My husband and I are considering a trip here. Need lots of advice on how long to plan it for, best things to see. Ideally we would like a 5 day trip if possible or 7 days however, if this is not long enough we'd like to know. What are the top places to see on a short trip and any good advice would be appreciated. We read some blogs and learned that schedules are not always on time when it comes to taking a train etc..

thanks
marielou&mike

www.peruforless.com Heart of the Inca tour short sweet

Perubesttours.com Mike also has similar at good prices

Respecct the altitude mdtravelhealth.com Peru

Always take Diamox for a short stay to prevent altitude

illness...

It is a shame not to do the gringo trail to

incalandadventures.com to MP with Flavio $300 for me last

but you would need 10 days to 2 weeks.

Make more time if you can... Happy Journey

Always pay with CC never wire money and insuremytrip.com

Beware TripAdvertizer onine "expert" touts scammers

there are a tonne... Happy Travels!

Spirit.com my cheapest flights down to LIM from FLL

usually can fly first class with them for

the price of coach on the others for me last

$239 RT plus $50 upgrade charge to Big Front Seat

awesome deal...

I went to Peru a few years ago with Andesadventures.com. They do small group tours and u travel in a minibus. Our guide was awesome, as is Peru and I think the best way to see Peru is with a guided tour as there is so much to learn and to see. Their prices are reasonable. You need a good 24hrs to adjust to the altitude in Cusco. NO alcohol or you will be SO sorry! See MP at sunrise.

7 days or even 8 days would be a lot better, so you can allow for delays on arrival, a rest day around the Sacred Valley just in case you feel badly, adjusting the schedule to spend Sunday at one of the local markets, and at least one night in Lima on the way back home. Note that there are not many afternoon flights between Cusco and Lima due to weather conditions.

Day 1 International flight (in most cases you have to overnight in Lima)
Day 2 fly Lima to Cusco early, transfer to the Sacred Valley (possible sight seeing day)
Day 3 Sacred Valley take the train this afternoon to Aguas Calientes (or the following morning)
Day 4 Day at Machu Picchu, return late train to Ollantaytambo
Day 5 Transfer to Cusco (you can pickup some sights such as Moray and Salineras on the way) 1/2 day Cusco
Day 6 Cusco, take the latest available flight to Lima
Day 7 Lima to home

As you can see 8 days would give you more time in Cusco.

LAN is having an airfare sale today, worth checking.

Honestly, my way is strange one but is a good one, done several time by friends of mine and my own family... Travel to Lima, stay in Lima for a day... take a Lan Chile fight to Cuzco in the early am, once in Cuzco take a cab to Poroy station where you can take a couple of trains, the Vistadome or the Hiram Bingham... either will take to Machupichu... on the way back the train returns to Cuzco, and the easy slow ascent makes you negotiate the altitude problem... stay at the Eco lodge or Jose Antonio... Sunday is good for Pisac or Chincheros(markets) Get a taxi to take you to Sacsayhuaman and environs... need more inf let me know...
Who ever takes you to Poroy, ask them to pick you on the return...

Most of the trains leave Cusco in the morning, you are just asking for trouble if you think you can catch one the same day of your inbound flight. They often sell out, as well.

Honestly, this is Culebra Cook's first posting.

Been to Peru several times with student groups. If you only have 5 days, it will be possible to see Cusco one day, Sacred Valley one day and Machu Picchu one day, then back to Cusco for your flight.
Recommend minimum of 7 days for Cusco, SV, MaPi loop.
There is only 2000 ft difference in altitude between Cusco and Sacred Valley. I just tough it out one day in Cusco to adapt, then you are fine. Also highly recommend the 1-day hike to Machu Picchu. No camping. You have to book through an operator. And includes tour of MaPi and overnight in Aguas Calientes.
It's an amazing place!

Hi
I went to Machu Picchu with Mythical Trails Peru, we had a nice time.
let me advice you while you are in Cusco you should try these things: Eat picarones and tamales visit the market of Pisac , children’s Art Museum and Museo Taller Hilario Mendivil

They have small groups for machu picchu tours, good tour guides (very helpful) they will help you !