Travel to Machu Picchu for Age 50+

As a 60+ year old tour operator who has visited Machu Picchu more times than I can count, I feel uniquely qualified to advise people age 50 and older about how to set up their trips to Peru. I've had the privilege of staying in a few of the high-end luxury properties when traveling to Machu Picchu by train, as well as the gratification of experiencing the most down-to-earth remote jungle lodges and camps when trekking on foot. Being a lifelong resident of western culture, I understand where people are coming from and make no judgements about how they want to travel. After all it's your trip and my sole duty is to provide intel to help you decide how you want to roll on your vacation.

Whether you want to pamper yourself in luxury or suffer all the way, I can help you. I've traveled to Machu Picchu by train, on foot by the Inca Trail, and through the backdoor jungle route. Each approach has advantages that appeal to different people for different reasons. 

What travelers age 50+ need to know about traveling to Machu Picchu by train:

• The main train station is located in the village of Ollantaytambo which is about 2 hours by car from Cusco. The train station in Cusco has limited departures and there are even fewer departures from the village of Poroy about 40 minutes outside the city which is open May through December. 
• It's convenient to tour the historical sites in the Sacred Valley for a full day beginning from Cusco, on your way to Machu Picchu by train or on foot on the Inca Trail.
• The Hiram Bingham luxury train operates 1x per day each way beginning and ending in Poroy. There is one morning departure to Machu Picchu. And one evening departure at 6pm returning to Poroy. If you book this train from January 2 through April 30, Perurail operates bi-modal service in a tourist bus about 1.5 hours to a small station in the Sacred Valley where you transfer to the train for the remainder of the journey.
• There is no public transport in the Sacred Valley. Passengers are expected to arrange their own transportation to and from Poroy or Ollantaytambo unless you book bi-modal train/bus service in Cusco. 
• Perurail Buses used for bi-modal service pickup passengers in Cusco city center and will sometimes drop you off at your hotel on return. Or you may need to take a taxi which is easy to find in Cusco.
• A lot of people think that there is a difference between Vistadome and Expedition train service. The biggest difference is how the snack is served, and Vistadome offers "fashion shows" with products for sale to passengers. Otherwise, all trains have panoramic windows and full size seats.
• Passengers stay in their assigned seats for the entire train trip except in Perurail Observatory and Hiram Bingham service which allows passengers to move to other carriages for dining or entertainment.
• Trains do not accommodate large suitcases. Passengers are expected to bring small bags or backpacks that fit between seats or in open stowaway areas in the back of the carriage.
• All hotels store excess luggage whether you're hiking or taking the train. You will check out of your room and your luggage will be stored in a secure room unless you're doing a 1 day trip to Machu Picchu.
• Travel time between Cusco and Machu Picchu is a minimum of 5 hours each way and usually involves a very early start.
• There are no senior discounts for any age.

What travelers age 50+ need to know about traveling to Machu Picchu on foot:

• The Classic Inca Trail hike is one way only, beginning near the village of Ollantaytambo if you're hiking the 4 or 5 day trek.
• The 1-day Inca Trail hike is also one way and begins with a ride on specific trains that will stop at KM 104.  Tour operators who buy your permits and train tickets will take care of the arrangements with the train.
• the most convenient way to book your Inca Trail hikes is with a package trip that includes all the hotels, warm-up hikes to adjust to altitude and pre-Inca trail tours and activities. Here's a link to 9D trip that includes the Classic 4-day Inca Trail with hotels and activities.
• Once you get on the hike there is no pickup or turning back for any reason. Guides and porters will handle emergencies using resources available on the trail.
• Tour guides have the authority to ask someone not to do the hike if they have any reason to believe the person cannot complete the hike.
• If anyone has doubts about their ability to complete the hike, feel free to contact me in VA. I've hiked both the 4 day, 5 day and 1 day Inca Trails. 
• Although the short 1-day Inca trail hike is only 8 miles, factors like adaptability to high altitude, exploratory dining experiences, and fitness can affect the stamina of people over 50 sometimes more than younger folks.
• There is no official age limit for any of the hikes but you may find that some tour operators who organize people into groups may have age limits. This is why it's good to book a private hike with your own group of friends. who will be tolerant of each other's hiking pace. 
• All Inca Trail hikes require permits which can only be provided by a licensed tour operator.
• All the multi-day treks usually include entry tickets to Machu Picchu after the hike is over. You travel by train to Aguas Calientes to access the ancient Inca citadel. This applies to Cachiccata Trek and Lares Valley Trek. However, the Salkantay Trek ends with a hike into the back side of the village of Aguas Calientes. After the visit to Machu Picchu, hikers take the train back to Cusco or Sacred Valley.
  

What should you look for when choosing a tour operator for your trip to Machu Picchu?

• Communication is very important. If you want to talk or email with a human, then choose an operator who you can talk to
• It's just as important to find out what is not included in your trip, as what is included. Know before you pay.
• If you're booking a group tour or hike, ask about the age of the other people in the group. 30 year olds may have different abilities and interests than 50+ travelers
• Is assistance available if needed during your trip? What if your flight is late? Or trains are suspended or a bridge washed out? Will your operator at least attempt to reroute or re-schedule your activities? Even if operators assist their travelers, it's customary for the travelers to cover any additional expenses.
• Booking a multi-day package trip to Machu Picchu has the advantage of making one reservation, one payment and in case of cancellation or changes, making one call or email.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to call me in Virginia. When I'm not hiking or trying to stay in shape for travel, I'm on the computer!