Trying to get a lot of quality family time in a short whirl wind trip. w 4 days Buenos Aires and then to Machu Piccu. Has anyone stayed at the Inkaterra. Staying there one night and one night in Cuzco. Would love any tips or ideas. Husband, myself and 19 and 22 year old. Thank you

OOps! Forgot to mention that I will be there this December.

We were there about 3 years ago. i will have to get details frim my journal, but did not wnat to lose this thread. It was wonderful as I remember it. I think we had a suite..lovely fireplace. Nights were so black. I think we only ate breakfast there, but walked into town for a lovely dinner. I promise to get back to you..later today.

I know people who've stayed there and liked it, but haven't stayed there myself. You do realize, with an itinerary like that you're going to be spending most of your "quality family time" either on a plane or a train, yes? I don't know where you're flying in from, but assuming the U.S., your flights at either end are anywhere from 8-16 hours each way. Getting to Cuzco from BA is about a 6 hour process, and getting to MP from Cuzco is about 5 each way... all if everything goes smoothly.

Assuming you've taken that into consideration, I'd aim to spend as much time on your feet as you could in each place - BA is a great city for walking - alot of it of course depends what you want to see, but maybe plan out a couple of self-guided (or guide guided) walking tours, or just relax, enjoy the cafe culture, and wander a bit. Cuzco on its own is a great city to wander around in, it could keep you busy for days - there are "city tours" run by local companies that are inexpensive and you'll get to see stuff, but you'll basically be sitting on a bus, with occasional steps outside it to look at one building or another - depending on your interests, you may want to do it on your own - keep in mind that entrance to pretty much all historic buildings and sites in Cuzco requires a tourism pass, which you can buy in the center of town, your hotel can direct you to where to get it. MP you'll do plenty of walking/climbing, and you're probably best off going with a guide, though it's not required.

I know people who have stayed at Inkaterra and absolutey loved it. They wished they had spent an additonal day there just to enjoy the property. I second Saltshaker's comments about the time/travel issue. Not sure why you're doing it that way, but I would recommend spending your time in one country or the other so that you don't eat up a lot of time traveling. For example you could do BA and then fly to Iguazzu Falls. Or you fly into and out of Lima, fly to Cusco and then by car to the SV and then to MP from the SV and end up back in Cusco.

Just returned from Peru and Ecuador Aug 2007. We stayed at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel at Aqua Calientes. Very nice hotel and nice trails and nature hikes available. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.

We stayed at the Liberator in Cusco, also a very nice hotel, two blocks from main square.

Hope this helps,
Granny Joan

Hey GJ, I just got back. Apologies for hijacking this thread, but how was your trip?

Wylie, I agree with Saltshaker's comments about the travel time in your proposed itinerary. I'd probably pick BA + Iguazzu or Cusco/MP with a 2-3 nights in Lima (one day spent touring Lima + a day trip to Ica/Nazca).

Another consideration is that December is the rainy season for MP.

p.s. if you do decide on Cusco/MP, I'd suggest hiring a private guide for at least a portion of the trip. They are cheap by US standards and you gain a lot of insight that you don't get from a self-guided or group tour. I've done the city tour with a group and a private guide, and the private guide was well worth it. There are several guide recommendations on this forum.

Also, one night in Cusco and one night at MP means you'll miss all the ruins and other experiences in the Sacred Valley. That would be a real shame.

Actually, December is OK for Machu Picchu and Cusco but not for the trek, it is closed. you will probably find rain in Machu Picchu in December, but you can find rain in MP at any season of the year! since it is located near a rainy area that is why you will always see pictures of MP with this beautiful green areas and, by the way, rain comes generally in the afternoon.
regarding Inkaterra hotel in Machu Picchu, it is awesome, it is the most beautiful hotel of the area and the one of the best of southamerica, they have many international mentions as hotel and as ecological organization. As well, the infraestructure is wonderful, it is been built as a typical Peruvian villa so each room is a little house in the middle of huge gardens, and it is like a Pueblo (Town in Spanish)... it is really worth to spend one night at this hotel, but chekc that 04 days in Pery and a MP overnight included is a very fast trip! Contact me if you want further info!

I think she's only planning 2 nights in Cusco/MP!

Marcelo, I agree that it can rain at MP at any time of the year. But I've read 80% of the annual rainfall occurs between December and March. I have been told by my Peruvian friends that one should expect frequent downpours during the rainy season versus ocasional sprinkles in the dry season (which is what I experienced in August last year). I think that is an important consideration for someone traveling a long distance (e.g. the US or Europe).

Important for Wylie. You can fly LAN airlines from the US to Buenos Aires, with a free stop in Lima, and then continue to Buenos Aires. On the way back you can fly direct Miami-US.rr
This will save money and time. I hope I made your day, if you did not know this. Have fun.