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MP, SV and Cusco in July - itinerary questions

MP, SV and Cusco in July - itinerary questions

Old Jan 25th, 2015, 01:56 PM
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MP, SV and Cusco in July - itinerary questions

I am planning a 6 night trip in July with my 17 year old daughter. We will fly into Cusco and planning head straight to the Sacred Valley to begin to acclimate to the altitude.

Tentatively, I am thinking:
2 nights in either Ollantaytambo (El Albergue) or Urubamba (Sol y Luna) (appreciate thoughts on these - I am leaning toward Ollantaytambo as the descriptions of the quaint/authentic village sounds appealing but the hotel in Urubamba looks pretty wonderful).

3 nights in Aguas Calientes at Inkaterra - I know this is more time than most people spend here but the setting looks so beautiful, and I like the idea of a full day to explore MP and a full day to relax and enjoy the hotel a bit, perhaps visit the hot springs, do some other hiking.

1 night in Cusco - though we would get an early start from AC (assuming that is possible I have not looked at train schedules) so we have most of the arrival day and most of the following day before our evening flight.

I am also interested in visiting Pisac (probably more for the market/village than the ruins), not sure where to fit that in. Unfortunately I can not get there on a Sunday but I will be arriving on a Thurs and in Cusco on a Tues and I understand there are smaller markets on both of those days.

We are nature/hiking people more than city/museum people - thus the limited time in Cusco. I know there is much that we won't see - but I want to make sure that we won't be kicking ourselves with 3 nights in Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Pueblo?). I am looking at it more as time at the resort/opportunities for hiking than time in the village.

Also - I am reading that people seem to travel by car to the Sacred Valley from Cusco rather than train, is that correct? Should I arrange this in advance (to have a driver meet me at the airport?)?

Thanks in advance for feedback.
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 05:37 AM
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Looking at this, my first question would be whether or not you are able to devote more days, especially giving your interest in nature and hiking. That said, here are some thoughts:

- While both are rather touristy, Ollantaytambo indeed has more of a village atmosphere and IMO more character. You can easily spend a full day in Ollanta wandering around town and visiting the ruins above the village. You also have more train options from Ollanta to Aguas Calientes.

- We also spent 3 nights in AG during our trip there in July, and it was the right amount of time for us. We were at Machu Picchu for an afternoon on one day and a full day the following day. Like you, we like to hike and enjoyed our time wandering about the ruins, finding places that appealed to us, and taking it all in.

- You could do Pisac either to or from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley, especially if you are only seeing the town. If you enjoy hiking, though, I would recommend a visit to the ruins, as it's very impressive and worth the effort.

- If you have more time, I recommend at least another night in the Sacred Valley to see Moray, Chinchero, and the Salt Terraces. And Cuzco deserves more time with all there is to see and do.
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 05:39 AM
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Yes, the easiest way to get from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley is by car, and going from the airport is the way to go. The trains to the Valley and to Agua only runs from Poroy, outside of Cuzco.
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 01:37 PM
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You don't say when in July. Peru's Independence Day falls during the last week of the month, and that always makes for one of those monster travel weeks of the summer (winter there). Reserve far in advance if you're traveling that week.
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 02:35 PM
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Aaahhhh thanks for the heads up Jeff about Peru's Independence Day! It is the 28th, the last full day/night we are planning to be there, so we are planning to be in Cusco. Does this mean that shops etc will be closed? This will not make my teenage daughter happy.

Tripplanner001 - thanks so much, so glad to hear that you had 3 nights in AC and did not feel it was too much. I agree - the more I learn the more I wish we had extra time in Peru. Unfortunately we are limited by her work schedule and another family trip so extra time in the country is not an option. Just have to make sure I use it as wisely as possible!
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 05:11 PM
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You're welcome. And don't worry about Independence Day. We were in Cuzco on the day last year and everything operated normally. You may run into a couple of parades and musical celebrations, which are really lively affairs. Click on my screen name for my trip report from last year if it interests you.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 11:43 AM
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Great report trip planner001! I believe you wrote in your report that you used Andean Treks- a friend of mine used them also and I am looking over their materials and services. I am probably going to engage either a company or guide to help us with transportation around the valley and tickets to MP.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 11:58 AM
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Glad you found the report useful. Andean Treks met our needs and was very helpful when we ran into a couple of unexpected hiccups.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 12:14 PM
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Anything of tourist interest will be open on Independence Day. The entire week is of the busiest travel weeks of the year. My point in mentioning it is that hotels will fill up quickly. Make reservations far in advance.
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 04:47 PM
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Thanks Jeff I am on it! Appreciate the heads up -
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