Peter Greenberg: Visiting Machu Picchu
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-07-21
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Can you recommend a good source of information about Machu Picchu? My husband and I are interested in the Inca Trail, like to hike, and are in good physical condition. We have an interest in seeing it all sometime within the next year. With no personal knowledge of anyone who has actually done the trip, we are lost. Thanks!
–Marilyn, Boise, Idaho
A simple site that is a good place to start for basic information on Machu Picchu is http://www.machu-picchu.info/.
This site does offer some links to actual travel providers—mostly to Peru Explorer (http://www.peru-explorer.com). This company offers a wide range of trips and tours and specializes in Latin America.
Here are a few others to check out:
Kensington Tours offers a number of mostly private excursions in Peru and Latin America, including stops in Machu Picchu. Prices start at $1,354 per person for the five-day “Peru Discovery” tour, which includes a private outing to Machu Picchu. http://www.kensingtontours.com/
Another company to check out is Vaya Adventures. This Latin America-centric travel operator generally offers private, independent tours, which in some cases are customizable. Their eight-day “Peru Highlights” tour includes a private trip to Machu Picchu featuring an overnight stay near the mountain. This way, you can visit the monument very early in the morning before most tourists have arrived.
http://www.vayaadventures.com/home.aspx
But a great option for you might be an active adventure with Active South America. Their 14-day "Jaguar" tour includes hiking on the Inca Trail, cycling in the Sacred Valley (of the Incas), sea kayaking on Lake Titicaca, and hiking through rainforests. The 14-day tour starts at $2,700 per person, but the seven-day option (which includes most of the aforementioned activities) is just $1,800.
http://www.activesouthamerica.com/
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