August 11, 2004 -- Peru is the ultimate destination for a South American adventure filled with history and discovery. Whether you want to experience Incan culture with a bird's eye view at Machu Picchu, consider the mysterious Nazca Lines, or home-stay with local Quechuan families on the islands of Lake Titicaca, a trip to Peru will never disappoint. September and October are ideal months to make the journey as prices are lower, the weather is warming up, and the November-December rainy season hasn't kicked in yet.
Travelocity (www.travelocity.com) has roundtrip flights from Miami to Lima on Aeropostal starting at $418; flights on Lan Peru or American Airlines are $521 -- all including taxes.
Intra Tours (800/334-8069; www.intratours.com) has incredibly low fares to a number of South American destinations. Roundtrip fares to Lima start at $345 from Miami, $465 from New York and $490 from Denver (taxes additional) for midweek (Sunday-Thursday) departures only with a Saturday night stay required. Valid until December 9, 2004.
The Inca Trail is perhaps the best known trek in the world. With spectacular views over the Andes and a chance to explore numerous Incan ruins on the way to the magnificent Machu Picchu, this adventure requires stamina, passion and good hiking boots.
Peru Explorer (888-671-2853; www.peru-explorer.com/inca_trail_4d.htm) has a 4 day Inca trail trek from $270 (land content only). This 3-night tour departs daily with a group of up to 16 people. The price is based on dual occupancy and includes transportation to the beginning of the trail from Cuszco, entrance ticket to the Inca Trail ($50 value), tents, and camping equipment, mattresses, all meals, porters and cooks, professional bilingual guide and economy class train back to Cuzco ($25 supplement for first class). Please see the website for further information regarding the equipment and supplies you will need to complete the trail.
If you would still like to see Machu Picchu but would rather not do a 4-day trek, several tour companies run packages that include day trips to the ancient Incan fortress city. Gate 1 Travel (800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com) has a budget-priced 9-day/7-night guided package for $659 + taxes. This special includes roundtrip airfare between Miami and Lima with Lan Peru, flights from Lima to Cuzco return, 7 nights accommodation in deluxe or tourist class hotels (3 nights in Lima, 4 nights in Cuzco), all transfers, 8 meals (7 breakfasts, 1 dinner), sightseeing in an air-conditioned coach with English speaking guides and all entrance fees for attractions, including Machu Picchu. (www.gate1travel.com/south-america-travel/peru-tour-special.asp).
Another price-conscious option is from Analie Tours (800/811-6027; www.analietours.com). Its 7 night exotic Machu Picchu Peruvian package for $875 + taxes includes roundtrip airfares from Miami to Lima, 2 nights accommodation in Lima, flights to Cuzco, 4 nights accommodation in Cuzco, all airport transfers, 2 full day tours (Pisac/Ollantaytambo and Macchu Picchu), and 1 night accommodation at Machu Picchu. Add $150 for departures from New York and $250 from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Tourlite International (800/272-7600; www.tourlite.com) has two special Peruvian packages, either 7-day/6-nights in Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu or 9-days/8-nights with an additional 2 days in the Amazon Jungle from $1,599 + taxes of approximately $125. This price includes roundtrip airfare out of Miami to Lima, roundtrip airfare from Lima to Cuzco, airport/hotel transfers, 3 nights' accommodation in Lima, city tours, 3 nights' hotel accommodations in Cuzco, full-day excursion to Machu Picchu, full-day excursion to Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo, daily breakfasts, lunches on tour days, local tour guides, hotel service charges and taxes. The 2-day Jungle option (for an additional $500) also includes the above plus flights from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, and back to Lima and 2 nights accommodation at the Reserva Amazonica Lodge including all meals and sightseeing. For Friday and Saturday departures from Miami from September through November. Other departure cities and days are available for additional cost.
You may want to consider visiting other South American destinations in conjunction with Peru. Bolivia makes a great stepping-off point for travel along the western part of the continent. Flying into La Paz might also help you acclimatize to the high altitude of the Andean region (allow a day or so for the adjustment; altitude sickness is no fun). For independent travelers, buses between Bolivia and Peru are quite frequent and comfortable, plus they can provide beautiful views of Lake Titicaca. Hydrofoil and catamaran services combined with buses service the La Paz to Puno (Peru) route.
Direct flights from the United States to La Paz are most common from Miami. Intratours (800/334-8069; www.intratours.com) has roundtrip airfares starting at $592+ taxes for Sunday to Thursday departures.
For a tour option, Analie Tours offers a 7-day/6-night package that takes in the best of Bolivia, including La Paz, Copacabana and Lake Titicaca for $895 + taxes from Miami. This price includes roundtrip airfares, 6 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, airport/hotel transfers, city tours, 2 days and 1 night on Lake Titicaca and miscellaneous meals and performances. Other departure cities are available at additional cost.