ring insect repellent and some waterproof clothing.

I hope you enjoy the trip

Bart
Check out my blog - http://bart-cat-travel.blogspot.com/

www.cat-travel.com

[whereshegoes]

Thank you for your knowledge! I will let you know how it fares

[wakingdream]

Carm, I was Peru in 2000, during the second last election, and pretty much did the same route.
Most memorable for me was hiking Macchu Picchu. We were able to do it w/out a guide, and I have to say it was one of the most amazing treks I have done to date. I found it quite difficult at time, carrying all our own gear,but it was so well worth it! VERY cold at night. Things were slightly hairy in Lima as the election was going on and there was a huge military presence everywhere. I remember walking thru the Plaza de Armas in Lima and seeing thousands of miltary officials with these huge shields and massive guns. A bit intimidating, but we didn't experience any trouble tho.
Colca Canyon would be a favourite for me as well. You can get a tour from Arequipa. We took a few days and did a tour thru staying in Chivay visiting the hot springs and small mountian towns along the way. Condor's Pass, or Mirador Cruz del Condor was awe-inspiring for me. The Condors fly on the thermal current, and are absolutley magnificent to watch! Their wings span 10 ft! I think this is a must-see!
Arequipa is gorgeous as well. The architecture is beautiful. Lake Titicaca is wonderful to see as well as Puno. Really, the landscape, the people, everything was phenomenal. And yes, there is no lack of anything to do or see in Cusco and surrounding. Loads of day trips: Paucartambo, Tres Cruses and definitely Tipon are some I did and fully enjoyed. There is just so much history there, it's enough to blow your mind! Sorry I can't remember anymore details at the moment, but will think on it. Surely I can think of some more useful tips. Oh, you've definitely got to try the dune boarding! So fun!

[litrekker83]

I would suggest three bus companies if your traveling through Peru; Linea, Ormeño and Cruz del Sur. I've gone all over Peru and have tried most companies, definitely avoid Flores (constant bus breakdowns) and some other small companies that only have urinaries on the bus. Have a safe trip. And if your looking for a great company and guide to show you around contact Karikuy or visit their site www.Karikuy.org, it's a small private company that sets up your trip and gives you great guides and shows you all the places most tourists miss! just give them a date of arrival and how many days you'll be around plus the big places you want to visit ie. Machu Picchu and they'll send you a qoute.