The three ways of getting around in Peru, especially around Machu Picchu, is by plane (internal flight from Lima to Cusco), vehicle, driving to the Sacred Valley or start of the Salkantay Trek, or train. Driving to Ollantaytambo from Cusco is about 1.5 hours. There is so much to see along the way and many people make a day tour to visit Chinchero, salt mines near Maras, ruins at Moray, and eventually the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. Even after driving around for a full day, I didn’t have time to see it all including the ruins at Pisac. Driving to our first hike of the Salkantay trek was over 3 hours, but the drive was broken up well. Carla took us to the Mollepata ruins which was so refreshing after seeing the more popular ruins. We basically had this spot to ourselves. We continued for an hour to Carla’s home town, Mollepata, for lunch with locally grown foods. From there, we proceeded on a mountain road (very similar to the ones in Montana!) for about 1.5 hours to the trailhead. We said goodbye to our driver, who took our things the rest of the way to the lodge. Our ride to the trailhead for our first hike on the Salkantay Trek. (Franny Friesz)
Our feet carried us nearly the rest of the journey until Day 6 when we crossed over the Llactapata pass. At the end of the road, we found a train station (that had an excellent maracuya popsicle) and boarded a train to take us to Aguas Calientes. Buses take us up and down from Machu Picchu before a later afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours). From there, we continued back to Cusco by vehicle. We journeyed by train to Aguas Calientes. The next day, Machu Picchu! (Franny Friesz)
There is a lot of driving and train time involved, but with so much to see along the way, it’s broken up really well. My favorite mode of transportation, of course was my trusty feet!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
