Estimating travel expenses for Machu Picchu

[thadman]

Recently, I've been following Karl Pilkington and his adventures visiting the seven world wonders on the television show "An Idiot Abroad". Quite excellent programming imo

I got to thinking, what would it take for me to do something similar? Spending money on material things seems trivial compared to an experience like that.

How much money do you figure a trip to see Machu Picchu would cost?

Obviously, I would need a guide. How do you find one of these people? I don't speak Spanish, but several of my friends do and I could possibly drag one of them along with me.

How much would a hostel cost? I don't care that much about living conditions...as long as I don't have to worry about being bitten by a poisonous spider in my sleep.

What other expenses should I expect?

Any other thoughts?

Thanks,
Thadman

[mickeymoose]

You will propably fly into Lima than to Cusco. Beacause of weather conditions May and October are good. Our winter (Nov. through April) is their rainy season.
Check out Machu Picchu for some info.
Do learn some Spanish (one day course in a local school program). We did and spent a month in Mexico City. It made it so much more enjoyable. The people really respond when you try! E

[Rodeodave]

Originally Posted by thadman

...
Any other thoughts?
...

Learn Spanish. It's like the easiest language to learn. Take a course or buy a workbook or get some software. I'm sure you can learn enough Spanish to get around within a couple of weeks.

[Cassiel]

It's like the easiest language to learn.

English is easier, I learned it watching TV. LOL.

South America is a good place to get initiated into drugs. Really cheap and easy to get. When people get back to their countries they're not quite the same that when they left. LOL. Beware, the high altitude of Machu Picchu plus your personal high might be too much. Take care.

On a more serious note, Americans attract thieves so sometimes travelling to poor countries can be dangerous. Women are cheap so beware of infections too. Everything else should be OK.

[mickeymoose]

OK: Another thought:
When we travel we dress down. We do not talk loud in our language. We carry change in our pockets so we do not have to take out our wallets do give money to a panhandler. We do not use purses or (love the term) man-bags. We cary photocopies of passports and credit cards (a set stays with friends at home, just in case). We use our eyes, ears and common sense.

I hope you go, have fun!

E

[Luke]

I did a couple of weeks in Peru, Mach Piccu is quite a sight.

[JoeDJ]

Yes, spanish is realitively easy to learn enough basics to get by in a pinch.
Many spanish words are simular to english. I used to work with many hispanics.
In fact, I worked with one person who only spoke a few words of english and we comunicated fine.
Also, sometimes a simple hand gesture can comunicate much more than one would think.

However, personally I would much prefer to make such a trip with a friend for various reasons and if they spoke fluent spanish, it would be a big plus of course.

[Cassiel]

Also, sometimes a simple hand gesture can comunicate much more than one would think.

Latin version:

[JoeDJ]

You forgot the Italian version.
Don't ever make the "OK" sign when in Italy.

This brings up an important point.
One should learn all the local customs and things that would offend them.

[mickeymoose]

Or the O in Germany. Do you know how to spell "lawsuit"?

Stalker: rude and to bad your digits are so short!

E