Planning a trip to Machu Picchu can be a daunting one. The ancient citadel built by the legendary Inca Empire over 600 years ago is situated in the middle of the high Andes of Peru, a location enhancing every bit of its mystery and allure but a challenge to travelers. Here are some travel tips to help you achieve the ideal, stress-free Machu Picchu vacations you’ve always dreamed of.
One of the main questions visitors to Peru have is simply how to get to Machu Picchu. Indeed, there is an intricate network of opportunities that can be taken advantage of. First, many will find themselves in the capital of the country, Lima, whether coming inbound from an international flight or arriving there overland by bus or otherwise. The large city is a transportation hub, so this is no surprise. Once in Lima, one can take a bus to the city of Cusco, which takes just about 21 hours; a more efficient method would be to take a domestic flight of 1 hour. Of course, the second option is a little bit more expensive for the traveler on a budget.
Once in Cusco, the oldest continually inhabited city in the Americas and what the Incas once called the navel of the world, you should start considering how you want your Machu Picchu experience to go. If you want to get intimate with the Andean culture and natural sights, it is best to embark on the classic 4-day Inca Trail. Booking a Machu Picchu tour, which will help organize all the permits and fees needed along the way, is required in order to trek the trail. The beautiful journey will take you through some of the most breathtaking sceneries of South America, including valleys, peaks, passes, villages, and more. At the end of the trail, which although is tough but should not discourage beginner hikers, you will arrive at the famous Sun Gate of the Machu Picchu archeological site at sunrise, the best time of all to appreciate the awe-inspiring Inca marvel.
But if you are in Cusco and wish to take it easy, enjoy yourself on a Peru Rail ride. The train is a fast and convenient way of arriving at Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. It will take you first through the Sacred Valley where the Inca crop terraces can still be seen, the very ones that helped to fuel the ancient civilization, and you can even choose to disembark here for a night or two to soak in the landscape. Otherwise, continue on to Aguas Calientes where you can stock up on food and comforts.
From Aguas Calientes, it is but a short bus ride (about 20 minutes) or 1 hour hike to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The latter option is great for fitting in some exercise and to experience a bit of the Andean jungle if you cannot do the Inca Trail. Be sure to bring your passport and entrance ticket with you, because entry is absolutely not allowed without them, and you don’t want to have to go back to the beginning if caught without your credentials!
