We're spending 2 months in South America in July & August
(mainly Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador). From previous travels
we've found we usually have the best experiences and found
the best places away from the well-trodden tourist and
backpacker trails.
Does anybody have any experiences or suggestions on places
to go in this area of the world which aren't in Lonely
Planet and therefore (usually) not over-run with travellers
and tourists. We've got nothing against Lonely Planet and
backpackers/travellers per se, but the untouristed places
seem to provide the most memorable experiences.
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In Bolivia, you can hike the Choro Trail. It is in LP, but
we hiked it last summer and only saw other hikers twice. It
is a beautiful hike. I highly recommend it. In
Copacabana, you can hike to Yampupata (right by Isla
del Sol). You will have great views of the Lake as
well as eye opeing experiences walking through small
villages along the way. Although the Inca Trail will be
full, it is still very impressive. as for Ecuador, there
are plenty of hikes: around the Mojanda lakes, around
Peguche, and around Banos. The latter two were day hikes,
but could easily become overnighters. Just remember that
these trails are not meant for foriegn hikers--they are the
means of transportation for natives--which means, mules,
etc. It adds to the experience. e-mail if you have
questions,
john
Although Chavφn is in LP and there are a couple of cheap hotels, we were the only tourists there at that time (March 1998). This may have had to do with the fact that it was the wet season, but we still loved it there. Lovely little town with excellent hot springs, friendly people who just lead their own quiet life, and excellent ruins from way before the Inca empire. Chavφn is near Huaraz in Peru.
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We also enjoyed the village of Sorata near La Paz in Bolivia.
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Copacabana on the Bolivian side of Lago Titcaca was definitely the worst place as far as this topic goes. There were almost more hotels than houses, and more tourists than locals.
thanks guys - we'll try these out.