blackmons

My family is planning a trip to Peru in May 2011. We are going to try and use frequent flier miles, which go on sale approximately a year ahead of time. My husband and two sons want to trek to Machu Picchu. My daughter and I will be meeting them by train after going off by ourselves. What is the minimum amount of time to fly from the U.S. to Lima, then catch a flight to Cusco, then spend a couple of days acclimating, and then doing the trek and returning back to Lima for a flight home. I have read some cautions about the possibility of cancelled flights due to weather conditions so not to schedule things too tight. The main point of the trip for the guys is the trek so we don't need extra sightseeing time after that. Do all the treks run pretty regularly or only on certain days of the week?
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Laurie

mlgb

I found I wanted all of my 8-9 days even without hiking the Inca Trail. So 10 days sounds like about right at a minimum.

At the start of the trip I would spend two nights in the Sacred Valley (which gets you acclimatized to Cuzco) and then for the guys at least two nights in Cusco before the Inca Trail trip.

There is plenty to see around the Cusco/Sacred Valley so you won't be bored while the guys are off.

Lima is worth a full day at the end of the trip so I would schedule at least an overnight there (which gives a bit of leeway if flights Cusco-Lima are delayed).

qwovadis

www.andeantravelweb.com

best info on the Classic Inca trail

www.perutreks.com best provider.

4 day trek allow 3 days on either side to be safe so 10 days

blackmons

Thanks for the info. So are you saying the guys will need 4 days to get acclimated; 2 in the Sacred Valley and then 2 more in Cusco?

mlgb

Ideally a day for every 1,000 feet over 9,000 ft. You won't need as much as the lads going over "Dead Woman's Pass".

dhq77

We just returned from South America and we had started our trip in Lima then up to Machu Picchu. Mlgb is correct about spending a day in Lima. The flights to Cosco do get delayed or cancelled because of bad weather (mostly fog). After arriving in Coco you need to go down to the Sacred Valley and explore that region so you can get acclimated to the altitude (unless you live in a high altitude area). We spent one night in the valley and then took the train to Machu Picchu. I experienced one symptom of altitude sickness which is a severe headache(in the morning I was fine). Most hotels do have oxygen and don't be embarrassed to ask for it, it really helps. I can't speak to the trekking but I'm sure the companies you contact will be able to fill you in on that. Enjoy

blackmons

Thanks for your help. My son got severe altitude sickness in Denver so we want to be as cautious as possible.
Laurie