Elevations in Peru

Here is a list of altitudes of the places that Misterpiggy will visit on his peru trip.

Approximate elevations during peru trip  (feet above sea level)
* highest point is day 6

day 1:  lima - 5000 ft
day 4: arequipa - 7700 ft
* day 6: colca canyon - 12000 - 14000 ft.
day 8: puno/lake titticaca - 12000 ft
day 11: cusco - 10000 ft
day 12: ollantaytambo - 9000 ft
day 14: machu picchu - 8000 ft
day 17: cusco - 10000 ft
day 18: lima - 5000 ft

As you can see Colca Canyon will be the real test of whether one experiences altitude sickness or not. About 30% of people will experience high altitude sickness. Some remedies include taking diamox before the ascent and/or taking coca tea.

Here is more information about acclimatizing to the high elevation.
http://www.machupicchu-inca.com/acclimatization-at-peru.html

Next Update: Mar 9, 2013!

Custom Itinerary

Here's the customised itinerary provided by Class Adventure Travel for the Peru trip which leaves in May.

Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru
Day 2: Afternoon tour of Lima
Day 3: Free day in Lima
Day 4: Leave Lima and fly to Arequipa
Day 5: Arequipa food market and cooking class, followed by a half day tour
Day 6: Leave Arequipa and bus ride up to Colca Canyon
Day 7: Hiking in Colca Canyon
Day 8: Leave Colca Canyon and bus ride to Puno, Lake Titicaca
Day 9: Tour Lake Titicaca
Day 10: Explore Lake Titicaca
Day 11: Leave Puno and bus ride to Cusco
Day 12: Bus ride to Sacred Valley and afternoon tour
Day 13: Hiking in Ollantaytambo and Cachiccata
Day 14: Free day in Sacred Valley, train ride to Machu Picchu
Day 15: Explore Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu
Day 16: Explore Machu Picchu, train ride to Cusco
Day 17: Afternoon tour of Cusco
Day 18: Leave Cusco and fly to Lima
Day 19: Leave Lima, Peru

There was the original intention to take the two day Inca trail hike on Days 13 and 14, but by mid January, CAT Travel had advised that all the tickets for the intended day in May had already been sold. Very Disappointing!

Last Minute Information

• SHORT INCA TRAIL to MACHUPICCHU 2D/1N 
• The permits for Inca Trail trek are so limited, only 200 permits available per day FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. You must book and pay a deposit well in advance. For high season (May to October, 6-5 months in advance.) 

Next update: Feb 23, 2013!