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Victoria, BC
Canada
72 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2005 : 8:29 PM
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My wife and I are heading to Peru in April and were wondering if anyone could recommend a tour operator, we are trying to keep the costs as low as possible.
thank in advance 
Levi |
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vancouver
Canada
1018 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2005 : 2:57 PM
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i just did the inca trail in dec...the costs are low now..but once the season begins again..the prices will go up...280us approx..i paid 150us...
the operaters are mainly all the same(did a whole day searching for a good company)...the prices are very competitive, so you will find almost the same everywhere...the cheaper ones tend to not treat their porters well...the porters get paid 60soles for a 4 day trip (which is pennies)..so make sure you go with a reputable company...
i can't remember the name of the one i went with..i know where it is..but that doesn't help you...you can talk prices down..so do your best as each hiker seems to pay differently...
find out if it is busy season, because when i went i winged it and got a great deal...i did not book ahead...i had to wait 3 days for my trip..but that is okay, as there is sooo much to do in cuszco..in the low season they only can have 500 people on the trails so they get booked up fast..they try to get you too book ahead..but i think it is just a way to get sales..in busy season is when the wait might be longer..
there is also a 2 day trip you can do...it does a small portion of the inca trail(the last 2hrs technically), and leaves you in machu pichu..than you stay the night at aquas caliente (hotsprings town).very cool...that tends to be cheaper...but if you have the time and a bit of money..do the 4 days..as you don't see and experience what you can doing it in 2 days.
have a great trip...alot of bothersome locals so try to stay outside of plaza del arms...prices are the same as canada there...outside of the plaza are some cool places..good luck oriana |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
64 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2005 : 09:34 AM
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I was in Peru July 2004, that was right in the peak season. They have this new government regulation from early last year where you have to make a reservation for the Inca Trail (both 4day and 2day treks) at least 30 days in advance. That ruined my whole plan to do the Inca Trail because I phoned for reservation 2 weeks in advance, and none of the tour operators would take me. This new regulation came out just after the new Lonely Planet got published last year. So I'm surprised that Oriana was able to get in without making a reservation. Maybe the regulation only applies during the peak season.
But to be on the safe side, I advise that you make the reservation at least 30 days in advance, or at least call or email one of the operators to ask if this rule applies in April. They were very strict about this at the time of my trip. Believe me, I begged some of the tour operators, but none would take me. Anyway, I still went to Machu Picchu without doing the Inca Trail. I stayed overnight at Aguas Calientes and explored Machu Picchu for 2 days. I still had an awesome time! Machu Picchu is the highlight of the whole trip anyway. And you definitely have to hike up Huayna Picchu, the view is just magnificent! The good thing about missing the 4day Inca Trail is that I was able to do something else with those 2 days, given the limited time that I had for the whole Peru trip. The other good thing was we didn't have to spend that much to see Machu Picchu, since doing the Inca Trail costs a lot.
As for tour operator, the only one I can remember is SAS Travel. Don't go with the cheapest operators because they don't treat their porters well. There is a website, which I unfortunately don't have a link to anymore, that has a list of all the Machu Picchu tour operators on the internet with a corresponding review/rating. The Lonely Planet also has a list.
If you do decide to just wing it, check out the tour operators in Cuzco, shop around. Most of the good ones are in the Plaza de Armas area. Don't sign up with anyone from the airports, or those that even go to where you're staying at. Some of them can be a scam.
Cuzco is awesome! And going around Plaza de Armas didn't bother me at all. It is such a neat city. Hope it doesn't rain when you're there. I'm sure you will have tons of fun!
Here's a link to my pictures if you want to check them out:
http://community.webshots.com/album/161768082sXwiDa
Have a great trip! |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
72 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2005 : 9:12 PM
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Thanks for the info. and it looks like my wife and I are heading there in April, just have to book the flight then the long wait till April. I'll post a report once I get back.
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Inca Trail in April
