Machu Picchu
 

We plan to visit Machu Picchu in October and stay 2 days. We do not plan to hike the Inca Trail nor Huayna Trail. Is there enough to keep us interested for 2 days? It has been suggested that we rise early the second day and return to Machu Pichu to see the sunrise. I have forgotten where we should go but the exact location is in my notes.

www.apulodge.com

www.ollantaytambo.org

best base from airport cab $25 train

into MP cheaply from there

MP admission Costs 126 soles($44) per day so best done by

1 overnite in MP get up at 5AM for the sunrise/HP climb

can easily all be done in one day 2 days costs twice as much

not logical... www.peru-explorer.com for MP lodging

Presidente my fav careful many dodgy places.

www.inkaterra.com best hotel there for a splurge.

www.insuremytrip.com always wise

Happy Hunting,

What's interesting to one person is not necessary interesting to another person. I spent 3 days at MP and could've gone back for more, but there are people who said 1 day was all they needed. You just have to do research on what's available to see at MP and then combine that with your previous travel experiences to approximate how much time you'll need at the place.

People ususally hike to the sun gate to catch the sunrise over MP. On the way to the sun gate you'll pass the entrance for the hike up Macchu Picchu Mountain for a stupendous view down at MP. Should you decide to go up PM also it's a long hike but nowhere near as steep a climb as up HP.

I was fine with just a day trip to MP, I took the very first train from Ollantaytambo and was happy to leave when it started raining about 2pm. I don't like hiking on trails with steep dropoffs so did not go on any supplemental walks inside MP, but another guest at the same hotel was able to walk to the Sun gate and see the rest of the site in one day. With the other day you might want to spend a full day enjoying some other sites around the SV such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo ruins, or a tour to Patacancha weavers village.

Thanks I appreciate everyone's opinion. How far is it to the sun gate? Is it an easy walk? Has anyone gone in October? I have been told that it is best to layer your clothes. What is the tempertaure variation? We live in Texas and I like 60 to 80 degrees. Did anyone carry a heavy coat? I am trying to pack light, but we will stop in Panama for several days after leaving Peru.

Have a wonderful day and thank you

Machu Pichu and Aguas Calientes are warmer than Cusco, where you will want some warm clothes no matter what time of year you travel. However it's a great place to buy an alpaca sweater! I traveled with a windproof waterproof layer, polyfleece for warmth.

It would not be "an easy walk" but rather a moderate hike. Allow about 45 minutes (hope someone who did this from the citadel will chime in).

Be sure to wear long sleeves and use insect repellent, there are biting midges (sandflies) at MP that can leave an ugly itchy welt if you are allergic.

Be sure to wear shoes with nonslip soles as the trails are uneven and can be slippery when wet.

Remember the hike is at altitude so it make be more strenous than expected. It took me almost 2 hours to get to the sungate, but I am admittedly not in the best physical shape.

I was there in mid September and it was low 50s overnight and climbed to the mid 60s during the day. Plus you are exerting yourself hiking. I wore a fleece jacket and a long sleeve shirt. The coat was around my waist and the sleeve rolled up by the time I made it back down from the sun gate (coat went off early in the hike)

The sun rises at before 6 am and the park doesn't open until then. So seeing the sunrise at MP isn't possible. There are some outfitters who will hike over the pass about then, but when it is dark there, it is dark.

Enjoy your trip.

Thank you Diane. I am not in the best of shape either. I just joined the university's REC center and am working with a trainer to help get into better shape. I need to strengthen everything. Atleast, I will be in better shape in October than I am now.