Hello, I need an honest evaluation, preferably from someone from Peru, regarding our next trip to Lima+Cuzco+ Machupichu and the end of this October.
1) Has the earthquake made difficult, dangerous, or not worth to visit any of this areas in this date?

2) Weather wise how is this time of the year for a visit?

We could prospone the trip for 2008 if necessary. Thank you

My understanding is those areas were completely unaffected.

October is the very end of the dry season. You should be fine.

Go, those areas completely unaffected, got back last night. Awesome country to visit. Weather was great although in October you may see rain, the books say dry season is May-September. You may want to research weather further but as for the earthquake you won't see any evidence.

Thank you both for your reply. Hoyas did you slept in Aguas Calientes, if so which hotel did you used?
how was it, I noticed that either you pay a fortune or the others do not seem that good...

We decided to sleep in AC the night before because we wanted to be on the first of the buses to MP in the morning to see the sun rise. So we had a reservation at a place, but did not like it at all when we got there and realized we were getting an unfair sight unseen internet rate. We placed ourselves on a philosophy of low cost but clean and respectable. So we quickly walked out and as we walked around town we found a high vacancy rate so the desk clerks would state a price and lower it before we responded. Got a room at the Nusta Wasi for $20 (US) which included a light snack at 5am. Room was fine but hot shower was a little spotty. You can find exactly what you want if you take a little time, lots of hotel space. If you are willing to pay more there are some high end places, one right on the MP grounds. So we got to town about 4pm, immediately after getting the hotel we bought our BUS tickets to MP for the next day and our ENTRANCE tickets to MP-both are cash only, in fact the whole town prefers cash. Buy them the night before so you eliminate this effort on your special day. So we had breakfast at 5am and caught the 3rd bus to MP at about 5:45 am. They run an efficient bus operation. Advantage is you get a view of MP before the crowds get there. Our daughters wanted to climb the famous mountain which opens at 7am, but takes only like 200 people at that time so they got in line. We left MP at about 2pm to catch our train back to Ollantaytambo at 4;45pm. I don't know the weather in October. Anyway, hope you have fun.

Thank you HOyas. I glad you had a good time. It must have been a formative experience and also a history one for your children. My hat out to you.