Sacred Valley, MP, Cusco. Am I missing anything you would recommend?
Jan 2nd, 2011, 07:32 AM
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Sacred Valley, MP, Cusco. Am I missing anything you would recommend?
Hi All, Boston Harbor here. I had an accident with concussion just a week before my planned trip to MP last spring and had to reschedule. So, now I am headed to MP/Sacred Valley from April 1-9. Via train, not the trail ; ) Based on reviews here, I am using www.peruforless.com to plan the trip. They have been great. I can still make changes, so I'm looking for any additional suggestions. I have never been to MP. I have built my trip based on trip reports that you have posted.
I think I have most things covered, but I'm looking for off the beaten path stuff. I'm traveling with my best friend. We are two active women who have traveled the world together. I am hoping that the altitude isn't going to affect us too badly, but taking diamox just in case. (I have used it before for other high altitude activity) Those of you who know me from the Asia board know that I am an avid photographer--so unique opportunities for photography suggestions would be particularly welcomed.
Here is the plan so far:
<b>Sacred Valley: three days, two nights,</b> Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley. <b>Activities: </b>Pisac Markets, Pisac ruins, Maras & Moray, Ollantaytambo. I have heard there is a 4 Wheeled drive tour one can take to communities that can't be reached via standard vechicles. Anyone ever do this? Worth it?
<b>MP: Two nights: </b> Inkaterra machu picchu (Yes, I know it is expensive, but I'm going to be at MP on my birthday and I'm splurging : ) I will try to climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuypicchu (which might be more my style). Do you need to get a pass for both mountrains or just Huayna Picchu? I know you need to get there by 6 AM or earlier to get one of the 400 passes : (
I have heard the Expedition (old backpacker train) has been renovated and have better windows now. Anyone been on the Expedition? The times are better for me on the Expedition than the Vistadome.
<b>Cusco: Three days, three nights: </b>Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco or Aranwa Cusco. <b> Activies </b>In addition to the extensive city wandering, we will visit Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
What I am looking for are things you might have done that were surprising, gorgeous, interesting, wonderful and that I might not find in my travel guides.
Also, is there anything along the way from the airport in Cusco to our hotel in the Sacred Valley where we should stop? We are in the same time zone and will be landing at 9:30 AM so we should be fine that morning.
Many thanks in advance! Your reports/photos have been great. Happy New Year!
I think I have most things covered, but I'm looking for off the beaten path stuff. I'm traveling with my best friend. We are two active women who have traveled the world together. I am hoping that the altitude isn't going to affect us too badly, but taking diamox just in case. (I have used it before for other high altitude activity) Those of you who know me from the Asia board know that I am an avid photographer--so unique opportunities for photography suggestions would be particularly welcomed.
Here is the plan so far:
<b>Sacred Valley: three days, two nights,</b> Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley. <b>Activities: </b>Pisac Markets, Pisac ruins, Maras & Moray, Ollantaytambo. I have heard there is a 4 Wheeled drive tour one can take to communities that can't be reached via standard vechicles. Anyone ever do this? Worth it?
<b>MP: Two nights: </b> Inkaterra machu picchu (Yes, I know it is expensive, but I'm going to be at MP on my birthday and I'm splurging : ) I will try to climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuypicchu (which might be more my style). Do you need to get a pass for both mountrains or just Huayna Picchu? I know you need to get there by 6 AM or earlier to get one of the 400 passes : (
I have heard the Expedition (old backpacker train) has been renovated and have better windows now. Anyone been on the Expedition? The times are better for me on the Expedition than the Vistadome.
<b>Cusco: Three days, three nights: </b>Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco or Aranwa Cusco. <b> Activies </b>In addition to the extensive city wandering, we will visit Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
What I am looking for are things you might have done that were surprising, gorgeous, interesting, wonderful and that I might not find in my travel guides.
Also, is there anything along the way from the airport in Cusco to our hotel in the Sacred Valley where we should stop? We are in the same time zone and will be landing at 9:30 AM so we should be fine that morning.
Many thanks in advance! Your reports/photos have been great. Happy New Year!
Jan 2nd, 2011, 09:27 AM
#3
Oh be sure to visit the Chicha lady (Descanso Bar).
Personally I was happy I stayed in Ollantaytambo rather than one of the luxury resorts in the SV, there are more photo ops and the light on the ruins in the PM is wonderful. So even if you don't stay there I recommend a late afternoon excursion to Olly.
The fair trade textile store in Olly has a description of their weaving tour but I have not been.
http://www.awamaki.org/quechua-community-visits
If you can walk at all I recommend hiking down from the top of Pisac ruins.
Personally I was happy I stayed in Ollantaytambo rather than one of the luxury resorts in the SV, there are more photo ops and the light on the ruins in the PM is wonderful. So even if you don't stay there I recommend a late afternoon excursion to Olly.
The fair trade textile store in Olly has a description of their weaving tour but I have not been.
http://www.awamaki.org/quechua-community-visits
If you can walk at all I recommend hiking down from the top of Pisac ruins.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 09:40 AM
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I don't have any surprises to add but I do want to tell you we stayed at Inkaterra (MP) and loved it. Inkaterra can fill you in on the passes - are they sending a guide with you?
We thought the Sacred Valley one of the most beautiful areas we've ever seen and wished we had added an extra night there instead of Cusco. We liked the architecture of Cusco quite a bit, but the Sacred Valley was magical. Be sure to have your driver prepared to stop for many photo ops; the people are also gorgeous, but ask to take their pics, or be with a guide who may know some personally. I feel it is very intimate to take pics and always asked their permission (if in close range) and gave a few coins to the children.
We went to a festival in Ollantaytambo that a local guide we met at the ruins took us .It was amazing - the costumes, the locals in the square- all the singing and dancing while in VERY ELABORATE costumes. I will never forget the friendliness and beauty of Peru. We were even invited to a local's party that night, and it was "different "- but we were welcomed as neighbors!
so ck. to see if any are in the area when you are there. Your Peru ta's should know or your lodging's managers.
We saw many sad tourists looking out of buses wishing they were at the festival. It was the highlight of our day at Olly and we loved that particular town, along with the history as explained by our local guide.
Take a walk through the Monasterio hotel in Cusco - it was once a monastery (hence the name) quite lovely to photograph esp the chapel, the architecture etc.
Lucky you - it is a fabulous trip, so enjoy and be careful of the altitude!
If I were to go back I'd go on a horseback ride in Olly area - many off the beaten path sights to be seen and photographed.
Have fun!
We thought the Sacred Valley one of the most beautiful areas we've ever seen and wished we had added an extra night there instead of Cusco. We liked the architecture of Cusco quite a bit, but the Sacred Valley was magical. Be sure to have your driver prepared to stop for many photo ops; the people are also gorgeous, but ask to take their pics, or be with a guide who may know some personally. I feel it is very intimate to take pics and always asked their permission (if in close range) and gave a few coins to the children.
We went to a festival in Ollantaytambo that a local guide we met at the ruins took us .It was amazing - the costumes, the locals in the square- all the singing and dancing while in VERY ELABORATE costumes. I will never forget the friendliness and beauty of Peru. We were even invited to a local's party that night, and it was "different "- but we were welcomed as neighbors!
so ck. to see if any are in the area when you are there. Your Peru ta's should know or your lodging's managers.
We saw many sad tourists looking out of buses wishing they were at the festival. It was the highlight of our day at Olly and we loved that particular town, along with the history as explained by our local guide.
Take a walk through the Monasterio hotel in Cusco - it was once a monastery (hence the name) quite lovely to photograph esp the chapel, the architecture etc.
Lucky you - it is a fabulous trip, so enjoy and be careful of the altitude!
If I were to go back I'd go on a horseback ride in Olly area - many off the beaten path sights to be seen and photographed.
Have fun!
Jan 2nd, 2011, 10:13 AM
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Ah, thanks mlgb. Yes, Chinchero is now on the list. You stayed in Olly? I was also thinking that it would be more fun to be in a place where you can walk out and be in Olly or another village/town. Where did you stay?
Walking down from the Pisac ruins--perfect. I love to walk and take photos, so this sounds perfect. That fair trade textile store sounds great. My friend loves to see how things are made, so thanks for the link.
MoneyBurns, I hope we are as lucky as you and be dropped into the middle of a festival. We are on our own so can be as flexible as we need to be. Festivals can be so wonderful all over the world. I'm glad you loved Inkaterra--it is an extravagence, but it is my birthday after all (I am <i>so</i> milking my birthday on this trip, including LAN business class on the way down : )
Lastly, I will make sure to go to the Monasterio when in Cusco.
Anyone have experience with the Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco versus Aranwa Cusco? The price isn't that much difference. Aranwa is purportely five star.
Thanks so much!
Walking down from the Pisac ruins--perfect. I love to walk and take photos, so this sounds perfect. That fair trade textile store sounds great. My friend loves to see how things are made, so thanks for the link.
MoneyBurns, I hope we are as lucky as you and be dropped into the middle of a festival. We are on our own so can be as flexible as we need to be. Festivals can be so wonderful all over the world. I'm glad you loved Inkaterra--it is an extravagence, but it is my birthday after all (I am <i>so</i> milking my birthday on this trip, including LAN business class on the way down : )
Lastly, I will make sure to go to the Monasterio when in Cusco.
Anyone have experience with the Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco versus Aranwa Cusco? The price isn't that much difference. Aranwa is purportely five star.
Thanks so much!
Jan 2nd, 2011, 12:48 PM
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BostonHarbor –
Hello from the Asia board...
Looks like you have a wonderful trip planned.
In case you haven’t come across this CN Traveler article, I wanted to share this because it proved to be the inspiration for my trip in 2009:
Iconic Itineraries: Peru
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/.../10518?all=yes
It has some great suggestions – the one day trail hike to MP from the train and the (already suggested) walk down from the ruins at Pisac.
The unexpected highlight of my trip was the climb to the top of HP. It is weather dependent so try it your first morning in case you need to postpone.
You and your camera will love the SV!
And if you don’t already have it, The Machu Picchu Guidebook by Ruth Wright & Dr. Zegarra is a great resource.
Happy Birthday & happy trails.
Hello from the Asia board...
Looks like you have a wonderful trip planned.
In case you haven’t come across this CN Traveler article, I wanted to share this because it proved to be the inspiration for my trip in 2009:
Iconic Itineraries: Peru
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/.../10518?all=yes
It has some great suggestions – the one day trail hike to MP from the train and the (already suggested) walk down from the ruins at Pisac.
The unexpected highlight of my trip was the climb to the top of HP. It is weather dependent so try it your first morning in case you need to postpone.
You and your camera will love the SV!
And if you don’t already have it, The Machu Picchu Guidebook by Ruth Wright & Dr. Zegarra is a great resource.
Happy Birthday & happy trails.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 01:10 PM
#7
I stayed at the El Albergue Hotel in Olly. Recommend and I also liked the food at the restaurant. Visiting Pisac was easier from Cusco, since it's in a slightly different direction.
Hotel Pakaritampu also gets good recommendations for lodging in Olly (and is perhaps slightly more upscale) although mixed reviews on the restaurant.
Hotel Pakaritampu also gets good recommendations for lodging in Olly (and is perhaps slightly more upscale) although mixed reviews on the restaurant.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 01:35 PM
#8
BTW it's a few years old so I don't know if you have seen eenusa's post on Fodors (you can search under her member name) and links to her blog and great photos from Peru. Here is a starting link
http://2totravel.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
http://2totravel.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
Jan 2nd, 2011, 01:44 PM
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Are you spending any time in Lima? We loved the historical, central district and the coastal area. Spent 2 full days there before doing the Sacred Valley, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca part of the trip. To me, Lima was as interesting and photographic as the other parts of the trip.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 02:24 PM
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Hi SheeleyK. I'm not spending any time in Lima. I decided if I only had 7 days, I should focus on MP and the Sacred Valley. Maybe next time : )
Mlgb--thanks so much for the link to eenusa's blog/photos, they are great. I'm going to talk with Peruforless tomorrow and see if we can get a place in Olly. I would really like to be independent and not rely on taxi's/drivers. I have heard good thing about Htel Pakaritampu. Is it in walking distance of the town?
Thanks again everyone. Fodors rocks.
Mlgb--thanks so much for the link to eenusa's blog/photos, they are great. I'm going to talk with Peruforless tomorrow and see if we can get a place in Olly. I would really like to be independent and not rely on taxi's/drivers. I have heard good thing about Htel Pakaritampu. Is it in walking distance of the town?
Thanks again everyone. Fodors rocks.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 02:29 PM
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BostonHarbour,
I'd recommend the Hotel Pakaratimpu in Ollantaytambo. The restaurant was OK. We spent a couple of hours just wandering around the town, exploring the residential areas along the cobblestone paths.
Awana Kancha may be worth a visit. Sure, its touristy but you get to see alpacas, llamas and guanacos at close quarters and the handcrafts were very good quality and reasonable priced. They were alos very light to pack for the homeward flight as I bought textiles, mostly alpaca products and silver jewellery.
I'd second Chinchero for a visit, we stopped on a non-market day and wandered around the very quiet town and through the main church.
You didn't ask, but I'd also recommed a trip into the cloudforest from Cusco, although this needs a couple of nights. We travelled from Cusco to Cock of the Rock Lodge for 2 nights and had a great time http://www.tropicalnaturetravel.com/..._the_rock.html. Some photos from out Peru trip last August, http://picasaweb.google.com/Treepol/...aPeruInclManu#
Sounds like you will have a great trip,
Pol
I'd recommend the Hotel Pakaratimpu in Ollantaytambo. The restaurant was OK. We spent a couple of hours just wandering around the town, exploring the residential areas along the cobblestone paths.
Awana Kancha may be worth a visit. Sure, its touristy but you get to see alpacas, llamas and guanacos at close quarters and the handcrafts were very good quality and reasonable priced. They were alos very light to pack for the homeward flight as I bought textiles, mostly alpaca products and silver jewellery.
I'd second Chinchero for a visit, we stopped on a non-market day and wandered around the very quiet town and through the main church.
You didn't ask, but I'd also recommed a trip into the cloudforest from Cusco, although this needs a couple of nights. We travelled from Cusco to Cock of the Rock Lodge for 2 nights and had a great time http://www.tropicalnaturetravel.com/..._the_rock.html. Some photos from out Peru trip last August, http://picasaweb.google.com/Treepol/...aPeruInclManu#
Sounds like you will have a great trip,
Pol
Jan 2nd, 2011, 03:17 PM
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I'm definately switching to Hotel Pakaratimpu in Ollantaytabo. I have friends (professional photographers) who took stunning llama pictures at Awana Kancha. I'm serisouly not touting them; you can see their entire book free online. It is worth a few minute--simply glorious photography. The llamas at Awana Kancha are simply too fabulous for words. http://www.blurb.com/books/1140203
Thanks so much Treepol for the link to you photos. I am so excited to being going on this trip!
Thanks so much Treepol for the link to you photos. I am so excited to being going on this trip!
Jan 2nd, 2011, 03:30 PM
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Oh, and M_bran, I do have The Machu Picchu Guidebook by Ruth Wright & Dr. Zegarra. I can't put it down. And, thanks for the concierge.com itinerary. I have printed it off.
OK, ready to climb into bed and read : )
OK, ready to climb into bed and read : )
Jan 2nd, 2011, 04:05 PM
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Boston, the book is gorgeous; captured everything I remember about Peru...magical. Did they make the book for themselves or are they selling it; reason I ask is I lost all my photos of our 2 wk trip and this was so awesome.
Thanks; have a wonderful trip! I love Peru
MB
Thanks; have a wonderful trip! I love Peru
MB
Jan 2nd, 2011, 04:30 PM
#15
After you fall in love with Peru, come back and visit Lima, Iquitos and the "Egypt of Peru", (and I guess Arequipa is also worthwhile).
Peru is really one of the most fabulous places for photography that I've ever visited.
Peru is really one of the most fabulous places for photography that I've ever visited.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 04:53 PM
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Moneyburns, they sell the book. I think most of the books that people make on blurb are for sale. I bought it. It is a coffee table type book and stunning. here is the page where you can buy it. It isn't cheap, but I think it is worth every penny. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1140203
mlgb: I can't wait to photograph the places and people of Peru. I do think I will fall in love. I'm even renting a high end fisheye lens for MP : ) Just for fun.
mlgb: I can't wait to photograph the places and people of Peru. I do think I will fall in love. I'm even renting a high end fisheye lens for MP : ) Just for fun.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 11:20 PM
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Try to get to Chinchero at sunset the market (light)is great at that time of day. The inside of teh church is amazing. Also, the salt mines at Maras Salineras is worth a stop off as are the circular terraces at Moray.
if you are now staying in Olly then get up at dawn and wander the side streets and alleys off of Plaza de Armas for some local colour as the town wakes up. Also, a bit later the porters will start to arrive for the treks in the square. The main market is worth a quick visit for the amazing array of vegetables and vendors which can be very colourful.
On the way from the airport to your hotel there are a few local markets (not recommended) and of course Pisac which you could incorporate into your fisrt day.
More details of places we visited and (unedited!) photos on our blog.
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html
Entires 56 onwards
if you are now staying in Olly then get up at dawn and wander the side streets and alleys off of Plaza de Armas for some local colour as the town wakes up. Also, a bit later the porters will start to arrive for the treks in the square. The main market is worth a quick visit for the amazing array of vegetables and vendors which can be very colourful.
On the way from the airport to your hotel there are a few local markets (not recommended) and of course Pisac which you could incorporate into your fisrt day.
More details of places we visited and (unedited!) photos on our blog.
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html
Entires 56 onwards
Jan 4th, 2011, 06:00 AM
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Last question. Upon return from Cusco, we have a seven hour layover at the Lima airport. Does it make sense to hire a driver to do a evening tour of Lima? How bad is the traffic getting back? We will be checked through to JFK from Cusco, so we won't have to worry about check in again. We wouldn't need to get back until an hour and a half before the flight.
Or, is it not worth it and we should just hang out at the airport.
(I have followed many of your suggestions and the trip is getting better and better : )
Or, is it not worth it and we should just hang out at the airport.
(I have followed many of your suggestions and the trip is getting better and better : )
Jan 4th, 2011, 07:12 AM
#20
Allow an hour each way to and from the airport. I think with 4 hours of free time it would be worthwhile. What time do you arrive/depart in Lima?
The traffic is bad most of the time, especially if you want to see the Plaza de Armas (which is worthwhile at night since the old buildings are illuminiated). I also wonder if you'd be able to walk thru the illuminated fountains.
And definitely worthwhile to have a meal at a top Lima restaurant
The traffic is bad most of the time, especially if you want to see the Plaza de Armas (which is worthwhile at night since the old buildings are illuminiated). I also wonder if you'd be able to walk thru the illuminated fountains.
And definitely worthwhile to have a meal at a top Lima restaurant
