Help with Logistics for Machu Picchu, please?

Old Dec 25th, 2014, 05:15 AM
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Help with Logistics for Machu Picchu, please?

I'm hoping someone will give me some advice for our trip to Machu Picchu. We are planning on flying to Cuzco and immediately leaving for Ollantayambo for 2 nights. The following day we plan to go to Machu Picchu for the day and spend the night at Inkaterra. The next day we will spend most of the day at Machu Picchu, then travel back to Ollantayambo for one night. Then on to Cuzco for 3 nights.

Here are my questions:
1. What is the best way to get from the airport in Cuzco to Ollantayambo? Train? Taxi?
2. Do I need to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu in advance? If so, how far in advance?
3. Do I need to buy entrance tickets for Machu Picchu in advance? If so, how far in advance?
4. What is the best way to get to the ancient sites around Ollantayambo? Taxi? Tours?
5. I also have a reservation for Belmond Sanctuary for the same night as Inkaterra. Which one should I cancel?

Thank you!
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 07:30 AM
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Forgot to mention, we'll be there Oct. 2015.
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 09:15 AM
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I haven't been to MP yet (going in May) but I understand that you do need to buy the tickets to the site in advance. You would have to buy tickets for both days that you'll be there, so a lot of people do only go for the one day. (We're going for only 1 day.) I know that there are several Peru 'experts' who post on Tripadvisor, so you might want to cross-post there.
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 10:10 AM
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1. Taxi, hotels can also prearrange a transfer at about $50. Probably the easiest way and it's nice to see your name on a placard when you arrive. The trains don't go to the airport and are booked all the way to Machu Picchu.
2. It's a good idea with such a short trip to get the best combination of time and price. I'd buy them after you get your plane tickets purchased and know your dates.
3. For a regular visit (no added hike to Huayna Picchu), probably not essential. But it will save time if you can do it online rather than lining up at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes.
4. Once you are in Ollantaytambo, you can walk.
5. I haven't stayed at either, although I looked at the rooms at the hotel at MP (I assume this is now Belmond) and wasn't impressed. You are paying for the location. That may be worthwhile for you.

The so called "experts" on Trip Advisor really aren't all that. And one of them has a significant conflict(such as recommending his nephew for taxi transfers).
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 10:22 AM
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We stayed at the Inkaterra and saw the Sanctuary. I know a lot of people tout the sanctuary so you can be at Machu Picchu for sunrise, but for me, that isn't a good enough reason, and the Inkaterra is a MUCH nicer hotel (good food in it's several restaurants too - we had dinner the night we arrived, and breakfast and lunch the next day).

Also, unless you're really into the details, I personally think two days at Machu Picchu is one too many. I lived visiting the site, thought it spectacular, but still don't know what I would have done after the 4 hour tour. (But I always say know thyself - when we went to Cambodia, I told someone we like "Temples Lite", no need for the PhD).

As for Ollantaytambo, you can easily (EASILY) see the sites on your own - the main archaeological site is right in town. Where are you staing inOllanta?
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 10:48 AM
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Walking up to the Sun Gate is the way you spend the rest of your time at Machu Picchu, before or after the tour.

I also don't know that I'd do two days, since the admissions fee is over $50 pp now. But it doesn't sound like price is an object for the OP given their hotel choices
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 10:49 AM
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That is why I put the word experts in quotes. I am not always so sure of their expertise! However I do find that there is a lot less traffic on this site than on TA for many destinations.
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 02:38 PM
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Thanks everyone for the responses. I think we will cut back a day at MP based on your advice. So given that is it worth staying in Aguas Calientes at all? Maybe we should just go back to Ollantayambo? Lol mlgb, I wish money wasn't an object. Either hotel would be a super splurge. We just figured it would be worth one night to be so close. For sure I'm canceling Belmond. Thanks.
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 02:47 PM
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Also, are there any other ruins we should see while we are in the area and now have an extra day? How would be get to Pisac? Taxi?

sf7307, don't know yet where we are staying in Ollantayambo. Do you have a suggestion?
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 05:49 PM
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I visited Machu Picchu over two days and enjoyed the extra time to wander around, linger, and take it all in. How much time you need at MP depends on what you want to get out of the place and whether you intend to do Huayna Picchu or Montana. My advice would be to get entrance tickets in advance as it does sell out and you don't want to find out after it's too late.

Other ruins that are worth visiting include the fortress at Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, Salineras de Maras, and Chinchero. You can get to any of these places by taxi.

For Ollantaytambo, I stayed at the Pakaritampu near the train station and loved it. The rooms are a good size, clean, comfortable, and only a block from the fortress and the main square.
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Old Dec 25th, 2014, 09:12 PM
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If you take the first train from Ollantaytambo at early (5 am) you arrive in town at 6:30 am, and will be up at the gate by 7:15 at the latest (probably less, depending on the lines at the bus). There are trains back to Ollantaytambo that leave after the site closes.

Some people do like to stay the night before in Aguas Calientes, in order be up at MP when it opens, but you would not be much behind them if you take the first train.

If you are not hiking to Huayna Picchu or Montana Picchu then I do not think you need more than a full day. It really depends on you. If you must take a tour I would try to find a private guide because the groups are really obnoxious and need to keep moving to avoid blocking others. Or better yet bring a guidebook and take your own time.

I think there is a misconception that if you don't spend the night you don't get a full day. This is only true if you take the train from Cusco or Urubamba, in which case you can't be up there much before 10 am which is when the traffic really starts to build.
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 04:34 AM
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Here's my plan. Arrive at Cusco and immediately travel to Ollantayambo. Stay 2 nights at Tikawasi Valley. (Pakaritampu is full for our dates.) Stay one night at Hatun Inti Machupicchu Hotel in Aguas Calientes and head right to MP in the morning. (We are retired and a 5am train isn't that appealing at our age! Also no major hiking.) At the end of the day, head back to Tikawasi Valley for one night. Travel to Cuzco and spend 3 nights.

So final questions please:
1. How are these hotels? Can you suggest somewhere better?
2. Should we stay in Ollan. longer and shorten Cuzco for access to other ancient sites?

Thanks everyone for your help. We'll be coming off a week in the Peruvian Amazon. Any of you knowledgeable about trips out of Iquitos? Thinking of a week at Tahuayo Lodge. Thanks!
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 09:50 AM
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I don't know that hotel in Ollantaytambo, however only 76% thumbs up on Trip Advisor isn't a good rating.

I would keep looking, what about Apu Lodge or El Albergue, or Casa de Abuelo, or even one of the upgraded rooms at KB Tambo.

BTW most hotels do not have heating, just to prepare you for that. Be sure the hotel in Cusco at least has space heaters. I didn't find Ollantaytambo extremely cold (I was there in May).
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 09:55 AM
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I stayed at Tahuayo Lodge. I had some issues with them, over promising and trying to funnel everyone to do the same thing every day, even though they say you get your own guide. Many of the guides are family members of the owner. Also you will see a lot of "one post wonders" on Tripadvisor. So I would read all of the less than 5 star reviews to get a fairer picture of what they are like.

I thought the food was pretty good and they pride themselves on following good hygiene. I did not get sick there. The do have a zip line and observation tower but will probably only let you do that excursion once.

Also you will probably NOT see pink dolphins.
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 09:58 AM
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We stayed at El Albuergue in Ollantaytambo and loved it - large comfortable rooms, beautiful grounds and an excellent restaurant.
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 10:01 AM
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If you're not into too much hiking, I think more time in Cuzco over Ollanta is good. There's plenty to do in both areas.
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 11:12 AM
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I think your number of nights in each place is okay and there is no one right answer. Some people prefer the small town vibe and scenery in Ollantaytambo. Some prefer a bigger city with better restaurants and bars, but more hassle from vendors.

Two nights in Ollantaytambo really only gives one day for sightseeing. The day you arrive in Ollantaytambo I would not do much more than rest and maybe a stroll around the old town. The next morning is a good time to enjoy the local ruins before the afternoon tour buses arrive. In the afternoon you could hire a taxi to visit the salt pans and Moray circle (not too much walking if you stay at the top).

Remember that Cusco is at a higher elevation and you will not want to do much uphill walking even after being at 9.000 feet for a few days, you will be adding another 2,000 feet in Cusco. So I would avoid San Blas neighborhood and stay closer to the Plaza.

If you do want to visit Pisac, it's just as easy (or easier) from Cusco than Ollantaytambo. If you are not hiking, I think Pisac loses some of it's appeal as a destination. The craft market is not unique anymore. If you have a free Sunday, that is the more interesting day to visit Pisac as they also have a local's produce market and the "mayors" come to the church for a Quechua service in costume (arrivals will be before 11 am which to me was the more interesting time for photography as they wait outside the church and take photos for one sol).
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 11:26 AM
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Here are two albums from my last trip, not really organized or :curated: but will give you a feel

Pisac (the first few are the high road between Ollantay and Pisac/Cusco)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/buddys...7630074643072/

Ollantaytambo
https://www.flickr.com/photos/buddys...7648792777965/
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 11:49 AM
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Thanks mlgb, great photos! I'll take a look at your other albums as well. I am a little worried about altitude sickness but I'm willing to medicate. We are starting in Ollan, going to Cuzco and then to La Paz. Hopefully that will be enough acclimation.

Thanks to everyone for helping me through this. The posters on Fodors have always been helpful!
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Old Dec 26th, 2014, 12:26 PM
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Your photos are great, migb, and I enjoyed seeing them. Thanks for posting the links.
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