Machu Pichu

[donaldsc]

I am interested in doing a tour of Machu Pichu on a cruise next year as the ship stops in the area for 3 days

From those of you who have done it, would you stick with the ships tours or would or have you booked a private tour that you liked.

 

Do you remember the costs of the ship and vs the doing your own arrangement and how it worked out?

 

Thanks for any advice

 

There a a number of cruises that either start or end in Lima. You could book one of those and do the Machu Pichu tour independently.

 

That is what we are thinking of doing.

 

DON

[Granny DI]

We had just arrived in Cuzco when we learned of a terrible tourist accident. On 3/22/2009 12 passengers from the Celebrity Millennium were killed when their tour bus went down an embankment in northern Chile. The tour company was not registered and was not part of a tour offered by Celebrity. Evidently the passengers tried to save money by arranging their own private tour. Our kids were totally panicked until one of our children remembered that we only do ship tours in "exotic" places.

[Granny DI]

The accident occurred March 22, 2006. I can't type!

[cccole]

The hotel at Machu Picchu is $925 per night but that inclides 3 meals a day and it is right at the entrance ... no train or bus.

 

Best prices I can find for a professonal class trip ar2 about $2000 per person per day. Thats for 2 persons if there are more the price comes down !!!

 

VS thr ships 3200 to 4500 per person

 

I am on the 31 day 2013 Veendam in visiting April 17-18-19 Lima in Salavary out

 

I am currently researching a trip to Machu Picchu next year and would love to stay at the Sanctuary Hotel but for the price. When you say no train or bus does this mean you arrive to the hotel by helicopter? That would be fantastic. Or...do you arrive at the hotel the day before by train or bus and are then able to tour MP. There are so many options in Peru it is mind bogling. Cherie

[Granny DI]

I think there are only two ways to Machu Picchu from Cuzco...the train + short bus ride or walk for 4 days. Also not thinking I'd want to take a helicopter into that area. The Sanctuary hotel is right at the entrance to Machu Picchu. There are several trains from Cuzco to Machu Picchu so you could take a later train if you want to spend the night. The only reason I can think of to stay at the Sanctuary hotel is for the solstice. Machu Picchu isn't a big area and can be seen in a day. Something everyone is forgetting about is altitude sickness....some in our group became very ill. I just had insomnia and my husband wasn't bothered. There is no way to predict or prevent it. Just plan extra time in Cuzco to get adjusted to the high altitude so you can enjoy Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is MAGNIFICIENT...no words can describe it!

[woodley]

We did this trip on our own Nov 2009. Staying at the sanctuary lodge is lovely but I would not do this again as our reason for doing so was to be one of the first to enter Machu Pichu before the crowds arrived to get a real feeling of its beauty. However, a line of people that come up the hill on buses started to form about an hour before the gates opened and by the time we joined them there were several hundred people. the food was great and the rooms small but very comfortable, I also had one of the best massages I have ever had at the sanctuary

 

We did buy our tickets at the gate and did not have to pre book.

 

I hope you have a wonderful trip, it is really easy to do independently and much much less expensive than through a tour company.

 

Greatam on the south american/machu pichu thread is a wealth of very good information and she helped us with our planning.

[Mary Ellen]

There are better places to adjust to the elevation than Cuzco. Cuzco is over 13,000 feet. Machu Picchu about 7800. We really don't need to acclimate given our home elevation is about 7000, but we're going to spend some time in the Sacred Valley (a better place to adjust for those who need to do so) anyway before going to Machu Picchu. Cuzco is better toured after one has somewhat adjusted to the elevation. To truly adjust it will take months and I don't think any of us are going to do that.

 

Yes, one used to be able to get tickets at the gate, but that is no longer the case.

 

The same with helicopters, they are no longer flying around Machu Picchu. They kind of ruined the serenity of the area.

[Jade13]

The $4,200.00 per person 2 night HAL Deluxe tour does not even include a stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, which is the only hotel at the foot of the ruins.

 

Next April we are going on our own, but for 3 nights instead of 2 and the cost is 1/3 of HAL's in luxury accommodations, and that includes one night at the Sanctuary Lodge and an international flight since we will be meeting the ship in Ecuador. We already have formal permission from Seattle.

 

Our 3 flights are under $350.00 total and the Sanctuary Lodge is $900.00 with taxes (includes 3 meals), so $450.00 per person. The hotels in Cuzco include transfers. The ruins are about $50.00 per person for entrance and we will go twice (2 days) for $100.00 each. We can take the luxury train one day if we wish (it does not run on Sunday which is one day we are traveling ). We only need to find a guide for one day in Cuzco/Sacred valley. Our luxury hotel in the Sacred Valley is approx $200.00 (so $100.00 each). So, we are at $1,000.00 each without the train costs or guide in Cuzco, and remember this is for 3 nights with 3 flights (one international) vs HAL's $4,200.00 for 2 nights without the Sanctuary Lodge.

 

http://www.sanctuarylodgehotel.com/web/omac/machu_picchu.jsp

 

http://www.riosagrado.com/web/ouru/rio_sagrado_hotel_introduction.jsp

 

We are also leaving on our second day in Lima, so we will have time in Lima while HAL's tour leaves the first day in Lima.

[Jade13]

 

Might be one heck of an expensive cruise if you do not get to go where you really want to because you went cheap (NOT calling any one cheap, just trying to make a point)

 

Joanie

 

Cheap?

 

HAL's tour for 2 nights has at least a 400% mark-up and does not stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, and only goes into the ruins for a few hours. On our own we can stay at the Sanctuary Lodge and spend more time at MP.

[Archie's Mom]

The Sanctuary Lodge is wonderfully located, but the best place to stay to see MP is the MP Pueblo Lodge. It is located by the river on 12 secluded acres with amazing butterflies and orchids. Whitewashed bungalows and a fabulous restaurant. It's a very short bus ride to the site. It is one of our favorite hotels in the entire world, as is the Monasterio in Cuzco.

[Hawaiidan]

Wow.... you have it wired. I am impressed

Can you contact me at dsmith66@earthlink.net I have some specific questions.

 

As to altitude sickness it hits most above 10,000 to 12,000 dependign on your hemoglobin count. Your doctor can perscribe DIAMOX, a medication used in Mountaineering and the Military for rapid changes in altitude and precludes all AMS

Living at 7000 ft means nothing because you will be coming from sea level and you loose your advantage after 3 days away from the specific altitude. Too, living at altitude X gives you a+ 3000 ft zone so to 10.000 ft max

I work at 5000 to 13,00o

[Mary Ellen]

If you comment was directed at me, we will be at elevation less than three days after leaving home. I don't believe I've made any comments to the contrary. :confused: We're NOT coming from sea level, other than the one night in Lima. We know better than to head to the highest elevation (Cuzco) to 'acclimate'.

 

Machu Picchu is less than 3,000 ft higher than our normal elevation. It is about 800. As I said earlier, we don't have to worry about the elevation difference there. Cuzco and at Lake Titicaca, yes. That is why we've planned our itinerary at a slow pace to help with the differences in elevation.

[yiddishkopf]

We did Machu Pichu as a pre cruise excursion in 2000. On the day we were to fly to Cuzco, it was raining and our flight couldn't take off. There is only one train a day from Cuzco, to MP so our tour leader found us a hellicopter to take us to Aquas Caliente at the foot of MP. It was a very exciting ride --we each had to pay $125 additional but HA refunded that amount.

 

I've been many places throughout the world, but Machu Picchu remains my top attraction--better than the Great Wall and even the Great Barrier Reef! I did get a case of altitude sickness with a little bit of upchucking. In our hotel in Cuzco they offered me oxygen and the bellhop came to the room to administer the oxygen. I thought that was hilarious!

[cruisemom42]

We had just arrived in Cuzco when we learned of a terrible tourist accident. On 3/22/2009 12 passengers from the Celebrity Millennium were killed when their tour bus went down an embankment in northern Chile. The tour company was not registered and was not part of a tour offered by Celebrity. Evidently the passengers tried to save money by arranging their own private tour. Our kids were totally panicked until one of our children remembered that we only do ship tours in "exotic" places.

 

Upon reading the report of this tragegy, it appears that the bus swerved in order to avoid an oncoming truck -- not due to any safety issues (and there does not appear to be any connection to the fact that the company was not registered).

 

Also, one does not have to look very far to find instances of passengers being injured or dying on cruise-ship sponsored tours as well:

 

Princess excursion tour bus accident on Tortola:

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Princess-Cruises-suspends-BVI-excursion-after-bus-crash/

 

And even on HAL sponsored excursions:

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2011/02/articles/maritime-death/holland-america-lines-passenger-killed-while-snorkeling-in-belize/

 

(in which the captain of the boat was later found to have been negligent).

 

In short, there are no guarantees that paying 2-3 times as much will guarantee one a risk-free tour, much as we might like to believe it.

[Jade13]

Upon reading the report of this tragegy, it appears that the bus swerved in order to avoid an oncoming truck -- not due to any safety issues (and there does not appear to be any connection to the fact that the company was not registered).

 

Also, one does not have to look very far to find instances of passengers being injured or dying on cruise-ship sponsored tours as well:

 

Princess excursion tour bus accident on Tortola:

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Princess-Cruises-suspends-BVI-excursion-after-bus-crash/

 

And even on HAL sponsored excursions:

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2011/02/articles/maritime-death/holland-america-lines-passenger-killed-while-snorkeling-in-belize/

 

(in which the captain of the boat was later found to have been negligent).

 

In short, there are no guarantees that paying 2-3 times as much will guarantee one a risk-free tour, much as we might like to believe it.

 

Right. A Ship sponsored tour vs. an independent tour has no relevance on whether a driver might swerve to avoid an oncoming truck.

 

We had some good, but more poor, HAL excursions on our recent VOV that it just makes me think that we can often do a better job putting together a shore excursion than the cruise line. Of course we will always take some ship excursions as often the ship has exclusive use of the tour operators or has chartered the boat in some instances. But, we had some awful guides in the past two weeks with one who could not speak English. When we left the ship someone we met on CC was in the process of canceling 4 shore excursions that he had purchased through the ship for the return leg to Boston. Again, a ship sponsored tour does not always mean a better or safer operator.

[Jade13]

We did Machu Pichu as a pre cruise excursion in 2000. On the day we were to fly to Cuzco, it was raining and our flight couldn't take off. There is only one train a day from Cuzco, to MP so our tour leader found us a hellicopter to take us to Aquas Caliente at the foot of MP. It was a very exciting ride --we each had to pay $125 additional but HA refunded that amount.

 

I've been many places throughout the world, but Machu Picchu remains my top attraction--better than the Great Wall and even the Great Barrier Reef! I did get a case of altitude sickness with a little bit of upchucking. In our hotel in Cuzco they offered me oxygen and the bellhop came to the room to administer the oxygen. I thought that was hilarious!

 

There is now more than one train per day to Aquas Caliente.

[Jade13]

Wow.... you have it wired. I am impressed

Can you contact me at dsmith66@earthlink.net I have some specific questions.

 

 

 

Hawaiidan,

 

I can contact you when I have a chance, but I figured out our itinerary based on feedback on the South America board on Cruise Critic. The MP flights and itinerary would vary depending on your cruise itinerary including which direction you are going. We are on the March 31, 2012 Veendam from Santiago to NYC (or FLL). We also did not want to miss Lima, which is what is happening with HAL's Shore Excursion.

 

Regarding Machu Picchu, you may want to review the following threads below.

 

We are flying LIM/CUZ, then CUZ/LIM/GYE. I received advise on the South America board on Cruise Critic when I was asking about traveling to MP from Arica, Chile. The response had to do with those on a Princess cruise when their Shore Excursion was canceled because the port was canceled. "Greatam" on the message boards helped about 20 passengers book on their own, which they did last minute from the ship.

 

"ALL flights from Arica go to SCL, then to final destinations. The cruise lines use charters IF they fly passengers out of Arica due to the bad airline schedules. In 2006, Infinity cruise from FLL to SCL, the ship had problems and was NOT going to dock in Arica where the cruise line MP trip was going to depart. People booked were told too bad.

 

I advised about 20 to fly from LIM and go enjoy their MP trip. I helped them book the stuff in the ship's internet cafe. Saved them a whopping amount of money even booking airline tickets so late, they got to take their time and the cruise line gave them a chunk of credit as well as reimbursing the cruise line MP trip, so they lost nothing except for a few sea days. I ran into 4 of them in Santiago and they were all very happy with their decision.

 

Just looking at this years LAN schedule, the flights from Arica to Cusco would have these connections-Iquique, Santiago, Lima then Cusco. Takes about 9 hours on the BEST flight schedule. Can take up to 28 hours, depending on connections. And who knows what the schedule will be in a year???

 

If it was my trip, I would fly from Lima (on your Callao port days) and return to Guayaquil to rejoin the ship. You won't miss much on the ship not seeing Trujillo Peru and a sea day. Would fly LIM/CUZ, then CUZ/LIM/GYE. You can even buy some tickets that fly SCHEDULED CUZ/LIM/GYE with a 24+ hour layover in LIM if you want to spend additional time in Lima. No extra cost for those tickets.

 

MUCH cheaper doing it on your own and giving you at least 4 days, if not 5. Last year, prices were between $1600-2000 PER PERSON from the cruise line for a 3 day trip-leave day 1 for Cusco, arrive about noon, take a "break to acclimatize", run around Cusco in the afternoon (good way to get AMS). Day 2 go to MP Day 3 fly back to wherever."

 

Here are some of the other posts

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439978

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1336434

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1405897

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1460684

 

 

 

From "Greatam" on Cruise Critic - post for someone on a Princess Cruise

 

"Just an FYI about the price of the Princess tour vs DIY.

 

DIY

$489pp-the Hiram Bingham train-the most expensive and certainly not necessary. I took it once. Would certainly not do it again. No way could I find $300pp in value over the Vistadome train.

$1100-the BEST room at the Sanctuary Lodge for one night.

$1600-Deluxe suite for 2 nights at the Monasterio in Cusco

$900pp-flight from Lima to Cuzco and to the ship from Cuzco

 

As you can see, unless you get the BEST train, the BEST hotel rooms with the package (and you won't because there are only two BEST rooms at the Sanctuary and 4 Deluxe suites at the Monasterio), it is truly a rip.

 

If you want to see Santiago and Valpo in addition to MP, may I offer a suggestion. Fly from the USA to Lima on either LAN or AA. Buy either a LAN South America Airpass or a OneWorld (AA) South America airpass. Will cut your internal airfare costs just about in 1/2.

 

There are many, many hotels in Lima for a day of sightseeing. And the suite room at the Casa Andina Cusco Plaza has one of the best rooms in all of Cusco, IMHO. $200-250 per night. The Sanctuary is expensive but a good experience, so no savings there. Hotels in Cuzco pick you up at the airport. ALL hotels in Cusco offer some type of "tourist" services. The good hotels have access to the best tour guides.

 

For $5000 you can see Lima, Cusco/MP, Santiago and Valparaiso in style and comfort. AND give you enough TIME in Cusco/MP to acclimate so you alleviate some of the effects of AMS. If you need help planning this, send me an email.

 

Just another FYI-Quito is 170 miles from Manta. It is also almost 10,000 feet. Unless your ship is in port for a day or two, I can't see why the cruise line is emphasizing Quito. No way is anyone going to Quito (except possibly on a Princess charter aircraft) on a day port stop. Even on a charter plane, from sea level to 10,000 feet is sure a good way to get AMS without time to acclimate."

 

==============================

 

This is HAL's tour in 2012 for $4,300.00 per person for 2 nights for Superior. The standard Tour for 2 nights in only $3,200.00. The Superior does not even include the Sanctuary Lodge.

 

They will be leaving from Lima on the first day, so you won't see anything in Lima.

 

HAL Shore Ex -

 

"Peru, the Kingdom of the Sun, captures a mix of native and European cultures. It is a country of antique cultures, where the traditional way of life is still evident, and of great scenic contrasts. It’s easy to accept that Peru is one of the greatest treasures of the Americas. Of 103 possible ecological zones on earth, 83 are represented in Peru. The Spanish conquistadors came here in search of gold, but they never found the most elusive prize—the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Day 1 (L, D)

Transfer from the port of Callao to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, located at an elevation of 11,152 feet above sea level. A ship’s escort will accompany you on the flight and your local guide will be waiting for you at the airport in Cuzco. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Cuzco and check in. Lunch will be followed by a sightseeing drive through colonial Cuzco to see the main square, the cathedral (step inside if time and traffic permit) and either the Temple of Korikancha or the Santo Domingo Convent, where you will also step inside if time and traffic permit. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

 

Day 2 (B, L, D)

The Superior Option includes five-star hotel accommodations, as well as a memorable train ride on the Hiram Bingham railway to Machu Picchu. The timing of this very special adventure enables you to explore Machu Picchu during a less crowded time, for a more intimate and up-close look at this remarkable historic landmark. Your trip to Machu Picchu today begins with a bus ride from Cuzco followed by a train ride along the Urubamba River. Urubamba River is located in the Sacred Valley approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. The railway is an adventure in itself. You will enjoy brunch upon boarding the train, and relax for three hours. Warm hues, elegant upholstery, two dining cars and a bar make the Hiram Bingham train, named for the explorer who "discovered" Machu Picchu almost a century ago—a pleasant experience indeed. From the train station, it is just a short walk to the bus loading area, and a 25-minute coach ride to Machu Picchu—the Lost City of the Incas—at an elevation of a "mere" 7,874 feet. The bus ride is on unpaved roads but the end reward is to immerse yourself in the timeless history and intangible magic of this strange and wondrous ancient citadel. Your guided tour is an awe-inspiring, a-once-in-a-lifetime experience. Upon arrival at the station near Machu Picchu, travel with your guide by coach up to the ruins. You’ll arrive just as many of the visitors are leaving for lunch, and you will have plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu in relative peace and quiet. This stone city was constructed by incredibly sophisticated techniques with huge blocks of stone fitted together perfectly—an example of precision that is elusive even with laser technology used in building today. After a guided visit to the ruins, you will enjoy a private afternoon tea buffet at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, transferring back to Puente Ruinas to board the Hiram Bingham train. On the train ride back to Cuzco, relax over a cocktail, then dinner will be served in the dining car. You will arrive back in Cuzco in the late evening after a day of dazzling sightseeing and wonderful memories. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Cuzco.

 

Day 3 (B)

Enjoy a buffet breakfast; then, time permitting, you will visit one of the remarkable ruins of the Inca empire—the ancient cultural center of Sacsayhuaman. A box lunch is served during the transfer to the airport for your flight to Trujillo (via Lima). From there you will drive to Salaverry and re-board the ship.

Notes:

The tour to Machu Picchu requires traveling from sea level to an altitude of 11,200 feet, which may cause altitude sickness for some guests. Touring the ruins of Machu Picchu requires climbing many stairs and negotiating uneven and rugged terrain in rarefied air. Guests with a heart condition and/or known respiratory difficulties should consult their physician prior to booking this tour. There are two paths at the ruins from which guests may choose; both are fully guided. One requires moderate walking and the other requires considerable walking. Bring comfortable, casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics. Temperatures will change as altitudes and time of day change, so it’s best to bring shorts as well as long trousers, and clothing you can layer. A sweater or lightweight jacket will be needed for the cooler evening temperatures common in upland regions. Oxygenated rooms are available at an extra cost and can be booked on board the ship. The tour operator reserves the right to change hotels but will offer the same category. Heavy, unpredictable, seasonal rainfall can change some operational aspects of this tour. Should this occur, Holland America Line will notify guests in advance of any significant changes and participants will be given the opportunity to cancel their reservation without penalty.

Departure Times: 10:00 AM

 

Duration: 3 days/2 nights"

 

 

I hope this helps.

[giverny]

We are looking to do Machu Picchu on our own. We dock at Lima but need to reboard at General San Martin. Does anyone have any reliable contacts?

 

If anyone is on this cruise and looking for the same we could go as a group.

[Mary Ellen]

Giverny - the best place to look for others sailing with you is on the roll call for your cruise. Look under the Roll Call forum for Holland America, then your ship, then your sailing date. Good luck.

[Hawaiidan]

got it sorted out...

Fly into Lima then several packages for $800 pp include flights 3 days 2 nights and back to Lima, but rather than transfer to a hotel again, catch a flight $450 pp to Santiago arriving late evening and catch a ship then next morning ( for me south to Buenos Aires and Antarctic and on to Igazu) So for $1000 pp. beats he heck out pf $3200 from the ship.

 

Thanks again to all for helping me :D

[Jade13]

got it sorted out...

Fly into Lima then several packages for $800 pp include flights 3 days 2 nights and back to Lima, but rather than transfer to a hotel again, catch a flight $450 pp to Santiago arriving late evening and catch a ship then next morning ( for me south to Buenos Aires and Antarctic and on to Igazu) So for $1000 pp. beats he heck out pf $3200 from the ship.

 

Thanks again to all for helping me :D

 

Glad to hear you have it all sorted out.

[wrp96]

Just got back from a trip to Peru, did the 3 days, 2 nights trip to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was so wonderful, you will probably regret not being able to do one of the longer tours, I know we did. There are lots of sites in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley that are wonderful and fascinating in addition to Machu Picchu.

 

We rode the Expedition train up and the Vistadome train back. Even the Expedition train was good quality and comfortable so don't be afraid of the transportation options. Once you get to Aguas Calientes, the only options up to Machu Picchu are the shuttle buses (or hiking). They run 22 buses up and down constantly. Even in lines over 100 people long, we didn't wait more than 15 minutes for a bus.

 

One thing to be prepared for, at Cuzco airport the bathrooms are terrible to non-existent. Our departing gate was in an area where the bathrooms were completely closed, but even in the areas where the bathrooms were open they were nasty!

 

I wish we could recommend travel agencies on this board because our travel agent went above and beyond the call of duty. We booked one of the cheapest packages and ended up with a private tour at Machu Picchu. But most of all, despite declining travel insurance, after one of my travel companions fell ill (not altitude sickness), they covered all her medical bills including a night in a clinic.

 

We calculated all the fares, and between the entrance fees to Machu Picchu, the shuttle bus, the train, the hotel, the transportation within Cuzco, the entrance fees to all the other sites we visited, we would've paid even more to book all this independently than we paid to our travel agency so definitely worth it to go through a reliable company.