Lots of Photos! April Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley Trip Report
Jun 10th, 2011, 06:21 PM
#22
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Absolutely fabulous photos. What site did you use to show the photos/slideshow. It was so nice to have the description of each photo. We will be going next April so love all the information. Machu Picchu is tops of my bucket list.
Jun 11th, 2011, 02:11 PM
#23
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Idahospud, Thanks, I'm so glad you enjoyed them; I'm flattered. I use a site called Phanfare I have used many sites and find them to be the best. You can find them at www.phanfare.com. Here is a 20% discount code if you are interested in using them: URTXW91NT8 (note: I have no connection with this company whatsoever. I just love their service)
You will LOVE Machu Picchu. It is a great bucket list item : )
You will LOVE Machu Picchu. It is a great bucket list item : )
Jun 11th, 2011, 07:41 PM
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Thanks for the photo site & coupon. I've used Snapfish but people don't like logging in. What type of clothing did you pack? I see post where it says you can't take more than a backpack on trains, buses, etc so what do you do with your suitcase. I'm use to packing in a small bag but that doesn't work when you're packing sweaters, long pants, etc. Sounds like it gets warm enough in May for shorts. We're hiring a guide for our 2 wk trip so imagine he has some answers as well.
Jun 12th, 2011, 08:58 AM
#26
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I am impressed with your cookie tossing! I'm sure I'll be even more impressed with the photos.
Peru for less escorted you the entire way it seems, dropping you off at the train and then in Cusco for an afternoon on your own, then taking you to the airport.
From your itinerary it appears you devoted a whole day to Machu Picchu.
Thanks for an entertaining report.
Idahospud, who did you hire for your Peru guide?
Peru for less escorted you the entire way it seems, dropping you off at the train and then in Cusco for an afternoon on your own, then taking you to the airport.
From your itinerary it appears you devoted a whole day to Machu Picchu.
Thanks for an entertaining report.
Idahospud, who did you hire for your Peru guide?
Jun 12th, 2011, 11:23 AM
#27
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Idahospud, if you have a guide, they will take your suitcase before you get on the train and deliver it to your next hotel. You can also leave it at the hotel where you are staying before you get on the train. You really only want a small bag for your trip to MP regardless of the train regulations. You'll have to walk from the train to your hotel and who wants to drag a bag? In May you can travel light and you can also just tie a light jacket around your waste. You certainly don't need any "dinner clothes" in AC (or anywhere in Peru except maybe Lima). (however, we saw lots of regular big suitcases and backpacks on the train, so they might just enforce the "bag rule" during the high season)
We were in AC for two nights. We went up to AC in the afternoon of day one, but didn't go all the way up to MP, we stayed in AC for the late afternoon and enjoyed relaxing at our hotel and walking around. The next morning, we got up early and spent the entire day at MP and left for AC on the last bus. We spent the night in AC and caught the 8:30 "backpacker" train the next morning. (note on the "backpacker" train, which is the only train that leaves AC early in the morning, seat 1A and 1B are facing backwards on the left so you don't want those seats. There are tables between seats on the backpacker so almost half the seats are backwards facing.) Remember you want the left side of the train on the way up and the right side on the way back, if possible. The "backpacker" train is just fine. Very comfortable and if you are only going to Olly, it is a lot cheaper and the ride, as long as you don't have a landslide like we did, is only an hour and a half. (23 miles--it is a slow train)
Regarding shorts, many on this forum have had major issues with biting mites at MP (called no-see-ums in the US). I had a friend who was horribly bitten when he went in October. I didn't see or feel one bug when I was there nor did my friend, but light weight pants might be a better choice than shorts.
Peru is very, very casual. You don't need anything for dinner except a a change of clean clothes. I bought two pair of light weight travel pants, some Exofficio shirts, some long sleve t-shirts a pair of black jeans for dinner with a couple tops to wear to dinner, a super light weight rain jacket with hood, and a black Scott "E vest" (vest with lots of pockets) for all my photography gear. That's it.
Atravelynn, I chuckled at your remarks. Yes, It was quite the controlled cookie toss. LOL
Yes, Peru For less escorted us for six days and we had two days on our own. They were great and the quality of both driver and guides were excellent. The van was brand new and spotlessly clean. I was happy and the trip was effortless. However, it would be very easy to do this trip by yourself without a TA. It was just easier for me at the time.
We were in AC for two nights. We went up to AC in the afternoon of day one, but didn't go all the way up to MP, we stayed in AC for the late afternoon and enjoyed relaxing at our hotel and walking around. The next morning, we got up early and spent the entire day at MP and left for AC on the last bus. We spent the night in AC and caught the 8:30 "backpacker" train the next morning. (note on the "backpacker" train, which is the only train that leaves AC early in the morning, seat 1A and 1B are facing backwards on the left so you don't want those seats. There are tables between seats on the backpacker so almost half the seats are backwards facing.) Remember you want the left side of the train on the way up and the right side on the way back, if possible. The "backpacker" train is just fine. Very comfortable and if you are only going to Olly, it is a lot cheaper and the ride, as long as you don't have a landslide like we did, is only an hour and a half. (23 miles--it is a slow train)
Regarding shorts, many on this forum have had major issues with biting mites at MP (called no-see-ums in the US). I had a friend who was horribly bitten when he went in October. I didn't see or feel one bug when I was there nor did my friend, but light weight pants might be a better choice than shorts.
Peru is very, very casual. You don't need anything for dinner except a a change of clean clothes. I bought two pair of light weight travel pants, some Exofficio shirts, some long sleve t-shirts a pair of black jeans for dinner with a couple tops to wear to dinner, a super light weight rain jacket with hood, and a black Scott "E vest" (vest with lots of pockets) for all my photography gear. That's it.
Atravelynn, I chuckled at your remarks. Yes, It was quite the controlled cookie toss. LOL
Yes, Peru For less escorted us for six days and we had two days on our own. They were great and the quality of both driver and guides were excellent. The van was brand new and spotlessly clean. I was happy and the trip was effortless. However, it would be very easy to do this trip by yourself without a TA. It was just easier for me at the time.
Jun 12th, 2011, 06:22 PM
#30
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You would hire your own guides and drivers. For me, public transport is a bit too much work. You can get drivers and guides through local agencies. Why don't you post the question on recommendations for guides/drivers as a new topic. You will get lots of great guide recommendations and info. (there is probably plenty already if you do a search) . A lot of the folks in the forum do the trips on their own. I know Lcuy just got back and did a longer trip than I did. She did all the planning herself (she's a pro) . Click on her recent trip report and read through it. She'll give you whatever information you need. I'm not as helpful since I'm lazy and always hire TA's : )
Jun 13th, 2011, 04:13 AM
#31
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evamarie, our guide's name was Horacio Rodriguez. his email is [email protected] His phone is listed at Claro: 984751377
He has both a good grasp of the history as well as knowledge of where all the best spots for photography are. He will take you out on ledges and precipices where you would never go yourself. He will also take some well framed photos of you as well, which is always nice. (as with shoemaker's children having no shoes, photographers often have no photos of themselves) Spend about three hours with him for both the history and photography opportunities and then scramble about the ruins by yourself. The photos of the nooks and crannies are just as marvelous as the panoramic vistas.
Note: He does not coddle you when you are walking about. You figure out the how to get over the ledges yourself, LOL. He is a bit of a no nonsense guy. He was just perfect for me, as I like no-nonsense people, but he might not be everyone's cup of tea.
He met us at the train in AC when we arrived to discuss the next day when we would go up to MP. Then, he met us in the morning and traveled up on the bus with us. I don't know if this is his standard behavior or if it was because Peru for less asked him to meet us.
He has both a good grasp of the history as well as knowledge of where all the best spots for photography are. He will take you out on ledges and precipices where you would never go yourself. He will also take some well framed photos of you as well, which is always nice. (as with shoemaker's children having no shoes, photographers often have no photos of themselves) Spend about three hours with him for both the history and photography opportunities and then scramble about the ruins by yourself. The photos of the nooks and crannies are just as marvelous as the panoramic vistas.
Note: He does not coddle you when you are walking about. You figure out the how to get over the ledges yourself, LOL. He is a bit of a no nonsense guy. He was just perfect for me, as I like no-nonsense people, but he might not be everyone's cup of tea.
He met us at the train in AC when we arrived to discuss the next day when we would go up to MP. Then, he met us in the morning and traveled up on the bus with us. I don't know if this is his standard behavior or if it was because Peru for less asked him to meet us.
Jun 14th, 2011, 03:21 PM
#36
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Boston Harbor - you are my inspiration;-)
Here is my itinerary with a couple of questions. Where did you rent your fish eye lens through? Thanks for all of your insights!
Day 1 - Arrive Cusco @8am– Tour Pisac ruins and market, spend all morning there, lunch in Pisac,
Arrive in Ollantaytambo town between 2 and 3.
Reservas Hotel Pakaritampu
Telefonos (51-84) 204020/204104/204106
Emergencias (51-84) 984-965399 – RPM #966466
Fax: (51-84)204105
[email protected]
Dinner suggestions in Olly???
Day 2 - Start at 9am visit Maras Moray and the salt mines then on to a tour of Ollantaytambo the archeological site , tour ends between 3pm and 3:30pm.
Dinner suggestions in Olly???
Day 3 - Start at 8am visit Market day in Chinchero, the archeological site and the colonial church, spend 2hrs 30 mins and have time for lunch – then directly back to train station by 1pm for train to Machu Picchu. Train travel time @ 90 minutes.
Luggage bigger than day pack portered to Hotel Midori in Cusco by guide.
Sumaq
Calle Costa Rica 185 Urb. La Aurora - Miraflores Lima 18 | Telf: (511) 445 7828 I Cel RPC: (511) 98 911 0728
[email protected] I www.machupicchuhotels-sumaq.com
Day 4.- Machu Picchu
What time do we need to get up in the morning to catch the bus if we want a ticket to do the climb? If we opt out of the climb what time should we aim to be at MP to get the best photos in July? Early morning?
Day 5 – Train from Machu Picchu to Olly (90min), Taxi from Olly to Cusco (40min), Cusco City tour and ruins (Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay) start at 1:30 pm
Midori Hotel
Ataud street, Number 204.
Cusco - Peru
tel. +51 (84) 248144
fax. +51 (84) 223402
email: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Day 6 .- Depart Cusco at 4:30pm
DON’T FORGET....
Bug spray and sunscreen
Passport for machu picchu to buy the entrance fees at the town of Aguas Calientes YOU MUST PAY IN SOLES. 126 SOLES. ($ 46) per person
Integral ticket for city tour and sacred valley... you must pay in soles 130 soles ($ 42) per person, Cathedral ticket 25 soles ($ 10) per person, Ticket for salt mines 5 soles ($ 2) per person, Koricancha ticket 10 soles ($ 4) per person
Here is my itinerary with a couple of questions. Where did you rent your fish eye lens through? Thanks for all of your insights!
Day 1 - Arrive Cusco @8am– Tour Pisac ruins and market, spend all morning there, lunch in Pisac,
Arrive in Ollantaytambo town between 2 and 3.
Reservas Hotel Pakaritampu
Telefonos (51-84) 204020/204104/204106
Emergencias (51-84) 984-965399 – RPM #966466
Fax: (51-84)204105
[email protected]
Dinner suggestions in Olly???
Day 2 - Start at 9am visit Maras Moray and the salt mines then on to a tour of Ollantaytambo the archeological site , tour ends between 3pm and 3:30pm.
Dinner suggestions in Olly???
Day 3 - Start at 8am visit Market day in Chinchero, the archeological site and the colonial church, spend 2hrs 30 mins and have time for lunch – then directly back to train station by 1pm for train to Machu Picchu. Train travel time @ 90 minutes.
Luggage bigger than day pack portered to Hotel Midori in Cusco by guide.
Sumaq
Calle Costa Rica 185 Urb. La Aurora - Miraflores Lima 18 | Telf: (511) 445 7828 I Cel RPC: (511) 98 911 0728
[email protected] I www.machupicchuhotels-sumaq.com
Day 4.- Machu Picchu
What time do we need to get up in the morning to catch the bus if we want a ticket to do the climb? If we opt out of the climb what time should we aim to be at MP to get the best photos in July? Early morning?
Day 5 – Train from Machu Picchu to Olly (90min), Taxi from Olly to Cusco (40min), Cusco City tour and ruins (Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay) start at 1:30 pm
Midori Hotel
Ataud street, Number 204.
Cusco - Peru
tel. +51 (84) 248144
fax. +51 (84) 223402
email: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Day 6 .- Depart Cusco at 4:30pm
DON’T FORGET....
Bug spray and sunscreen
Passport for machu picchu to buy the entrance fees at the town of Aguas Calientes YOU MUST PAY IN SOLES. 126 SOLES. ($ 46) per person
Integral ticket for city tour and sacred valley... you must pay in soles 130 soles ($ 42) per person, Cathedral ticket 25 soles ($ 10) per person, Ticket for salt mines 5 soles ($ 2) per person, Koricancha ticket 10 soles ($ 4) per person
Jun 15th, 2011, 06:33 AM
#37
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Wow, evamarie, you're better than at TA, LOL. Your trip as a six day journey sounds great except for one thing. Essentially, you are doing the same trip as I did and I loved every minute. The only thing I would change is staying another day in Cusco at the end. Cusco is a living museum in itself and should be savored. You really need at least a day just walking around, visiting the Inka museum, the cathedral, the great monasteries--having lunch over looking the Plaza des Armas. You simply <i>must</i> stay another day in Cusco. I had more than two days, and it wasn't enough. You are hardly have 24 hours. You will cry.
Also, see if you can plan your trip so that you are in Chinchero on Sunday for the market. Both Pisac and Chinchero have their big markets on Sunday.
For restaurants in Olly, I would turn to <b>mlgb</b> and <b>Lcuy </b>for tips. mlgb is far more informed about Olly than I, and Lcuy stayed at the Hotel Pakaritampu just a few weeks ago.
To get tickets to climb HP, you would need to be on the first bus at 5:00 and in line an hour or so before that. (again, this is from others, I didn't climb as I just want to take photos). Do a search in the forum and see what others have said regarding getting tickets. However, since you are only going to be at MP for one day, you need to weigh whether you want to spend half of your time climbing a mountain. Just a thought. If you opt out of the climb, and it is clear, you should try to be up at the mountain as early as you comfortably can--around 6:30 so you have the lovely morning light for photos. In July, chances are much better of it being clearer, but you always need to play a cloud forest by ear.
Regarding my fisheye lens (or any other specialty lens you might want), I rent lenses from "Lens Pro to Go" http://www.lensprotogo.com/ They are great to work with and their prices INCLUDE shipping both ways (most rental compaies don't include shipping on their stated rates, so watch out when comparing prices). A one week rental on the Fisheye lens was something like $68. (Plus insurance which only costs about $5 and really limits your exposure if the lens gets damaged) I'm very in to renting lenses these days, even when I'm home and want a specialty lens for an event. Everything is easy to understand on their site and they answer the phone immediately if you have questions.
<b>Tip:</b> rather than a fisheye lens, you might want to rent a super wide angle like a 10-24 mm. You get almost the same view with no distortion. It is all in how you want the photo to look. I had both and usually used my 10-24mm--I own one and it is my favorite lens--for both close up photography and panoramas.
Also, see if you can plan your trip so that you are in Chinchero on Sunday for the market. Both Pisac and Chinchero have their big markets on Sunday.
For restaurants in Olly, I would turn to <b>mlgb</b> and <b>Lcuy </b>for tips. mlgb is far more informed about Olly than I, and Lcuy stayed at the Hotel Pakaritampu just a few weeks ago.
To get tickets to climb HP, you would need to be on the first bus at 5:00 and in line an hour or so before that. (again, this is from others, I didn't climb as I just want to take photos). Do a search in the forum and see what others have said regarding getting tickets. However, since you are only going to be at MP for one day, you need to weigh whether you want to spend half of your time climbing a mountain. Just a thought. If you opt out of the climb, and it is clear, you should try to be up at the mountain as early as you comfortably can--around 6:30 so you have the lovely morning light for photos. In July, chances are much better of it being clearer, but you always need to play a cloud forest by ear.
Regarding my fisheye lens (or any other specialty lens you might want), I rent lenses from "Lens Pro to Go" http://www.lensprotogo.com/ They are great to work with and their prices INCLUDE shipping both ways (most rental compaies don't include shipping on their stated rates, so watch out when comparing prices). A one week rental on the Fisheye lens was something like $68. (Plus insurance which only costs about $5 and really limits your exposure if the lens gets damaged) I'm very in to renting lenses these days, even when I'm home and want a specialty lens for an event. Everything is easy to understand on their site and they answer the phone immediately if you have questions.
<b>Tip:</b> rather than a fisheye lens, you might want to rent a super wide angle like a 10-24 mm. You get almost the same view with no distortion. It is all in how you want the photo to look. I had both and usually used my 10-24mm--I own one and it is my favorite lens--for both close up photography and panoramas.
Jun 15th, 2011, 06:58 AM
#38
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Last thing. Before you go to MP. Review this 3-D video of the sanctuary a few times. I so wish I had seen this before I visited as I would have been more well oriented to the site: http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...chu-picchu.cfm
Also, I posted some tips on how to take a panorama set of shots that can help you get fabulous vistas in Peru: http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...chu-picchu.cfm
OK, that's it.
Also, I posted some tips on how to take a panorama set of shots that can help you get fabulous vistas in Peru: http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...chu-picchu.cfm
OK, that's it.
Jun 15th, 2011, 02:20 PM
#39
It's so nice to see photos from someone who knows how to handle a camera. Very well done. Are you a pro or just an enthusiast?
I have yet to go thru my 1300 pics from Peru following our end of April trip. But with the arrival of a new iMac yesterday and a LR3 download, I'll get busy soon.
You pics brought back so many wonderful memories.
I have yet to go thru my 1300 pics from Peru following our end of April trip. But with the arrival of a new iMac yesterday and a LR3 download, I'll get busy soon.
You pics brought back so many wonderful memories.
Jun 15th, 2011, 08:35 PM
#40
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Hi dcd, thanks. I love to share my photos and they are great for reliving the trip. I'm just an enthusiast whose work in a technology company gets in the way of my travels ; )
I also just bought the new Imac a couple weeks ago. It's heaven. I waited until I could process my photos the new mac as well.
Looking forward to seeing your photos. Post soon.
I also just bought the new Imac a couple weeks ago. It's heaven. I waited until I could process my photos the new mac as well.
Looking forward to seeing your photos. Post soon.
