Dougburns,
We did the Mariner last year Lima to Buenos Aires and had a wonderful time.

For our precruise we booked separately with a company that specializes in South America. When we arrived in Lima, we were met by our private guide and a driver who took us to our hotel in the Miraflores area. Due to a flight delay it was 2 a.m.. We crashed, needless to say.

The package included buffet breakfasts at all hotels. The next morning, following breakfast, we walked around the surrounding area, followed by a Mojito (one of many during the trip) and an hour of relaxing. Our guide than met us with a driver and we did a city tour - comprehensive and good. It did include the Gold Museum which was fascinating.

After our second night in Lima, we were met the following morning by our guide, who with the driver took us to the airport for our morning flight to Cuzco. It is best to leave on a morning flight as delays and cancellations can happen as the day proceeds. Our guide checked us, paid our 'airport tax' and kept all of our cruise luggage in storage at his company. Upon our return to Lima, a few days later, he was there to greet us, along with our luggage, and then drove us directly to the ship. So smooth.

Important tidbit; Take and drink lots of bottled water.

Upon arrival, I as everyone else, noted the thiness of air and more labored breathing. Rather than stay in Cuzco, we were met by our guide and a driver to take us to the Sacred Valley for the first night - a significant drop in altitude from Cuzco. On our way we stopped outside of Cuzco and visited an outdoor 'culture center' for about an hour. Very interesting. Then it was on to Pizac for the outdoor market and shopping. We were then taken to a beautiful setting (reminded me of the Mexican haciendas) for a peaceful and delightful lunch, along with mojitos, in a traquil setting. After our meal we were driven to our hotel - Sol y Luna. We were there two nights and I could have easily stayed a week. Each room is a separate round building. The setting; beautiful and peaceful. I did not want to leave.

The next day, we were taken to Olyitambo and some other sites. Our first night was somewhat restless in sleep. I had weird dreams etc. Others commented about the same thing - due to altitud. We did not get sick, however some other travelers did.

Then we were driven the final morning to the train station to pick up the Vista Dome for Machu Picchu. First we didn't think we would catch the train in time with the traffic, the people, the narrow streets in the village - but we did. We were assigned seats and thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Arrival in Agua Calientes was around noon. Our light luggage was picked up by hotel representatives at the track and we continued on to our bus for the 30 minute drive to Machu Picchu. One is assigned a group and a timed entry into the ruins. They tell you where to meet. Be sure to use the limited, long lined facilities before entering the ruins. A guide then takes you through the ruins. We could leave when we wanted which we did. Our package included a late lunch along with entertainment at the only hotel there. We caught a return bus when we wanted and then walked to the hotel.

We spent one night in Machu Picchu. The next morning I returned early to the ruins. Quiet, serene and tranquil - way before the busload of tourists arrived in the afternoon. Late morning we walked around the town and enjoyed our remaining few hours prior to our 3:00 departure back to Cuzco.

Our guide met us in Cuzco that evening, got us checked in at the hotel. The next day was sightseeing. I climbed the ruins outside Cuzco with ease as I was acclimated to the altitude. We visited many places and found the day very fullfilling. I really doubt I could have done that if we had stayed in Cuzco at the beginning.

Dinner, with mojitos, that night for a peaceful sleep. Next morning we were met, taken to the airport for our flight to Lima and then on to the ship.

We absolutely loved this trip.

I will say as I was climbing around Cuzco at the end of the Peru portion, there were two couple who had just arrived from the Mariner to begin their land travel. Three of the four could not handle the tour and had to quit. I can't say enough how much I advise seeing Cuzco last.

The other thing, as we were leaving Lima on the ship, the ship's tour to Machu Picchu was delayed in their flight from Cuzco. I can't rember the exact details but I do remember they finally arrived very late - and exhausted.

I hope some of this will be beneficial as you plan. I have received such useful information from this site and I hope in turn I can share some beneficial information for others.

We loved the Mariner for the 19 days! Ooooh to be back!

Deanna

p.s. We did the Falls at the termination of the cruise. It too was well planned.