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Originally Posted by krazykanuck
(Post 27225865)
Peru Rail makes you do that for all tickets. I tried to pick ours up at the Cuzco airport when we landed and the rep was unable to print them off saying her system wasn't working. Wound up getting them from the Peru Rail ticket office at our hotel (Tambo del Inka). Vistadome class of service tickets don't get the nice ticket jacket though ;)
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How did you cope with the high altitudes? Any health issues during your time in Cusco?
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Originally Posted by transportprof
(Post 27227294)
How did you cope with the high altitudes? Any health issues during your time in Cusco?
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Andean Explorer Train To Cusco
After 3 nights in Puno, it was time to head to Cusco on the Andean Explorer. We arranged for a cab to pick us up and take us to the station with the hotel's front desk for 7 soles.
When we arrived at the station, it still was not open, but about 10 min later, the big wooden doors were unlocked and we were let in. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8550/2...32ea216c_b.jpgDSC01594 by B H, on Flickr Not sure how safe it is, but these outside gas heaters being used indoors seems to be a common thing in this town. https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8052/2...a7a5327e_b.jpgDSC01600 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8022/2...a3d84d92_b.jpgDSC01604 by B H, on Flickr There was a baracade but, couple of us asked if we could take pictures and we were allowed to pass. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8135/2...3169e7c6_b.jpgDSC01611 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8374/2...5e4ca2f5_b.jpgDSC01613 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8244/2...60980a1f_b.jpgDSC01619 by B H, on Flickr Coffee and Coca tea service while waiting. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8343/2...e5d67211_b.jpgDSC01627 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8470/2...0f82a924_b.jpgDSC01631 by B H, on Flickr Every group of passengers are escorted group by group to the train and to your seat by one of the crew. We were the second to board. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8518/2...2697d47f_b.jpgDSC01643 by B H, on Flickr Bar car with the viewing platform in the back. https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8506/2...00ac8d84_b.jpgDSC01644 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8682/2...2d86bb1a_b.jpgDSC01646 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8808/2...c50c4634_b.jpgDSC01648 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8198/2...f3c3c0ac_b.jpgDSC01650 by B H, on Flickr The open platform. Best place for taking pictures. No reflections, blur or dirty windows to deal with. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8219/2...63590381_b.jpgDSC01654 by B H, on Flickr View from the open platform. https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8394/2...8bb05045_b.jpgDSC01652 by B H, on Flickr View of the passenger car. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8279/2...46a774aa_b.jpgDSC01660 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8486/2...167f8cc6_b.jpgDSC01664 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7507/2...4b3767c5_b.jpgDSC01661 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8218/2...c4c371de_b.jpgDSC01671 by B H, on Flickr The menu. Lunch and afternoon tea are included. Breakfast is not. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8672/2...15ec607e_b.jpgDSC01676 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8293/2...66853f8e_b.jpgDSC01677 by B H, on Flickr Right after the train departed, another tea and coffee service onboard. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8065/2...ff1405a6_b.jpgDSC01680 by B H, on Flickr Getting close to Juliaca https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8709/2...177ef016_b.jpgDSC01682 by B H, on Flickr My dad and I decided to have a pisco sour. Wine is included in lunch but other hard beverages must be paid for. They run a tab and you pay at the end. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8382/2...90755799_b.jpgDSC01705 by B H, on Flickr We stopped at Juliaca station but no one got boarded. https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7463/2...89804484_b.jpgDSC01707 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8316/2...5cac46ab_b.jpgDSC01708 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8450/2...261b579f_b.jpgDSC01718 by B H, on Flickr Entering Juliaca market area. People setup all there stuff on and over the rails and move them or keep them on the center of the tracks when the train come through. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8514/2...8203a9dc_b.jpgDSC01723 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8381/2...31fd4f74_b.jpgDSC01741 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8099/2...8c52b06e_b.jpgDSC01748 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8069/2...a263b28f_b.jpgDSC01749 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8237/2...4b630b6b_b.jpgDSC01750 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8443/2...1fdf6f85_b.jpgDSC01755 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8020/2...d5902f3e_b.jpgDSC01770 by B H, on Flickr Welcome mimosa. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8689/2...94948de9_b.jpgDSC01821 by B H, on Flickr Normally people are not allowed in the kitchen car, but I asked and was told I could at 11:30. The train manager showed me around personally. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8492/2...38a7c66c_b.jpgDSC01844 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8196/2...04a2f2d6_b.jpgDSC01845 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8212/2...0154dfd9_b.jpgDSC01846 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8277/2...daf0909a_b.jpgDSC01847 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8079/2...10d55ecf_b.jpgDSC01849 by B H, on Flickr After the tour, I went back to my table and soon preparations for lunch began. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8426/2...3cfaf75b_b.jpgDSC01851 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8353/2...1e9d96d6_b.jpgDSC01854 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8037/2...af0099b4_b.jpgDSC01862 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8180/2...fdb55950_b.jpgDSC01864 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8092/2...ba693f73_b.jpgDSC01867 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8664/2...e2b595a9_b.jpgDSC01879 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8311/2...d28ba1cc_b.jpgDSC01881 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8065/2...08a30610_b.jpgDSC01882 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8094/2...bbdd0dcd_b.jpgDSC01892 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8163/2...3c9b4dd2_b.jpgDSC01894 by B H, on Flickr The climb to La Raya https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8405/2...ea514b12_b.jpgDSC01896 by B H, on Flickr The train also carries a bunch of mechanical crew who also manually work the switch. I'm guessing they are there due to the infrequency of train service and remoteness of the route. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8663/2...5a019d12_b.jpgDSC01901 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8539/2...91df6232_b.jpgDSC01902 by B H, on Flickr While I was taking pictures from the mirador, these three native women scared the sh$% out of me by popping out trying to sell their stuff. https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8508/2...70aa6f12_b.jpgDSC01914 by B H, on Flickr My mom felt sorry for them so told me to buy 1 llama each from the 2 women on the right who made no sale. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8542/2...9efbb2b5_b.jpgDSC01916 by B H, on Flickr We met the train heading to Puno from Cusco. Here there was a bunch crew swap but not the onboard service staff. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8191/2...15905dd6_b.jpgDSC01917 by B H, on Flickr As we were moving to the next switch, these women ran and chased after the train trying to make more sale. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8412/2...8c069295_b.jpgDSC01932 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8754/2...b46dc12c_b.jpgDSC01929 by B H, on Flickr We stopped in La Raya, which is the highest point in the journey and where the Urumbamba river starts. The Urumbamba river eventually meets with the Amazon and then dumps into the Atlantic. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8841/2...06cc4a52_b.jpgDSC01948 by B H, on Flickr Things for sale. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8463/2...564a393c_b.jpgDSC01966 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8304/2...8c57b59c_b.jpgDSC01950 by B H, on Flickr Our waiter and the train manager. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8206/2...92205e35_b.jpgDSC01968 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8455/2...4a140952_b.jpgDSC02006 by B H, on Flickr The two llama's that we bought. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8340/2...2aeee64b_b.jpgDSC02031 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8251/2...319e68b3_b.jpgDSC02046 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8510/2...61b0da90_b.jpgDSC02074 by B H, on Flickr There is a fashion show onboard showing off alpaca spun clothing from Sol Alpaca. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8473/2...69147035_b.jpgDSC02104 by B H, on Flickr Afternoon tea before arrival into Cusco. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8451/2...0b6366ec_b.jpgDSC02121 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8442/2...63a38682_b.jpgDSC02126 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8026/2...2d22af7b_b.jpgDSC02127 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8361/2...2a5901a1_b.jpgDSC02131 by B H, on Flickr Cusco station https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8204/2...2cfda90e_b.jpgDSC02138 by B H, on Flickr Before arriving into Cusco station, the train manager went around asking if people needed transportation to their hotel. We requested a taxi to our hotel, Palacio Del Inka. The manager told us it would cost 12 soles but the taxi driver tried to pull a fast one and say it was 15 soles when we arrived at the hotel. The train manager gave me his business card so I could write a review before getting off the train. I pointed to the business card and told the taxi driver that I would email the manager and MAKE SURE to give him the drivers plate number and inform him that we were ripped off, at which point the driver changed his tune real quickly. |
Nice report. We are headed to Peru in June for the first time, so I'm hoping you share some trip details as well as the flight info.
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Outstanding, I was wondering how much the train is? Your next train is around $600 RT, as I have been quoted in the past.
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Originally Posted by gkbiiii
(Post 27240541)
Outstanding, I was wondering how much the train is? Your next train is around $600 RT, as I have been quoted in the past.
The Andean Explorer cost $176.00 per person including all taxes. |
Interesting train journey and the lamas look some kind of cute.
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Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 27241524)
Interesting train journey and the lamas look some kind of cute.
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Originally Posted by travellingwineO
(Post 27235997)
Nice report. We are headed to Peru in June for the first time, so I'm hoping you share some trip details as well as the flight info.
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Hiram Bingham Train & Machu Picchu
After 2 nights in Cusco, it was was the day for the "Crown Jewel" of our visit to Peru. We booked a roundtrip private car from the concierge of our hotel for 40 Soles each way between the hotel and Poroy train station.
We got to the station early, as an earlier Vista Dome train (I think) was about to depart. The Hiram Bingham stuff were not setup yet. Not our train. We were a little bit early. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8787/2...7aa32c19_b.jpgDSC02495 by B H, on Flickr Checkin For Hiram Bingham https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8107/2...bea4d5da_b.jpgDSC02502 by B H, on Flickr Performers in the parking performing for arriving Hiram Bingham passengers. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8133/2...a6464d7d_b.jpgDSC02510 by B H, on Flickr Our train backed into the platform. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8401/2...8eaf878a_b.jpgDSC02513 by B H, on Flickr Hiram Bingham activity schedule. https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8028/2...996a4d35_b.jpgDSC02515 by B H, on Flickr Each traveling group of passengers were escorted by staff to the train and to their table. Before boarding, champagne was on offer along with another milky white stuff. My parents and I stuck to the champagne. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8374/2...f761e509_b.jpgDSC02516 by B H, on Flickr In total, there were only 19 passengers on the Hiram Bingham today going to Machu Picchu. The train consisted of 1 engine, 1 kitchen car, 1 dinning car, 1 bar car. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8051/2...9fbeec1e_b.jpgDSC02547 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8161/2...e3b2c745_b.jpgDSC02544 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8124/2...edba5465_b.jpgDSC02565 by B H, on Flickr Kitchen Car https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8372/2...caeaa46a_b.jpgDSC02568 by B H, on Flickr The Hiram Bingham train cars were much more plush and luxurious than the Andean Explorer train. Also the Hiram Bingham was temperature controlled while the Andean Explorer was not (at least it did not feel like it.) https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8391/2...81efc457_b.jpgDSC02531 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8491/2...5976d7d4_b.jpgDSC02532 by B H, on Flickr Once everyone was checked in and on the platform, the musicians moved to the train platform and a group of dancers joined them. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8287/2...fef71db6_b.jpgDSC02553 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8017/2...e813e87d_b.jpgDSC02554 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8310/2...ed0f0479_b.jpgDSC02556 by B H, on Flickr The bar car was much more luxurious than the Andean Explorer as well. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8536/2...fb9e53bc_b.jpgDSC02571 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8167/2...da2f8c65_b.jpgDSC02572 by B H, on Flickr The dancers and musicians waiving the train as we leave. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8530/2...92086250_b.jpgDSC02589 by B H, on Flickr Brunch menu. All the pisco sour, house white / red wine and cusquena you can drink are included. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8412/2...3f604b65_b.jpgDSC02584 by B H, on Flickr View from the platform. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8539/2...f851368c_b.jpgDSC02591 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8088/2...3c33b1e0_b.jpgDSC02599 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8590/2...95d9af07_b.jpgDSC02617 by B H, on Flickr Pisco Sour 1 of ????(I lost count) https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8282/2...caab3040_b.jpgDSC02622 by B H, on Flickr The band. With only 19 passengers, it was very quaint feeling, and mix in all the free flowing pisco sour, wine and beer, people were dancing, singing etc. including my mom. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8795/2...32d80a5c_b.jpgDSC02595 by B H, on Flickr Since Machu Picchu, is at a much lower elevation, there is some switchbacking action on our way to Aguas Caliente. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8402/2...c868ae86_b.jpgDSC02648 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8503/2...24c707af_b.jpgDSC02649 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7784/2...9df591e3_b.jpgDSC02665 by B H, on Flickr Snacks in the bar car. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8096/2...def4d308_b.jpgDSC02667 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8477/2...a4a72b12_b.jpgDSC02669 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8378/2...46cca8a0_b.jpgDSC02671 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8316/2...d9fe1a7a_b.jpgDSC02674 by B H, on Flickr A short stop at Ollantaytambo station. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8540/2...fe11e8e0_b.jpgDSC02678 by B H, on Flickr Brunch begins. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8538/2...6f2a0996_b.jpgDSC02693 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8349/2...e37bece9_b.jpgDSC02694 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8501/2...c3680821_b.jpgDSC02695 by B H, on Flickr Smoked trout appetizer. My parents did not want any fish, so they substituted sliced avocados with dressing. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8111/2...ca0f156d_b.jpgDSC02697 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8389/2...bc3aae46_b.jpgDSC02699 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8329/2...d14b78fa_b.jpgDSC02702 by B H, on Flickr Petite Four https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8141/2...efd3b91f_b.jpgDSC02704 by B H, on Flickr Each passenger also gets a travel bag. The bag is inside the case. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8577/2...433be579_b.jpgDSC02707 by B H, on Flickr Bottled water were handed out for Machu Picchu. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8319/2...60c1568d_b.jpgDSC02708 by B H, on Flickr Separate waiting room with clean bathroom, TV, beverage refrigerator. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8748/2...89c600f6_b.jpgDSC02711 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8009/2...245420dc_b.jpgDSC02716 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8736/2...03c3af9a_b.jpgDSC02717 by B H, on Flickr Our group guide Angela, took us all to the bus stop for the winding switchback road ride up to the citadel. The entrance. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8340/2...e5b8547a_b.jpgDSC02721 by B H, on Flickr The back half of the line for the bus back to Aguas Caliente. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8385/2...f920e46d_b.jpgDSC02723 by B H, on Flickr The front half of the line. The wait for the line for the bus easily run into 2+ hours EACH WAY. If your on the Hiram Bingham, you get to bypass all of this. https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8610/2...8a622b38_b.jpgDSC02724 by B H, on Flickr There it is. The citadel and the "face of god" behind it. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8277/2...d3605b1f_b.jpgDSC02734 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8479/2...178ce5d4_b.jpgDSC02771 by B H, on Flickr Inca trail into Machu Picchu https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8520/2...67417bee_b.jpgDSC02744 by B H, on Flickr The front gate or door into the city from the Inca trail. https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7770/2...f3b6e8fd_b.jpgDSC02774 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8193/2...615b0235_b.jpgDSC02780 by B H, on Flickr Important buildings and temples were built with the precisely carved and cut stones while not so important ones had rougher cuts. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8088/2...d742c944_b.jpgDSC02789 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8271/2...d2885d8c_b.jpgDSC02795 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8132/2...48572f0e_b.jpgDSC02797 by B H, on Flickr The city pretty much goes down all the way to the river. There ar still parts coverd up and not yet excavated. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8060/2...dd30b760_b.jpgDSC02811 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8496/2...9fd1c23d_b.jpgDSC02847 by B H, on Flickr Temple to the sun god. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8444/2...94761457_b.jpgDSC02867 by B H, on Flickr Last look before heading out. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8188/2...44200cf2_b.jpgDSC02883 by B H, on Flickr All the green on the bottom still has parts of the city covered. Waiting to be excavated. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8011/2...eaaefb88_b.jpgDSC02884 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8369/2...e2e324a2_b.jpgDSC02885 by B H, on Flickr After almost a 3+ hour guided tour, it was time for afternoon tea which is included in the price of the Hiram Bingham. The tea is at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8562/2...a3d9e7fb_b.jpgDSC02887 by B H, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8090/2...b5fdde5c_b.jpgDSC02889 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8431/2...49980b02_b.jpgDSC02890 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8123/2...ef657ef2_b.jpgDSC02891 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8133/2...a235675a_b.jpgDSC02892 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8420/2...78c053c0_b.jpgDSC02893 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8392/2...7fd977fc_b.jpgDSC02894 by B H, on Flickr After the tea, our bus arrived to take us back to the train station. https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8025/2...9052585b_b.jpgDSC02895 by B H, on Flickr There is a separate guarded entrance for Hiram Bingham passengers that leads directly to the VIP waiting room. https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8205/2...b2186d36_b.jpgDSC02899 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8431/2...534d5cff_b.jpgDSC02907 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8118/2...95afd58c_b.jpgDSC02917 by B H, on Flickr The band is playing in the waiting room. https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7703/2...d9304965_b.jpgDSC02906 by B H, on Flickr More bubblies https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8424/2...333755b7_b.jpgDSC02921 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8109/2...40e78b5a_b.jpgDSC02920 by B H, on Flickr Again we were escorted group by group by an employee to the train and to our table. The tables were all setup and prepped for dinner. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8486/2...99d5f14c_b.jpgDSC02925 by B H, on Flickr Peruvian grains (two types of quinoa), corn and potato as decoration. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8634/2...b2a0afd0_b.jpgDSC02924 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8154/2...781167b8_b.jpgDSC02930 by B H, on Flickr After the train departed and orders for our main course was taken, we headed to the bar car. The band was prepping to play. Since there is no way to turn the train in Aguas Caliente, only the engine is moved to the front, now the bar car and the lookout doors are closed. https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8048/2...e2531fe7_b.jpgDSC02936 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8520/2...f8538328_b.jpgDSC02938 by B H, on Flickr https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8461/2...101cdae2_b.jpgDSC02939 by B H, on Flickr https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8495/2...bd237cda_b.jpgDSC02940 by B H, on Flickr Close up of the decoration. The foods for dinner tonight will include all of these. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8246/2...15810f4c_b.jpgDSC02942 by B H, on Flickr The train is much quieter on the return trip since lot everyone returns on the same day. I believe we only had 14 people total returning. That is including new people. https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8533/2...eb32c2f6_b.jpgDSC02944 by B H, on Flickr Dinner started around 7 ish. https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8439/2...af198a85_b.jpgDSC02952 by B H, on Flickr https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8384/2...428f69b1_b.jpgDSC02953 by B H, on Flickr https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8718/2...12ae7cba_b.jpgDSC02954 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8508/2...fb5b109e_b.jpgDSC02955 by B H, on Flickr https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8570/2...b9cb9962_b.jpgDSC02957 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8273/2...2d17bc54_b.jpgDSC02960 by B H, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8582/2...a3c85a69_b.jpgDSC02963 by B H, on Flickr https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8077/2...52df1f57_b.jpgDSC02965 by B H, on Flickr We arrived back into Poroy station on time and before arrival, the band played the famous Peruvian music El Condor Pasa. In conclusion, was the $790.00 per person cost worth it? ABSOLUTELY. There are cheaper options to get to Machu Picchu, but if you don't want to have to think, wait in line etc etc. the Hiram Bingham is the way to go. With the cheaper option, you yourself or a travel agency has to buy the entrance tickets, bus to and from all separately and that is not including the waiting time of easily 2+ hours each way. The $790 dollars buys you piece of mind, and cut in line pass plus all the food and beverages. |
Looks like a good deal at 790. Not cheap of course, but looks nice.
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Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 27262019)
Looks like a good deal at 790. Not cheap of course, but looks nice.
Also, while getting quotes for next years trip at the Auto Club, my dad saw the flier for Peru trip offered by the Auto Club. For 11 days, they were charging $5500.00 ish per person. This does not even include Nazca Line or Paracas area, Hiram Bingham, or 5 star hotels. This is just to get there, and does not include all the extras like tips food etc. The total cost of our trip which was all paid for, no miles or points came out to about $5600 per person for the three of us, which included (14 days): - Roundtrip Business Class from LAX - LIM on United. - Avianca LIM - JUL - Avianca CUZ - LIMA - Four Points Lima, Hotel Paracas, Palacio Del Inka, Tambo del Inka, Sonesta Posada. (4 SPG property and 1 non SPG) - 3 days of private car tour in Paracas - 2 days of private car tour of Cusco and the Sacred Valley - 1 day tour of Lake Titicaca and the islands - Andean Explorer - Hiram Bingham - Private pickup from the airport to hotels, hotel to the airport, hotel to train station. - All Food and beverages. - Other miscellaneous from cash such as tips etc. If your planning a trip to Peru, it comes out a much better deal if you plan it yourself vs leaving via a tour operator. We used tour companies while in Peru that we pre arranged ahead of time, but you don't want to leave on one of the lumped together packages. |
Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 27262019)
Looks like a good deal at 790. Not cheap of course, but looks nice.
I won't argue the Hiram Bingham is the luxury way to travel to Machu Picchu, but for me there was no value proposition for it. If the OP thinks it was worth it, that's all that matters. :) |
those trainrides look grand. beautiful.
how long were the duration for Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer, each? |
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