Machu Picchu trip, a Lifetime experience!

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(Free-Press-Release.com) January 12, 2010 --

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Machu Picchu trip, a Lifetime experience!

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http://www.machupicchutreks.com

Hi, my name is Eliu Campos from Peru and thanks for reading my first article about Machu Picchu; I want to invite you to live a unique lifetime experience in the Inca’s land. Yes come and explore the hidden Inca’s world and learn about their life, but not only culture you will enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Andean Valleys surrounded by mountains and warm people who will be happy to show you how they have preserved their ancient customs until the present modern times, from how the native families have kept their ancient techniques to weave alpaca wool clothing till how they can cure their illnesses taking only coca tea or other ancient herbs.
Machu Picchu, the most important preserved Inca city, can be visited by everyone, single travelers, couples, families, seniors or honeymooners and all kind of nice people who want to see a different world.
How to reach Machu Picchu? Well first you can fly from your home country to Lima International airport (Peru’s capital), just to let you know Lima is the largest city in Peru and has become the Gastronomic Capital of the Americas!

If your arrival in Lima is late at night, you will need to stay overnight in Lima, you can stay in a 4 star hotel located in the airport or find accommodation according to your budget in Miraflores from guest houses to 5 star hotels. But if your arrival is early morning you can skip Lima to the end of your trip and board a morning 1 hour flight to Cusco. The flights to Cusco are only in the morning. If you have more time you can travel by bus from Lima to Cusco but it means almost a 24 hour ride!
Once you arrive in Cusco it is recommended to rest and relax to adjust to the altitude (Cusco is located over 11,000 ft). All hotels in Cusco will offer you a coca tea cup just upon arrival which will help you get used to the altitude, however if you have high blood pressure, heart or lung problems please contact your physician before arranging your trip to Peru.

Cusco offers different types of accommodations from basic 1 star hostel to exclusive 5 star hotels. If you want to stay as comfortable as possible, you may book an oxygenated room in a 5 star hotel, if you chose a budget accommodation be sure your room has bathroom and hot water.
For those who want to see more of the mountains and Inca construction, then you can take a car from Cusco airport to any hotel in the sacred valley. It will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to arrive there. You will be at lower altitude there of around 9500 ft. In the valley you can visit the Indian Market of Pisac, Chinchero village and Market, Awana Kancha an alpaca wool weaving center, Ollantaytambo Inca’s Fortress. You can try some activities like horseback riding, rafting or mountain biking!

Once you are ready to go to Machu Picchu, you have two good ways to arrive in the Incas’ hidden city. For those adventurous the first options is a four day trek to Machu Picchu thru the Inca Trail or if you prefer more comfort then take a train even from Poroy train station (Closest station to Cusco). If you are staying in the sacred valley then board your train from Ollantaytambo train station. There are 3 classes on the train, the backpacker, the vista dome and the Hiram Bingham (The most expensive one). However, there is another train company which offers you daily departures. They have an executive class departing from Ollantaytambo (For more information about train classes and companies please contact your travel agent or a local tour operator).

Regarding the four day Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu, there is important information to keep in mind, first of all every hiker needs to use a certified Inca Trail Operator to get the Inca Trail Permit which will allow you to hike thru the trail to Machu Picchu other wise it will be impossible. Then you will need a Guide and Porters to carry the equipment. The best way to enjoy the Inca Trail is hiring the services of an Inca Trail Operator and join a group which means you will have included an English speaking guide, a cook and porter support, besides tents and camping equipment. You can contact your travel agent in your country or find recommended local tour operator, please notice that all Inca Trail Operators use quechua porters from poor communities so ensure your tour operator pays them properly (S/40 per day approx)and treats them well too so you will have a great crew and a happy and memorable experience. On day 4 porters will expect to receive some tips from the hikers so keep some cash for this too. Otherwise it may be an uncomfortable situation. How much to tip? Good question, you can ask your travel agent but can be between $10 and $30 or more perhaps you feel they did a great job, so give what you feel they deserve. Don’t forget during the trek you will sleep 3 nights in a tent, depending how much you pay you have better quality of equipment, food and guide.
If you go by train to Machu Picchu, you can enjoy the train journey thru the sacred valley, the train will arrive in Aguas Calientes where the train station is located from there you can take a 25 minute bus ride or if you prefer go on foot it is possible too. You will have a great time. If time allows, you can stay overnight even in Machu Picchu (Most expensive hotel) or in Aguas Calientes with cheaper hotels but nice too.

How much time is needed for this trip? At least 5 days if you take the train but if you hike the trail then at least 8 days, it includes the time you will need to arrive in Lima and return home.
You may know people who have visited Cusco and Machu Picchu. They really enjoyed the experience so what are you waiting for? Start thinking about your next lifetime adventure!
Next time I will write about Machu Picchu’s sister or the other Machu Picchu….
hasta pronto amigos

More information can be found online at http://www.machupicchutreks.com

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