I had two expiring VIP2 awards and decided to search every international location for the weekend of 05/05. It turned out that Lima Peru had a really good fare from ORD and the Sheraton was only 7,000 points total for all three nights. 2000 for Fri and Sat and 3000 for Sun. Now any suggestions on what to do for a good time. I am bringing my girlfriend.

Use Lima as a connection point to Cuzco. From here you take the train 3 hours to Machu Pichu. You must allow 2 nights for Cuzco. The train leaves at about 7 AM. Note that most overnight flights from the US arrive in LIM in time to make domestic connections to Cuzco. Also, due to weather conditions, the LAST flights to Cuzco from LIM depart before noon. On the return, flights leave CUZ early enough to connect to International flights to the US. Cuz itself is a fascinating tourist town with plenty to see and do. Concerning LIM, be prepared to see many "guards" and guns, althought I have never heard any shots in 3 trips. The Miraflores is a nice, safe area to walk arounf in. The downtown, "central" area is not so nice. San Isidro is also a nice area.

[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited 03-28-2000).]

You can always look for me...I've been known to buy a beer or two for fellow mid-westerners in strange countries. I will arrive on night of May 4, departing to Quito early morning on the 5th. I return to Lima on the night of 7th only to take off early morning of the 8th to Cuzco for a few days (and Macchu Picchu, of course). My guess is I won't see much of Lima until the 11th, but if you wanted to meet in the airport or in Quito or Cuzco, let me know.

Thanks for the advice. I wish I had written my post earlier. It would be difficult to get away for three days in the middle of a two day trip. I will do some research and practice my spanglish. I always like going to a country that I have never been to before. I always come home with a bottle of something from the local country to stay in my bar forever.