I’d been wanting to visit Perú for a long time. So when my wife suggested we travel to Perú for our vacation, she did not have to say it twice. She did, however, throw me a curve when she said she also wanted to visit Marcahuasi (Markawasi) while we were there. Marca-what? Marcahuasi. I had never heard of it, either. So I did some research; mainly to find out what it was, where it was, and how to get there.
Trip planning started with a visit to the local AAA branch to speak with a AAA travel agent. She listened as I explained what we wanted to see and do while in Perú. Machu Picchu and Cusco, of course, were musts. She then proposed a package that was offered by Trafalgar called Highlights of Perú that included Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. We booked it. Unfortunately, since our agent had not heard of Marcahuasi, and it was not part of the Highlights of Perú package, we were on our own for that part of the trip.
Flights and Transfers
At first, I used Skyscanner to search for airfare to Lima, Perú. A good fare for a non-stop flight from LAX popped up. AAA would book the same flight for us for about $100 more. But AAA would also give us a voucher for optional excursions during our free time, plus provide transfer from Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima (Callao) to the hotel and back. For the peace of mind of being covered from LAX to the hotel and back, plus the voucher, I figured the extra $100 was worth it.
The flight was on LAN Airlines, aka LATAM. LAN has a partnership with American Airlines so I was able to collect miles from the flight to build up my AAdvantage account balance.
The flights between Lima and Cusco were included with the Highlights of Perú tour package.
Itinerary
| Day | Activity |
|
1
|
Arrive in Lima |
|
2
|
Sightseeing in Lima, La Dama Juana Restaurant |
|
3
|
Flight to Cusco, Pisac, Sacred Valley |
|
4
|
Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu |
|
5
|
Machu Picchu, Cusco |
|
6
|
Cusco, La Retama |
|
7
|
Flight back to Lima, Museo Larco |
|
8
|
Sightseeing in Lima |
|
9
|
San Pedro de Casta |
|
10
|
Marcahuasi (Markawasi) |
|
11
|
Marcahuasi (Markawasi), return to Lima |
|
12
|
Depart Lima |
Activities/Excursions
All of the activities except Huaca Pucllana and Marcahuasi were part of the Highlights of Perú tour package booked through our AAA travel agent.
When we asked about things to do near the hotel, the concierge suggested checking out Huaca Pucllana.
We booked the Marcahuasi (Markawasi) tour with Markawasi Explorers (formerly Peru Interact Trails). It took a little bit of effort to secure the tour because payment needed to be wired to the host and all communication was done through email. A lot of questions, confirmations, and details back and forth, but it all worked out very well in the end.
Accommodations
Our accommodations in Lima, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), and Cusco were included with the Highlights of Perú tour package. We added additional nights in Lima, which our AAA travel agent booked for us. Accommodations in San Pedro de Casta and in Marcahuasi were included with the Marcahuasi tour.
How We Got Around in Perú
Most of our transportation in Lima, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town), and Cusco was included with the Highlights of Perú tour package. To get around during our free time in Lima and Cusco, and on our visit to Huaca Pucllana, we walked. Transportation to and from the Marcahuasi plateau was included with the Marcahuasi tour with Markawasi Explorers, which involved car, horse, public bus, and our two feet.
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