Sacred Valley spread over four days--need input on itinerary!
Mar 24th, 2015, 01:34 AM
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Sacred Valley spread over four days--need input on itinerary!
Hello!
Wondering if anyone has advice about a good itinerary to explore a bit of the Sacred Valley spread over four days? I've sketched a plan as below:
Day 1 - Arrive in Cusco around 7:30AM. Whole day in Cusco--happy to spend part of this on a half-day trip to Ollantamtaybo, Pisac, etcetera, but also keen to see at least one of Cusco's museums and have a wander around town.
Day 2 - Take earliest train to Aguas Calientes (there are no late trains from Poroy! Which is inconvenient). While the afternoon doing touristy things or visit the museum.
Day 3 - Early bus to Machu Picchu. Spend maybe till 2PM there (am I over-allocating the hours? If I take the 5:30AM bus, perhaps six hours is enough to walk all over without doing either Montana or Huayna Picchu?). Then train to Cusco.
Day 4 - Whole day in Cusco. Can do another Sacred Valley half-day trip on this day.
Day 5 - Very early flight out of Cusco.
My flights in and out are all booked, and I am very sure that I'd like to be on the first bus up to Machu Picchu. This necessitates a stay in Aguas Calientes. Otherwise, happy to shift around dates as per recommendations.
1) What's the best way to see the non-MP Sacred Valley destinations? I'm more keen on doing things by myself, because tours seem overpriced, but just from researching online, the trade-off seems to be complicated public transport options... in which case I guess I wouldn't mind paying a bit (or plenty) extra.
2) One of the tour companies offering a 2-day train tour to Machu Picchu seems to suggest that in June, the track between Poroy and Aguas Calientes is at risk from landslides. Is this generally true? If I wanted to do Machu Picchu by myself (as it doesn't seem too difficult to organise), would it be better to bus to Ollantamtaybo and take the Inkarail trains? Is this slower or faster than the Perurail trains from Poroy?
3) Does anyone have a good non-MP Sacred Valley tour company to recommend? With reasonable fees for a single traveler (I'm hoping more people will sign up for the day to reduce costs)?
4) Is traveling around the Sacred Valley alone generally a bad idea? I remember reading on a forum that I should only travel to Ollantamtaybo in a group to avoid getting mugged...? I frankly find this hard to believe, being a touristy area, but don't want to brush it off as hysteria without knowing more.
5) I wouldn't mind arriving late in Aguas Calientes. Perhaps on Day 2, I could do a morning trip to Ollantamtaybo and train to AG in the evening? Although this would mean that I won't be able to do a tour with a private company, as it would mean doubling back on Ollantamtaybo, which they all seem to include in the itinerary.
I'm so confused with options! Would appreciate any input!
Wondering if anyone has advice about a good itinerary to explore a bit of the Sacred Valley spread over four days? I've sketched a plan as below:
Day 1 - Arrive in Cusco around 7:30AM. Whole day in Cusco--happy to spend part of this on a half-day trip to Ollantamtaybo, Pisac, etcetera, but also keen to see at least one of Cusco's museums and have a wander around town.
Day 2 - Take earliest train to Aguas Calientes (there are no late trains from Poroy! Which is inconvenient). While the afternoon doing touristy things or visit the museum.
Day 3 - Early bus to Machu Picchu. Spend maybe till 2PM there (am I over-allocating the hours? If I take the 5:30AM bus, perhaps six hours is enough to walk all over without doing either Montana or Huayna Picchu?). Then train to Cusco.
Day 4 - Whole day in Cusco. Can do another Sacred Valley half-day trip on this day.
Day 5 - Very early flight out of Cusco.
My flights in and out are all booked, and I am very sure that I'd like to be on the first bus up to Machu Picchu. This necessitates a stay in Aguas Calientes. Otherwise, happy to shift around dates as per recommendations.
1) What's the best way to see the non-MP Sacred Valley destinations? I'm more keen on doing things by myself, because tours seem overpriced, but just from researching online, the trade-off seems to be complicated public transport options... in which case I guess I wouldn't mind paying a bit (or plenty) extra.
2) One of the tour companies offering a 2-day train tour to Machu Picchu seems to suggest that in June, the track between Poroy and Aguas Calientes is at risk from landslides. Is this generally true? If I wanted to do Machu Picchu by myself (as it doesn't seem too difficult to organise), would it be better to bus to Ollantamtaybo and take the Inkarail trains? Is this slower or faster than the Perurail trains from Poroy?
3) Does anyone have a good non-MP Sacred Valley tour company to recommend? With reasonable fees for a single traveler (I'm hoping more people will sign up for the day to reduce costs)?
4) Is traveling around the Sacred Valley alone generally a bad idea? I remember reading on a forum that I should only travel to Ollantamtaybo in a group to avoid getting mugged...? I frankly find this hard to believe, being a touristy area, but don't want to brush it off as hysteria without knowing more.
5) I wouldn't mind arriving late in Aguas Calientes. Perhaps on Day 2, I could do a morning trip to Ollantamtaybo and train to AG in the evening? Although this would mean that I won't be able to do a tour with a private company, as it would mean doubling back on Ollantamtaybo, which they all seem to include in the itinerary.
I'm so confused with options! Would appreciate any input!
Mar 24th, 2015, 07:22 AM
#2
You didn't see prior recommendations to start your stay in Ollantaytambo and not Cusco? Ollantaytambo is about 2,000 feet lower in altitude than Cusco. And there are many more trains that leave from Ollantaytambo to MP than from Poroy.
On your first day, transfer immediately to a hotel in Ollantaytambo. You can ask your hotel to arrange a taxi pickup, or find one at the airport for about $30 to $50. Spend that morning resting a few hours, later on you can walk to the Ollantaytambo old town. Ollantaytambo is a safe, quiet town although busy with tourists since most trains to MP leave from Ollantaytambo. Spend the night here. See the ruins in the afternoon. When you buy the Boleto Turistico, the Sacred Valley circuit is 70 soles and is good for 2 consecutive days. If you need more time or want to also see Sacsayhuaman etc near Cusco buy the "full circuit".
Day 2 Tour the Sacred Valley. You find a group tour starting from Ollantaytambo. If not you can hire a taxi half a day. See the KB Tambo website for ideas. In the afternoon go to MP if you want to spend the night and go up early.
Day 3 MP, full day, return to Ollantaytambo on a train after the site closes. Stay in same hotel in Ollantaytambo (they hold most of your luggage).
Day 4 take a morning tour/transfer back to Cusco, stop in Chinchero, Salineras and Moray circles on the way if you didn't yet see them on Day 2. Half day Cusco. Overnight Cusco.
Day 5 fly out.
On your first day, transfer immediately to a hotel in Ollantaytambo. You can ask your hotel to arrange a taxi pickup, or find one at the airport for about $30 to $50. Spend that morning resting a few hours, later on you can walk to the Ollantaytambo old town. Ollantaytambo is a safe, quiet town although busy with tourists since most trains to MP leave from Ollantaytambo. Spend the night here. See the ruins in the afternoon. When you buy the Boleto Turistico, the Sacred Valley circuit is 70 soles and is good for 2 consecutive days. If you need more time or want to also see Sacsayhuaman etc near Cusco buy the "full circuit".
Day 2 Tour the Sacred Valley. You find a group tour starting from Ollantaytambo. If not you can hire a taxi half a day. See the KB Tambo website for ideas. In the afternoon go to MP if you want to spend the night and go up early.
Day 3 MP, full day, return to Ollantaytambo on a train after the site closes. Stay in same hotel in Ollantaytambo (they hold most of your luggage).
Day 4 take a morning tour/transfer back to Cusco, stop in Chinchero, Salineras and Moray circles on the way if you didn't yet see them on Day 2. Half day Cusco. Overnight Cusco.
Day 5 fly out.
Mar 24th, 2015, 07:29 AM
#3
The Sacred Valley is quite safe. The only real issues are with some unregulated taxis in Cusco, or getting lost in Cusco at night in a dark alley. Also there are some reports of thefts at Cusco airport. The general rule is in any airport, bus station, market, etc,. keep your hand on your bag at all times. And don't casually leave your backpack hanging off the back of a seat (although in the small towns you might be able to get away with that). In Cusco the 'witching hour' when you shouldn't be walking around is about 10 pm. The small towns are very safe and close down early, although maybe Aguas Calientes has some tourist bars.
Probably tour companies try to generate a bit of hysteria so you book with them. You can take public tranportation to cut costs if you want, but it tends to be crowded and slower. At the Cusco airport, you can hire a taxi to Ollantaytambo to cut costs a bit vs a hotel transfer, look for one with seatbelts and an older driver. There is also now a Taxidatum service in Cusco, which is a bit cheaper than a hotel transfer.
Probably tour companies try to generate a bit of hysteria so you book with them. You can take public tranportation to cut costs if you want, but it tends to be crowded and slower. At the Cusco airport, you can hire a taxi to Ollantaytambo to cut costs a bit vs a hotel transfer, look for one with seatbelts and an older driver. There is also now a Taxidatum service in Cusco, which is a bit cheaper than a hotel transfer.
Mar 27th, 2015, 08:23 AM
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I agree with mlgb. Have been twice and enjoyed Ollyantambo both times so much. We spent the morning hiking the ruins in Ollyantambo. We hired a guide at the entrance, well worth the price, and then afterwards walked around and explored the town on our own. We always felt safe , the people are lovely.
Take the train to Agua Calliente from Ollyantambo. Overnighting in AQ and going up on the first bus is best, as the massive tour groups arrive as the morning progresses. We bought our bus tickets when we arrived by train, so as to be able to board the bus without standing in line the next morning.
I was stunned at how many more tour groups were there last year from 6 years prior.
Remember that there are no bathrooms and no food allowed on the site, so plan accordingly. (For me that meant no morning coffee!) There are public bathrooms at the entrance to the site where the bus arrives.
We also hired a local guide for the morning for MP through our hotel. I had a guide both times I went and again, highly recommend it.
Take the train to Agua Calliente from Ollyantambo. Overnighting in AQ and going up on the first bus is best, as the massive tour groups arrive as the morning progresses. We bought our bus tickets when we arrived by train, so as to be able to board the bus without standing in line the next morning.
I was stunned at how many more tour groups were there last year from 6 years prior.
Remember that there are no bathrooms and no food allowed on the site, so plan accordingly. (For me that meant no morning coffee!) There are public bathrooms at the entrance to the site where the bus arrives.
We also hired a local guide for the morning for MP through our hotel. I had a guide both times I went and again, highly recommend it.
Mar 27th, 2015, 09:25 AM
#5
Re the "no food allowed on site", that is a bit of exaggeration. You can bring a refillable water bottle and some snacks or a small sandwich. They don't want trash thrown all around (including disposable plastic bottles) so that is the main concern, so if you eat inside the park you might hear a whistle. Buying water up there is mucho expensive, and if it is sunny you'll want some. The first time I went I ate at the buffet, the second time I did the snacks and sandwich thing.
There is a snack bar outside the entry as well as the buffet.
And yes, the number of tour groups, tourists, hotels in Ollantaytambo, and general level of developed tourism has increased tremendously. But Ollantaytambo still is charming, especially in the morning.
There is a snack bar outside the entry as well as the buffet.
And yes, the number of tour groups, tourists, hotels in Ollantaytambo, and general level of developed tourism has increased tremendously. But Ollantaytambo still is charming, especially in the morning.
Mar 28th, 2015, 08:16 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions! Is Cusco itself lacking in things to do if I should only dedicate half a day to it? I found a good tour company that could take me to both Ollantaytambo and Pisac in one day before overnighting in Aguas Calientes, and then spend the next day in MP (accommodation, boleto and transport included) at about USD400. I rather think it's reasonable priced given that trains, guide and boleto are included, but I have little experience to compare it to other tours within the region. What do you guys think? I normally shun tour groups, and would've preferred to do each town at my own leisure if I had the time, which I unfortunately don't!
Mar 28th, 2015, 08:43 PM
#7
I wouldn't go with a tour group if that isn't your preference. You will spend half the day picking up other tourists, shopping and having lunch.
You can hire a taxi to take you around for less than $100.
The ticket to get into both Ollantaytambo and Pisac is 70 soles (about $25)
You can book the Expedition class train from Ollantaytambo for about $100-$120 r/t. The bus to the top of MP is around $20. Be careful with the amount of time that the tour allots you to MP. How early do they have yo9u coming back ? Some give only a few hrs.
So the out of pocket cost is about $250 excluding hotel. I am pretty sure you can find something decent for the extra $100.
Guides are easy to find.
You can hire a taxi to take you around for less than $100.
The ticket to get into both Ollantaytambo and Pisac is 70 soles (about $25)
You can book the Expedition class train from Ollantaytambo for about $100-$120 r/t. The bus to the top of MP is around $20. Be careful with the amount of time that the tour allots you to MP. How early do they have yo9u coming back ? Some give only a few hrs.
So the out of pocket cost is about $250 excluding hotel. I am pretty sure you can find something decent for the extra $100.
Guides are easy to find.
Mar 29th, 2015, 07:23 AM
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Cusco has no shortage of things to do - you could easily fill a couple of days. Try to fit in a visit to Qorikancha and Santo Domingo, and find a tour group to visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán on the edge of town (note - this area can be sketchy after sunset). Santo Domingo is a Catholic church built on the remains of an Inca temple. Truly a stunning sight.
I don't know what the average price for a trip to Machu Picchu is, but I know there are some out there for a little less: http://www.anywhereperu.com/destinat...o-machu-picchu
I don't know what the average price for a trip to Machu Picchu is, but I know there are some out there for a little less: http://www.anywhereperu.com/destinat...o-machu-picchu
Apr 20th, 2015, 08:31 PM
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Ollataytambo is so cute and authentic. Stay there overnight and wander it's streets with Inca walls and stone pavements.
To drastically cut cost, you can just take one of the local combis (a minibus) and sit among locals to Pisac market. We had a private taxi the whole time but we saw other tourists took the combi. Also we had a private horseback riding tour to the the salt terrace and crop circle (sorry, forgotten what they were called). It was like almost a whole day trip and we had 2 guides for the two of us, and it was only $55 pp back in 2008. Ride was scary on narrow ledges but scenery was fantastic.
To drastically cut cost, you can just take one of the local combis (a minibus) and sit among locals to Pisac market. We had a private taxi the whole time but we saw other tourists took the combi. Also we had a private horseback riding tour to the the salt terrace and crop circle (sorry, forgotten what they were called). It was like almost a whole day trip and we had 2 guides for the two of us, and it was only $55 pp back in 2008. Ride was scary on narrow ledges but scenery was fantastic.
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