Trifter

Rain Forest

Cost: $400

The rainforest is much lower in altitude than Cusco. The temperature is warmer during the night and the day, but there are also a few mosquitoes and it is more humid. It is also easier to breath in the jungle because it is lower in altitude. The trip includes all meals, transportation to the city and lodge, guide, night walk, and excursions in the rain forest. Highlights of the trip include looking over the rain forest on a canopy, fishing for piranhas, observing monkeys (if your lucky), and seeing colorful, tropical birds. With the rain forest there are also a few things you should know. The mornings are very early for the expeditions, sunscreen and bug spray is highly recommended, and there are no guarantees with seeing mammals in the rain forest.

Rating ****

Lake Titikaka                         

Cost: $120

Includes: roundtrip bus to Puno from Cusco, all meals, boat ride and tour, stay with family on a solid island in Lake Titikaka, a dance, guide)

            The trip begins with a six hour bus ride to Puno at night. Upon revival in Puno, a hotel stay for a few hours is provided. A tour bus will take you to a boat with other tourists. The boat will take you to see the floating islands and then to your home for the night. The home consists of a rustic, mud-brick house with or without electricity. The family will provide you a traditional meal (usually potatoes, bread, rice, habas, and/or quinoa soup). Next, there is a trek to the top of the island to see the sunset over the lake. After dinner, the family will then take you to a traditional dance with music from the natives. In the morning, you are served breakfast by the family and visit the other solid island Tequile. After seeing the sights in Tequile, you are taken to Puno again.

Final Thoughts:

The trip is very touristy, but many people enjoyed the trip. The lake is scenic and the people are very friendly.

*The boat ride may consist of several large waves that may cause motion sickness.*

Rating ****

Nazca Lines

Cost: $100 for flight over the lines; more to get there and back

            I have not had the opportunity to see the Nazca Lines, but everyone I’ve asked has recommended them to me. The Nazca Lines are lines in the desert in the shape of animals made by the Nazca civilization. The plane will nose dive on each side so every one can see the shapes. The airplane airtime is very short with only about a half hour in the plane. 

Rating ****

White Water Rafting (one day class III-IV)

Cost:$45                                

The river is the Apurimac River near Cusco. The ratings III and IV are fairly advanced, but prior experience is not necessary.

Includes: Transportation, Guide, boxed lunch, and wetsuit

White Water Rafting 3 day/ 2 night

Cost: $200

The apurimac river is the name of the river and was named one of the best whiste water rivers in the world. It is a 3 hour drive outside Cusco to reach the put in point. The trip includes food on the river, guides, wetsuit, toilet, and tents. It is wise to bring a few sleeping pads and sleeping bags. The white water is a fairly continuous stream and it a very scenic ride on the river with a couple waterfalls that drop 200 plus feet. Be careful about sandflies and it is wise to wear socks and bring bugspray. Guides are very friendly and spoke good english. 

Rating *****

Horseback Riding

Cost: $10 or around 30 soles.

The trip goes through many caverns close to Cusco and lasts between 3 and 4 hours. The horses aren’t the greatest and are a little worn down.

Rating ***