jgold

Hi,

I've read a lot of threads on this board and on LP's. I'm leaning toward using Peru Treks next October for the four-day/three-night hike on the Inca Trail. However. I'm on the fence about spending an extra night in Aguas Calientes on Day 4 to climb Huayna Picchu on Day 5. We're not particularly serious hikers, but we will have come a long way, so we don't want to regret skipping something interesting. Anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks very much.

crellston

I cannot comment on Huayna Picchu as when we were at MP the weather was so abd we didn't bother. However IMHO Aguas Calientes is an overpriced dump and I would not be inclined to stay there any longer tahn absolutely necessary. If you are limited on time then tehre are other places a day may be better spent.

oceanrockview

The climb up Huayna Picchu is rewarding for the hike itself and most especially for the sublime view of Machu Picchu below.
Truly worthwhile.

If you are able to stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, do that. You would be comfortably in place for sunrise, a hike up Huayna Picchu and a good lunch.

Hope you have a great trip.

jgold

Thanks for the two replies.

crellston: We're not inclined to visit Aguas Calientes in and of itself. It's just I've read that because we'll be arriving in MP on our fourth day, all the spots for climbing Huayna Picchu may be taken by the time we're through exploring MP. So, that was the basis for spending the night in AG.

oceanrockview: Thanks also for the advice. Sadly, given the length of our trip, Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge may be beyond our budget. Do you think I can just figure out accomodations when we get to AG? We'd be there in early Oct. 2009.

Thanks very much.

Triptyme

If the Sanctuary Lodge is not in your budget, you might want to try the Machu Picchu Inn. It appears to be a nice place, in a good location in Aguas Caliente and is about $140 US per night. We stayed at the Wiracocha and that was fine but a little musty, probably for lack of use with it being the off-season. The family that ran it were great but they don't seem to speak a lick of English, so you might want to keep that in mind. It was also at the top of a long hill and that got old after awhile.

We didn't hike Huayna Picchu but did meet quite a few people who did and not one of them said they'd do it again. I gather it is quite terrifying in spots and if you aren't a serious hiker, you may want to stick with the alternative and hike to the sun gate instead.

I do think AG is worth spending the night. It is a quirky little town and we really enjoyed it.

davez

We just returned from Amazon/Sacred Valley/MP/Cusco trip which we loved. Will send a separate report shortly. We did the 'two day' hike through SAS which is actually a one full day hike up a challenging but doable trail. You end up at a lunch spot where the 'two day' trail merges with the four day trail where you then hike into MP through the sun gate. Stunning is the only word to describe the view from sun gate. You actually don't enter the MP grounds proper that afternoon but you don't really know the difference as you spend a couple of hours hiking on the outskirts of MP or just staring at the incredible scenery. After day one, you take the bus ride down the Aguas where we stayed in the high end Sumaq. Day two is a bus ride up to MP where you arrive for the sunrise and spend the morning entering the actual MP property for a guided tour. Huayna Picchu was the highlight of the trip for my wife and three kids. My deep fear of heights kept me from going. Well worth it so getting there early insures you can get on one of the two timeslots. I can't speak of the four day hike but did talk to a lot of people on the trail who were mostly positive but it is very physically challenging given the altitude and duration. I would do the two day again in a heartbeat.

sealstep

In my humble opinion, it's not worth staying just for the climb, but I have to say we didn't do it, as it was indeed closed by the time we were ready to go over. I will attempt to list the pluses and minuses as I see them. Why I would stay - if you love to hike, I hear the views are great. Also, you'll be exhausted after the trail hike, and might just appreciate a place nearby to shower and sleep. Why I would not stay - it's not that great a town, you'll be exhausted, and I hear the hike can be crowded and scary. I didn't hate Aguas Calientes, it was fine, but we were happy we were getting our train out that afternoon, instead of staying. You will have already done a considerable amount of hiking. I hope this helps a bit! Have a blast, it's a fabulous adventure.

jgold

Thank you all for the input. I don't think tickets for the Inca Trail for Sept./Oct. 2009 go on sale until mid-Jan., so I still have a little bit of time to decide. I'm still leaning a bit toward staying the extra night in AG, to maybe visit the hot springs the day we finish exploring MP (Day 4), and then hike Huayna Picchu on Day 5, but I guess I'll keep giving it some thought. i obviously don't want to wind up sitting aroung AG just twiddling my thumbs. Thanks.

P_M

I opted out of HP and I have no regrets. Those who did climb it said it was worthwhile, however the climb down was VERY steep and scary.

AC is a beautiful town and I regret having no more than just an afternoon there. I did do the thermal springs and after the Inca Trail hike the springs were just what the doctor ordered.

jgold

Thank you for the reply P_M.

producerkoof

I hiked the Inca Trail in April '08. Went with Llama Path and highly recommend them. I did not climb Huayna because getting through the I.T. was enough for me. But others in my group did climb the smaller hill and said that was enough for them. I heard the climb is steep.

emd

Macchu Picchu Inn is not $140 a night. I wish it was. Check their website.