Traveling to Cuzco
 

We are traveling to Cuzco in the summer. Would like to get recommendations on:
1. Best way to get from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. Can you buy a package with admission and transportation?
2. Planning on going river rafting. What's a good tour operator?
3. Going to Puno/Titicaca, any words of advise?
4. what are the must see/must do while in Cuzco?
5 Is anyone aware of a zipline attraction in the Cuzco area?

Thank you for any advise

adventures.worldnomads.com/destination/168/itinerary/23.aspx

Best route for you adjust to altitude see more this way.

casa-andina.com best hotels Private Collection hotel

can arrange your MP visit.

It is best to go in the night B4 for sunrise visit

inkaterra.com best lodging Presidente peru-explorer.com

for budget...

culturalimmersion.org pmexplorers.com good Cusco agents

insuremytrip.com always wise for rare strikes theft etc.

Spirit.com cheap flights for me FLL LIM

Usually can go down first class for the price of coach

on the others.

Happy Planning!

ericadventures.com best for rafting etc in Cusco...

Casa Andina Private Collection in Puno best

inkaexpress.com best touristic bus Puno Cusco $40 or so

flight/trains are rip offs too costly long

titicacaperu.com good info might consider a Taquile visit

Have fun,

I think a good guidebook would serve you well at this point. It would answer a lot of these questions. The new edition of the Fodor's guide is recently out. Since this is the Fodor's site, I'll mention that one. :)

Train is the way to get from Cusco to MP. Most tour operators sell packages that include your train ticket, ticket for the bus up to the ruins once you get there, and admission ticket to MP itself.

As Jeff points out you should buy a decent guidebook. We used the old Fodors guide in 2008 and found it to be excellent. However. To answer your specific questions.

1. There are many agents and operators in Cusco and abroad that will offer inclusive packages although it is easy and a lot cheaper to DIY. You can buy a Boleto Touritico in Cusco http://www.cusco-peru.info/cusco_tourist_ticket.htm for NS 130 which will cover entrance to most of the sites you will want to see (excluding MP). MP Tickets can be bought in Aquas Calientes. Best way to get from Cusco to AC is by train but you do need to book in advance (online).
2. There are a number of operators offering rafting in and around Ollantaytambo and Urumbamba but I didn't do it so can't recommend anyone. Easy to arrange.
3. You can fly, go by train or by bus from Cusco to Puno. By air you will miss out on some amazing scenery (but it is quick). The train will allow you to view the scenery along the altiplano but it is a very expensive and long trip> The best way IMO, is by Inka Express bus which is comparatively cheap and provides the opportunity to stop off at some of teh many sights along the way. Puno is at very high altiude so be prepared for experience some problems. Possible to stay overnight on one of the islands but prepare for basic facilities.
4. Things to do in Cusco - Too many to mention - see guide book.
5.I am not aware of any ziplines in the area but given the Peruvian attitude to health and safety matters, even if I did, I wouldn't try it!

My only other comment is that there is a huge amount to see and do in Peru generally and Cusco region in particular. The more research you do now the better.

In addition to crellston's usual good advice I will add that you should consider staying in the Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo for a few days at the start of the trip, rather than the whole time in Cusco. There are lots more trains from "Olly" to MP. In fact at present you will probably be bussed from Cusco to Olly and board the train there.

YOu can buy your train tickets online at www.perurail.com, the website can be a bit buggy but it does work eventually.

I did rafting on the Urubamba river which is about 2 hours from Cusco, on the way to Puno. I was set up with a group called Mapuc. It was an incredible adventure, doing class 4-5 rapids. It was only $45 for the full day including transportation from Cusco to the river camp and all equipment and lunch. Facilities are very basic but the energy is great. Time is elastic; I was told I would be back at 5 pm; I was back at 7 pm. Oh, and they had ziplining for free; I couldn't resist. It was a blast.

I loved Lake Titicaca and did the two day tour with overnight on Amantina island. Accommodations ARE very basic. It was so beautiful and a great adventure. My guide for that tour was the best guide I had in Peru and I have posted his contact info on another thread. I think the tour is very inexpensive, maybe about $80 for the entire two days with transportation, guide and many meals.

Thanks for the responses! I tried to Google the group Mapuc for more information on the Urubamba rafting/ziplining but did not find anything. Does anyone have additional information for them? Thaks,

Because it's probably Mayuc not Mapuc

check www.andeantravelweb.com in the future

Links included on that website as well as alternatives

http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/...operators.html

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1779328

sorry, the name is mayuc. above is a thread I found someone else had posted about them.

here is a representative picture of my time (I was right at the end of the rainy season so we had class 4 whereas the poster above was in the dry season and it will be class 2-3):

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...w=1024&bih=513

here are more general rafting pics from my search:

http://www.google.com/search?q=rafti...w=1024&bih=513

more info on mayuc: their 2 day overnight rafting is $99! I paid $45 for the one day.

http://www.perurafting.com/paquetes/...afting-2d.html

Thank you for the clarification!