PERU - Machu Picchu & the Plains of Nazca

[Jade13]

I don't know how you would get to LaPaz, but if it is one of the across Lake Titicaca boat trips, BE PREPARED. You will see nothing but poverty stricken parents and little kids lined up BEGGING at the boat dock (and you really feel sorry for them-they are truly poor). It is almost as bad as Cambodia (and that is REALLY bad in places). I did the trip once-never again. Not only the poor people, but the city of LaPaz is best left to 20 something back packers. Just one of those cities that I put in the "nasty, dirty, won't ever go back again" categories. Lake Titicaca is lovely-for a day trip, an overnight on Suasi Island or the overnight in a catamaran in the middle of the Lake. The crossing to La Paz-forget it. Tauck Tours is out of their mind.

 

Well maybe next year will be the first and last time Tauck does that tour. For what they are charging (over $5,000 per person I think) people for the most part do not want to deal with that. I guess I was trying to fit Bolivia into at least a day trip from Peru. Is it worse than India? We woke up in New Delhi our first night, my DH opened the door and all these cows went running by. We had lots of beggers & children grabbing us for weeks and my brother-in-law is from there. They would follow you down the street. That first morning when we saw the running cows someone tried to sell my DH a leather whip, and he waited outside the hotel all day. I finally told my DH to buy it from him. We paid about 25 cents and still have it somewhere.

[Jade13]

I don't know how you would get to LaPaz, but if it is one of the across Lake Titicaca boat trips, BE PREPARED. You will see nothing but poverty stricken parents and little kids lined up BEGGING at the boat dock (and you really feel sorry for them-they are truly poor).

Lake Titicaca is lovely-for a day trip, an overnight on Suasi Island or the overnight in a catamaran in the middle of the Lake. The crossing to La Paz-forget it. Tauck Tours is out of their mind.

 

It says private Hydrofoil to Sun Island and then on to La Paz. Hotel is Camino Real.

 

 

http://www.tauck.com/tours/latin-america/peru-bolivia-tour-pb-2009

 

Day 1: Welcome to Peru!

Our Bolivia and Peru tour begins in Lima. Upon arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, you’ll be met by a Tauck representative and transferred to the Miraflores Park Hotel, your home for your first three nights.

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

 

Day 2: Explore Lima, "City of Kings"

Your Peru tour begins in the lovely colonial center of Lima, originally mapped out by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, which appears on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. You’ll be inspired by its age-old beauty and venerable tradition during a tour this morning. Some of Lima’s most historic buildings surround the splendid Plaza Major; see the Archbishop’s Palace, with its fine carved balcony, and the opulent Government Palace, the official residence of the president of Peru. Visit the impressive, 16th-century Cathedral of Lima, whose first stone was laid by Pizarro in 1535 and in which he is buried. An excellent example of Peruvian Baroque architecture, the rather stark exterior of the 17th-century Church of San Pedro belies its ornate interior. Get a sense of what life was like for the wealthy of Lima years ago at Casa de Aliaga, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion that has been owned by the same family for 17 generations. Then visit the Gold Museum, housing many examples of ancient metal-working skills and artistry. Please join us for a special welcome cocktail reception and dinner in an intriguing private home.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

 

Day 3: Lima's culture and cuisine

Discover Lima’s rich artistic heritage – representing some 3,000 years and a mix of cultures including pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary Peruvian art – on this morning's private guided tour of one of the city’s fine art museums. Enjoy lunch at Cala, a local seaside restaurant that’s truly one of Lima’s spots to “see and be seen," where you'll sample authentic Peruvian cuisine – a tantalizing fusion of Andean and Spanish flavors. The rest of the day is free to spend as you please, perhaps combing the local markets for handicrafts such as silver, hand-carved wood and woven items.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

 

Day 4: Meet alpacas and folk artists in the Sacred Valley

Your Peru tour adventure continues as a short flight this morning takes you from cosmopolitan Lima to Cusco. Did you know that South America’s iconic llama and the iconic camel of the Middle East are both camelids and thus “kissing cousins,” although they live half a world apart? En route to Urubama in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, meet the llamas and alpacas that are so associated with the Andes during a visit to a farm that raises them, and enjoy lunch at the historic Hacienda Orihuela. This evening, you’ll be treated to special entertainment representing Quechua lore and Inca mythology by the folk art group Kusiwasi, followed by dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Peru

 

Day 5: Mysteries of the Incas in Ollantaytambo

Like Egypt’s pyramids, mystery surrounds the construction methods used to build the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. One of the best preserved of the Inca settlements, this living museum reveals much about what life was like here in the 15th century during a tour; the people of the town of Ollantaytambo still practice a very traditional lifestyle. Return to your hotel for a demonstration of Peruvian cuisine preparation by a chef, followed by a scrumptious buffet lunch. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish – enjoying the amenities of your hotel, taking a horseback ride or being pampered in the spa (at additional cost), or joining us for some local guided sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Peru

 

Day 6: A rail journey to another time

Board the Vistadome train in Ollantaytambo and travel through mist-shrouded peaks that the Incas believed to be sacred to Aguas Calientes, gateway to the “lost city of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. Spending the afternoon exploring this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” with our local guides will be an unforgettable highlight of your Peru tour. Inspiration is everywhere amidst the architectural and aesthetic genius evidenced in the palaces, temples, houses and baths of this mountaintop, totally self-contained city. It is said by some that if you are a spiritually sensitive person and touch your forehead to the Intihuatana stone – still a precise indicator of the two annual equinoxes – you’ll be able to see into the spirit world!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru

 

Day 7: From the past to the present

This morning is yours to do as you please, which might include returning to explore more of Machu Picchu before taking a walk through the hotel’s stunning gardens, home to many species of orchids and birds. After lunch, again board the Vistadome train for the scenic rail journey to Ollanta, and drive to Cusco for a two-night stay. The beautiful Hotel Monasterio, named the “Best Hotel in South America” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2007, will be your home for the next two nights. Originally built in 1592, this 16th-century former monastery in the center of Cusco will indulge you with its unique atmosphere, unequaled charm and gracious hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

 

Day 8: South America's oldest city

Just about everywhere you look in Cusco, you’ll see reminders and remnants of its Inca past and its importance to them as the “navel of the world.” Begin the day with a walk through the bustling modern-day market, populated by hundreds of vendors selling everything from produce to flowers and household items, before setting off to explore Cusco. Discover the ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, “the House of the Sun,” an important Inca stronghold. Nowhere is the collision between Western Europe and the Inca culture more apparent than at the Convent of Santo Domingo. After the extraordinary Inca Temple of the Sun at Koriqancha was ransacked by the Spanish conquerors, its amazing stone walls became the foundation for the Baroque Convent of Santo Domingo, which is built atop the temple. The 16th-century Cathedral of Cusco, whose massive altar is made of solid silver, is a splendid example of Spanish colonial churches in the “New World.” Perhaps you’ll hear the tolling of the Maria Angola bell, the largest in South America, during your visit. Following an afternoon at leisure, join us for a lecture by an archeologist from Cusco University to learn more about all that you’ve seen today during your Peru tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

 

Day 9: Into the Andes and on to the lake

Board the Andean Explorer for a highlight of Tauck’s Peru tour – a spectacular rail journey through majestic peaks and across the Andean plains from Cusco to the shores of Lake Titicaca, the most sacred lake in the Inca world. Settle in for a pleasant ride aboard our private vintage rail car; lunch and afternoon tea will be served on the train. You’ll spend the next two nights on the banks of the world’s highest navigable lake at Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, a lovely property providing wonderful views of Lake Titicaca.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Puno, Peru

 

Day 10: Where time stands still

Legend has it that the Inca empire began at Lake Titicaca when the sun god summoned his children from its chilly waters and sent them forth to establish Cusco. Centuries later, some of the indigenous people of the area dwell on forty-five Islas Flotantes de los Uro, floating islands made from reeds that dot the lake, living much as their ancestors did and still following their ancestral customs. During a powerboat cruise on the lake, view some of these islands and go ashore to meet the inhabitants and discover what their lives are like. Later on Taquile Island, visit the home of an Aymara family who will prepare lunch for you and perform some of their traditional dances. You’ll no doubt notice that on Taquile all the men seem to be industriously knitting, and you’ll see some of the items that they produce. After returning to the hotel, you’re free to spend the afternoon as you choose.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Puno, Peru

Day 11: Bolivia bound

Begin the day with a drive along the coast of Lake Titicaca, then head across the lake via private hydrofoil to Sun Island, Bolivia, the legendary birthplace of the Incas. The ancient Aymara and Quechua peoples believed that the sun and the gods were born here and founded the Inca Empire… and many of their descendants still hold that belief. With a population of about 5,000, the only means of transportation between the five villages on the island is the donkey. Pass through the narrow Straits of Tiquina to Huatajata where you’ll visit the museum of the Limachi family, builders of the reed boats Tigris and RA II used by famed explorer and archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl to prove his theory that ancient vessels could cross vast oceans. Continue on to La Paz, the highest capital city on earth, for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Camino Real Hotel, La Paz, Bolivia

 

Day 12: Lively La Paz

Begun on the pre-existing site of an Aymara village, La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spaniards. The highest capital city in the world, La Paz is home to the highest golf course in the world; in the thin air, a good tee shot will travel an amazing distance! Soak up some local color in the bustling Indian Market and browse in the Mercato de las Brujas, the Witches’ Market, for magic amulets, potions, spells or plants reputed to have healing powers. From the Plaza Murillo, you’ll see the colonial-era Government Palace, known as the Burned Palace because it was set on fire during eight different revolutions; the Congress building had been a convent, a jail and a university before being renovated in 1904 to house the congress of Bolivia. Then, head out of town to the Valle De La Luna, or Valley of the Moon, a stone landscape of deep gullies and bizarre rock formations. Explore more of La Paz as you please this afternoon before joining us for our farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Camino Real Hotel, La Paz, Bolivia

 

Day 13: Say adios to the Andes

Your Bolivia and Peru tour ends in La Paz. A transfer from the Camino Real Hotel to La Paz Airport is included. Please allow two hours for airport check-in formalities. Thank you for traveling with Tauck World Discovery. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Hasta la vista!

Meals: Breakfast

[zaddict]

Hello again,

 

I found the LAN air ticket price goes back down a bit if we fly LIM - SCL in the morning on Sunday instead of Saturday night, late. Maybe we go see Luis and spend the night in Lima instead of staying up for 24 hours. DW is nervous about crime in Lima, but if we don't act the fools we should be OK, right?

 

The LAN tickets come in base, base plus ( gets you seat assignment and some flexibility), and so on. Is the upgrade from base worth it? It's a lot more for 4 flights for 2 people.

 

Will my backpack full of camera be a problem in Peru? I would really like to take our photos of MP with the big one. The little camera takes good photos, but not great and it's a lot slower.

 

Hope the rest of you planning a trip here are enjoying it as much as I am...a lot to consider, though.

 

thanks again for the advice, Steve

[greatam]

Thanks for the advice, greatam and vitriol.:rolleyes:

 

As this is our first trip to SA, we (I) wanted to pack as much as I could into a short time, but now am thinking to scale it back a bit. The flight times add some difficulty as well. I noticed the price for the LAN tickets has gone up $200 overnight, too. The revised schedule we've come up with is something like:

 

08 Dec Mon - ship to SCL, store extra luggage in storage there, fly LA600 to Lima at 22:35

09 Dec Tue - LP 017 to Cuzco at 05:40, get hotel, relax, get some tea

10 Dec Wed - set up tour to Sacred Valley and Pisac Market, breathe

11 Dec Thu - visit Scared valley and Pisac

12 Dec Fri - VistaDome to MP and back

13 Dec Sat - Fly LP028 at 14:20 thru Lima to Santiago arrive at 02:45

14 Dec Sun - get hotel and probably sleep for a while

15 Dec Mon - hop shuttle to Valparaiso and ship

 

If I book an early flight out of CUZ, and then a second flight LIM to SCL it's a bunch more money than LP038. I think this plan leaves enough options in case of weather or other delays. I hope so.

 

I do have a couple of questions about Cuzco and MP... Does the train ticket include bus to MP? Do most or all hotels in Cuzco have oxygen available one way or another, and do we really need it? As for a hotel in Cuzco, DW (and I) do like our creature comforts, however the $500 per night hotels won't fly. i've been checking this thread and some of the travel sights and like hotels such as Torre Dorada, Libertador and Andina Collection. Any preferences? And which Andina did you like? How big is the language barrier in Peru? Not fluent, but I speak a little Spanish ( Mexican) and can usually convey an idea...even if I have to take the long way around to do it....will that be enough? is english spoken at least here and there in Cuzco?

 

Trying to compile all of the information out there for a one week's side trip has my head ready to explode, no wonder escorted tours are so popular. In the past we've found that once we're there it's usually pretty easy to figure out what we're doing so we can get where we're going, but right now it's all one big unknown.:eek: And probably the best part.

 

Anyway, thanks for all of the input, makes it a lot easier, Steve

 

Geez, I didn't think I spewed any vitriol. If I did, I apologize. Didn't mean to-just wanted to give you the straight scoop about landing/leaving in Cusco.

 

I have found that generally the CHEAPEST way to get to/from CUSCO is generally NOT to book one ticket. Book your SCL/LIM and return ticket, then book LIM/Cusco separately. Saves a few bucks usually. Your schedule looks better EXCEPT again LEAVING Cusco. Same problem.

 

HOWEVER, the CHEAPEST TODAY is $625, RT SCL/LIM/CUZ and return. 6 hour layover in Lima on the outbound (late at night-just stay at the airport) Lan Peru 5530 to Lima, Lan 17 to Cusco. On the return, there is a 12 hour layover, using LAN 16 and Lan Peru 5635. Allows you to LEAVE Cusco during the "good" time, then spend 12 hours in Lima (almost all daylight), then on to SCL. You could see a lot of Lima in 12 hours.

 

Your other questions:

 

If you book on PeruRail (usually the cheapest), DOES NOT includethe bus up and down the mountain or the entrance fee to MP. I have found the cheapest to book is individual pieces. PeruRail, pay the fee to get up the mountain on the bus and pay the entry fee to MP. IF you want a one stop package, then the cheapest is Peru-Hotels.com-$255pp for train + bus + entry fee. The train costs $142 on Peru Rail, the entry fee (TODAY-they are talking about raising it) is $28.00 and the bus is $20 RT. So you save money booking each piece yourself. EASILY bookable piecemeal other than Peru-Rail. It is a TRUE Peruvian experience to book your train tickets on line, then when you get to Cusco go to the rail station to pick up your tickets. The place is ALWAYS packed, but I have never figured out what all those people are doing there. They really don't seem to be buying rail tickets.

 

As for hotels, I have stayed in most of them. My favorite other than Casa de Campo (ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR service and view BUT, it is 110 steps from street level to my favorite room so NOT good for your first day in Cusco unless you have NO altitude problems) is the Sonesta Posada del Inca, SUITE room overlooking the Plaza. Bookable usually for about $140.00 per night, although Peru-hotels.com sometimes has special rate. The SUITE room is really special. Peru-hotels.com is actually based in Florida, although Denise, the SA expert, is based in Lima.

 

Almost ALL hotels in Cusco (except the backpacker, hostel type hotels) have oxygen AVAILABLE on request. IF you take it REALLY easy, you should have NO problems. LOTS of coca tea-when you get off the plane BEFORE you get to a hotel, about every 2 hours thereafter for a day or two. IF you feel a headache coming on, motrin/aspirin/tylenol/ AND lots more coca tea. IF it really gets bad, GO TO BED.

 

Very little language barrier in Cusco. BASIC Spanish is more than enough. Cusco is a tourist mecca, catering to Europeans and Americans. Even the little kids speak English. NO problems.

 

More questions????

[zaddict]

not you, greatam, h2so4....( sulfuric acid, aka oil of vitriol )...all in all pretty clever I thought

[vickie_bernie]

I've been meaning to ask if you know what happens in cusco in and around Easter. Looks like we will be there during the Easter weekend and was wondering if it will somehow affect plans.

[greatam]

not you, greatam, h2so4....( sulfuric acid, aka oil of vitriol )...all in all pretty clever I thought

 

 

Got it!!! My UCLA education was somehow lacking LOL

[zaddict]

yeah, well...I had to look it up

 

Spent halloween once at UCLA when I was about 17...that was a night I'll never remember!

 

So I made our LAN 'reservations" (credit card wouldn't go through - had the same problem with TACA Buenos Aires- SFO) and we are flying SCL to LIM Monday at 15:30, spend the night there and fly to Cusco on the 05:40 Tues morning. We fly CUZ - LIM at 09:15 Sat morning, spend the night in Lima again and fly back to SCL at 07:30 Sunday morning, giving us a full day, and lots of flights, cushion before our ship leaves Monday morning.

 

Sonestas doesn't seem to have the suite room available so I think I'll e-mail Rosemarie back and book that. Andina Cusco plaza is also booked, but I'm sure we'll enjoy our stay...just have to ask for a lower floor.

 

Wasn't worried about cost of ticket from train to MP, just don't want to get there and have to sit in the train station all day.

 

Wow... I think I finally got my head wrapped around the details, now just fill in the blanks.

 

thanks for all the great help,

Steve

[cacky]

I have a question for you seasoned Chile and Peru frequent visitors.

 

We will be cruising to the western coast of South America in two weeks. Another thread I am on says we should "dress down" as to not look like tourists, as they said there has been some animosity toward Americans in Chile and Peru. When we were in Italy, we wer told to dress casually, but no jeans. and no white socks, white sneakers. Other than no white socks and white sneakers, what is the appropriate attire for us in Chile and Peru?

[greatam]

I've been meaning to ask if you know what happens in cusco in and around Easter. Looks like we will be there during the Easter weekend and was wondering if it will somehow affect plans.

 

I have never been there around Easter, but if it is anything like around Xmas, LOTS of religious ceremonies with parades through the streets from the cathedral.

 

It will be VERY crowded if it is like Xmas at all. Make reservations and plans early. When I go to Cusco again in December, I will try to remember to ask a few people and get their take on it.

[greatam]

I have a question for you seasoned Chile and Peru frequent visitors.

 

We will be cruising to the western coast of South America in two weeks. Another thread I am on says we should "dress down" as to not look like tourists, as they said there has been some animosity toward Americans in Chile and Peru. When we were in Italy, we wer told to dress casually, but no jeans. and no white socks, white sneakers. Other than no white socks and white sneakers, what is the appropriate attire for us in Chile and Peru?

 

I am in Chile and Peru frequently for business-in fact, just returned to the USA last week. I have never felt any animosity EXCEPT far up in the mountains of Peru, far off the beaten path. Too much influence from FARC and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela in areas not frequented by Americans. In Santiago, Lima, Cusco, Manta, Ecuador-never.

 

I wear Ladies Dockers and polo shirts or long sleeved lightweight pullovers and usually have a lightweight blazer I can throw over if I need to be a little more "businessy" or am going to lunch some place. Santiago is a fairly dressy city, much like quite a bit of Europe. Lima, not so much. I wear loafers all the time, NEVER white sneakers. White sneakers SCREAM AMERICAN, AMERICAN, AMERICAN. Enjoy!!!!

[cacky]

I am in Chile and Peru frequently for business-in fact, just returned to the USA last week. I have never felt any animosity EXCEPT far up in the mountains of Peru, far off the beaten path. Too much influence from FARC and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela in areas not frequented by Americans. In Santiago, Lima, Cusco, Manta, Ecuador-never.

 

I wear Ladies Dockers and polo shirts or long sleeved lightweight pullovers and usually have a lightweight blazer I can throw over if I need to be a little more "businessy" or am going to lunch some place. Santiago is a fairly dressy city, much like quite a bit of Europe. Lima, not so much. I wear loafers all the time, NEVER white sneakers. White sneakers SCREAM AMERICAN, AMERICAN, AMERICAN. Enjoy!!!!

 

Thanks so much for the reply! One more question. Are jeans okay with a button-up shirt?

[zaddict]

Airfare Santiago to Cusco and back for two $1215

7 nights hotel in Lima and Cusco $ 500

VistaDome to MP for two $284

 

Advice from greatam and this thread.....PRICELESS

 

thanks everybody for your help

 

Steve

[maxipup]

Anyone know of a reputable tour company that operates in Salaverry to Trujillo, or Guayaquil, or Manta ?

We will be there late this month, and would prefer not to use HAL's excursions.

[dfb]

Maxipup, Since you are kind of off topic with your questions on this thread, you might have more luck starting a new thread or reading down through a couple of pages to find your ports discussed. Debbie

 

We used a private car/driver and English-speaking guide in Manta through Metropolitan Touring Manta. (operaciones@metromanabi.com) It is possible that Metropolitan has a presence in Guayaquil also. You might ask about it if you contact Metro.

 

Here is a link to our trip journal of our day in Manta.

http://circle-south-america-2008-aboard.blogspot.com/2008/01/day-9-jan-12-manta-ecuador.html

[maxipup]

OK. Thanks.

One advice I got was simply to go to the city square, and there'd be lots of tours available.

[Nonna and Papa]

I wonder if I might impose upon you....again? Your information on flights is always so helpful, and I'm happy to see you posting information on this thread!

 

In February and March 2010, we and two friends have booked B2B2B cruises on the Infinity. We will start off in Buenos Aires and sail to Antarctica. The second segment takes us from BA around the Horn and finishes in Valparaiso. The third segment continues from Valparaiso, through the Canal to FLL.. Because of the extent of this trip, we're going to have to watch our budget when it cmes to shore excursions and tours.

 

Instead of spending $5000 to visit Machu Picchu on one of the ship's tours, we'll try to do it ourselves. My question for you has to do with leaving the ship to do this tour and then catching up with the ship again. The part of the itinerary where we would do this traveling is:

Mar. 17 Arica, Chile

Mar. 18 At Sea

Mar. 19 Lima (Callao), Peru

Mar. 20 At Sea

Mar. 21 Manta, Ecuador

 

Which port would you feel would be the best, both in terms of ease and budget, to fly to Cuzco and see Machu Picchu? Should we consider Arica to Cuzco, and then back to Lima and the ship, or from Lima to Cuzco and then meet up with the ship in Manta?

 

And if you wouldn't mind, would you please give some ideas for flights and/or airlines? Thank you for any advice you can give.

 

Mary

[greatam]

I wonder if I might impose upon you....again? Your information on flights is always so helpful, and I'm happy to see you posting information on this thread!

 

In February and March 2010, we and two friends have booked B2B2B cruises on the Infinity. We will start off in Buenos Aires and sail to Antarctica. The second segment takes us from BA around the Horn and finishes in Valparaiso. The third segment continues from Valparaiso, through the Canal to FLL.. Because of the extent of this trip, we're going to have to watch our budget when it cmes to shore excursions and tours.

 

Instead of spending $5000 to visit Machu Picchu on one of the ship's tours, we'll try to do it ourselves. My question for you has to do with leaving the ship to do this tour and then catching up with the ship again. The part of the itinerary where we would do this traveling is:

Mar. 17 Arica, Chile

Mar. 18 At Sea

Mar. 19 Lima (Callao), Peru

Mar. 20 At Sea

Mar. 21 Manta, Ecuador

 

Which port would you feel would be the best, both in terms of ease and budget, to fly to Cuzco and see Machu Picchu? Should we consider Arica to Cuzco, and then back to Lima and the ship, or from Lima to Cuzco and then meet up with the ship in Manta?

 

And if you wouldn't mind, would you please give some ideas for flights and/or airlines? Thank you for any advice you can give.

 

Mary

 

Hello,

 

Since I can't give you specific prices for 2010, please understand that what I quote is for approx the same dates, 2009.

 

Day 1- Leave Arica on LAN 381 at 9:20AM to Iquique, Chile, change planes to Santiago, change planes to Lima (arrive about 5:30PM). Overnight in Lima, take one of the flights to Cuzco BEFORE 9:00AM. They start flying on Day 2 about 5:30AM, usually about one an hour untl 10:00AM (there are actually three that leave this year between 5:00AM and 6:15AM)

 

Day 2-arrive Cuzco on LAN before 11:00AM. You can either not do much to avoid AMS OR take a trip to the Sacred Valley (which is about 2500 ft LOWER than Cusco). Overnight in Cusco

 

Day 3-DEPENDING on the ship schedule leaving Manta, you have two options. Day 3-take a trip to the Sacred Valley OR if you have to leave Cusco on Day 4 because the ship departs Manta Day 5 by 5:00PM, take the early train (6:00AM) to MP

 

Day 4-if you are comfortable making arrangements for land transport from Guayaquil to Manta-I have the names of a couple of drivers), go to MP.

 

OPTION: IF you went to MP on Day 3, fly out of Cusco at 7:25AM, through Lima and arrive Guayaqil at 1:10PM. Then you have two more options. Hire a car/driver to drive you, rent a car or take the bus to Manta (about 100 miles). OR spend the night in Guayquil and take one of the TAME, Aerogal or Icaro flights out of Guayaquil to Manta on Day 5. The best flight leaves at 5:00 PM, flies through Quito and arrives Manta at 7:30PM. Two VERY short flights-1.25 hours TOTAL flying time.

 

Day 5- IF you went to MP on Day 4, fly out of Cusco at 7:25AM, through Lima and arrive Guayquil about 1:20PM. You will ABSOLUTELY POSTIVELY have to take a car to get back to the Ship-not enough time to get on a plane.

 

Using today's prices for a trip in February/March 2009-Air from Arica to Cuzco and return to Guayquil-$595.00pp

 

Air from Guayaquil to Manta (via Quito) $84.00pp

 

You can hire a car/driver from Guayaquil to Manta for $125 for the car. Bus service is about $10.00pp (4.5 hours)

 

Peru Rail is $142.00pp RT

 

Hotels in Cusco-all the way from $10.00 per night hostels to the $600 per night Monasterio. The two I usually recommend are in the $125.00 per night range, although the TorreDorado has great service and is less than $100.00 per night. Almost all hotels in Cusco have airport pickup service included in the rate. And quite a few have breakfast included.

 

Hotel in Lima for your overnight-$60.00-one way pickup service and a great breakfast is included. You will pay $20-25.00 for the return to the airport.

 

I hope this answered some of your questions. There are various ways to do the trip, but to allow the best chance of NOT getting altitude sickness and seeing the most possible, I recommend you take the MAXIMUM amount of days allowed.

 

Please post if you have further questions or if I made this too confusing.

[Nonna and Papa]

Because we've recently booked the cruises, I've only just begun to do some research on all of this, and happened upon this thread. I know it's much too early to find any 2010 prices, so I'm very grateful for the prices you've posted for 2009. They at least give me some sort of ball park figure as to the price range we're looking at.

 

Do you feel that planning three days to do all of this is cutting things too close? That's more of what I was first considering, although I acknowledge that four days would be optimum. Day 1 - leave the ship to fly to Cuzco and rest for the remainder of the day and night. (Buy and drink Cocoa tea)!! Day 2 - travel to MP. Day 3 - return to the ship.

 

I'll print your suggestions so I have them handy when I talk over the options with my husband and our friends to see what we want to do. I just hate to miss the opportunity to visit MP since we're in the "neighborhood". ;) You never know, we may not have another chance to do this!

 

Thanks so much.

 

Mary

[greatam]

 

Do you feel that planning three days to do all of this is cutting things too close? That's more of what I was first considering, although I acknowledge that four days would be optimum. Day 1 - leave the ship to fly to Cuzco and rest for the remainder of the day and night. (Buy and drink Cocoa tea)!! Day 2 - travel to MP. Day 3 - return to the ship.

 

Mary

 

You will need a minimum of 4 days. You cannot make it from Arica to Cusco in one day very easily. As I posted, the first flight you could make out of Arica leaves at 9:10AM, then to Santiago, then to Lima by 5:30PM. You MAY be able to get on the 7:05PM flight to Cusco BUT you also may be stuck in Lima due to weather conditions. The fog and clouds roll in after 11:00AM and it makes landing IMPOSSIBLE. So back to Lima you go. I would just stay in Lima overnight, then take the EARLY morning flight to Cusco.

 

Look over the info and I will be happy to answer any other questions.

[Nonna and Papa]

Thanks, greatam. There's so much to consider! It's always fun to plan.

 

Mary

[sunnies]

greatam,

 

This is the first time I have read this thread - thank you Mary for the advice. We are also on the B2B cruise from Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale in 2010. As we are from Australia, the cost of the ship's tour to Machu Picchu will be even more for us as our dollar is weak. The Celebrity tour per person in 2009 is $US2595 (Standard Option). It may be possible for us to fly from Australia to Santiago and then travel to Machu Picchu before flying on to BA to commence our cruise. This way we would not miss out on two ports of call on the cruise. However cost must be a consideration. Greatam, do you think we could organise flights, accommodation and a tour guide for less than $US5000 for the two of us?

 

Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you.

 

Meg

[greatam]

greatam,

 

This is the first time I have read this thread - thank you Mary for the advice. We are also on the B2B cruise from Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale in 2010. As we are from Australia, the cost of the ship's tour to Machu Picchu will be even more for us as our dollar is weak. The Celebrity tour per person in 2009 is $US2595 (Standard Option). It may be possible for us to fly from Australia to Santiago and then travel to Machu Picchu before flying on to BA to commence our cruise. This way we would not miss out on two ports of call on the cruise. However cost must be a consideration. Greatam, do you think we could organise flights, accommodation and a tour guide for less than $US5000 for the two of us?

 

Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you.

 

Meg

 

NOT counting the flights from Australia to South America, you can probably do MP for about $1000pp, UNLESS you want to stay in the Monasterio and Sanctuary. Within your budget, you can have the Monasterio and Sanctuary (a night directly in MP) and all the deluxe stuff for about $2000 pp.

 

Fly from Australia to Lima if possible. Then go to Cuzco from Lima. Spend however many days you want in Cusco/MP (I ALWAYS recommend 4 due to the possibility of altitude sickness). IF you have the extra time, you may even want to take the train to Lake Titicaca (truly spectacular train trip), spend a day or two in Lake Titicaca, fly from Juliaca (Puno-Lake Titicaca) back to Lima and from Lima fly to Buenos Aires for your cruise. Very easy to do. Give me a rough idea of what you WANT to do. I will post ideas.

[Jade13]

Greatam - I posted a question to you regarding costs under "Buenos Aires Driver". The hotels are a good source for drivers but I still had a Question.

 

Btw, I'm am definately going to plan on Lima and MP for 2010. We are pushing the limit with my DH's vacation time next year, so might as well wait until we have a bit more time.

[greatam]

Greatam - I posted a question to you regarding costs under "Buenos Aires Driver". The hotels are a good source for drivers but I still had a Question.

 

Btw, I'm am definately going to plan on Lima and MP for 2010. We are pushing the limit with my DH's vacation time next year, so might as well wait until we have a bit more time.

 

I don't see the question. I don't go to BA that much-don't like the city and have little business out of BA. So I depend on the hotel concierge or front desk to make most arrangements that I don't make myself.