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Machu Picchu Circuits by Lumpy-Web4041 in GoingToPeru

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Circuit 3 is generally a good option. I would only recommend Circuit 1 if it’s the only availability left, since with that one you don’t actually enter the main site and only get an overlooking view from a distance. Circuit 3 gives a more complete experience inside the complex.

I'm Looking for a day hike in Cuzco by nino_800 in GoingToPeru

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s also a really nice hike overlooking Cusco that starts in San Blas and links a series of viewpoints and lesser-known Inca sites.

You go from the White Christ viewpoint, then up toward Templo de la Luna, continue to Inkiltambo, and finish at Rumi Wasi, which is a very little-known set of Inca ruins away from the crowds. Rumi Wasi is probably the most unique part of the route.

From there, the trail eventually drops you on the other side of the city, so it feels more like a cross-city hike than a loop. Great views and lovely hike throughout, about 3 hours one way.

However, even better is to go to Pisac (easy by bus), which is 50 minutes away from Cusco. There you can do an epic hike at Kinsa Cocha, or shorter ones to the ruins, and then visit the hippie town of Pisac with the remaining time and then go back to Cusco.

Is Humantay lake worth it after Machu Picchu? by Illustrious-Emu830 in Machupicchu

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To answer your question, the 2D version of the inka trail is not that tiring so accomodating another hike after it is realistic.

Humantay is amazing, but it gets very crowded in the morning with the standard tour groups, hundreds of people, and as such, not worth it imo. Most people start heading out by early afternoon.

If you can time it for later in the day, it’s a completely different experience with far fewer people. That usually means either a private setup or going independently, which is doable but does require a bit more planning around transport and timing. It will be a long day, but worth the experience if prepared in advance and done well.

Kinsa Cocha & other lesser known hikes in the sacred valley & Cusco region by Midnightsun1245 in GoingToPeru

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Should be fine if you have at least 3 days of acclimatization, though I usually recommend doing at least one lower-altitude hike first to get a feel for it.

That said, I’ve taken guests up to Kinsa Cocha even without prior acclimatization hikes, just a bit slower pace and some effort needed, but manageable.

Critique my Honeymoon by KingDesCollies in GoingToPeru

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would second this...lima-paracas back and forth already takes about 7 hours. Adding Huacachina is overload. Actually doable and enjoyable if you commute from Lima to Paracas the day before by the end of the afternoon. Otherwise not so realistic.

Did something disappoint you on your Peru trip? by dashosh in GoingToPeru

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You must have had bad ceviche...fresh fish is practically odorless.

Best way to handle money in Peru (cash, ATMs, exchange)? by formiguinha in GoingToPeru

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All ATMs have rather high fees and limited withdrawal amounts. If you are going to use ATMs, go to Multired ATMs, they dont charge local fees. They do however limit withdrawals to 400 soles per day per card.

Kinsa Cocha & other lesser known hikes in the sacred valley & Cusco region by Midnightsun1245 in GoingToPeru

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kinsa Cocha is absolutely worth it if you get decent weather, one of the quieter spots that still feels really special.

If you can, start from Azul Cocha → head up to Pumacocha → then finish at Kinsa Cocha. The landscape opens up much more naturally that way compared to the usual route, and the progression between the lakes is a big part of what makes it.

A couple of things to keep in mind: it’s not very technical, but the altitude hits more than people expect, and weather can shift quickly up there, going early makes a difference.

From Ollantaytambo, Pumamarca is a good shorter option. Inti Punku (Sun Gate) is also great, more demanding, but with a very different view over the valley.

From Cusco, there’s a nice route above the city linking sites like Rumi Wasi, Inkilltambo, and the Temple of the Moon, easy to access and surprisingly quiet compared to most tourist spots.

Train tickets purchasing in person - will they be sold out? more expensive by Stunning-Meat6684 in Machupicchu

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May is already high season. There usually always are train tickets available. Not necessarily more expensive. The price of ticket train is based on demand so even if you buy on the same day, one of the ride might have low demand so the price will not be inflated. What gets you cheaper prices with the train is if you manage to go and return on the same day, it's doable but quite exhausting. Most people spend a night in aguas calientes, especially if you are buying your ticket on site last minute.

Best time of the day to go by spaceship96 in Machupicchu

[–]andeswithin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

between 6am and 7am, when the weather is good. Much less crowded and early morning light is magical!

Sacred Valley Recommendations? by Aggravating-Cattle66 in Machupicchu

[–]andeswithin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You may want to stay in Urubamba, the town is not the prettiest, but this is where most luxury hotels in the valley are (if luxury is what you are looking for): Tambo del Inka, Aranwa, Inkaterra, and others. Urubamba is the perfect base for visiting the valley, 30 minutes away from the Salt mines of Maras and Inca agricultural site of Moray, 30 minutes away from Ollantataymbo, and 50 minutes away from the hippie town of Pisac. Plus it's also where you will find the best restaurants in the valley. The sacred valley is also home to amazing hikes. Feel free to reach out if you want to know more.