Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu: A Private 2-Day Trip Review
Visiting Machu Picchu is on many people’s bucket lists, and it’s easy to see why, it’s seriously one of the new Seven Wonders of the Globe. When you’re planning a trip there, especially from Cusco, you’ll probably see tons of tour options. Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu involves trips into the Sacred Valley and maybe a few other spots, this way you’re turning the visit into a fuller experience. So, a 2-day private tour that hits Cusco, the Sacred Valley, those fascinating salt mines, and, obviously, Machu Picchu could be a fantastic experience. I recently checked out a trip like this, and I wanted to pass along some insight to, perhaps, help you with your future adventures. That way, maybe you too can avoid some potential hiccups on the path and have as great of a time.
First Stop: Cusco’s Charming Vibe
Getting to Cusco, first off, is, actually, half the adventure, maybe. For lots of people, this involves taking a flight into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, this way you’ll quickly find youself surrounded by thinner air. The city sits up high in the Andes, it’s at a whooping elevation of around 11,200 feet (3,400 meters), so you’re going to want to spend at least a day or so just relaxing so, too, your body has the chance to adjust, maybe, to the elevation. Now, with a private tour, the flexibility is kind of fantastic right off the bat. They, maybe, often arrange a driver to collect you straight from the airport. Once there, instead of dealing with taxis, this way it’s seriously off to your accommodation without any of that stress.
I put down my bags at a really charming boutique hotel near the Plaza de Armas, like the central square. The location meant it’s rather easy to go out for some food and take a stroll around and start soaking up the Cusco ambiance. On my first day, I mostly, rather, took it pretty easy, you know, walked slowly, stayed hydrated, and, also, grabbed some coca tea which seems to assist with dealing with the elevation. Private tours sometimes, arguably, include a little walking tour to see main landmarks such as the Cusco Cathedral and Qorikancha which is the Temple of the Sun. Having a guide kind of offers fantastic context about the Inca and colonial past, which really made a difference.
The Alluring Sacred Valley: A Scenic Interlude
The next day, the excursion into the Sacred Valley actually gets rolling, or it usually will. The drive itself is incredibly beautiful, so much that it takes you through twisty mountain paths and past farmland, basically. Private tours frequently make stops at sites like Pisac. Pisac, is that, is known because of its amazing hilltop Inca citadel and a bustling market in the town below. So, it might be something to check out too.
I, literally, spent some time checking out the ruins and I walked through the terraces, also, the guide, in that case, gave me some info on Inca agriculture. Plus, he would really explain the building methods and, that, is that all this was set up. In the town, you should barter for a few souvenirs and view all of the textiles. This, maybe, is pretty great because you’re assisting the local artists, or at least you are supposedly. After Pisac, those private tours usually include a visit to Ollantaytambo, a seriously big Inca fortress that was previously a key spot.
The Maras Salt Mines: A Surreal Landscape
One of the absolute highlights of going to the Sacred Valley is seeing the Maras Salt Mines, so it may be very fascinating, in particular. The salt mines, actually, are still being used since Incan times, and these salt pools come right out from the hillside.
Having a tour guide around is useful so, too, you know about the whole process of extracting the salt, maybe even what these salt mines mean in supporting the local communities, this, often, may be an element some tours just do not cover, maybe, or they will glide through it. Walking about on the salt pools is totally photogenic and you will obtain a lot of fun memories. Most tours usually give you the opportunity to buy salt here; I obtained some red salt to give to my friends, like your usual tourist.
Machu Picchu Finally! Getting to the Lost City
Early in the second day, the tour continues over to Ollantaytambo and you get on a train headed to Aguas Calientes, which lies at the base of Machu Picchu. This train path may be incredibly beautiful, since the track passes over the Urubamba River.
Your personal tour guide would, maybe, also jump on the train so they are with you every step of the trip. As soon as the train pulls up at Aguas Calientes, it can be rather just a simple, quick shuttle-bus trip which carries one on to the doorway of Machu Picchu. Getting in there with that personal tour guide happens to be very awesome as soon as they give insights as to what things indicate. It really helps anyone comprehend the goal and value of the ancient city as you stroll along the temples as well as construction.
The two-hour tour given had the opportunity to see vital spots such as the Temple of the Sun as well as the Intihuatana stone. It felt pretty great, also, to find myself in a position of wandering through such a legendary location along with someone to present to one its story, especially on this scale. Not being tied to that large set of people gave me some freedom to ask questions and spend some time within locations that actually curiosity peaked, it kind of enhanced it that way. Based upon the trip, I also, arguably, did a little more sightseeing on my own; some take the hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see things at a broader level; always double check whether things are open if you were going to visit those sites all on your own.
What’s a “Private” Tour *Really* Bring to the Table?
Opting for a private tour provides benefits. Primarily, it may really just be versatility. It offers the freedom of individual pace and changing some strategies spontaneously, so, maybe, it provides far more scope of looking into things one wants with depth. Should you seem to really, seriously, have a keen interest in Inca culture, a tour guide can allocate a bigger period discussing it plus potentially making stops from locations which big tours commonly neglect. Moreover, your ability to having a personalized practical knowledge comes from individual trips that may lead you far away from large groups.
It ensures one can explore points more privately, without encountering other people, and provides an infinitely better means to simply get a hold of a destination. Having a private car together with the tour guide implies never waiting for different groups neither does the pressure of keeping yourself using the timetable of someone. This kind of customization tends to be valuable when journeying particularly when with kids otherwise when someone is carrying a specific demand. And also of course, it happens to be simpler to just enjoy asking many, or almost no questions as we tour! Eventually it’s almost just a VIP-sort adventure making memories far better.
Some Snags + Stuff to Watch Out For
Alright, so, naturally, one needs to talk about aspects that will possibly prove to be demanding while on those adventures. Altitude illness definitely turns into some issues when traveling near Cusco combined with Sacred Valley; often be well rested previously, try drinking coca tea often, and listen thoroughly when the entire body dictates. Booking something with genuine businesses helps, like your, or someone from those credible sources because many dishonest vendors occur and the goal turns to have that excellent traveling. Be mindful, as, seemingly, often of all of our material objects and always hold essential items close. So too, understanding community customs does greatly in turn just admire everything nearby, but to show genuine esteem of inhabitants too.
Cost Thoughts on a Personal Excursion
Indeed, that will go as said an exclusive excursion generally does really means more cash than these party tours and as a consequence, your costings may easily alter extensively depending on agents you decide, degree or services incorporated. Often research multiple alternatives, find a price rundown and see thoroughly of everything that you’re seriously gaining from this charge! Inquire, does price has those access rates, ingredients, or potentially what grade hotel rooms or teaches have become included? Seeking clarity during arrangement actually ensures the fewer shocks by any means regarding installments and therefore enables people get most amount of this funding.
Overall Judgement: Do that Private Excursion Deserve it?
Very well, should you prefer versatility together with individual experience traveling Cusco, some parts in that Sacred Valley so Machu Picchu, opting that particular two day adventure indeed makes that worth looking into at. Despite the larger bills as it were, individuals are more than covered through benefits through personal guidance combined with possible flexibility which may boost things entirely for being remarkable! Always make sure any agent keeps those great reviews which means individuals truly love that escape so you potentially possess all these greatest memory during you’re sojourns! Traveling effectively everyone!
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