Glad you enjoyed the photos.

We really haven't decided where to next. Researching a number of possibilities.

Have a great time in Java!

Kathie-
Somehow I just found your report. You put me to shame in that you completed it and I still haven't finished mine from April!

Glad you enjoyed the Tambo del Inka as much as we did. I was not wowed by Q'anela either but loved Tres Keros and El Huacatey. Sorry you got sick. I felt pretty bad the entire time in Cusco and could not wait to get back to sea level. And then I got some sort of stomach illness our last night in Lima! Ah well, comes with the territory, I think.

Hi Kristina, The altitude bothered us more than we thought it would. Having been to altitudes in the 8000-9000 range previously without problems, we were surprised at how much difference it made to be at 12,000 ft. We also "could not wait to get back to sea level."

Yes, getting sick occasionally (this was only my second time in 30 years!) does come with the territory. I always travel with pharmaceuticals - I was so glad I had them!

Thanks for your help in planning this trip.

Having been to altitudes in the 8000-9000 range previously without problems, we were surprised at how much difference it made to be at 12,000 ft.

I found the difference between 11,500 and 12,500 to be a huge difference. 8,000-9,000 WAS like being at sea level compared to 12,500!

Cusco is at the elevation where more people start to feel badly (it's at about 11,400 feet, actually). And often people who feel okay in Cusco (other than out of breath) feel much worse in Puno, which is another 1,000 feet higher.

If you have never been at these elevations and don't know how you will react (and even if you do know) it's a good idea to head straight to the lower elevations of the Sacred Valley (eg Ollantaytambo) and to NOT plan touring on the day of arrival.

Most itineraries can be switched around to do this. But tour agencies tend to push people to stay in Cusco, because it's easiest for THEM.

We did all the "right things" to prevent altitude sickness, including going to the Sacred Valley immediately upon arrival in Cusco. After several nights in the Sacred Valley, we expected to be acclimated. Altitude sickness is one of those things you have less control over than you wish you had!

"I found the difference between 11,500 and 12,500 to be a huge difference. 8,000-9,000 WAS like being at sea level compared to 12,500!" sf7307, we felt great arriving at Machu Picchu after having spent four nights in Cusco!

Kathie
Thanks for such a detailed and helpful report - especially regarding the HB trip and The Sanctuary.

Are you planning a trip to Peru, Gruezi? We loved that trip!

I really enjoyed reading your trip report & seeing your photographic images. I'm going in September for 3 weeks....has been a dream of mine. I too am retired. We are hiking the Inca Trail, so trying to pack light as far as camera gear goes. Curious as to the gear you took, what you felt you really needed & used, and what you wished you had. For me, the best camera is the one w me at the exact moment; but also want to optimize my chances of great images.
Thanks,

Cheryl brought her Olympus OM-D E-M-5; the lens she loves in the Olympus 12-40mm Pro. She also brought a zoom lens, a Olympus 75-300, but says you could so without that one if you are packing light. Frankly, she feels she gets better shots with her OM-D than with her Nikon D-90, and has stopped traveling with it (Indeed, she traded it in on Amazon).

Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you so much for this wonderfully informative trip report, Kathie, and thanks to Cheryl for sharing her gorgeous photos! Sounds like the two of you had some wonderful experiences, despite the less pleasant moments.

I’m about to follow in your tracks (again), if at a lower price point, and have found your descriptions extremely helpful. Among other things, I’m not good with buses on narrow, twisty, turny roads, and so will think of your father and family when I make sure I am looking always and only UP on such buses. :-)

Kathie and kja. Serendipity. I'll be in Machu Picchu next month and your report is spot on. Thanks for writing it, thanks to Cheryl for the fabulous photos and thanks to kja for bringing it to the top!
I'm seeing my GP tomorrow and will get an Rx for the Diamox and something for food poisoning. Plan to be very discriminating about my food and drink consumption.