GrannyJoan, sorry I didn't reply sooner, just saw this post. I haven't been to GI yet, but le me know if you have any questions on MP and the surrounding area.

hills27's posts provide a wealth of solid information. I used many of her suggestions in planning our trip of a few weeks ago. Thanks, hills.

Based on your schedule, consider staying two nights each in the Sacred Valley, MP, and Cusco; and one night in Lima. There are so many things to do in the Sacred Valley. Consider spending at least half a day in Ollantaytambo seeing the ruins and the town. If you are high-energy folks, you could also include Chinchero, Moray and the Salinas salt flats, too, though it makes for a long day of touring. Reserve Sunday for the market at Pisac (huge) and then visit the ruins nearby. If you don't like huge crowds, you could go to Chinchero instead. It is at higher altitude than even Cusco, if that is a concern. Depending on your interests, you could go rafting on the Urubamba River, horseback riding, or mountain biking. Sol y Luna in Urubamba is lovely and has one of the most scenic settings in the Sacred Valley. The rate has increased to $154/night.

Since your primary interest is Machu Picchu, I suggest you spend 2 nights there. An early departure from Ollantaytambo on the first vistadome train gets you to Agua Calientes about 8:30 - before the day-trippers from Cusco arrive. If you stay at Inkaterra MP Pueblo Hotel, for an additional fee, which includes snacks and, bus and entrance tickets, you can arrange for a guide to meet you at the train station and go directly to MP. Porters will take your luggage from the train to the hotel and you can check in later. If you are energetic, you can climb Wayna Picchu for a spectacular view of MP and/or go to the temple of the Moon. You must go before 1PM; entrance is limited to the first 400.

On the second morning, one option is to go early to MP for sunrise. If you choose to do this, be at the bus stop with tickets before 5:30 AM. The line forms early and it is a 30-minute ride to up MP. The concierge at Inkaterra can send a porter to get your bus tickets the day before an early AM trip. Another option is do hike the last day of the Inca Trail. You get off the train at 104km and hike the last part of the trail to MP. We did not do this, so it is best to ask others for info. Inkaterra also offers a guide for this trek and could arrange for you to do this before your arrival and check-in.

The third day, relax and enjoy the grounds at Inkaterra. There is a nature preserve on the property and there are free tours of the orchidarium, bird sanctuary and tea plantation. They also have a rescued speckled bear sanctuary.
http://www.inkaterra.com/pdf/electro...chu_picchu.pdf

On departure from MP, another option is to go back to Ollantaytambo and take a taxi to Cusco. You can have the driver stop at differ locations along the way for lunch, scenic photos or roadside vendors. Driving saves about an hour in travel time over the train. If you can afford it, stay at Monasterio. It is a beautiful peaceful place, located near the center of town. If you stay elsewhere, at least have lunch there. Then, tour the monastery - chapel, gallery, and courtyards.

We live a few hundred feet above sea level and found it tough starting out in Cusco. (We had planned to save the city for the end of our trip after we had acclimated to the altitude, but were forced to stay here for one night when our flight could not land at Puerto Maldonado for our jungle venture.) Also, I liked the idea of not revisiting places we had already seen. On our second time in Cusco, we found we were able to climb and navigate steep hills without pausing to catch our breath as we did on our first visit. We were more energetic and had a more enjoyable time. In addition to the pre-Columbian museum, the Cathedral across from the Plaza de Arma, Church of Santo Domingo, and the shops around San Blas are worth visiting.

ttt

Ever watched the show "Passport to Latin America" on the Travel Channel? Though not a big fan of Samantha Brown, I've watched when she's going someplace that I'm interested in or have already been. This week she goes to Cusco and Machu Picchu. The two shows will be broadcast tomorrow (Jul-11th) and then again, on Sunday (Jul-15th). Check on the Travel Channel website for time in your area.

Murrab00,
I would recommend going to Lake Titicaca and taking an overnight boat trip staying on one of the islands. It was great fun, good food and the best part of my trip to Peru. If you need more info let me know.
Cheers,
Travel Chic

just came back from a tour of Peru with Andes_adventures and loved their itinerary. You need time to acclimate to the altitude so 2 days in Cusco is a good idea. You can follow AA itinerary for ideas - or use them! We loved Ollantaytambo and Pisac. We stayed in Aguas Calientes for 2 nights and saw MP at sunrise at winter soltice. Need I say more? Bring lots of money - the shopping is awesome!

one more thing. Lima is good for coming and going. It is a big, polluted, unpleasant city. The Larco museum was very interesting though.

We stayed at Posada del inca de Isidro. Don't.

However, directly across the street is this fabulous store (they are open at random hours) that sells hand made bowls, textiles, figurines, etc, made by various tribes in the amazon. I bought the most amazing pillow covers for my couch - all with different woven patterns.

I've been to Lima twice and absolutely loved it. Sounds like you didn't experience the same Lima I did. What a shame.

Agree with Hills, Lima is great, many things to do, lovely areas, friendly people and excellent food.

For a 7 days - stay, I would suggest:

1 Lima – Cuzco, tour around the city, you shouldn’t miss the Koricancha
2 Sacred Valley, We loved shopping at Pisaq market
3 Machu Picchu (overnight)
4 visit Machu Picchu very early! in the afternoon return to Cuzco
5 Cuzco – Puno
6 Visit T. Lake and floating islands
7 Puno - Lima

OMG I will get back for sure

My Girlfriend won't fly on small planes - is that the only way to get from Lima to Cusco?

The plane from Lima to Cusco is not small.

Lan Peru flies a full size jet.

I've just done that flight in reverse.

We were on a LAN Airbus A320 and I believe that AEROPERU use Boeing 737's.

(Yes I am a bit of an anorak with planes).

bookmarking

bookmarking

Hi there,

I am also planning a trip to Argentina and Peru but in March. Can anyone comment whether my plans make sense:

Take the bus to Arequipa:
1 night in Arequipa
1 night Colca Canyon

Bus to Cusco:
2 nights in Cusco
1 night Aguas Caliente/Macchu Picchu
1 night in Ollaytatambo
1 night Urubamba

So far my time is flexible - I currently intend to spend 10 days for Colca and Sacred Valley. But happy to make that 14 if that's better...and for the Sacred Valley part, I thought of starting with Cusco and Macchu Piccgu then take a bus to the other towns in Sacred Valley making it back to Lima... does this make sense? Any other towns I should spend time in? Or I am also open to bussing it one way, and then taking the flight back from Cusco to Lima if that makes more sense.

Hi PG

This is a 21/2 year old post

you might want to

make your own post

Bus the Gringo Trail www.cruzdelsur.com VIP seats best

adventures.worldnomads.com/destination/168/itinerary/23.aspx

fly www.taca.com or bus back CUZ LIM best way to go·

Have fun,

www.cruzdelsur.com.pe sorry for typo