Call me a Philistine, that's ok. Just please respond to the question if you are able.

In looking at a first and maybe only trip to Peru for Aug, I want to maximize time in the jungle and Amazon Basin, but feel I should not leave without seeing the world renowned Machu Picchu. I don't need to linger or to investigate all the surroundings.

With unlimited time and money, I'd hang out at this historic site a couple of weeks. But the limits on each and my real interest in spending time in more wild environs, mean I need to know how you'd structure a very quick trip to Machu Picchu.

I saw the lightning quick trip report to Machu Picchu by Boston Harbor but that was 6 days.
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...quick-tour.cfm

Or--perish the thought and beat me bloody with a Zampoña--have you heard of anyone going to Peru without including Machu Picchu?

Dear Phil

My neighbour went to Peru without seeing Machu Picchu. But he is an unsophisticated rube who doesn't deserve to live beside us.

By the time we got to MP after hiking for 3.5 days, three hours at the site was enough. You can do it in a day.

Fly to Cusco & get a taxi from the airport to Ollantaytamb. Stay two nights. get train to Aquas calientes, overnight and get bus up to MP first thing in the morning. Back to AC for the return train to Cusco and flight to wherever - done!

I spent two months in peru and, unusually MP only ranked 4th or 5th in my list of favourite place, so yes it is possible not to include MP.

PS what on earth is a Zampoña???

PPS colduphere, what is a "rube"?

Crellston - I admit it isn't nice. In fact anyone who calls someone else a rube is a dick.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rube

In fact, "unsophisticated rube" is redundant. As I used the term, I believe that makes me a rube.

If you really want to rush there, fly into Cusco, then head to Ollantaytambo for the night. Take the early train to Agua Callientes, bus up the hill and tour MP till about 2 pm. Catch the late afternoon train back to Cusco, and fly out the next morning.

You might also be able to go all the way to Aguas Calientes by train the first day, letting you have more time the next day to visit MP. Not sure how late the last train to AC leaves Cusco.

I don't think its possible to fly into Cusco, take a train directly to AC and see MP that same day.

Keep in mind that planes and trains are often delayed in Peru, so have a backup plan. Also be aware that clouds sometimes obscure the vista at MP first thing in the morning.

You won't die if you skip Machu Picchu, but I'm awfully glad we went. There may be a lot of visitors, but it is still a "real" part of Peru.

I haven't been to Machu Picchu but I know it's more interesting than anything in Wisconsin.

Your interests are what they are. If they gravitate more toward the Amazon and less toward Inca ruins, so be it. You need only satisfy your own wishes for a trip to Peru.

Most visitors see MP in a half-day. They arrive on the mid-morning train from Cusco, take the shuttle bus up the mountain, come back down about 2 p.m. and take the afternoon train back. It makes for a long, tiring day but if that's the amount of time somebody has, then that's the time they have.

I would try to be up at MP by 8 am or earlier if you are going to take photos. By mid morning it is crowded with day trippers.

The quick tour version I would offer is

Day 1, Fly in early to Cusco, late afternoon train or evening train to Aguas Calientes, you can spend a bit of time in Ollantaytambo for photos around the old Inca Town sector. Sleep in Aguas Calientes (low enough in altitude not to bother most people).

Day 2 As early as you can take the bus to Machu Picchu, and wait at either the Sun Gate or the Watchman's house for the fog to lift, if any. Time for llama photos.

If you get up early, you will be done by lunchtime. You can take a train around 3pm, take the train at least one way during daylight. Sleep again in Ollantaytambo (again, lower altitude than Cusco)

Day 3. Next morning transfer back to Cusco for a flight onward. Detour to the Salineras at Maras if you are a photographer.

So you can do it in three days, although you may regret rushing once you are there.

I think I left an important fact out of Day 1. You will want to immediately taxi from Cusco via the Sacred Valley in order to catch the train in Ollantaytambo. You will be wanting to stop for a few photos along the way. If your plane is on time, you can visit the Ollantaytambo ruins as well (walking distance to the train station).

<b>Dick Colduphere</b>, I recall a report by you on the subject that I did not pay much attention to at the time because it did not apply to me back then. Could you post it here? The subject being Machu Picchu, not unsophisticated rubes.

<b>Crellston,</b> you ask what a rube is. Just read <b>Marija's</b> comment. That makes her a rube. But a very witty one. She is also a FIB, which is a term of "endearment" we Wisconsonites use for Illinois Bas--I mean Neighbors. Which reminds me, I once made a New Years Resolution to visit those neigbors and have never kept it!

<b>Jeff Costa Rica,</b> thank you for dealing with the facts and not routing me through Tortuguero, which by your name is likely your preference.

<b>Crellston</b> again. During 2 months in Peru I'm sure you encountered many a Zampoña, those flutes the Peruvian musicians play. I included that term to appear less Philistine-esque.

Good plans <b>Lcuy and Mglb</b>, thanks.

It appears early morning is best to avoid people, but you may have to contend with fog. Hope I can visit Peru and hope Machu Picchu is a part of that visit. Gracias for all the helpful info.

I believe I mention Machu Picchu near the end. Don't skip the part about the squat toilets:

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...g-way-down.cfm

atravelyn & colduphere - many thanks for the translations! Now, when any american friends call me a rube I will know how to react!! As for FIB Bas etc, as George Bernard Shaw allegedly said of England and the US " two nations divided by a common language" ..
Hoping to visit the US later this year so always good to learn the language beforehand.

I've learned good light can elusive at Machu Picchu and the lack of it can even lead to tears. But these historic ruins should be a moving sight in any light.

"I've learned good light can elusive" I think you are right. We got the first bus up to MP with the intention of being there when dawn broke. By the time we got there and got through the entrance gates dawn had already broken and it was foggy but at least there weren't too many people around to get in the way when taking photos. The fog began to clear around 10/11 am. I would guess that it is foggy/misty most mornings and if it is not then you are really lucky - dusk may have been a better bet.

So, catch the light on the other end of the day, that's a strategy Crellston.

Right now I'm leaning towards no overnight at Machu Picchu to save time there which can be spent on dolphins and maccaws. Turns out that approach saves money too.

Maybe I should open The Philistine Travel Agency.

We were at MP at 7am last April, when it was quite foggy, though it cleared up by 9, but maybe we just got lucky. Anyway, I thought MP was beautiful even with the fog, which was rather wispy and floating around, got some good pictures

Crellston - could you list the top choices for your in Peru or direct me to your trip report. Thanks

Embrace the fog. Another strategy.