Aztec, Inca, Maya - they're all the same. It's some old stone stuff, walk around, not much left, stay on the trail, take some photos. Get a blanket and a feather cap in the gift shop and you're done.

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Posted by LSUGBFTL

Member since Aug 2010

530 posts

Posted on 9/13/14 at 6:58 am to lsu480

Going in July looks like it's going to cost me about 8k total. Taking SAS Travel with Salkantay, Machupicchu & Huaynapicchu 5 Day/4 Night -Group Service.

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Posted by jsquardjj

Member since Oct 2009

1317 posts

Posted on 9/13/14 at 7:04 am to LakeViewLSU

Are you going by your self or with a group of friends?

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Posted by Bmath

Member since Aug 2010

18664 posts

Posted on 9/13/14 at 7:15 am to Traffic Circle

quote:
Aztec, Inca, Maya - they're all the same. It's some old stone stuff, walk around, not much left, stay on the trail, take some photos. Get a blanket and a feather cap in the gift shop and you're done

That's ignorant.

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Posted by LakeViewLSU

Baton Rouge

Member since Jun 2009

17730 posts

Posted on 9/13/14 at 7:57 am to jsquardjj

quote:
Are you going by your self or with a group of friends?

By myself. Ill be in brazil anyway so the airfare will be cheap. I think i can do the whole week for around 1k.

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Posted by Farkwad

Byzantium

Member since Sep 2010

2669 posts

Posted on 9/13/14 at 8:47 am to foshizzle

quote:
, it's like any ski trip really

I was in great shape and hiked and snow skied all over Colorado and never had a problem with elevation. Not sure why, but Cusco kicked the ever living shite out me. I had the worst headache for 24 hours that I have ever had and woke up at night to catch my breath on several occasions. The Farmacia gave me glucose pills and I chewed Coca leaves - nothing helped. Finally acclimated.
Advice - DO NOT DRINK the first night you are there. Machu Pichu however is not that high.

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Posted by EvrybodysAllAmerican

Member since Apr 2013

11150 posts

Posted on 9/13/14 at 9:09 am to LakeViewLSU

I went to Machu Picchu a few years ago but didnt have time to hike the trail. I took the taxi/bus/train/another bus route and that was an adventure in itself on those mountain roads. The scenery was amazing. Pictures really dont do it justice.
I'd like to go back and do the Inca Trail. Thats the famous one that everybody talks about. Dont worry about any of the trails being crowded, and im sure they're all pretty similar.
Definitely worth doing.

edit: If im not mistaken, Cusco is higher elevation than Machu.(twice as high as Denver) I was definitely short on breath just walking around town.

This post was edited on 9/13/14 at 9:12 am

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Posted by LSUButt

Lowcountry

Member since Jan 2006

14930 posts

Posted on 9/13/14 at 9:31 am to EvrybodysAllAmerican

They're not similar at all. Incan trail has other "cities" and a distinct route that the Incans used to communicate. And there are only a few designated campsites for the 200 some odd hikers at one time. So even though you're hiking with your own separate group, everyone has to stay in the same place. It can get crowded and take away from the fact that you're in the middle of nowhere Peru. Salkantay I didn't see another hiker until we got to Aguas Calientes. Incan trail is much easier of a walk and hike. People in their 60's can do it. Our guides said when they turn 40 they aren't allowed to do Salkantay anymore because there are some serious climbs. I would do Salkantay 9 out of 10 times given the option

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