Cusco Travel Forum

I'll be there May 9-14.

I only have about 5 days in Cusco area....thinking of 3 in Cusco and 2 in Aguas Calientes to be close to MP. Now the latest guide book says there isn't a whole lot to AC except heat and humidty.

Would you suggest 4 days in Cusco & 1 in AC, or will I find enough things to to for 2 in AC (& 3 in Cusco)? I'd like to see around the area a bit in AC, and catch MP at sunrise and after the tourists go home. I'd take the train to and from AC.

Nightlife in Cusco doesn't interest me, seeing the city and area does, Pisac market on sunday, maybe a hike or two if I can handle the thin air, or dare I say a mountain bike ride???...

I think that two days in AC would be too long.. 1 day would do it. AC is very small and there is not a lot to see there, there are a few shops, a market but thats about it. You might feel like you are missing out on somwhere else if you spend 2 days there.
To go 'before/after hours' you might need to hire a guide of some sort to help you get there... i'm sure all transport stops at a certain time. Also MP might close up at a certain time so you would need them to bring you to a view point.
Enjoy yourself MP is amazing!

I agree with the above posts. There's a lot to do around Cusco. You can do whitewater rafting, 1 day or 2 days trips.

Sunrise is 5:59 then in AC(sunset 5:30pm), can I get up and walk to MP and see the sunrise from near there? I know I can't walk thru the doors, but get some good photos with the sunrise and MP hill or something??? Looks like it's an hour walk. I'm an early riser...:)

ok...looks like 2 days in Cusco, one in AC, then 2 more in Cusco...Thanks, I would not have done this otherwise.

I am not sure I understand the question. Can you clarify?

is anything stopping me from leaving the hotel at 5am-ish and walking around near the MP grounds, and cathing some nice MP photos with the sunrise in the back?

It's about an hour walk I believe. Safe?

My memory is a little fuzzy.

AC is about 45 minutes away from MP by bus. I didn't see anybody walking except for the kid who was racing the bus.

You could take the earliest bus to MP and then walk around.

Sorry that's not much help.

It was around a 20 minute bus trip from MP to AC. The road is a switch back though (very steep). I did see some people walking and I think there is a seperate track from the road that the buses take.

You may get there at sun rise but you need tickets to get in. I did the Inca Trail so I'm not sure what time the other end opens.

hi, you can walk to MP in the morning but allow plenty of time because its straight up as in steep, an hour is not enough unless you're very fit, they'll let you in at the top as well as long as you have a ticket for that day which you can get in AC ....2 days in AC ....a day is too much...there are hotels at the top which is the easiest way but they're pricey....enjoy

How much time to you want to spend at Machu Picchu? I could see spending 2 nights in AC if you were really going to spend most of your time at the ruins. Also, spending two days in AC gives you two chances for good weather (it does rain a lot in the cloud forest). I wouldn't try walking from AC to the ruins, however. As others have said, it is uphill for a hour at a relatively high altitude. You'd be exhausted before you even got to the ruins. Save your energy for the time when you are on the site or for climbing Huayna Picchu instead.

I'm staying one night in AC. I'll skip the walk up, in the dark not knowing where I'm going doesn't make that much sense. I hear it's too foggy to see a decent sunrise anyway most of the time. I'll catch the first bus up...6:30am-ish.. Still gives me 3+ hours before the masses come. I'll hope it doesn't rain. :)

You can hike up Wanay Picchu, which will give you a good bird eyes view of Machu Picchu. It's a seperate admission from MP, I think, but a good hike.

Aguas Calientes is a pretty dull shanty town that has grown up simply to service the tourist traffic to Machu Picchu. Personally it's a place I spend as little time as possible, preferring to wander around the ruins at the top of the mountain. The hot springs are OK but nothing to rave about. There is a dearth of decent places to eat and when I go there I spend one night maximum. Cusco on the other hand is a wonderful city which is why I have chosen to make it my home. You really don't need the night life if it's not your scene. There are some really good restaurants these days (Cicciolina's, Baco, Incanto, MAP Cafe.........to name just a few). I'd get an early night and wander up to Saccsayhuaman to see the sun come up, walk around the old streets of San Blas, explore the ruins of Tambo Machay, Puka Pucara, Qenko, and spend at least a day in the Sacred Valley..............all infinitely preferable to Aguas Calientes!!

Well opinions are like......well you know. BUT here is mine. I would absolutely stay at least the 2 nights in Aguas Calientes. It sounds like many of those who replied here already are like most who visit the ruins. They take the train up from Cusco in the morning, make a mad rush to the bus line to hurry up the mountain. They then spend 3-4 hours scurring around the ruins like zombies and then run back to the bus like crazy to catch the evening train back to Cucco. PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!

MORE: Sorry but here is a little more I meant to include.

The bus to the ruins takes about 15 minutes and is hauling butt. The hike would be very very tough and take several hours if you are in great shape. Save the hours for the ruins and spend the 16-18 bucks for the round trip.

It sounds like you are there for the wonder of the ancient Incas. Somehow too many visitors here seem to bring the crazy pace of their lives with them when they come here and can't slow down to really soak in the surroundings.

I believe the ruins cover about 3 square miles. Can you imagine what a tourists looks like trying to cover 3 sqs in 3-4 hours. I saw it and it was embarrasing as a tourists.

If you make the trip of Hauyna Picchu (required if it's not raining) to see the ruins from a view few take the time to, you will forever be glad you did. That alone will take about 2 hours just to climb and at least 1 hour to take in the view and some pictures.

We spent 4 days/5 nights in A.C. and the ruins. Yes the town lacking most of the comforts of most developed places but it is stil interesting. In a pizzeria we watched as our pizza was cooked in front of us in a wood fired clay oven. We also watched as the locals train pulled into main "street" (actually main track) and all the supplies disapeared through the town on the shoulders of the locals. The river running throuh town is best viewed from the balcony restaurant near the M.P. Pueblo hotel. The colorful shops along the tracks with the goods for sale make for an interesting stroll and will put a smile on your face. There are also a couple internet cafes.

The Pueblo also has a great full American breakfast.

Hope this helps,
Chris