Originally Posted by
neuromancer
I'm currently organizing a trip around Peru, for 11-15 days......Want to go in a circle, visiting Lima, Cizco, Machu Picchu, Puno and Titicaca, Arequipa and the Colca canyon, Nasca, possibly Paracas or the Balestas if there is time and back to Lima....................I'm considering renting a car. Is this doable? I see the distances are quite big, and lots of the trip will be in the mountain, on unsurfaced roads
First, let me say you've made a great choice on choosing Peru! You will have a great time! I went there a few years ago and can't stop thinking about returning.
Second, I recommend against renting a car. The drive from Lima to Cusco alone might take an entire day or two. Also, as others have said, the roads are very unpredictable outside the major cities.
Third, bus service is frequent, air between Lima and Cusco is fairly cheap, and the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is truly an experience not to miss.