Machu Pichu
Apr 7th, 2011, 10:51 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Machu Pichu
My husband and I would like a trip that includes a couple of days at Machu Pichu. We prefer group travel over independent travel. My questions-What is the best time of year to visit Machu Pichu? Any recommendations on cruises, motorcoach tours, etc., for this kind of trip? Any info. is appreciated.
Apr 7th, 2011, 06:40 PM
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A good guidebook would answer some of your basic questions here. For example, you get to Machu Picchu only by train at which point you then take a shuttle bus to get up to the ruins. It's not possible to get there by motorcoach.
Apr 8th, 2011, 06:18 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the quick responses. I've looked at Trafalgar's Peru trips. They look like our best bet so far with reasonable pricing and they include two days at Machu Pichu. Next question-We are 63 and 66 in good physical condition. But we're not 30. If we don't try that 20 mile hike up, actually NO WAY, can we feel pretty comfortable that we can do the rest using train and shuttle bus to get to top? Jeff Costa Rica-sounds like you have been there.
Apr 8th, 2011, 08:44 AM
#5
You really need to look at a travel guide or perhaps www.andeantravelweb.com
Yes you can get to MP by train and shuttle.
To read trip reports, click the "View by Country" link in the upper left, and then select Peru. Scroll down and at the bottom of the screen will be various reports marked with the orange book. You will find some good recommendations for agencies. I don't think I've ever seen Trafalgar recommended. There are lots of good recommendations for Peruvian agents in Cusco.
I prefer independent travel so can't give you a personal recommendation, but I do know several people who enjoyed the OAT Real Affordable Peru trip. OAT has smaller groups and their clients tend to be similar to your age group.
Yes you can get to MP by train and shuttle.
To read trip reports, click the "View by Country" link in the upper left, and then select Peru. Scroll down and at the bottom of the screen will be various reports marked with the orange book. You will find some good recommendations for agencies. I don't think I've ever seen Trafalgar recommended. There are lots of good recommendations for Peruvian agents in Cusco.
I prefer independent travel so can't give you a personal recommendation, but I do know several people who enjoyed the OAT Real Affordable Peru trip. OAT has smaller groups and their clients tend to be similar to your age group.
Apr 9th, 2011, 08:46 AM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been there a few times and I'm 54 yo. May is the best if you have a choice, then April, then Oct, Nov. I've hiked the 4-day Inca Trail and the one day Inca Trail and have taken the train and bus. If you go by train and bus, you will only have to climb up from the park entry to the ruins. It's not far, but it is steep. If you can comfortably climb 4 flights of stairs, you should not have any problems. You take your time. Once you arrive at the ruins, again, you take your time to reach the steeper places. You will want at least 3-6 hours, depending on your level of interest. You can go down to the entry for food and bathrooms, then re-enter and go back up. Hopefully, you'll have time to wander on your own.
If you go with an agency and a group, they should handle all the tickets and offer a guided tour.
This destination has more complicated transitions than other high profile destinations around the world. Many people are surprised at how difficult it is to reach. Going with a guide and agency will make it enjoyable. It's their job to worry about the tickets and timetables etc.
If you go with an agency and a group, they should handle all the tickets and offer a guided tour.
This destination has more complicated transitions than other high profile destinations around the world. Many people are surprised at how difficult it is to reach. Going with a guide and agency will make it enjoyable. It's their job to worry about the tickets and timetables etc.
Apr 9th, 2011, 11:45 AM
#7
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just returned from Peru today and had a spectacular time. When you go at the end of the rainy season, you gamble on weather, but you have many of the ruins almost to yourself.
I traveled independently, but used <i>Peru for Less</i> to assist in the arrangements. They were great and I enjoy the flexibility of independent travel. Even in the rainy season, you can end up with one of the most gorgeous days in the world at MP as I did last week. It had been pouring the afternoon I arrived at the Inka Terra, and a british couple said they "couldn't see their hand in front of their face" that day. I was despondent having traveled all that way. But, what are you going to do? you make the best of it. However, the nice people at Inka Terra sent a birthday cake to my table that night and my wish when I blew out the candle was for sun. And the Inka Gods gave me my wish: http://snips.ly/MachuPichu
As everyone in the forum has said, there are pros and cons to each season--weather vs crowds. Other than when we were sleeping, we had no rain at all--and almost private access to the ruins. It was fabulous.
I saw an OAT group that looked like they were having a great time. They stayed at great hotels, were using walking sticks and seemed to be in terrific spirits.
I didn't have any issues with altitude. I did take diamox and anvil. I climbed over every inch of every ruin and took over 2000 photos. For the first time in my life, I actually felt my knees talking back to me : )
I traveled independently, but used <i>Peru for Less</i> to assist in the arrangements. They were great and I enjoy the flexibility of independent travel. Even in the rainy season, you can end up with one of the most gorgeous days in the world at MP as I did last week. It had been pouring the afternoon I arrived at the Inka Terra, and a british couple said they "couldn't see their hand in front of their face" that day. I was despondent having traveled all that way. But, what are you going to do? you make the best of it. However, the nice people at Inka Terra sent a birthday cake to my table that night and my wish when I blew out the candle was for sun. And the Inka Gods gave me my wish: http://snips.ly/MachuPichu
As everyone in the forum has said, there are pros and cons to each season--weather vs crowds. Other than when we were sleeping, we had no rain at all--and almost private access to the ruins. It was fabulous.
I saw an OAT group that looked like they were having a great time. They stayed at great hotels, were using walking sticks and seemed to be in terrific spirits.
I didn't have any issues with altitude. I did take diamox and anvil. I climbed over every inch of every ruin and took over 2000 photos. For the first time in my life, I actually felt my knees talking back to me : )
Apr 12th, 2011, 06:54 PM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In addition - staying at the Sanctuary @$825.00 per night - vs - the Sumaq for roughly $400.00 - is the Sanctuary that much closer to Machu Picchu - they both appear to be in Aguas Caliente....appreciate any insight to these 2 hotels - or others you'd suggest in the region. Thank you.
Apr 12th, 2011, 07:12 PM
#10
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>>So October would be a good time to go?<<
Oct. is good. I was there two years ago in late Sept/early Oct. Some rain but mostly sunny days.
The Sanctuary is practically right at the ticket entrance gate to MP. You don't have to take a bus from AC for the 20 minutes or so ride up to MP if you stay there.
Oct. is good. I was there two years ago in late Sept/early Oct. Some rain but mostly sunny days.
The Sanctuary is practically right at the ticket entrance gate to MP. You don't have to take a bus from AC for the 20 minutes or so ride up to MP if you stay there.
Apr 13th, 2011, 12:27 PM
#11
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BellaClaire, as Aexet2DP stated, the Sanctuary is right at the ticket entrance to MP, but is at least twice the cost of the Sumaq or Inca Terra 20 minutes down the mountain in AC. We stayed at the Inka Terra in a Suite and it was still much less expensive than the Sanctuary and the bungalow was gorgeous with a working, wonderful fireplace. Also, meals (breakfast and dinner) are included at Inka Terra rates (and I think Sumaq as well). I'm not sure about meals at the Sanctuary Lodge. From friends who have stayed at the Sanctuary, the rooms are not as nice as either Sumaq or Inka Terra. You are paying for location and if that is important to you, then the extra cost might be worth it. The MP grounds don't open until 6 AM for anyone,and you can get up to the mountain from AC by then if you are an early riser.
October should be a nice time to be there. I have friends where were there in October (and who stayed at the Sanctuary lodge) . Here is their photobook if you want to get a preview of what you might see in terms of weather: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1140203 (but remember, this is a cloud forest, so anything goes)
October should be a nice time to be there. I have friends where were there in October (and who stayed at the Sanctuary lodge) . Here is their photobook if you want to get a preview of what you might see in terms of weather: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1140203 (but remember, this is a cloud forest, so anything goes)
Apr 13th, 2011, 01:17 PM
#12
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think the Sanctuary Lodge is worth $800+ per night. It isn't like you can stay that much longer or get in that much earlier by being on top of the mountain right outside the entrance to the ruins. A LONG, LONG time ago, guests of the lodge used to be able to get in after hours on the nights around the full moon (when people could have enough light to see where they were going). They did away with that system years ago.
Apr 19th, 2011, 06:36 AM
#17
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would agree that May is - for me - the best month for the trail: you are more or less guaranteed good trekking weather but everything is nice and lush after the November-March rainy season. By September and October you will still have good weather but everything can look a little parched.
I'd also definitely concur that the Inkaterra Pueblo is much better value than the Sanctuary Lodge. El Mapi is fine but not in the same class as either the Pueblo or the Sanctuary Lodge: it's actually owned by Inkaterra so they can provide a budget alternative to the Pueblo. Still a decent mid-range hotel, however.
Full disclaimer is that I work for Real Peru (http://www.therealperu.co.uk ) so perhaps I would say this, but when you're dealing with the Inca Trail it really is a good idea to book with a specialist operator (not just us, obviously - there are several in the UK) who knows what they are doing. It's the only way you can get the dedicated back-up you need ahead of the trip from someone who has actually done that trek, and the only way to be sure you're going to get the quality actually on the Inca Trail itself. As several people have said above, check the trip reports on Fodor's and elsewhere to get some ideas.
Hope this helps!
Dan
I'd also definitely concur that the Inkaterra Pueblo is much better value than the Sanctuary Lodge. El Mapi is fine but not in the same class as either the Pueblo or the Sanctuary Lodge: it's actually owned by Inkaterra so they can provide a budget alternative to the Pueblo. Still a decent mid-range hotel, however.
Full disclaimer is that I work for Real Peru (http://www.therealperu.co.uk ) so perhaps I would say this, but when you're dealing with the Inca Trail it really is a good idea to book with a specialist operator (not just us, obviously - there are several in the UK) who knows what they are doing. It's the only way you can get the dedicated back-up you need ahead of the trip from someone who has actually done that trek, and the only way to be sure you're going to get the quality actually on the Inca Trail itself. As several people have said above, check the trip reports on Fodor's and elsewhere to get some ideas.
Hope this helps!
Dan
Apr 22nd, 2011, 04:37 AM
#18
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We left machu picchu yesterday. fab weather. if you can stay at inkaterra do it. magnificent botanic garden almost jungle like. gorgeous rooms. >We are travelling with our 6 year old and wish we had done a 2 day hike. some of them are easier than others. we used a guide from pm explorers who was good. Couple of tips - use a travel agent or book everything really early. 5000 people go there every day and my god it is busy. book early. unfortunately i booked it all myself and peru rail web site is complete crap and ORBITZ.COM took our money but did not book the hotel I requested and of course the whole town was FULL. ended up staying in a grotty flea bag backpackers hostel. shame. I did all the backpacking i wanted to 30 years ago. but it was all worth it. fantastic.
Apr 22nd, 2011, 06:17 AM
#19
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So happy to hear the weather was great for you hup! I was just there about 5 days ago. I am on my last day in Peru, in Lima. I agree with all your advice. I would also say to avoid any of the tour operators at the airport. I booked some tours with a group called Inkapal and was cheated of some money and had some stressful challenging experiences. I will post separately as a warning to others.
