when are you travelling the inca trail? are you travelling solo? I too will be there and am wondering the same thing!

aheis148, she indicated that she is travelling in February.

travelergirl1, you can take the train to Agua Calientes and then a bus or hike up to MP.

perfect! Thank you! do you know if there is anything I have to book way ahead of time for the train or bus? I know people were telling me about permits but that may just be for the inca trail?

February is low season, so you probably don't have to book MP until you get to Cusco, but you can do it online if you want, as they do limit how many people can do in each day. You can also book the train ahead of time at www.perurail.com.

I'd recommend a trip to Tambopata as you will be in Cusco already. I'm considering this 3 night trip for our August visit, http://www.perunature.com/tambopata-research-center-4d3n.html

In 2010 I spent time on the Amazon at Iquitos staying at Explorama Ceiba Tops. We spent half a day travelling one-way to Iquitos which can eat into a short trip. Tambopata is much more accessible. You could also look at Lake Sandoval Lodge as they have a 2 day 1 night itinerary, http://www.greentracks.com/Sandoval-Lake-Lodge.htm



Happy planning,


Pol

Tambopata is a good combination if you're going to be in Cuzco anyways (flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado is only 45 minutes) but in general, the Amazon in Ecuador is less expensive, so you should check out lodges in both areas.

Like others said, you're traveling during the down season, so you can probably book things in Cuzco, but you can also book your Machu Picchu and train tickets online ahead of time. The only way to get there would be by train to Aguas Calients, and then bus to the entrance. I believe it is more affordable to take a bus to Ollantaytambo and get on the train there, but you'll want to double check that.

This was perfect! unreal that we all had the same question!
I'm planning late Feb early March. Glad to see I'm not the only who is only looking into this now.

I'll be the American trying to take photographs.

Peru definitely over Ecuador. Tambopata in in close proximity to Cusco but Iquitos is really where you want to go. Visit http://www.manitiexpeditions.com

I lived in Lime for 4 years and during that time I had visited the amazon with friends on many different occasions. We found that Maniti Camp Expeditions was the best in Iquitos for the price, lodge accommodations and tours.

Wherever you decide to go I am sure you will enjoy! Good Luck!

"Nothing too intense or out of the way." I'd suggest Tambopata in Peru too.

Specifically, Reserva Amazonica Lodge.

The flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado is less than an hour. Then a 10- minute ground transfer from the airport to Inkaterra’s office. Then a 30-minute boat transfer on the Madre de Dios River to Reserva Amazonica Lodge.

Mick Jagger once rented out the whole place for his family. There is a 7-station canopy walk, forest walk, boat ride.

For more time and intensity, I'd suggest Sandoval Lodge.

Even more time/intensity, I'd suggest Heath River Wildlife Center, followed by Sandoval Lodge.

All are in Tambopata.


Peru Rail site has the train schedules

http://www.perurail.com/en/?gclid=CKrKzdbh6bQCFeZDMgodgyIAgA

Have fun.

I asked a similar question before going to Peru and got some helpful advice at this link.

http://www.fodors.com/community/south-america/what-is-the-best-amazon-jungle-experience-for-wildlife.cfm

Is amazon better in brazil or peru?

Aheis,

Depends on what constitutes your definition of better.

For me, I wanted to see macaws on clay licks--Peru
I wanted to see pink dolphins but not where they are fed by humans to attract them to a dock--either Brazil or Peru, but I gave a slight edge to Peru, specifically Pacaya-Samiria.

Getting to the gateway cities leading to Amazon basin activities seemed easier/shorter flights to me in Peru than Brazil.

If you want max, max wildlife, then the Pantanal in Brazil is your choice, but it isn't the Amazon. It is the open swampy area south of the Amazon.

I have just done a similar trip In Ecuador and Peru. If you would like to visit Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon all in a relatively close distance, not too far from civilization, I could recommend doing this all from Cusco.

When I was in Cusco I did the Huchuy Qosqo Machu Picchu hike which was break taking and got some unique views of the Sacred Valley during our walk! If you are into hiking this would be a great trek to enquire about. I have a superb guide when I was there so if you need a recommendation check out Dos Manos Travel Agency. I also found this post on their blog which tells you about different alternative options for getting to Machu Picchu other than the Inca Trail.
http://www.southamericatravelblog.com/travel-blog/2012/09/get-off-the-beaten-track-with-these-cusco-excursions/

As for the Amazon, Tambopata is not the heart of the Amazon but it is pretty close to it so if you have some time you should defiantly check out the options there too. The other idea would be to visit the Manu Reserve Zone however I heard it is a bit expensive and there is a lot of travelling involved.

Hope this helps!