Hi All,

I have been getting quotes for alternate trekks (4-5 days) to Machu Picchu from at least ~10 companies, and everything is in the range of $380-$450. I was wondering if anyone has experience with just showing up to Cusco and booking trekks locally? I heard that the cost can decrease by nearly half if we do that. I guess the risk you take is that the budget for your food and equipment will be very low and so you might get in trouble. We're a group of 5 students, so we're trying to keep costs at a minimum, but we need to have a decent, reliable standard for a tour company still, so if anyone has used a company by just showing up, if you can tell me which company that was (and how much you paid for the trip), I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks a lot!

You have to have a permit to hike the Inca Trail, so depending on when you're planning to go, you risk not having permits available if you wait to book until you get to Cuzco.

We're not doing the Inca Trail, but have been working with Vidal, a certified Inca Trail guide, for our trip planning. We won't be leaving for our trip until April 2, but others who have used his services (for Inca Trail guiding and non-Trail activities) have nothing but great things to say about him. If you want to contact him to see what kind of pricing he can give you, you can email him at [email protected]. His website is: http://www.adventureholidaysperu.com...chu_Picchu.php

There are probably other recommendations on Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor ... if you have not already searched those forums.

It is possible to hook on cheaply when you get there

www.pmexplorers.com others like this

stick with reliable operators with good track record.

pay with CC so you do not get shafted.

Cheapest for you guys would be to Bus to Santa Maria $3

Self-guide the Jungle trail via Santa Theresa Hidroelctrica

to MP/AC...camp or guest houses hot springs tons of fun.

Review in LP Peru travel guide.

Wow, thanks a lot for all the suggestions! qwovadis--if we pay by credit card, don't we have to pay the 6-7% credit card company fee? On a 2-week trip with multiple tours, that'll add up significantly...?

Back in January we did the inca trail with Pachamama Explorers that GWOVADIS has recommended. They are not the most expensive, neither the most economic, but they definately are great value for their service which is outstanding! All our expectations were exceeded on the trail! We highly recommend this outfit, but you need to book in advance - you cannot just turn up in Cusco and book because there are strict regulations.

Unless you want to do one of the alternative treks and then you can book in Cusco as I believe it to be.

Hmmm, saramiller, three posts all with the same link, on old threads..you're not promoting someone's website are you?

I am doing several one day hikes in the Sacred Valley. I am using a company which I have seen recommended in a few guide books. They are very responsive and were willing to customize the hikes to my wishes. Their prices are very reasonable, and I will be going with just myself in one case and my wife on two other hikes. www.Kbperu.com

We did not do the trek to MP choosing instead to trek from Lares to Ollantaytambo.

If you are spending a reasonable amount of time in Peru you may wish to consider joining the South America Explorers Club - www.saexplorers.org . They have clubhouses in Lima and a particularly good one in Cusco. It is a great place to meet other travellers often with first hand experience of the various trekking option and operators. There is also a library containing guide books, magazines and literally hundreds of trip report (warts and all!). Some of teh trip reports are available online at their website and there are lot of other planning aids. Membership also provides you with discounts around town at restaurants, bars, language schools and tours (this paid for our membership several times over!)

We used Miguel Joven an independent operator for our trek from Lares and I cant recommend him highly enough. The food was amazing, he poke great English and everything ran like clockwork. He was not te cheapest but a lot less expensive than many.

Miguel can be contacted at SA Explorers Clubhouse in Cusco alternatively his full contact details are:

Miguel Joven
Telephone:
(51 84) 984792227//084-245484
Email:
[email protected] - [email protected]

Here is a link to our trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...rip-report.cfm

and our blog of the trek..

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...4700/tpod.html

we booked with a local Cuzco company that i found on line, before we left. We paid by bank draft.
we were very satisfied and then booked a tour to Lake titicaca with them after our Short Inca Trail hike and tour.
You do have to book the Inca Trail a long time in advance as they only allow so many on per day.
qente.com