Inca Magic Tour: Machu Picchu & Ausangate (8D/7N) Review
So, you’re thinking about a trip to Peru, that’s really cool, and you want to see both Machu Picchu and Ausangate, that’s some pretty impressive mountains; “Inca Magic Machu Picchu and Ausangate in 8 Days and 7 Nights Hotel tour” sounds like it’s almost the trip you’ve dreamt about. But, is it that dream you expect, well that’s just it, a question we want to try to respond to. Here’s, basically, the lowdown on what to keep in your mind.
First Impression: What the Tour Promises
The Inca Magic tour kind of pitches itself as a well-rounded experience, or at least it appears so at first glance, balancing the history of Machu Picchu with the tough wilderness trek near Ausangate. Right? They say you get a bit of everything – comfy hotels, historical sites that have tons of cool stuff in them, and, yeah, awesome views. That said, can they really deliver on all of this without turning you into some completely exhausted mess? That’s what we’re getting to. It’s pretty important to consider that this sort of tour seems aimed at someone who wants adventure but isn’t really looking to rough it too much.
A Day-by-Day Look at the Adventure
Days 1-2: Cusco – Settling In and Getting Acclimated
Okay, you fly into Cusco, which actually sits way up high, like, really high, so the first couple of days are really focused on getting used to the elevation. That’s, of course, very important. Is that what actually happens? Most tour operators, probably like this one, too, put you in a hotel and tell you to take it easy. But, that’s just it, how easy can you really take it when you’re very eager to explore, well, I get that feeling, for certain. Assuming, anyway, you stick to the plan, maybe a really easy walk around the San Blas area is what you do; anyway, just to see the craft shops. Keep in your mind, at this altitude, even walking up a tiny little hill, it’s almost a big deal.
Days 3-4: Machu Picchu – History and Wonder
Visiting Machu Picchu, you know, is probably why you even considered booking this thing in the first place. It’s just really majestic, okay? Typically, you go to Aguas Calientes, like the town at the base, and from there you ride a bus early, so too early perhaps for most, up to the site. I’ve seen pictures and all sorts of films of the sunrise there, which, admittedly, if it works out that way, seems amazing, but keep in mind the clouds show up very quick, I hear. You know, there’s normally a guided tour which goes into a lot of the background of the Incas; and frankly, it’s just fascinating. The tour crams in a lot in those two days, so, very little time to just kind of wander on your own a little. But it’s just neat getting super close to stones that have stood for like half a millennium, I suppose.
Days 5-7: Ausangate – Trekking in the Andes
Right, after Machu Picchu, it’s almost off to Ausangate. If the Machu Picchu thing was more a historic wonder, Ausangate’s basically testing your physical limits, maybe in ways that you hadn’t thought about? The trek can be tough and it also goes way up there in altitude, something around 5,000 meters, where it gets quite tough to breathe; that, actually, tends to be something that some folks forget about before they actually book it. Yet, on this trip you will stay in hotels which means, anyway, you miss out on the total back-to-nature camping type thing that a few folks might hope for. It means that it will be maybe a little less, you know, “authentic,” but probably quite more comfy and easier. That’s what I’m thinking, at any rate. Everyday you will find really amazing scenery, like unbelievably vibrant lakes and big, really big glaciers. The nights could be, very potentially, extremely cold though; just as something to keep in your thoughts.
Day 8: Back to Cusco and Departure
Day eight, finally, you’re going back to Cusco for, anyway, your flight back home. In that case, if things went according to schedule, there will be almost no time to grab anything final in the city. Is that fine for you, I couldn’t tell you; a whole lot just depends on the specific itinerary details, of course.
Hotel Situation: What to anticipate
Okay, because this isn’t just camping, you will sleep indoors. Is that going to be nice, of course. In Cusco and Aguas Calientes, you will almost certainly be put in hotels which might be, I don’t know, something in the 3-star variety, right? In the mountains by Ausangate, still, the places will very probably be more modest, maybe a kind of a “rural lodge” feeling, still with, at the very least, I suspect, okay beds and showers. Okay?
What’s Included and What’s Not
The deal that you make often will take care of just about everything; the transfers, tickets, some of your meals, guides; everything really, that a traveller actually needs. Yet, usually, those really tiny things like your tips, a few of the meals, or any souvenirs? Yeah, those will be out-of-pocket things. I’d look extremely closely at the itinerary, as a matter of fact, because things might potentially change a little between one operator and another.
Physical Demands: Being Realistic About Ausangate
Alright, so here is, possibly, what you actually need to consider; Ausangate will be, probably, a hard hike. The air feels really thin and the trekking could be demanding. They’re the main elements you’re dealing with, for certain. Is that something which a usual person is ready to do? Most likely not, in that sense. Prepare. If you’re typically sitting down all day at the office? Maybe think about really working out ahead a little. Alright? Or choose a easier trip; they really are offered.
Is this Inca Magic Tour worth it?
Right then, here’s that quick opinion; is it actually any good, this trip? Yeah, basically. When you only have a week or a little bit longer and want to actually see something incredibly cultural as well as tough natural stuff? That there really covers a lot. But be entirely certain, like super positive, okay, that the Ausangate element suits where you’re at physically, alright? Maybe dial them up too for answers and be actually certain what hotels they’re using. All right? Because when something actually sounds great? It just means it sounds nice. In conclusion, If all matches up; there is just so much you can see from this; history, wild spaces; and yes, lots of real memories!
Here’s the quick takeaway:
- Variety: Strikes a sound balance, I am thinking anyway, between historical wonder and outdoor action.
- Comfort Levels: Comfy hotels except you get to Ausangate.
- Physical Prep: Make sure, really actually certain, you’re ready for Ausangate.
- Know What’s Included: Double check just what exactly comes with the price, very carefully.
