Peru - Machu Picchu tips pls
Discussion
Bagged some absolute bargain BA flights for spring next year. Well chuffed!
Idea was drive from Lima to Aguas Calientes stay the night and then drive up to the site in the morning or get the bus. Looking into it a bit more now I'm not sure it's quite that simple
Someone said it may be better to fly from Lima - but the road trip is part of the adventure for me (need to come back alive ideally though)!
Does anyone have any tips please?
¡Muchas gracias!
Idea was drive from Lima to Aguas Calientes stay the night and then drive up to the site in the morning or get the bus. Looking into it a bit more now I'm not sure it's quite that simple
Someone said it may be better to fly from Lima - but the road trip is part of the adventure for me (need to come back alive ideally though)!Does anyone have any tips please?
¡Muchas gracias!
+1 on the altitude, adjust slowly.
We took the Sacred Land of the Incas trip in the link below
https://www.explore.co.uk/holidays/adventure-holid...
I highly recommend staying a night in Chivay and seeing Colca canyon in the morning watching the condors rising from the depths on the thermals.
Here's a few of my pics from the trip. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcross/albums/721576...
We took the Sacred Land of the Incas trip in the link below
https://www.explore.co.uk/holidays/adventure-holid...
I highly recommend staying a night in Chivay and seeing Colca canyon in the morning watching the condors rising from the depths on the thermals.
Here's a few of my pics from the trip. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcross/albums/721576...
Thanks guys & great pics mate - thanks for sharing.
This was quite an impulsive buy and it's clear that driving Lima to Cusco/back is not really do-able in a week as its 18 hours one way.
Looks like a flight to Cusco and some aclimatisation there first would be best? Then the tourist train up to Machu Piccu? Or should we stay in Agua Calientes to acclimatise a little more?
Cheers
This was quite an impulsive buy and it's clear that driving Lima to Cusco/back is not really do-able in a week as its 18 hours one way.
Looks like a flight to Cusco and some aclimatisation there first would be best? Then the tourist train up to Machu Piccu? Or should we stay in Agua Calientes to acclimatise a little more?
Cheers
Acclimatizing in Cusco is fine.
It'll take a couple of days tho.
I didn't really understand it before I arrived, by coach from Lima.
Took a shower and found myself short of breath just towelling myself dry.
Tourist train is fine. You'll find many different agencies offering day trips in Cusco.
It may be worth inquiring before you travel though as I understand numbers are now limited although that may only be for people doing the hike.
(I welcomed the New Year in on the Inca Trail 2004/5)
It'll take a couple of days tho.
I didn't really understand it before I arrived, by coach from Lima.
Took a shower and found myself short of breath just towelling myself dry.
Tourist train is fine. You'll find many different agencies offering day trips in Cusco.
It may be worth inquiring before you travel though as I understand numbers are now limited although that may only be for people doing the hike.
(I welcomed the New Year in on the Inca Trail 2004/5)
Cusco is about 1000m higher than Machu Picchu so any ill effects from altitude will be had in the city beforehand. Typically I was the only one in a group of 14 that suffered (pounding headache, blue lips etc) but was much better after a few minutes on oxygen (most hotels will have this) and was right as rain after.
There's not much to do in Aguas Calientes so I wouldn't stay there for more than a day or two. Machu Picchu is stunning and worth getting there very early to catch the sunrise and miss the crowds.
There's not much to do in Aguas Calientes so I wouldn't stay there for more than a day or two. Machu Picchu is stunning and worth getting there very early to catch the sunrise and miss the crowds.
Thanks guys - need to get my head 'round this sharpish!
I grew up in the mountains (or 'hillocks as Peruvians might call them...) but am bringing 2 sea level kids with me! No big rhyme or reason to who gets the alt sickness?
Given our short window of 6 days in Peru are there any alternatives to Cusco - saving 1000m if teh site is actually below Cusco?
Did anyone fly Lima to Cusco - easy?
Sorry so many questions - seems there is a bit more to it than nipping over for a gander
I grew up in the mountains (or 'hillocks as Peruvians might call them...) but am bringing 2 sea level kids with me! No big rhyme or reason to who gets the alt sickness?
Given our short window of 6 days in Peru are there any alternatives to Cusco - saving 1000m if teh site is actually below Cusco?
Did anyone fly Lima to Cusco - easy?
Sorry so many questions - seems there is a bit more to it than nipping over for a gander
A friend of mine went there on his own.
He said the route was riddled with big fat Americans attached to oxygen tanks limping along at a pitiful pace. He stormed past them as he'd bought a massive bag of chang off some local kiddies that hung around outside his compound for about £2. It was so pure that when he rubbed a tiny bit on his gums his entire face went numb, not like that s
te you get over here 98% baking powder and dog worming tabs.
Anyway, he said after a few nose beers it was a piece of piss.
Personally I'd be mixing it with some coca cola to make my own 1903 original recipe brain and nerve tonic.
Just get some new socks and shoes before flying back to blighty.
He said the route was riddled with big fat Americans attached to oxygen tanks limping along at a pitiful pace. He stormed past them as he'd bought a massive bag of chang off some local kiddies that hung around outside his compound for about £2. It was so pure that when he rubbed a tiny bit on his gums his entire face went numb, not like that s
te you get over here 98% baking powder and dog worming tabs.Anyway, he said after a few nose beers it was a piece of piss.
Personally I'd be mixing it with some coca cola to make my own 1903 original recipe brain and nerve tonic.
Just get some new socks and shoes before flying back to blighty.
Edited by Cardinal Hips on Tuesday 2nd October 12:06
Ken Figenus said:
PMSL - I work in showbiz you know but am taking the KIDS!!! LOL
Be needing the Peruvian marching powders even more! You'll never match the kids for energy. As you well know, their reserves know no bounds. Get some of the devils dandruff in and you'll be fine. They'll never suspect why daddy has suddenly become overly talkative. Got any heart conditions? I'm told Diamox on prescription is good for altitude sickness if you're really worried.
I'm considering it for Kilimanjaro next year but that's 5900m and I've previously had issues.
Charles isn't my cup of tea but the hotels do provide coca leaves to chew on or make tea with. I tried it but didn't notice any effect at all though.
I'm considering it for Kilimanjaro next year but that's 5900m and I've previously had issues.
Charles isn't my cup of tea but the hotels do provide coca leaves to chew on or make tea with. I tried it but didn't notice any effect at all though.
OP how are you getting on with organsing this?
Myself and the wife are tentatively looking at 10 days in Peru at the end of October to go to Macha Picchu; flying to Lima and then making our way to Cusco, just been looking at the options, as much as I'd like to fly into Cusco for only £60 return from Lima it appears that due to the altitude it isn't advised; any views on this, there are reputable coach tours but they take 3 days, however there are stop offs at various towns and villages, plus your will acclimatise better.
It'll be interesting to see how you are getting on with your planning.
Myself and the wife are tentatively looking at 10 days in Peru at the end of October to go to Macha Picchu; flying to Lima and then making our way to Cusco, just been looking at the options, as much as I'd like to fly into Cusco for only £60 return from Lima it appears that due to the altitude it isn't advised; any views on this, there are reputable coach tours but they take 3 days, however there are stop offs at various towns and villages, plus your will acclimatise better.
It'll be interesting to see how you are getting on with your planning.
Edited by HTP99 on Thursday 10th January 14:44
toasty said:
I'm told Diamox on prescription is good for altitude sickness if you're really worried.
I'm considering it for Kilimanjaro next year but that's 5900m and I've previously had issues.
Charles isn't my cup of tea but the hotels do provide coca leaves to chew on or make tea with. I tried it but didn't notice any effect at all though.
We took Diamox, seemed to do the trick.I'm considering it for Kilimanjaro next year but that's 5900m and I've previously had issues.
Charles isn't my cup of tea but the hotels do provide coca leaves to chew on or make tea with. I tried it but didn't notice any effect at all though.
Stayed in Cusco for four nights before hand, to be honest I could have spent longer there than Lima.
We trekked for five days after this so getting used to the altitude really benefited us. Watching the local porters carrying 30KG up and over the mountains was pretty inspiring especially given they had 30 years on me!
If you are a runner or do any sports have a go when you get back down to sea level, it's great and you feel like you can conquer anything (albeit only for a week).
Another thing we researched in advance was issuing of permits for the trail. Get in early if it is something you are considering.
Enjoy!
When we went we booked into the Machu Piccu Lodge which is at the top of the hill (https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/machu-picchu/belmond-sanctuary-lodge/)
This meant that we were at the entrance gates the next morning before any of the tourist buses that run up the hill had arrived and thus it felt like we had the entire site to ourselves for quite a while which meant great pictures. Although having been driven up the hill the day before in pouring rain I have some idea what it must be like to be a co-driver at Pikes Peak!
The hardest bit was the altitude which seems to have no pattern to who it affects, we drank a lot of Inca Cola which is the most vivid shade of lime and helped.
Also, the Monasterio Hotel in Cusco (https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/cusco/belmond-hotel-monasterio/) pipes oxygen into the rooms which is a godsend if suffering.
S
This meant that we were at the entrance gates the next morning before any of the tourist buses that run up the hill had arrived and thus it felt like we had the entire site to ourselves for quite a while which meant great pictures. Although having been driven up the hill the day before in pouring rain I have some idea what it must be like to be a co-driver at Pikes Peak!
The hardest bit was the altitude which seems to have no pattern to who it affects, we drank a lot of Inca Cola which is the most vivid shade of lime and helped.
Also, the Monasterio Hotel in Cusco (https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/cusco/belmond-hotel-monasterio/) pipes oxygen into the rooms which is a godsend if suffering.
S
As others have said, acclimatisation to the altitude for a while before is key.
I went in the summer of 2012, did a few days in Cusco first (flew from Lima), then did the train to Aguas Calientes. Getting tourist passes for Macchu Picchu was difficult and expensive as I didn't book before I got to Cusco.
Did two days there, first afternoon had a guide for a couple of hours then walked up to the Sun Gate which took a couple of hours ( bit quicker coming back down!). Then went for the sunrise the following morning, and it rained! Still stunning though and a real experience.
Moved on quickly afterwards because, as also said above, there is not much to do in Aguas Calientes!
I went in the summer of 2012, did a few days in Cusco first (flew from Lima), then did the train to Aguas Calientes. Getting tourist passes for Macchu Picchu was difficult and expensive as I didn't book before I got to Cusco.
Did two days there, first afternoon had a guide for a couple of hours then walked up to the Sun Gate which took a couple of hours ( bit quicker coming back down!). Then went for the sunrise the following morning, and it rained! Still stunning though and a real experience.
Moved on quickly afterwards because, as also said above, there is not much to do in Aguas Calientes!
HTP99 said:
OP how are you getting on with organsing this?
Myself and the wife are tentatively looking at 10 days in Peru at the end of October to go to Macha Picchu; flying to Lima and then making our way to Cusco, just been looking at the options, as much as I'd like to fly into Cusco for only £60 return from Lima it appears that due to the altitude it isn't advised; any views on this, there are reputable coach tours but they take 3 days, however there are stop offs at various towns and villages, plus your will acclimatise better.
It'll be interesting to see how you are getting on with your planning.
It's all sorted mate Myself and the wife are tentatively looking at 10 days in Peru at the end of October to go to Macha Picchu; flying to Lima and then making our way to Cusco, just been looking at the options, as much as I'd like to fly into Cusco for only £60 return from Lima it appears that due to the altitude it isn't advised; any views on this, there are reputable coach tours but they take 3 days, however there are stop offs at various towns and villages, plus your will acclimatise better.
It'll be interesting to see how you are getting on with your planning.
Edited by HTP99 on Thursday 10th January 14:44
I looked at getting agencies - 'Peru For Less' was one - to sort out our 3 nights and acces in the MP area but they all wanted $1000 overs for their trouble. So I did it all myself. I booked the flights from Lima to Cusco, taxi straight to much lower altitude Ollyantaytambo, accom there 2 nights, Sacred Valley tour Day 2, train to MP Day 3 + entrance tickets, taxi or maybe a 'collectivo' minibus to Cusco and a top hotel for the night after MP. The hotel guys we chose were great in helping me with a few questions - I too am happy to help :-)
The pricey agencies were seemingly all USA based and not Peru - in fact got a call from a Welshman in Austin Texas quoting me $2700 for the 3 days - it was hilarious to tell him in 'dim diolch' in Welsh (no thanks)! Knowing Spanish helps with some of the transactions and emails they send re MP access itself but Google translate will get you there too I'm sure. The rest are all en Ingles
The missus is still getting used to the small backpack hand luggage idea for a week mind. Walking boots, suncream, insect repellent, Pac a Mac, jumper and a bikini is all she needs! My son is naughtily looking forward to chewing some coca leaves - they say it really helps!
Reckon we are doing MP for under £4k for 4 all in. Well chuffed and that permits the question 'now where next'
!?Sounds good, we won't be looking at getting an agency to do it for us, we always do our own thing and organise everything seperately, saves a fortune and means you have much more flexibility too.
If we go, we'll most likely do the flowing: fly in to Lima, spend 2-3 days there, then get the Peru Hop coach to Cusco doing a 5 or 6 day tour which stops off at towns and sites along the way (only costs £156 per person, there are some amazing places along the way), we will book accommodation at each point ourselves directly or they can organise hostels for you.
Arrive in Cusco, hopefully acclimatised as the coach trip will have done it gradually for us, spend a few days there visiting Machu Picchu and the various sites, fly back to Lima (£30 pp) and fly home.
We just need to work out exact dates, timings and days, a quick mental workout means it should cost around £2k (half being flights) + spending money for the 2 of us, we aren't in to expensive and posh hotels, which keeps the costs down.
If we go, we'll most likely do the flowing: fly in to Lima, spend 2-3 days there, then get the Peru Hop coach to Cusco doing a 5 or 6 day tour which stops off at towns and sites along the way (only costs £156 per person, there are some amazing places along the way), we will book accommodation at each point ourselves directly or they can organise hostels for you.
Arrive in Cusco, hopefully acclimatised as the coach trip will have done it gradually for us, spend a few days there visiting Machu Picchu and the various sites, fly back to Lima (£30 pp) and fly home.
We just need to work out exact dates, timings and days, a quick mental workout means it should cost around £2k (half being flights) + spending money for the 2 of us, we aren't in to expensive and posh hotels, which keeps the costs down.
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