remphish1 Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Just looking for some pointers...Anyone go before? How many days did you spend in Cusco? Did you hike or take the train? Altitude sickness a problem? Any pointers would be appreciated! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Didn't OTM go a while back? I have no idea what his board name is these days... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OOO Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 I did indeed go the summer before last. We spent about 4 days total in Cusco I believe. There are a good amount of ancient ruins in and around the city, and you can buy a little mini-passport thing that allows you to access all of them. We took busses and collectivos most of the way to Aguas Caliente because we wanted to see the small mountain towns that all had pretty interesting ruins of their owns, but we picked up the train eventually and stayed in Aguas Calientes for one night. Aguas Calientes is very touristy and is very expensive relative to other places in Peru, so we got in and got out. We got up early and walked all the way up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, which was a nice hike, but 98% of the people hopped on the (expensive) bus which takes you right to Machu Pichu. You've got to get their early if you want to climb up Huayna Picchu (the picturesque mountain thats behind Macchu Pichu in all the shots), because they only let the first 400 people every day do that. It's definitely worth it. As far as hiking goes, we decided not to hike to Macchu Pichu because of how many backpackers there are on all the trails near there. We wanted something more remote, so we ended up hiking to Choquequirao, and all our hiking arrangement were made by a Dutch gentleman who spoke flawless english. There is a New York Times article on the exact hiking trip we went on and the guy who helped us out: http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/travel/03inca.html I highly recommend that trip if you are interested in hiking. Altitude sickness was a problem in Cusco, and it was a good thing we spent a few days there before doing any hiking or climbing, because we were all exhausted from doing even the smallest things when we first arrived in the high altitudes. Hope that helps a little bit, and I hope you enjoy your trip! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted November 10, 2009 Author Share Posted November 10, 2009 Thanks! Just the type of info I was looking for! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 I went two years ago. We spent two days in Cuzco before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. Altitude sickness was only a problem for me after a day trip in the sacred valley around Cuzco which included a trip to the highest point in the area (the village of Chinchero). I was feverish and exhausted, and had trouble sleeping. My wife had trouble right away, but went too a pharmacy and was sold cheap medicine which helped a lot (try that in America). Machu Picchu is actually at a significantly lower altitude than Cuzco, so it was sort of a relief being there. Hiking Wayna Picchu was a workout, but it was not especially difficult, even considering I was dealing with the fact that I drank too many pisco sours and glasses of red wine the night before. We saw what appeared to be a local woman breast feeding a baby as she hiked it. Definitelty do this if you can, it's worth it. (I mean, not the breast feeding part, but the hike up Wayna Picchu.) In Aguas Calientes, we splurged for our 10th anniversary and stayed at Inkaterra Lodge, which was absolutely amazing. Took the bus up to Machu Picchu. I can't remember the price, but it didn't seem outrageously expensive. It was worth it not to have to walk back down after wearing ourselves out at the site for most of the day. While in Peru we also spent time in Arequipa, Colca Canyon, the rainforest and our last half day in Lima. We were there for two weeks and our itinrerary was assembled by Peru for Less. We went in December, and the weather was perfect. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 I've been to Paradise...but I've never been to me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moss Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Just looking for some pointers...Anyone go before? How many days did you spend in Cusco? Did you hike or take the train? Altitude sickness a problem? Any pointers would be appreciated! I had a history professor in College that just drilled it into us almost daily that if you do nothing else in life, you must visit Machu Picchu. I would love to hear your thoughts on it if you end up going! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 This is a good place to eat during your stay in Aguas Calientes: A lot of people come into town on he morning train and leave on the evening train. If you can swing it, you should spend the night in Aguas Calientes and go to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning. You'll practically have the place to yourself for the first couple hours before the train shows up with all the tourists. At least, that's how it was during our visit. This will guarantee you have the opportunity to climb Wanya Picchu before they stop letting people climb. You might even be able to get to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sun rise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted November 10, 2009 Author Share Posted November 10, 2009 I just booked! I stumbled upon a deal too good to pass up! I did book a package with hotel in Cusco but maybe I will spend the night in Aguas still...JFF what time of year did you go? Also how crowded does it get from the day trippers midday? Also how long did the climb take for Wanya Picchu? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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