Travel in Peru?

Question

What's a good tour group to go with to see Machu Piccu? I was told it is not safe to go alone, but I don't want to tour with some of the groups for older people like Cosmos or Globus or anything...and Contiki does not go there...

Answer 1

Paul S has told you exactly the right answer! I'm so glad people have a wonderful experience in Peru. Apart from what Paul S said, I can only add to check Lima Tours (www.limatours.com.pe) which is the best travel agency in Peru. They may suggest some organised tours for the dates you'll be in Cuzco and may give you some more advice. I agree that a little bit of Spanish may help.

Answer 2

It is SOOOOOOOOOO SAFE to go alone! Are you kidding me? Who told you that?!!!!  

I spent 1 month traveling Peru. If you have questions, email me.  I'm an open book.

And, unless you don't care about money, don't waste it on a tour.  Peru is extremely easy to travel in/around.

Answer 3

How you enjoy Machu Piccu depends on what kind of adventure you are looking for. I traveled there this summer with a friend and being familiar with spanish we had an awesome time going alone and taking the roads less traveled. By doing so we saved alot of money, and got to really experience that area of Peru.

I do not have much experience with tour groups in the area, but I can tell you about the benefits of not using a tourgroup.

But first let me say that as long as you are careful, polite and speak the language (even a little bit) traveling without a tour group is very safe. Peru is a peaceful and beautiful country. Like travel abroad anywhere in the world you must watch out for pickpockets and being taken advantage of as a tourist. So , be careful, do some research and know the language and it couldnt be any safer (or more fun!)

There are several options for traveling to Machu Piccu. The most adventurous (and most gratifying) is by hiking the Incan Trail (about 3-4 days) By doing so you get to experience the entire Sacred Valley region... instead of just taking a train to Machu Piccu.

Second is the most common (and easiest) way. By taking a train from Cusco to Aguas Callientes (at the base of the park) this is the most expensive means of travel, but also the most direct. It is easy for those who do not like to much adventure, or are uncomfortable with the area. Beware though Aguas Callientes is one of the biggest tourist traps in the world. High prices and tourism sustained economy wash away any authenticity to this town.

A third option (how I traveled this summer) is a great mix of the two previous ones. From Cuzco, use the bus/taxi systems to get to Urubamba and then Ollantaytambo. You will save tons of money this way (cutting the cost from 80 USD to about 4USD) and you get to really enjoy the culture and people of the Urubamba region. Ollantaytambo is an enchanting village surrounded by astonishing Incan ruins (rivaling those of Machu Piccu) where you can lodge for less than 5 USD a night, and dine in authentic, but pleasant cafes for even less. As no more than a water stop for tour-routes, it is relatively unscathed by the hordes of tourists traveling to Macchu Piccu. From here you can hop on the train to the park entrance for about 40 bucks.

Finally, tourgroups usually will travel by their own busses making hurried stops along the way. If you want to go this route, you can do so without paying much more than other means... just keep in mind that you are traveling at their pace from one place to another.

Machu Piccu and Peru are amazing experiences, regardless of how you travel make sure to be involved in the people and culture of the region.

And Enjoy!