I'm having trouble finding the altitude of Machu Picchu. Is it higher or lower than Cusco? I belive Cusco is about 11,000 ft. Also, is it possible for someone with bad knees to enjoy the ruins? Can he, for instance, see enough without heavy duty climbing of stairs? My step-daughter and I are going, and we'd like my husband to go, too. He had knee replacements and will be four months into recovery when we go. He's already walking without a cane. Many thanks. Sheila Wells

Hello, Sheila. My wife and I, too, are going to MP. My research shows that it stands at about 8,000 ft., or lower than Cusco. Even if I had to crawl, I'm going! Big problem just came up, though. AeroPeru has filed in bankruptcy and cancelled all its flights. Another air line, Aero Continente, flies the Lima/Cusco route. We wonder if it has the capacity to handle the passenger volume. Too, we wonder who is picking up AeroPeru's overseas flights, say, Miami/Lima or Lima/Guayaquil. The web site of South American Explorers Club confirms all the facts of the shutdown (as of 3/15/99) but nobody seems to know much more than just that. Let's keep each other informed, OK?

Thanks for your reply. I just sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you don't get it. sheila

Sheila, your e-mail came in loud and clear. Do keep in touch. And good luck to your husband. Knee replacements are no fun, but they beat the alternative.

I just returned from a great 10 days in Peru (Mar 11-21). MP is lower than Cuzco. You take the train (about 4 hrs) to Aguas Caliente and then a bus (20-30 min) takes you up the mountainside to the ruins. There are several paths that lead up to the ruins . . . one is very steep and hard, it's part of the Inca Trail. There are other, less difficult paths. You should talk to your guide and let him/her know your physical limitations, they should either make accommodations or point you to the less strenuous ways and meet up with you there. It was an awesome place, I hope your husband goes and is able to enjoy it. <BR>