What is a safe and cheap way to visit Machu Picchu? I plan to make the trip end of Nov 2006.?

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Penfold

I'm not sure the cheapest way to get from Buenoes Aires to Cusco but in reality, unless you have loads of time, you'll have to fly. Speak to any good travel agent. They'll be able to discuss flights with you. I tend to use the Flight Centre http://www.flightcentre.co.uk/ and avoid the online travel agents for flights originating outside your home country. Once you're in Cusco, there are only two ways to Macchu Picchu. The first being is to hike up the Inca Trail. You'll have to do this with a tour goup - you are not allow to do this hike on your own and takes anywhere from 2 days to a week. The second option is take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then walk or free bus for the last 10km up the mountain. You'll have to pay for the train and the hike. Take a look at the websites for tour companies http://www.peru-explorer.com/ and http://www.enjoyperu.com/ as a starting point for more info. I don't think they'll supply all the ifo you need but will get you started. They like their meat in Peru but I never had any problems finding vegetarian food when I visited last Christmas.
End of Nov is also off season so you shouldn't have any problems finding accomodation in Cusco. Be prepared for rain as the buildup for the rainy season will be starting.

Andrew S

I came back three weeks ago and went on a tour all around Peru. This is a costly way of doing things and is prob not suitable for you. Are you doing the full trail or just site?. A good guide should have no prob in sorting out veg meals (poss have to take some stuff as is a backwater although locals are better of than most i saw. There is a hotel at base of site which will do veg meals (expensive). Local tourist town near base will be fine.
Have a great trip and VIEW.
Can be damp in the morning, Take insect spray ect.
DRINK BOTTLED WATER JUST IN CASE!!!!!!!!.
Almost forgot if travelling from Cusco. Stay with bag all the time. A girl i was with checked into hotel was told her bag would be taken to her room. So she went upstairs. One problem all the staff were carrying peoples bags and the desk was left unattended (this was a good hotel) and someone just walked in and took all her things.
I took easy route by train to Machu takes several hours but great views.

BeachGirl

I would say it's best if you book some sort of tour through a travel agency, they usually include hotels of different prices. Its safe. To go to Machu Pichu, you need to stay in Cusco which pretty safe anyway.
Have fun

Paul B

I used to work in the British embassy in Caracas Venezuela. I know from personal experience that the Embassy staff in Lima will have excellent knowledge of the latest cheap deals with specialist and proven local companies authorised to do machu Picchu tours. You should remember that it is in a fairly remote par tof Peru and it takes time. Sometimes the weather can delay your visit as it can often be covered in cloud.

South America is a predominantly meat eating region, particularly Buenos Aires where ones eats the meat first and then asks for a salad. peru however, has a much more varied palate and I suspect that vegatarian dishes, even in meat eating restaurants will be very easy to come by.

Macaw_Lover

You are trying to do this leaving in less than 2 months. You should have booked this 8 months ago. You must not realize that some of these places to travel are best to book way in advance. Machu Picchu is one of them.

Have Fun! If you make it there, however S. America is great in price. Depends on your definition of cheap. Mine and yours might be different.

malcy

If you are fit enough it's a really good hike.

Squeak

I got lucky and got a cheap cancellation to MP last August, there are loads of companies in Cusco such as Andean Travel, SAS etc but you will need to book in advance as you are not giving yourself much time if you plan to do the trail. Otherwise it isn't too difficult to buy a train ticket to Machu Picchu but you will need to go to the train station to get a ticket beforehand.

Loads of veggie food in Cusco as it is very touristy and as a vegetarian I found the food on the Inca Trail fantastic.

I thought it was an amazing experience and I loved the trail.

Enjoy!!!

homeless

You can do the trip in 4 hours by train. When coming back by train enter the train early because all the hikers go back on the train and it fills up fast.
Bring your own snacks.

Pauline N

An organised train trip from Cusco is your best bet. I have a Peruvian friend who is a guide in Cusco and I always stay there. Its pretty save, but just dont go out at night alone.Hey I will be there from the 14th to 28 of November myself. Maybe we can hook up

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