skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

I'm going to Peru the end of March with a trip to Machu Piichu. I have Peruvian friends that are arranging the details from in-country. It's been said to bring no jewelry and hide your passport. :-)
I WILL be bringing my camera back-pack with Canon 5Diii, and three Canon lenses 14-70mm, 50mm 1.2, 70-200mm 2.8 IS, Manfretto Carbon Fiber Tripod and Ball Head, and Jubo Jr. gimbal head for the tele.
Any suggestions from the the Hedgehog gang?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Is the opening for your backpack on the outside, or up against your back. If the opening is against your back, it would not be possible for people behind you to zip it open without your knowing it. There are quite a few that are designed like that. If security is such an issue there, you might want to take a look at them.

What's the elevation there? Maybe you would have to acclimate yourself to thin air before your go.

john blue Loc: Lowndesboro, Al

my wife and I are going 1st of march, on flight from Lima to Cusco have 11# for carry on and 40# checked. Will be rainy season so don"y for get to bring rain gear for camera. Hope you have fun.

skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

I will not be going alone. There will be eyes around to watch my back. The security concern is more around the inner city in Lima and at the airport. NOBODY is touching my gear bag, trust me. :-) I can also slip a little lock in place to keep my zipper from opening...
When we go to Machu Piichu, one day is pent there before trekking just to get acclimated to the elevation (8,000ft).

skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

I will be going there the last week in March.

I don't understand "have 11# for carry on and 40# checked."
Please explain...

john blue Loc: Lowndesboro, Al

I don't understand "have 11# for carry on and 40# checked."
Please explain...[/quote]

11 pounds for your carryon luggage, 40 pounds for your checked luggage.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

8,000' isn't too bad. It's when you get to 10 or 12,000 that's you run out of breath.

skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

11 pounds for your carryon luggage, 40 pounds for your checked luggage.[/quote]

Thanks for clearing that up! Is that on the flight to Cusco?

skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

I'm sure I'll be fine. But that's how they do it...

john blue Loc: Lowndesboro, Al

Thanks for clearing that up! Is that on the flight to Cusco?[/quote]

yes

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Sounds like a great trip. Be safe.

skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

yes[/quote]

I'll put that on my list. Thanks!

Have a great trip yourself! I can't believe I'm actually doing this. :D

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

You will love Machu Picchu!

I have been there several times; the first time was back in 1977 before there were any buildings or power near the city. It was downright surreal as the sun set and the old rickety train left for the trip back up to Cusco.

Today, Machu Picchu is so much of a tourist mecca that it has (like so many things) been tainted by all the services that tourists expect (bathrooms, restaurants, cable car, hotels, etc.).

The only area where you will really need to be careful is outside the airport. Once outside of Lima, common sense and awareness will serve you well.

As to altitude, Machu Picchu is not generally a problem for anyone in good health. 8,000 feet is not bad, but in order to see all the amazing vistas, there is a lot of climbing involved. To me, that is the only way to experience Machu Picchu. Early morning, early evening, and from higher elevations (where allowed today - so many new restrictions today, 30 years ago we had the full run of the place). I have climbed as high as 14,000 feet

But to get to Machu Picchu you will fly to Cusco. At 11,500 feet Cusco poses some breathing challenges for folks who are not in shape or are prone to altitude sickness. Most folks need a few days to feel better and get ready for a day of climbing in Machu Picchu. But you can spend 4 or 5 days in Cusco and the surrounding area as there is so much to see and experience.

As recently as 2009, the small hotel we frequent in Cusco still offered the traditional tea made from coco leaves to help you get acclimated to the altitude. Beware, coco leaves contain the base narcotics used to make cocaine and while the effect of the tea will make you feel better for a while, it does nothing to get you acclimated to the reduced oxygen.

The train ride down to Machu Picchu is still interesting, but the hike on the 500 years old Inca trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu is worth it. It takes between 4 and 5 days depending, and offers some great sights. It used to be a rather lonely trek with minimal provisions along the way, but today several hundred folks start on the trek each day. Again, tourists everywhere. And there are reasonable accommodations along the way.

You seem to have the right camera gear. A locally planned trip will be so much better than anything organized stateside. And with so much to see and experience you will have a most memorable trip. If you are not much of a hiker, start getting in shape now - you will enjoy the trip so much more if you are able to walk 5 miles a day.

We look forward to seeing some of your favorite images when you get back.

Have fun!

skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

Thanks! I'm going to enjoy every moment. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. My best friend, Gisella, who's from Lima will be traveling with me from the US. Her sister living in Lima, who has only one kidney, will be going with us to Machu Piichu. She's excited and determined to be there with her beloved sister.
Although they are both native Peruvians going there is a big deal for them because most Peruvians can't afford such an extravagance.

skydiverbob Loc: I retired in San Antonio

I don't really like the tourist crowds and all that comes with it. I don't think we'll be doing the five day hiking thing. That would be good for me. But time is limited. Gisella's nephew lived in the Cusco area so he knows what places to explore. I'm sure I am going to have the best vacation of all time. And my camera will see a lot of use there. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Stay tuned!!! :P