Will be going to The Galapagos, Cuzco/Sacred Valley etc, Lake Titicaca La Paz, Cochabamba (probably), the Salt Flats than making our way down to Santiago. Over the period of 6 weeks.
Any tips from those who have been there, done that would be greatly appreciated. :-)
Would you suggest Colca Canyon over Tititcaca or are they just too different to choose between?
You'll go through Lake Titicaca on your way so it is worth stopping for 2-3 days anyway.
I'd rate Colca Canyon higher. Especially if you manage to see the Condors in full flight. It is out of the way but you can fly from Cusco and/or to Puno if you are pushed for time.
In cuzco, wear tons of sun protection, especially a hat since the sun just burns your skin though it may not look that strong.
Some ideas as to what things should cost:
20 minute cab-ride: 7-9 soles
shirt from a touristy market: 25 soles
small souvenirs like pens, key rings, chess sets, etc: 5-20 soles
I can imagine you will have to pay more if you are a 'non peruvian' tourist, though I wouldn't know exactly how much more. I hope that gives you some reference though.
I think the "learn as much spanish as you can before you go" suggestion is really valuable. The difference in response between "do you speak english?" versus "sorry my spanish is very bad" is amazing. I felt a little bad as I was murdering the language, but it made everything a bit richer. But do make an effort, you'll be glad you did. One of the funniest bus trips we did was in Colombia introducing vegemite to Colombians on a bus. It was cautiously appreciated
hellfire's comments are really good.
I'm not sure how you are traveling, but you can do salar de uyuni and then travel into chile and down through the atacama which is meant to be awesome.
I didn't really get much out of La Paz, but was there for a few days more than I had hoped. Booked flights before sorting out an itinerary with mates.
We also headed to Rurrenabaque to see some of the amazon which was worthwhile, but a fair way out of the way. We flew down rather than do the drive which sounded hellish.
In Santiago I had great seafood meals at some of the smaller places around the edges at Mercado Centrale.
I didn't head to galapagos unfortunately. next time
You'll love it.
I'm not a big wrap for the tourist trail and spent as much time eating at smaller more local places and it was pretty great.
Great tips! Thanks guys.
I've downloaded duilingo to try and learn as much Spanish as possible. Although I'm still terrible. Haha.
Colca Canyon sounds interesting, I'll have to see if it's doable.
I was still terrible at the end of 3 months including 2 weeks of lessons in Bolivia :)
Tourist related things were about my limit - ordering food and beer, asking how much, getting a room, buying bus tickets, etc.
Check your route on Atlas Obscura and visit anything that looks interesting if you want to get off the usual tourist path and see things that a lot of people skip over.
I highly recommend the Train Graveyard on the edge of the salt flats in Uyuni (they are my photos User SkareMedia): http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/great-train-graveyard
And in Chile the nitrate Ghost towns (An article I wrote about Humberstone): http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/chile-s-largest-nitrate-ghost-town
There is a lot to see around the sacred valley which I found much more impressive than Macchu Picchu like Moray, so make sure you look into it.
And Northern Peru has some of the most amazing and untouched ruins thanks to everyone flocking to Cusco in the south. The real crazy stuff is in the north. The actual ancient cultures, human sacrifices, and pyramids BIGGER than the Egyptian Pyramids which I had no idea about until I got there.
Also take a look from about day 230 onward from my Project 365, a daily post accompanied with a photo and location on a map: Skare Media Project 365
Have a blast!!
Oh and for the salt flats I highly recommend Red Planet Tours. They are a little bit more expensive than the others, but on the final night you get to stay at the accommodation where the hot springs are. So instead of getting up super early on the last day and cramming into the springs with literally 100 other people, you can spend the night in the springs, under the stars and having a drink and chewing cocoa leaves with your friends and tour guides, definitely worth the extra couple of dollars.
Oh I came across those guys! How early do you have to book?
We booked litterally the day before. Just walked in and booked it. Might be wise to book ahead though just to be safe.
Which countries are you thinking of visiting?
Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile.
Market at otovalo (ecuador) was worth a look for decently priced blankets and things which made family members happy, and myself on cold melbourne nights!
If you are up that way, and have the time, the santa cruz trek in Huaraz, Peru was pretty great. We also headed inland to chachapoyas to visit Kuelap, which was spectacular, and Gocta falls, which was also pretty great. We had a pretty chilly swim under the falls.
Might be a bit much though in your time. And if you are taking overnight buses, always try for "full cama."
Been reminiscing. It was great fun travelling through South America. Very envious
Most important tip - get your vaccinations done!
Anyone have any tips for in or around La Paz?
Have a great trip. Those are amazing places to visit.
Some tips:
Learn as much Spanish as you can before you go. You'll be able to get around fine without it but you'll just have a much richer experience if you can interact with the locals.
Eat at local restaurants - the "Menu del dia" (menu of the day) is an easy option and will give you a local experience.
If you are travelling by bus between towns try to get the best one you can. This will usually come with big comfy seats, meals and drinks, and wifi. Although the local buses can be an interesting experience.
Take as much time to acclimatise as you can when you get to altitude. The first few days at least will be a struggle. This will probably be in Cusco which is very comfortable. There is lots to see in the Sacred Valley. Moray is an interesting sight that many tourists miss.
Lake Titicaca is much better from the Bolivian side. You'll probably do the boat trip to the floating islands from Puno. It is an underwhelming and touristy experience, don't worry though because everyone does it. Take a day trip to the Isla de Sol (Island of the Sun, from Copacabana).
Colca Canyon is worth a visit if you have the time but might be too much out of your way.
The Salt flats are amazing. We did the trip from Tupiza to Uyuni via 4wd. This is probably the opposite way you are going. I really recommend the longer tour, probably Uyuni to Tupiza over 3? days, rather than just out and back again from Uyuni.