Machu Picchu Travel Forum

I am taking my mum on a short 2.5 weeks to south america from australia and have decided on 5 nights in argentina,2 nights in lima and then have 6 nights to work out what i am going to do.She is 70 yrs old so hiking and biking is out of the question but she would love to go to machu picchu.If you were bringing your mum of that age what do you suggest in terms of 7 days cusco/machu picchu...A day trip there just seems too short by reading all the forums!!!!

Yes I think your Mom will enjoy Machu picchu - allowing for an overnight stay there. There are several hotels you can choose from and just ride the bus going up to MP...at the bus center, there's alspo a great souvenir and gift shop where she would enjoy shopping because the prices were so affordable --- I got an an amazing leather album for just $15 Excellent craftsmanship. \


But once you get to MP, there will be steps that have to be taken. If you do have a guided tour with other people, it might be hard for your Mom to catch up. But if you get one of those private guides (can be hired at the ticket booth area), it might be better(maybe?)...but better yet, just go around on your own, reading about MP before heading out there.

The next day could just be rest or if she is still up for it, go there really really early and see the amazing sunrise (weather permitting).

hello jumpingnorman:
I thought there is only one hotel (an expensive one) on MP if one wants to stay overnight on top of the hill?

Yes, there is that one hotel just beside the entrance...but there are several small hotels in the town itself and MP is just a bus ride (or uphill hike) away...I stayed in one of those small hotels by the creek and it was okay...Cheers, Norman :)

Thank you jumpingnorman :)
I believe the expensive one is the only option for me if I want to see sun rise?

If you wakeup at about 5 AM and get onto the first bus (I think 0630 AM) to MP, you might still be able to make it to see the sunrise....that's how most people do it...Cheers, Norman :)

oops, I think first bus is at 0600 AM...so be ther early....Have fun!

another thing to consider if you want to ride the early bus --- BUY your ticket the day before so you don't have to compete with the other tourists for that first bus....okay, have to go to work now...Norman :)

I agree mostly with what Norman said, but I think that you & your mom can use a reasonably priced guide in MP for a tour on the first day. For the following day's excursion, you can just go & enjoy the scenery & ruins on your own. Though, be aware that MP entrance tickets are no longer available at the entrance. Buy that in advance in Aguas Calientes (or Cusco) and buy the AC-MP bus tickets also in advance (as previously suggested by Norman also). BTW, these buses ply the AC-MP route often & start as early as 5:15 a.m. Also, know that the MP entrance tickets are only good for one full day.

I'd suggest the following with your mom:

3 days in Cusco to acclimate properly OR add another day for an extra tour
3 days (2 nights) for AC/MP adventure

Feel free to check my Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lima pages for info.

Good Luck & Enjoy Beautiful Peru!

Hi, I think you should look at some agency tours and information that is always usefull, and Machu picchu will be a wonderful experience for both, look at www.totallyperu.com there you will find tours and not only that you will find articles and extra information, a 2.5 weeks trip to south america sounds awesome, good luck.