| Author | Message | ||
     mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 6649 Registered: 5-2001  |
My next vacation I hope. Anyone been there? | ||
| KRNL Citizen Username: Krnl Post Number: 132 Registered: 9-2005 |
Years ago. Awesome!!!!! Do go if you get the chance and try to stay overnight if possible. When we went there were no hotels so it was just a day trip via the train that parallels the Urambamba. I'd love to go back and wish we were in good enough shape to trek the INCA trail. | ||
| vocallee Citizen Username: Vocallee Post Number: 42 Registered: 9-2001 |
I try to take an adventure tour every other year. Took the trip to Machu Picchu with Wilderness travel. Have taken several trips with them. Trip is called "Highlands of Peru." Traveled the Vilcambra trail (not the Inca trail). it comes up theother side of the mountain and is much less traveled. We passed maybe 5 other hikers in 3 days. Wilderness travel is a little more pricey than other tour companies, but worth every penny. Never to be forgotten. wildernesstravel.com Just visit the website and you'll see their quality. Drop me a line on my regular e-mail or just come over and I'll show you the pics. Or just come with me to Patagonia next year! | ||
| mtierney Citizen Username: Mtierney Post Number: 960 Registered: 3-2001 |
The Adult School plans a trip there - it's listed in the new brochure. | ||
| Thenewguy Citizen Username: Thenewguy Post Number: 118 Registered: 4-2004 |
I went about 7 years ago. Awesome trip!!! I think now you need to get a permit in advance thru a guide company before going on the trail. We found a guide when we got to Cusco. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 10695 Registered: 4-1997  |
Where's the Shining Path these days? | ||
| jamie Citizen Username: Jamie Post Number: 592 Registered: 6-2001  |
I used Southern Explorations for my trip to the Galapagos - they arrange trips to Machu Picchu too: http://www.southernexplorations.com/peru.htm I had a great guide and was very lucky to get small group - it was only myself and a young couple from NYC. | ||
| Shirley Citizen Username: Oswullivan Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2006 |
Machu Picchu is incredible. If level of fitness allows, I would highly recommend hiking the Inca trail (it's really not that difficult and you can hire a porter to carry your heavy pack, if preferred). If you're hiking the trail, definitely plan to arrive to Cuzco at least 2-3 days in advance ~ for 2 reasons: 1) you must acclimate 2) Cuzco is a great little town and there are other Incan sites to visit (via tour bus) during the days leading up to your hike. You can book a hiking tour once you arrive to Cuzco. It would pay to read up on the wet vs. dry season (I believe June time-frame is the dry season?) because if you're hiking the trail, a soaked trip would be a bit miserable. It's truly an amazing destination. When you hike the Inca trail, you arrive to Machu Picchu at sun rise - before tour buses arrive. Gorgeous. A good plan is to then have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes at the bottom before taking the train (or helicopter...) back to Cuzco. Good luck - take the trip! | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 6661 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hey vocalee - I'm going to PL you this week - I would love to go to Patagonia (we know each other in real life) Cheers! | ||
| vocallee Citizen Username: Vocallee Post Number: 44 Registered: 9-2001 |
Trust me darlink. Wouldn't be inviting you if I didn't know who you were! You can touch base with justmelaura for my info or just google my name and click my head on my website. Really would love to show you the MP trip. It was extra special. As with anything, much has to do with the group you're in and the guide. I had an exceptional group and made some life long friends. I typically go off beaten path...in the hopes of exploring as much local culture and renewed spirituality as possible. Wilderness Travel and the Vilcambra trail delivered it all. See ya in the real life- | ||
| Vineeta Chopra Citizen Username: Vineeta29 Post Number: 21 Registered: 1-2006 |
My husband and I went this past Christmas..one of the best vacations we've taken. We didn't hike the trail since we had limited days and wanted to see other parts of Peru (such as the rainforest and Cuzco). We used Analie Tours and everything they arranged was superb, but we could have saved some money by making all the bookings ourselves (which is a hassle we didn't want to take on). If you need more info, feel free to ask, I'd be more than happy to share my experiences. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 6688 Registered: 5-2001 |
Vocalee, If you can make it to the party we can discuss it then? - I am very interested...! I love those kind of trips, I never have anyone who wants to go to these types of places, they either don't have time, can't afford it, or want to go to an island. |
