Tango, thanks for the advice. I was planning on doing the helicopter option because of my short time there. I realize it's expensive, but it would be a shame to make it all the way to Cuzco and not make a quick trip to MP. Of course I'd like to make it a much longer, in-depth visit, but I'm limited in the time I can take from work.

As far as altitude sickness goes, this is something to consider. I understand the Hotel Monestario has in-room oxygen bottles to stave off the effects.

Not too many people have had nice things to say about an overnight in CCS. Unfortunately I don't have much choice in the matter due to the restrictive time frame. However, I've been looking into the possibility of overnighting in Maracaibo (MAR) as opposed to CCS. This would only involve one more connecting flight from CCS after arriving from LIM/BOG on Avianca. There is an Intercon there. Aeropostal has a non-stop to Miami early in the morning. If I do this, I'll be overnighting there on the evening of May 29th. Has anyone looked into this possibility? Is Maracaibo safer/more pleasant than Caracas? Is the airport convenient to town?