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Machu Pichu

PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 9:32 pm
by balzaccom
So our daughter and her boyfriend have invited us to join them on a hiking tour of the Inca trail from Cuzco to Machu Pichu. We've now spent hours on the web googling information...but would love to hear from anyone who has actually DONE this hike....

But yeah--when you daughter invites you, you gotta go!

Inca Trail to Mchu Picchu

PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 10:53 pm
by dan
I did it three years ago, in May, with GAP (http://www.gap.ca). I was very happy with them and they are competent, at least for Peru tours. I also did a Amazon tour for a few days, along with Cuzco before the Mauchu Picchu tour.

Don't take the "short" tour (1 night) as it doesn't go on the historical pathway. Take the "long" tour, which is 4 days 3 nights (more or less).

It was luxurious and a trip of a lifetime. They fed you and carried group gear and 5 kilos of personal gear. You carry what you need for the day in a daypack (raingear, lunch, camera, water). They provide food and tents. Bring a sleeping bag and pad. Hiking poles must have rubber tips to not wear out the pathway.

We started at Piskachuchu (Km 82). The first night was below Dead Woman Pass, 4200m, the high point of the trip, which we reached the second day. I got a little altitude sickness before reaching the top of the pass, but I was ok the rest of the trip. The second night we stayed at Paqaymayo, and last dnight at Winaywayna. Terrific forts and ruins along the way. The final morning we got up early, before sunrise, and reached the Gate of the Sun with the classic view of Mauchu Picchu and saw the sun rise on the place. Very impressive.

The ruins are crowded with people, but when you first get there in the morning it's not so bad. Enjoy and ask follow-up questions if you wish.

PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 4:43 am
by oakroscoe
Sounds like a bucket list item...

PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:48 am
by balzaccom
Yes it is....

and thank you, Dan, for the input. Sounds like exactly the same itinerary as we have ... ANy thoughts on the weather we'll see? When did you do the hike?

This is gonna be fun!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:49 pm
by dan
I went end of May. My wife teaches, but I wanted to go as early as possible before the summer crowds. If you go too early though (our winter, their summer), you get a lot of rains and I understand the trail is closed for annual repairs then in any case.

We had nice weather--Mediterranean climate, but wetter than California. Got brief, but intense rain. Bring rain gear and you'll be fine. Otherwise, it was dry and sunny.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 7:12 pm
by balzaccom
Perfect. Thank you!

And yes--to everybody else on the boards...I will be posting photos!