Luxury Peru Travel: Machu Picchu, Cusco And The Sacred Valley
It is possible to charter a light Cessna aircraft, which require a minimum of eight passengers. Or you can book a helicopter which can be booked for even just one person. The length of flights can vary depending on the needs of your group but generally they are at least 40 minutes to an hour and can be longer.Though you are getting the unique opportunity to see Machu Picchu from the skies, you will want still want to walk amongst the walls of this famed citadel, and get an up close and personal perspective. Take the Hiram Bingham train from Cusco for the highest, finest quality service. Named after the famous adventurer who visited Machu Picchu on the 23rd of July in 1911, the carriages of this train are painted blue and gold while the insides are comfortably, luxuriously and elegantly decorated in a 1920s style.
In the morning train, a delicious brunch is served as you gawk at the surrounding countryside along the Urubamba River. Your guide from the train will show you around Machu Picchu. When you return to the train there will be cocktails and a gourmet dinner waiting for you. This experience is the epitome of high class and the most luxury way to travel to Machu Picchu. If you want to spend the night and see the ancient city for two days, consider staying in the Sanctuary Lodge where you will have the entrance to Machu Picchu literally right outside your front door. This is the best option if you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, the smaller but higher peak above Machu Picchu with beautiful ruins of its own. Only 400 visitors are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu, and a line usually forms quite early right outside of the gates each morning. You will have a great advantage over the backpackers that have to walk up from Aguas Calientes.
Don"t forget to take a Cusco city tour as well as a Sacred Valley tour to really see up close all the sites you witnessed flying with the condors above the mountains. All in all your luxury, Cusco and Machu Picchu experience will not disappoint if you are willing put in the extra effort in your planning and budgeting.