A Brief Guide To Visiting Machu Picchu
An Overview of Machu Picchu
Hidden high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is the renown Incan citadel demonstrating the full engineering mastery of the Incan Empire at the height of its power. The 15th-century mountaintop complex is home to celestially-aligned buildings, panoramic views, astonishingly intact stone walls and herds of grazing llamas. When on the complex grounds, visitors should expect to spend a minimum of three hours looking around.
Getting To Machu Picchu
The vast majority of visitors reach Machu Picchu from Cusco. From the old Incan Capital, there are several methods to getting to Machu Picchu.
First, the simplest way is to book a tour. Note that this method, while removing logistic factors, isn’t much faster than other methods. Touring agencies must follow the same route as other types of travelers.
The second method involves using a combination of buses and trains. Visitors can take a bus, private car or collectivo to the old Incan valley settlement of Ollantaytambo. From here, it’s possible to take a train to Aguas Calientes. The cheapest way to do this involves booking a train ticket online in advance and finding a collectivo from Cusco heading to Ollantaytambo. Note that some drivers will attempt to convince visitors to take a private vehicle for this route, but this is extremely expensive. Also note that taking the train to or from Aguas Calientes can be enjoyable during daylight hours, as visitors are often treated to traditional entertainment on the route.
The final method for reaching Machu Picchu involves trekking. Many travelers take the extended trek from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. This route generally requires fours days and three nights through challenging, mountainous terrain. However, it also provides the opportunity to see some of Peru’s greatest panoramas and trails.
Once in Aguas Calientes, visitors can either hike up the mountain independently following a steep staircase or take a bus. In both cases, tickets need to be booked in advance and arrival times are determined by time-slot.
For in-depth booking advice, review the official website of Boleto Machu Picchu (Ticket Machu Picchu).
Advice While Visiting Machu Picchu
Note that Machu Picchu and the surrounding area is at a high elevation. Some visitors will require extra time to get acclimated. This may involve resting until a person’s body adjusts and consuming more water than normal.
Due to the high altitudes and weather patterns of the region, rain, winds, chills and intense sun are all possible within one visit. Be sure to bring sunblock, sunglasses in the event of groups of white clouds, rain gear and an extra layer to ward off chills.
Note that there are no bathrooms beyond the main entrance of Machu Picchu. Once inside the actual complex, visitors must exit again to use the restroom.
Consider bringing your passport when visiting Machu Picchu. Visitors can get a special, commemorative stamp upon entering.
When hiking on or around Machu Picchu, insect bites are a problem. Bring repellent and long pants.
For obvious reasons, sturdy walking shoes are necessary while visiting.
Walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes roughly two hours of fairly tough uphill hiking, through the route has stone stairs. Buses, which cost a small fee, only take about 20 minutes. Be sure to carefully check your allocated entrance time on your ticket to ensure you arrive in a timely manner. Know that the lines heading into Machu Picchu are quite long.
Taking the bus up to Machu Picchu requires many sharp turns. Visitors who get carsick should bring motion-sickness pills.
Read more about Machu Picchu and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.
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