Too late for Machu Picchu in June?
Apr 12th, 2008, 12:26 PM
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Too late for Machu Picchu in June?
I am hoping someone can help me with our possible plans to visit Peru the 2nd and 3rd week in June of this year. The number one thing my husband and I (mid 50's) want to do is visit this site and possibly walk the trail. Someone told us that the government only releases so many tickets per day, and that we are probably way too late to obtain them. Also, if any has any suggestions or experiences as far as visiting the Amazon , and touring Lima, I would really appreciate it. I have always had such great advice from this site, it's the first place I think of!!! Thanks in advance!
Apr 12th, 2008, 12:54 PM
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You do not need a permit to visit Machu Picchu but the Inca Trail is a different story. It probably is too late to get a permit for the Inca Trail in June. I am also going in June. I got my permit in February and even that was almost too late as few permits were left.
Apr 13th, 2008, 05:36 PM
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Hello teachopal
take a look at the following website. it is updated daily and shows you the number of permits available. it is also a good website for contacting various guides/tour companies.
We took the one day Chachabamba Trail, March 4, using Andean Treks. It was sold out 10 days prior... If you are unable to secure a trail permit, you will have that much more energy to hike to the SunGate, or perhaps the Huana Picchu (I am sure i'm not spelling that right... or even naming it right...) But having been there just recently, I just want to help you eliminate those nagging feelings.... there's plenty of "hiking" to do right there at MP and even out of AC, without being on the Inca Trail.
MP is a very satisfying experience.
That all said.... book your permit, if available, immediately. The one day is strenuous at times, but rewarding. Winaywana was super cool to approach, and I enjoyed its vistas. I enjoyed the views all day long... whether from exposed mountain side, or at some times in the moist cloud forest gulches between one "hill" and the next. There were some nice waterfalls.
We sweated alot and drank lots of water, while our guide "Cocoman" chewed coco leaves and played his flute all along the trail. (We're 47 and 52...)
Good luck with your plans, and I hope this helps.
http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/...ilability.html
take a look at the following website. it is updated daily and shows you the number of permits available. it is also a good website for contacting various guides/tour companies.
We took the one day Chachabamba Trail, March 4, using Andean Treks. It was sold out 10 days prior... If you are unable to secure a trail permit, you will have that much more energy to hike to the SunGate, or perhaps the Huana Picchu (I am sure i'm not spelling that right... or even naming it right...) But having been there just recently, I just want to help you eliminate those nagging feelings.... there's plenty of "hiking" to do right there at MP and even out of AC, without being on the Inca Trail.
MP is a very satisfying experience.
That all said.... book your permit, if available, immediately. The one day is strenuous at times, but rewarding. Winaywana was super cool to approach, and I enjoyed its vistas. I enjoyed the views all day long... whether from exposed mountain side, or at some times in the moist cloud forest gulches between one "hill" and the next. There were some nice waterfalls.
We sweated alot and drank lots of water, while our guide "Cocoman" chewed coco leaves and played his flute all along the trail. (We're 47 and 52...)
Good luck with your plans, and I hope this helps.
http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/...ilability.html
Apr 15th, 2008, 10:01 AM
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It looks as if the Inca Trail permits are gone for most of the summer. However, if you really want to do some of the trail, you can go to the park first and walk the other way on the trail. Maybe its not as dramatic as seeing the ruins for the first time coming through the Sun Gate, but you will still get some of this experience anyways without having to worry about the permit.
Apr 15th, 2008, 02:56 PM
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But you can walk to the Sun Gate, quite a haul up the hillside? affording great views of the Sanctuary.
The Permit Check Point is beyond Sun Gate towards Winaywana... And yes, it is true--You cannot walk from that check point in the direction heading to Winaywana.
Also, for getting great views, I understand Huanay Picchu hike is quite good (that too, is within the Sanctuary...)
There are other hikes to waterfalls near AC (mandor pampa), and also the following, which I read about and am quoting from Andeantravelweb. We did not do this hike:
If you're feeling adventurous and have plenty of energy left and 4 hours to spare in Aguas Calientes you may consider climbing the breathtaking trail to Putucusi. Putucusi is the mountain on the opposite side of the Vilcanota River to Machu Picchu. The views of Machu Picchu from the top are spectacular but it's the trail up that you'll remember most. It's an Inca Trail that has only recently been discovered and cleared and involves ascending some pretty hair-raising vertical ladders along the way. The trail starts only 10 minutes walk outside Aguas Calientes (along the tracks in the opposite direction to Cusco). You'll see a sign on the right hand side marking the trail start. You have to sign you name in a book at the beginning of the trail and you will come to the most difficult section after only 15 minutes. Here you can decide to turn back (as do 75% of people) or climb the long wooden ladders scaling the rock face! It's best to go early in the day and when the weather is good and, for safety sake, not to go alone.
Hmmm, sounds tough....
The Permit Check Point is beyond Sun Gate towards Winaywana... And yes, it is true--You cannot walk from that check point in the direction heading to Winaywana.
Also, for getting great views, I understand Huanay Picchu hike is quite good (that too, is within the Sanctuary...)
There are other hikes to waterfalls near AC (mandor pampa), and also the following, which I read about and am quoting from Andeantravelweb. We did not do this hike:
If you're feeling adventurous and have plenty of energy left and 4 hours to spare in Aguas Calientes you may consider climbing the breathtaking trail to Putucusi. Putucusi is the mountain on the opposite side of the Vilcanota River to Machu Picchu. The views of Machu Picchu from the top are spectacular but it's the trail up that you'll remember most. It's an Inca Trail that has only recently been discovered and cleared and involves ascending some pretty hair-raising vertical ladders along the way. The trail starts only 10 minutes walk outside Aguas Calientes (along the tracks in the opposite direction to Cusco). You'll see a sign on the right hand side marking the trail start. You have to sign you name in a book at the beginning of the trail and you will come to the most difficult section after only 15 minutes. Here you can decide to turn back (as do 75% of people) or climb the long wooden ladders scaling the rock face! It's best to go early in the day and when the weather is good and, for safety sake, not to go alone.
Hmmm, sounds tough....
