Help Needed on a 4/5 day trip to Machu Picchu
Jul 29th, 2011, 04:38 PM
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Help Needed on a 4/5 day trip to Machu Picchu
Hi all,
For awhile I was set on booking this Gap Trip to go to Machu Picchu and it dawned on me I was paying over $549 for me and my wife to have someone book train tickets and a very likely cheap hotel for us. So I've decided against the Gap trip and have been debating on two options:
1. Do the trip on our own
or
2. Use "Peru for Less". I found out about them based off this post:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...rip-report.cfm
We aren't fancy people but we don't want to stay in a crummy hotel. $100 a night would be ideal. Casa San Blas in Cuzco looked great to me (I saw this listed on the Peru for Less site. Here's a Trip Advisor link:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...las-Cusco.html
I contacted Peru for Less just now and will wait to see what they come back with but I wanted to get ideas on a suggested itinerary for such a short trip and hotel recommendations. We are from the US but we will be coming from Rio de Jainero because we are doing 5-6 days there first. I am debating on doing an extra day in Rio vs. an extra day in Peru. Here is the itinerary I was thinking and I'd like some feedback on just the Peru part and if you think we should add the extra day in Rio or add it in Peru.
Day 1: Arrive at 9:15am in Rio - Free day to wander around and probably go to a beach and just hang out
Day 2: Rio - Downtown and historical districts, Sugar Loaf
Day 3: Rio - Corcovado mountain, enjoy more beaches
Day 4: Rio - Schooner ride around the various bays / swimming
Day 5: Rio - Nothing planned so we could fly to Cuzco on this day if we wanted to.
Day 6: Assuming we stick with Rio on Day 5, we fly to Cuzco this day and will be getting into Cuzco in the evening.
Day 7: Cuzco
Day 8: Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo - do we stay overnight here?
Day 9: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu - Should we stay overnight here just in case we have bad weather and can try for Machu Picchu again on Day 10 or should we just head to Cuzco on this day and assume all will be fine and enjoy Cuzco some more on Day 10?
Day 10: Cuzco (or 2nd shot at Macchu Picchu and we would head back to Cuzco in the evening)
Day 11: Fly home - Leave Cuzco airport at 3:30pm so will have some time in the morning since it looks like the airport is very close to the city centre.
Obviously if we add the extra day in Peru it will be less hectic for the Peru portion, but we think Rio looks so amazing that we thought that was the best use of the day versus another extra day in Cuzco or the surrounding towns.
Thanks for any and all input! I'll go back to researching on my own now
For awhile I was set on booking this Gap Trip to go to Machu Picchu and it dawned on me I was paying over $549 for me and my wife to have someone book train tickets and a very likely cheap hotel for us. So I've decided against the Gap trip and have been debating on two options:
1. Do the trip on our own
or
2. Use "Peru for Less". I found out about them based off this post:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...rip-report.cfm
We aren't fancy people but we don't want to stay in a crummy hotel. $100 a night would be ideal. Casa San Blas in Cuzco looked great to me (I saw this listed on the Peru for Less site. Here's a Trip Advisor link:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...las-Cusco.html
I contacted Peru for Less just now and will wait to see what they come back with but I wanted to get ideas on a suggested itinerary for such a short trip and hotel recommendations. We are from the US but we will be coming from Rio de Jainero because we are doing 5-6 days there first. I am debating on doing an extra day in Rio vs. an extra day in Peru. Here is the itinerary I was thinking and I'd like some feedback on just the Peru part and if you think we should add the extra day in Rio or add it in Peru.
Day 1: Arrive at 9:15am in Rio - Free day to wander around and probably go to a beach and just hang out
Day 2: Rio - Downtown and historical districts, Sugar Loaf
Day 3: Rio - Corcovado mountain, enjoy more beaches
Day 4: Rio - Schooner ride around the various bays / swimming
Day 5: Rio - Nothing planned so we could fly to Cuzco on this day if we wanted to.
Day 6: Assuming we stick with Rio on Day 5, we fly to Cuzco this day and will be getting into Cuzco in the evening.
Day 7: Cuzco
Day 8: Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo - do we stay overnight here?
Day 9: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu - Should we stay overnight here just in case we have bad weather and can try for Machu Picchu again on Day 10 or should we just head to Cuzco on this day and assume all will be fine and enjoy Cuzco some more on Day 10?
Day 10: Cuzco (or 2nd shot at Macchu Picchu and we would head back to Cuzco in the evening)
Day 11: Fly home - Leave Cuzco airport at 3:30pm so will have some time in the morning since it looks like the airport is very close to the city centre.
Obviously if we add the extra day in Peru it will be less hectic for the Peru portion, but we think Rio looks so amazing that we thought that was the best use of the day versus another extra day in Cuzco or the surrounding towns.
Thanks for any and all input! I'll go back to researching on my own now
Jul 30th, 2011, 04:04 AM
#2
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I would allocate the day to Cuzco and dedicate the time to a day trip to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley has beautiful landscape, ruins, local markets and outdoor activities (rafting, bike riding, hiking etc.), alpaca farms, etc. and it's also a great place to get started in the Cuzco area to acclimate to the altitude and it places you closer to MP too. Also, Cuzco itself is a beautiful city with an excellent culinary scene and lots of cute churches, museums and shops to poke around so I wouldn't minimize the time there. And I think you have plenty of time for Rio as the itinerary currently stands.
Jul 30th, 2011, 05:38 AM
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Did #1 saved a tonne
Spirit.com FLL LIM $239 all in for me RT
www.Peruvianairlines.com.pecheapest
RT LIM CUZ or starperu.com or taca.com
Cab to apulodge.com in ollantaytambo.org for my MP visit
book your train cheaply through Apu Lodge great folks
back up to rumipunku.com for Cusco visit then fly out.
You will save hundreds I did..
Happy Travels make more time do the whole Gringo Trail
truly amazing will not cost much more.
insuremytrip.com always wise respect the altitude
mdtravelhealth.com Peru do NOT stay at Cusco 11000 ft
right away or you will get sick... #1 mistake newbies make...
Spirit.com FLL LIM $239 all in for me RT
www.Peruvianairlines.com.pecheapest
RT LIM CUZ or starperu.com or taca.com
Cab to apulodge.com in ollantaytambo.org for my MP visit
book your train cheaply through Apu Lodge great folks
back up to rumipunku.com for Cusco visit then fly out.
You will save hundreds I did..
Happy Travels make more time do the whole Gringo Trail
truly amazing will not cost much more.
insuremytrip.com always wise respect the altitude
mdtravelhealth.com Peru do NOT stay at Cusco 11000 ft
right away or you will get sick... #1 mistake newbies make...
Jul 30th, 2011, 07:46 AM
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gulliver433, thanks for the tip. Since we are flying into Cuzco and bypassing Lima altogether should we just start out our time in Cuzco for two days and then go to the Sacred Valley area? Will we have problems with the altitude? I think we just have to suck it up. I thought it made more sense to start out in Cuzco and then make our way to Sacred Valley and then Machu Picchu.
Also, in the itinerary above we were already going to get one day in the Sacred Valley even if we don't trade off the extra day in Rio. Is that enough or are you suggesting it's not and we should move the extra day from Rio and add an extra day for either Cuzco or the Sacred Valley?
qwovadis, thanks for the hotel suggestions.
I think I'm more and more interested in doing Peru on our own versus using a tour operator, though I am a little intimidated about doing all of the travel to the various areas on our own (even though we've done a ton of traveling on our own and with groups).
Also, in the itinerary above we were already going to get one day in the Sacred Valley even if we don't trade off the extra day in Rio. Is that enough or are you suggesting it's not and we should move the extra day from Rio and add an extra day for either Cuzco or the Sacred Valley?
qwovadis, thanks for the hotel suggestions.
I think I'm more and more interested in doing Peru on our own versus using a tour operator, though I am a little intimidated about doing all of the travel to the various areas on our own (even though we've done a ton of traveling on our own and with groups).
Jul 30th, 2011, 08:06 AM
#6
Haven't been yet, but to plan my Sept trip, I've been following all the Peru postings. Everyone recommends going to Ollyantambo first to acclimate and then to Cusco. Seems like most hotel suggestions for under $100 are for El Albergue in Ollayantambo and Rumipunku in Cusco. We booked second home in cusco; they even have a sale going on.
Hardest part of planning was buying Machu Pichu train tickets. See perurail.com and be sure to have lots of time, a secured mastercard or visa and your passport numbers.
The hotels will arrange for transportation from airport. Seems as tho taxis are cheap. We hired a guide to get from place to place. Based on recommendation here, we went with Percy. Here's his email address if interested [email protected]
Want to repeat that I haven't been yet so can't vouch for any of this. But I usually plan all my trips with the advice offered on these boards and it hasn't failed me yet.
Hardest part of planning was buying Machu Pichu train tickets. See perurail.com and be sure to have lots of time, a secured mastercard or visa and your passport numbers.
The hotels will arrange for transportation from airport. Seems as tho taxis are cheap. We hired a guide to get from place to place. Based on recommendation here, we went with Percy. Here's his email address if interested [email protected]
Want to repeat that I haven't been yet so can't vouch for any of this. But I usually plan all my trips with the advice offered on these boards and it hasn't failed me yet.
Jul 30th, 2011, 08:13 AM
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Great tips Jackie! I've read a lot on the Peru boards, but have been a bit overwhelmed, so you're summary of what you gathered from the various posts is really helpful. I'll look into all of your suggestions.
Jul 30th, 2011, 12:55 PM
#9
And to clear us some confusion, "Verifed by Visa" is not a specific Visa Card. You go to Verified by Visa, enter your existing Visa card number, and they will verify it.
When you make an online purchase, Verify by Visa will pop up and you'll have to enter your password before the vendor (eg MachuPicchu tickets, airlines, train, etc., will complete your transaction.
When you make an online purchase, Verify by Visa will pop up and you'll have to enter your password before the vendor (eg MachuPicchu tickets, airlines, train, etc., will complete your transaction.
Jul 31st, 2011, 04:40 PM
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Wow, that itinerary sounds great Kuoda! I think what I will do is work with Peru for Less or the guide Percy mentioned by utilizing your itinerary since we know very little Spanish. It sounds like there will be a lot of potential for wasted time if we do this completely on our own, due to minor mistakes and confusion adding up. I'm not sure if it's better to use Peru for Less to help guide us in-between towns or to go with that guide Percy. For comparison I will post the itinerary that Peru for Less sent me below. What I think is interesting is that they default us to coming back to Cuzco at the end of everyday, though it looks like we have an option to do otherwise. I like the idea of staying overnight in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes...it seems like less extra traveling. I will also point out that this itinerary assumed one less day in Peru compared to what was suggested by Kuoda above. The price quoted to me for 3 star hotels is $789 per person.
Itinerary given by Peru for Less:
DAY 1: Arrival to Cusco & Cusco City Tour November 3rd ► A representative of Peru For Less will pick you up at the Cusco airport to transfer you to your chosen Cusco hotel ► Afternoon city tour of the ancient and colonial sights of Cusco. Includes the Cathedral, the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay ► Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying the ancient city’s restaurants and ambiance ► Overnight in Cusco
DAY 2: Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas November 4th ► Full day Sacred Valley tour ► Your tour begins with a drive through the rolling landscapes of Pisac, famous for its lively market and archaeological gems ► You will next visit the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, which has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century ► Visit the impressive hillside ruins of Ollantaytambo fortress ► Overnight in Cusco / Optional overnight in the Sacred Valley
DAY 3: Machu Picchu November 5th ► Full day visit to Machu Picchu, the world famous highlight of any trip to Peru ► Transfer to the train station for a stunning train ride through the mountains to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu ► Transfer by bus up to the ruins, hidden on a mountain top amid the clouded forests ► Enjoy a professionally guided tour of the entire site, followed by some free time to explore the jaw-dropping ruins alone ► Transfer by bus back to Aguas Calientes to catch your train ► Overnight in Cusco Optional extension to stay in Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes overnight
DAY 4: Departure from Cusco November 6th ► Breakfast in your hotel before meeting your transfer to the airport for your return home or your onward destination
Itinerary given by Peru for Less:
DAY 1: Arrival to Cusco & Cusco City Tour November 3rd ► A representative of Peru For Less will pick you up at the Cusco airport to transfer you to your chosen Cusco hotel ► Afternoon city tour of the ancient and colonial sights of Cusco. Includes the Cathedral, the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay ► Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying the ancient city’s restaurants and ambiance ► Overnight in Cusco
DAY 2: Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas November 4th ► Full day Sacred Valley tour ► Your tour begins with a drive through the rolling landscapes of Pisac, famous for its lively market and archaeological gems ► You will next visit the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, which has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century ► Visit the impressive hillside ruins of Ollantaytambo fortress ► Overnight in Cusco / Optional overnight in the Sacred Valley
DAY 3: Machu Picchu November 5th ► Full day visit to Machu Picchu, the world famous highlight of any trip to Peru ► Transfer to the train station for a stunning train ride through the mountains to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu ► Transfer by bus up to the ruins, hidden on a mountain top amid the clouded forests ► Enjoy a professionally guided tour of the entire site, followed by some free time to explore the jaw-dropping ruins alone ► Transfer by bus back to Aguas Calientes to catch your train ► Overnight in Cusco Optional extension to stay in Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes overnight
DAY 4: Departure from Cusco November 6th ► Breakfast in your hotel before meeting your transfer to the airport for your return home or your onward destination
Aug 3rd, 2011, 06:22 PM
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I agree that it is a good amount of money more, but that is to be expected going with a larger operation. I'm still working with Peru for Less on a potential itinerary but I just sent an e-mail to Percy to see if he is available for the dates we are going. We used a private guide on a day trip in South Africa and it was really great, so this option is very appealing to us! I'm quite certain if he is available we will utilize his services. I'll post back once I find out more.
Aug 6th, 2011, 06:09 AM
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I heard back from Percy and this sounds like a great option for us! Thanks very much Jackie for the suggestion. You are right that around $100-$150 a day for a guide is approximately right.
He e-mailed the following itinerary which looks good with some possible minor tweaks (I removed his prices since those could change over time).:
Nov. 2 .- Transfer to Ollantaytambo hotel, is better to stay there because is lower than Cusco, on the way we can visit Awanacancha , place where you will see the native animals like , Llamas, Huanacos, Alapcas and Vicuñas, after the weaving and dying process, arrive to Pisaq Ruins and market, go through the Valley to Ollantaytambo to rest in your hotel.
include : Car and private tour guide for two people.
Nov. 3.- .- Sacred Valley , Visiting Ollantaytambo ruins,Chincheros Inca Town, where you will see the native Churche , Moray experimental
Terraces, Maras salt pans , lunch and return to Ollantaytambo hotel.
include: Car and private tour guide for two people.
Nov. 4 .- am Machupicchu . include: , train tickets, round trip, bus up/ down in Machupicchu,entrance ticket to Machupicchu and private tour guide.
VISTADOME SERVICE.
Nov. 5.- Free morning, and pm. get your train to Cusco. transfer to your hotel.
Nov. 6 .- City Tour .- am. Visiting Sacsayhuaman, Quenko ,Pucapucara, Tambomachay, Qoricancha ( temple of the Sun).
include: Car and private tour guide for two people.
pm. free time to walk by yourselfs.
Nov. 7.- Transfer to the Airport.
He e-mailed the following itinerary which looks good with some possible minor tweaks (I removed his prices since those could change over time).:
Nov. 2 .- Transfer to Ollantaytambo hotel, is better to stay there because is lower than Cusco, on the way we can visit Awanacancha , place where you will see the native animals like , Llamas, Huanacos, Alapcas and Vicuñas, after the weaving and dying process, arrive to Pisaq Ruins and market, go through the Valley to Ollantaytambo to rest in your hotel.
include : Car and private tour guide for two people.
Nov. 3.- .- Sacred Valley , Visiting Ollantaytambo ruins,Chincheros Inca Town, where you will see the native Churche , Moray experimental
Terraces, Maras salt pans , lunch and return to Ollantaytambo hotel.
include: Car and private tour guide for two people.
Nov. 4 .- am Machupicchu . include: , train tickets, round trip, bus up/ down in Machupicchu,entrance ticket to Machupicchu and private tour guide.
VISTADOME SERVICE.
Nov. 5.- Free morning, and pm. get your train to Cusco. transfer to your hotel.
Nov. 6 .- City Tour .- am. Visiting Sacsayhuaman, Quenko ,Pucapucara, Tambomachay, Qoricancha ( temple of the Sun).
include: Car and private tour guide for two people.
pm. free time to walk by yourselfs.
Nov. 7.- Transfer to the Airport.
Aug 10th, 2011, 05:50 AM
#16
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My friends and I went to Peru, used Percy who was very helpful in planning and guiding us through our visit to Peru.
You can reach him at
[email protected]
He'll help with arrangements from hotels, train tickets and a guide in Machuu Pichu.
good luck!!
You can reach him at
[email protected]He'll help with arrangements from hotels, train tickets and a guide in Machuu Pichu.
good luck!!
Aug 10th, 2011, 10:00 AM
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We used Vidal from Adios Adventure Travels wo planned 9 days for us for a reasonable amount.
http://www.adiosadventuretravel.com
We stayed in Cusco for a few days to acclimatize before the Inca trek,which was helpful.
Peru is a lovely country and it's people very friendly.MP is breathtaking!
Enjoy!
CCF
http://www.adiosadventuretravel.com
We stayed in Cusco for a few days to acclimatize before the Inca trek,which was helpful.
Peru is a lovely country and it's people very friendly.MP is breathtaking!
Enjoy!
CCF
Aug 10th, 2011, 09:43 PM
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I have never been to Peru myself, but I have come across an excellent website on Peru - http://www.inside-peru.com/ - which may be of help to you.
David and Lin, a husband and wife team, are the webmasters.
They obviously know Peru well, and are very passionate about and love their country.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Peru.
Chris
jamaica-No-Problem.com
David and Lin, a husband and wife team, are the webmasters.
They obviously know Peru well, and are very passionate about and love their country.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Peru.
Chris
jamaica-No-Problem.com
Sep 20th, 2011, 04:59 PM
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Hi Jackie,
Did you go on your trip yet? If so, how was Percy? I am curious to see if it worked out since we haven't officially booked with him yet.
Also, since we are in our late 20's and he seems older do you think that would detract from having him as our guide or be more beneficial? I can see pros and cons both ways on that.
Did you go on your trip yet? If so, how was Percy? I am curious to see if it worked out since we haven't officially booked with him yet.
Also, since we are in our late 20's and he seems older do you think that would detract from having him as our guide or be more beneficial? I can see pros and cons both ways on that.
