Recommendations

Helicopter service that allows visitors of Peru to reach Machu Picchu (the Lost Citadel of the Incas), in record-breaking time.

Strengths

• For four hundred years, it took a week on foot to reach Machu Picchu, the "Lost Citadel of the Incas." And for close to a century, it has taken travelers more than four hours by train. Recently, helicopter service was inaugurated from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, speeding travelers to the site, in a brief 30 minutes.
• Inkaterra is a Peruvian Eco-Tourism company that is offering the flights exclusively.
• Offer One Day, One-Night, and Two-Night Excursions.
• Five-passenger, low-noise Allouette helicopters. Produces less pollution than trails.
• Transfer from hotel in Cusco and/or assistance at the Cusco airport. A 30-minute flight to Machu Picchu. Arrival at Inkaterra's Heliport.
• Assistance upon arrival and transfer to Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel followed by a private guided visit to Machu Picchu Citadel.
• Lunch at the hotel. Guided excursion to the orchid garden (372 native species). Transfer to Heliport.
• A 30-minute return flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel or connecting flight.

Shortcomings

• Helicopter flights are not operating again until Feb. ‘07.

Insider tips

• Flight schedule: Mon, Wed, Fri: 11am departure from Cusco, 5:30pm return. Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 8:00am departure, 2pm return.
• Most travelers are opting for the 2 and 3 night schedules, however one-day "Heliexplorer" excursions are available.

Anecdotes

• Inkaterra’s helicopters are extremely eco-friendly, generating significantly less carbon monoxide and much less noise
• The heliport is conveniently located at the edge of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Perfect for

• People interested in traveling to South America/Peru.
• Travelers staying in Cusco and who are interested in visiting the ruins.
• Newlyweds.

Credentials

• July 9 New York Times Travel feature: A Faster Way: New Helicopter Service to Machu Picchu.