Restaurant Suggestions - Sacred Valley

As part of our trip to Machu Picchu, we will be spending 2 nights at the Casa Andina Private Collection hotel in the Sacred Valley and one night at the El Mapi hotel in Aguas Calientes. I would appreciate any suggestions for restaurants in these areas.

Thanks, in advance, for your replies.

For Aguas Calientes, check Trip Advisor. For your place in the valley you could check out reviews for Urubamba or ask the hotel for recommendations, although I see from one of the reviews here that they have their own restaurant: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g294321-d580921-Reviews-Casa_Andina_Private_Collection_Valle_Sagrado-Urubamba_Sacred_Valley_Cusco_Region.html

Thanks for kind reply.

As part of our trip to Machu Picchu, we will be spending 2 nights at the Casa Andina Private Collection hotel in the Sacred Valley and one night at the El Mapi hotel in Aguas Calientes. I would appreciate any suggestions for restaurants in these areas.

 

Thanks, in advance, for your replies.

We stayed in this hotel a couple weeks ago as part of our Vantage Amazon/Machu Picchu trip.

We did eat at the hotel, in the bar area. They have a sit down restaurant upstairs and sandwiches, burgers, etc. downstairs in the bar.

We were one of the first in the bar to order food and by the time our whole group decided to eat there the restaurant ran out of certain types of food and there was almost an hour wait for what they did get.

I ordered a burger and it was shown with a fried egg on top. I asked for them not to put the egg on there, but it came with it anyhow. The server gave me a plate to scoop it off, but that was hard to do since the egg was placed on top of the cheese. It was a huge burger; more than I cared to eat. My husband ordered the club sandwich and it was also huge, but very tasty.

The included breakfast was very good and the service was top notch. They had an egg chef and the omelets and fried eggs were excellent.

This facility is beautiful and the grounds are so colorful with all the flowers and the arrangement of the villa-type rooms. There are a few local people who sell their alpaca-type products just outside the hotel door. They sold quite a number of items to our group. Several of the ladies both back packs and used them for the rest of the trip.

Enjoy your trip; it is amazing.

We stayed in this hotel a couple weeks ago as part of our Vantage Amazon/Machu Picchu trip.

We did eat at the hotel, in the bar area. They have a sit down restaurant upstairs and sandwiches, burgers, etc. downstairs in the bar.

 

We were one of the first in the bar to order food and by the time our whole group decided to eat there the restaurant ran out of certain types of food and there was almost an hour wait for what they did get.

 

I ordered a burger and it was shown with a fried egg on top. I asked for them not to put the egg on there, but it came with it anyhow. The server gave me a plate to scoop it off, but that was hard to do since the egg was placed on top of the cheese. It was a huge burger; more than I cared to eat. My husband ordered the club sandwich and it was also huge, but very tasty.

 

The included breakfast was very good and the service was top notch. They had an egg chef and the omelets and fried eggs were excellent.

 

This facility is beautiful and the grounds are so colorful with all the flowers and the arrangement of the villa-type rooms. There are a few local people who sell their alpaca-type products just outside the hotel door. They sold quite a number of items to our group. Several of the ladies both back packs and used them for the rest of the trip.

 

Enjoy your trip; it is amazing.

I appreciate your excellent post.

Did you or any of your group experience any issues with altitude sickness?

Also, when you took the train to Aguas Calientes, did you have any packing issues with not being able to bring your suitcases?

Thanks again for your response.

Sam, we did spend two nights at the Sacred Valley trying to get acclimated to the higher altitude before we went to MP. There were a couple people who did suffer from altitude sickness. Oxygen was available in the hotel lobby for those that needed it. I think it could have been brought to the rooms, too, but no one in our group did that. There was also coca tea available in the hotel lobby and tea bags in the rooms.

We did not spend the night at MP. We had a 20 minute bus ride from the hotel to Ollaytamtambo where we boarded the train. The train ride was 1 hour 45 minutes and then the bus to the entrance of MP took about 20 to 25 minutes.

Since we were a group and had our own guide we were able to visit MP at a comfortable pace. We did have to stop a few times to catch our breath, resting a little before continuing on. We climbed and hiked for several hours. I took a couple power bars with me to eat and glad that I did since we were there over lunch time. We did have one woman who only toured about 15 minutes before she turned around and left the group. She was was too out of shape to continue.

If you need a walking stick there were several local people selling them at the entrance for about the equivalent of $10.

For me the altitude at Lake Titicaca was far worse than MP. I was also taking Diamox. Not sure if it helped or not. The last two days of our trip were hard for me since I didn't feel well.

The air is very dry in the higher altitudes and I had a couple nose bleeds from dry nasal passages. I wished that I had a tube of Vaseline with me. Be sure to drink plenty of water.

Also, if you need to use the restroom at MP you gave to pay. Men and women, both.

Thanks so much for your advice on MP. After our 2-day stay in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba) we will return to Polroy station to catch the train to MP. We will not arrive for the first day until early afternoon. We're hoping that the crowds will be down some by that time. We will then spend the night in Aguas Calientes before return to MP early the next morning. We're hoping to arrive in time to watch the sunrise. I've heard that some of the restaurants in Aguas Calientes will prepare lunches that you can take to MP for your day there.

Is there water available for purchase in MP, or do we need to be prepared to bring enough for the day?

Did any of your group climb Huayna Picchu? Our entrance tickets to MP include Huayna Picchu, as well. It looks like a real challenge.

Did your group use sunscreen while at MP? My wife has very fair complexion and sunburns easily. We have purchased a wide-brimmed hat for her.

Did folks in your group take day packs to MP for snacks/water/etc.?

Thanks again for your responses.

I did this trip with a different company but some information may help .

Aguas Calientes will be the lowest point of your trip, Machu Picchu is slightly higher but much lower than Cusco. The entire Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco. Companies that take people from the Cusco airport directly to the valley do a good job!

Altitude sickness hit me in Cusco and I needed a doctor. They have a small specialized excellent clinic for more severe cases like mine. Like Humpty Dumpty they put me together again and I could continue to Lake Titicaca which is even higher than Cusco. No problems any more except I needed to walk slowly.

There are no food stalls inside the archeological site. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen with you from Aguas Calientes. We also had tickets for Huayna Picchu and did not use them. We walked up the hill on the opposite side of Huayna Picchu for a photo opportunity from above.

Find out whether your group has booked lunch at the restaurant/hotel right outside the entrance to the archeological site. Our train gave us snacks.

I did this trip with a different company but some information may help .

 

Aguas Calientes will be the lowest point of your trip, Machu Picchu is slightly higher but much lower than Cusco. The entire Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco. Companies that take people from the Cusco airport directly to the valley do a good job!

 

Altitude sickness hit me in Cusco and I needed a doctor. They have a small specialized excellent clinic for more severe cases like mine. Like Humpty Dumpty they put me together again and I could continue to Lake Titicaca which is even higher than Cusco. No problems any more except I needed to walk slowly.

 

There are no food stalls inside the archeological site. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen with you from Aguas Calientes. We also had tickets for Huayna Picchu and did not use them. We walked up the hill on the opposite side of Huayna Picchu for a photo opportunity from above.

 

Find out whether your group has booked lunch at the restaurant/hotel right outside the entrance to the archeological site. Our train gave us snacks.

We have experienced the debilitating effect of Acute Mountain Sickness and we requested an immediate transfer from the Cusco airport to the Sacred Valley to try and prevent it. We will also be taking Diamox for two days prior to flying to Cusco. Glad that you were able to get such good medical care for your illness.

Thanks again!

Thanks so much for your advice on MP. After our 2-day stay in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba) we will return to Polroy station to catch the train to MP. We will not arrive for the first day until early afternoon. We're hoping that the crowds will be down some by that time. We will then spend the night in Aguas Calientes before return to MP early the next morning. We're hoping to arrive in time to watch the sunrise. I've heard that some of the restaurants in Aguas Calientes will prepare lunches that you can take to MP for your day there.

 

BTW, you must purchase water at the Casa Andina hotel. It was 10 Sol for a bottle, not free. There is a small grocery store across the street from the hotel that sells it for 2 Sol.

 

Is there water available for purchase in MP, or do we need to be prepared to bring enough for the day?

 

We each just brought a bottle but there are restaurant-type facilities at the train station.

Did any of your group climb Huayna Picchu? Our entrance tickets to MP include Huayna Picchu, as well. It looks like a real challenge.

 

We broke off into three groups. The more active group went higher and further than we, the middle group, did and there was a slower group.

 

Did your group use sunscreen while at MP? My wife has very fair complexion and sunburns easily. We have purchased a wide-brimmed hat for her.

 

Yes, sunscreen and a hat, and rain gear are necessary. I did get a little sunburned because I didn't reapply sunscreen as frequently as I should have.

 

Did folks in your group take day packs to MP for snacks/water/etc.?

 

Yes, most everyone had a day pack.

 

Thanks again for your responses.

Floridiana also gave some good advise.

We are just under 5 weeks out from our trip and we're excited! We are taking the Hiram Bingham train from Polroy station to Aguas Calientes. Our tour operator says that we are limited to a daypack each on the train. Since we will be at MP 2 days, and an overnight in Aguas Calientes, DW is stressing over the luggage restrictions.

Does anyone have any advice regarding this?

We are just under 5 weeks out from our trip and we're excited! We are taking the Hiram Bingham train from Polroy station to Aguas Calientes. Our tour operator says that we are limited to a daypack each on the train. Since we will be at MP 2 days, and an overnight in Aguas Calientes, DW is stressing over the luggage restrictions.

 

Does anyone have any advice regarding this?

Well, you are certainly going First Class on the Hiram Bingham :D. That is the super deluxe line. Since we only went for the day, traveling on the Vistadome car, we had no luggage and our daypacks fit under our seats, but there was a place at the front of the car for luggage. I guess if everyone on your car took one piece each there would not be enough room, but there was enough room for several pieces.

Our program director told us that The Rolling Stones had chartered the HB for their trip to MP a few weeks before we went. :)

Our tour operator says that we are limited to a daypack each on the train. Since we will be at MP 2 days, and an overnight in Aguas Calientes, DW is stressing over the luggage restrictions.

 

Does anyone have any advice regarding this?

We also needed luggage for 3 nights because we stayed in Ollantaytambo for 2 nights and one in the Sanctuary hotel at the entrance of Machu Picchu. We had one spacious day pack and my husband took his 2 wheeled small carry-on. There was space in our train for it because nobody else brought a small suitcase, but only the daypack fit under the seat. The carry-on was unsupervised at the end of the wagon in a small luggage rack. We took 2 different types of trains in and out, none of them yours, but neither one had enough space near us for the carry-on.

I would recommend taking two day packs with one small and light enough to carry inside the archeological site. The shuttle busses from Aguas Calientes to Macchu Picchu have no space for luggage either.

Tell your wife that nobody cares what she will be wearing. The site has a lot of young(er) people who do long hikes in the same clothes.

Well, you are certainly going First Class on the Hiram Bingham :D. That is the super deluxe line. Since we only went for the day, traveling on the Vistadome car, we had no luggage and our daypacks fit under our seats, but there was a place at the front of the car for luggage. I guess if everyone on your car took one piece each there would not be enough room, but there was enough room for several pieces.

 

Our program director told us that The Rolling Stones had chartered the HB for their trip to MP a few weeks before we went. :)

We're super excited about the Hiram Bingham train. We expect this to be our first and last trip to MP, so I splurged for the outbound trip. We'll be coming back on the VistaDome train.

Thanks for the reply regarding the space available for stowing our packs.

We also needed luggage for 3 nights because we stayed in Ollantaytambo for 2 nights and one in the Sanctuary hotel at the entrance of Machu Picchu. We had one spacious day pack and my husband took his 2 wheeled small carry-on. There was space in our train for it because nobody else brought a small suitcase, but only the daypack fit under the seat. The carry-on was unsupervised at the end of the wagon in a small luggage rack. We took 2 different types of trains in and out, none of them yours, but neither one had enough space near us for the carry-on.

 

I would recommend taking two day packs with one small and light enough to carry inside the archeological site. The shuttle busses from Aguas Calientes to Macchu Picchu have no space for luggage either.

 

Tell your wife that nobody cares what she will be wearing. The site has a lot of young(er) people who do long hikes in the same clothes.

My wife is not a fashionista, but she does require her makeup and hair dryer every day! LOL!

I Would appreciate daypack recommendations for train trip to Aguas Calientes and for Machu Picchu.

I only have a hunting daypack and it's a little bulky.

We're probably going to take Floridiana's recommendation and have two...one for DW and one for me.

Thanks, in advance for your replies.

Do we need to be cautious about drinking beverages in restaurants that contain ice? We're a little antsy about drinking local water and realize that ice in drinks comes from local water.

What are your thoughts on this?

Do we need to be cautious about drinking beverages in restaurants that contain ice? We're a little antsy about drinking local water and realize that ice in drinks comes from local water.

 

What are your thoughts on this?

I would say yes, but I never received ANY ice even when I asked for it :eek:.

So, it was no problem. Other than in the hotels where we stayed we didn't eat on our own very much. Most of our meals were provided with our travel package and we were taken to restaurants that Vantage chose. Out drink choices were always bottled water, Coke or Coke Zero, or Inca Cola. Beer was extra if ordered with a meal and the prices were very reasonable.

We were told not to drink the tap water in all of the places we visited.

Also DO NOT throw the toilet paper in the toilet. There are signs everywhere that warn people to put all paper in the trash cans provided. The toilet may overflow if paper is accidentally put down there.

Paper towels at the rest stops were few and far between.

I'm sure that our tour guides will provide guidance on what's safe or not, but I like the advice from those, like you, who have been there and done that!

Sam,

Safe, fun travels if you haven't already left (or are about to leave).

Be sure to come back and give a report about your trip.

S

Hello Everyone,

We flew back to the US on an overnight flight from Lima Friday night.

All I can say is WOW! This trip far exceeded our wildest expectations and will be a trip that we will never forget.

We booked our trip thru Escaped to Latin America and they did not let us down. Condor Travel escorted us at each pickup and delivery point, and conducted the private tours in Lima, The Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. We had a shared tour on a fast boat at Lake Titicaca.

The only aspect of the trip that might be of concern to others is that this was not a 'kick back and relax' vacation. We were on the go most of the time, but that was our goal....to see as much of Peru as we could squeeze into 8 days.

Our trip included two domestic flights (Lima to Cusco, and Juliaca to Lima), two 4+ hour train rides to and from Machu Picchu (one on the Hiram Bingham outbound, and on Vista Dome inbound), a 10 hour bus trip from Cusco to Puno that included 5 stops for sightseeing and lunch, and a 6 hour boat ride on Lake Titicaca.

The first two days were spent in Lima, with one day on our own and the other day included a private Lima city tour. After a flight to Cusco, we were transferred to the Sacred Valley where we stayed in the town of Urubamba. The first afternoon was on our own, and the second day included a private Sacred Valley tour. The tour started at the town of Pisac, where we visited an Inca market. After a stop at Calca to sample some Cuy, we stopped at a very nice restaurant Alhambria Haciendia for lunch. The afternoon was spent at the ruins at Ollantaytambo.

The next morning we had an early pickup to transfer back to the train station at Poroy for the Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes. What a delight to be spoiled rotten in such luxury. Our Condor Travel representative was waiting at the station in Aguas to take our luggage to our hotel, and put us on the bus up to Machu Picchu. We had a private 4 hour tour of Machu Picchu that afternoon with an excellent guide 'Marco'.

The next morning we re-visited Machu Picchu for the daunting task of climbing Wayna Picchu mountain. What a challenge it was, too. With great pride, I can say that DW and I successfully made the climb in 1 hour 50 minutes. Our 19 YO grandson was able to complete the ascent portion of thTe climb in 30 minutes! What an accomplishment. We had a 3:20 Vista Dome train to catch back in Aguas, so it was back on the bus for another 4 hour train ride back to Cusco.

Next morning we were up and at 'em early for a pickup and delivery to the bus station in Cusco for the ride to Puno. We had 5 stops along the way at various ruins and places of interest. By the time we made Puno at 5 pm, it was an early dinner and bed.

Our pickup the next morning was to deliver us to the dock for the fast boat trip to Lake Titicaca. Our first stop was at one of the floating Uros Islands where we met the 6 families that reside there. The guide introduced us to the president of the island who told us of their lifestyle on the island. The president invited us to ride on their 'Mercedes Benz', which was a reed boat capable of carrying well over a dozen people at once. From the floating island, our next stop was on the island of Tequile where we had the pleasure of an outstanding lunch of quinoa soup, grilled trout, rice, and other vegetables. It was delicious.

Unfortunately, as all things do, our Peruvian vacation had to end. The next morning we were picked up and after a short stop at the Sullistani ruins, et was off to the Juliaca airport for out flight back to Lima, and then a redeye flight back to the US and reality!

I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Welcome home, Sam. Your trip sounds amazing. I tell people that we did not go on a vacation but went on an adventure :).

How did you make out with the altitude?

I always tell people my family comes home and needs a vacation from the vacation : )

Sounds great. We used the same company Escaped to Latin America and they accommodated our slower pace! We even had a day of rest in Ollyantambo! And several half days on our own at our request. We had 10 days for the same itinerary without Lima where we had been before. Obviously none of you suffered from soroche = high altitude sickness.

Condor's guides are excellent, attentive, always on time, great English language skills, helpful.