7 weeks in South America.... INSIGHT!!!!

[quinntara]

Mark.....
As we have been planning our travels to SA for 7 weeks this summer (hello, Tara and Quinn here) we have been seeking some great advice. I came across this forum a few weeks ago and it took quite some time to relocate it (did not realize it was part of TASA). anyhow, you seem very knowledgeable and we would love to gain some advice.

If you would like a visualization, we plan our trip to SA on wednesday evenings in a quaint wine bar in San Fran. four glasses down tonight. We are both ready to explore, and have both travelled quite a bit. We both want to learn about and have an amazing experience in a place we have little insight about.

PLEASE give us some insight. We will be traveling for 7 weeks, from June 14-Aug 1. We fly in and out of Lima. At this point, we are headed straight to Cuzco and then to Machu Pichu for a trek. Following MP, we are thinking of heading towards Nazca followed by lake titicaca.

From here out, we are still exploring options. We are SO excited, but need some recommendations as we have little direction and at this point have a broad canvas and need direction and guidance. We would love your recommendation of specific areas to visit. We are two girls who are very outdoorsy but also love to kick back on a beach and party. We want to embark on an huge expedition where we can get the most out of our time. Scuba diving is a must as well.

Mark, you are really our man right now. reading info you have provided for others leaves us SO hopeful!!!!

[Mark]

Great to hear you're going to Peru. I'll give you some of the highlights of Southern Peru and Bolivia.

Highlights of Southern Peru

• Lake Titicaca
• Cuzco
• Machu Picchu
• Arequipa
• Colca Canyon (Cruz del Condor)
• Nazca lines

The best beaches are in Peru's North but you do have some nice ones South of Lima. Some of the beaches in Peru are not suitable for swimming due to some tricky underwater currents and poor water quality in some areas. Do inform if they are suitable for swimming.

Highlights of Bolivia

• La Paz
• Lake Titicaca
• Salar de Uyuni
• Potosi
• Rurrenabaque (jungle trip)

[quinntara]

Mark... Thank you SO much for your insight on Peru and Bolivia. We are very excited.

Following Bolivia, we plan to head to Argentina. Spend a couple weeks.

Next, we are really hoping to head to the Caribbean side of Colombia and head to Venezuela. We are thrilled to spend our last couple weeks diving on the islands off of Ven yet we have been reading about the political climate and crime in caracas (which we would fly into) and even on the islands. This is not necessarily deterring us, and we will be cautious, but really is it safe, or is it not? do we or do we not go?

we need to hear. thanks mark.

Tara and Quinn

[Mark]

There are stories about every destination in South America. You'll be fine. You can read some more here about travel safety for women.