Machu Picchu is a marvelous citadel situated at the mountain lap of Peru’s Andes range and a world heritage site. Every touristic heart desires to get a glance at this old Incan fortress; however, the decision of how to get there from Cusco may turn out to be rather a complex one. With the above focus in mind, this elaborate guide covers the transportation options, tickets, other relevant and useful infos, and other things you ought to know when planning to visit Machu Picchu.
1. Introduction to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu that has been referred to as the lost city of the Incas was constructed during mid-fifteenth century, in the Eastern cordillera of South Peru. Also built at the time with Inca emperor Pachacuti this wonder of the world was actually an estate of the Inca’s king or a religious worship center. Nevertheless, direction of the particular part is still regarded to be vague.
Sitting at an elevation of 2430m (7950-feet) above the sea level, the archaeology area is well-known for the outstanding dry-stone walls, system of the terraces and terrific view to the mountains. Today Machu Picchu is among the top famous world attractions separated for people to marvel at the architectural and historical masterpieces.
2. Transportation or Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu can be done by Train, Bus and by Helicopter.
There are four ways to get to the marvelous site: by train which is the easiest but most pricey, by car which is also quite pricey but less tiring than a bus, by bus since it is the cheapest way to get there but a but more tiring than the car, and lastly by walking, although this is not very recommendable.
Here are the main ways to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco:
In order to reach the train you need to get to the town of Ollantaytambo, it can be reached within 2 hours by bus or taxi starting from Cusco. From Ollantaytambo take a train to Aguas Calientes, this should take approximately 1 hour. 5 to 2 hours. When you get to Aguas Calientes there are two options on how you can get to the site – either trek on the stone steps that have handrails or take a bus to the actual site.
b. Minibus and Walking: : The last plan that needs to be considered is the cheapest plan that been discussed in this tutorial.
For those with a small pocket or those who like the unconventional, one can take a minibus to Hidroeléctrica and then hike to Aguas Calientes. This proposal let observe the Andes mountains as well as the Amazon rainforest, all the time without having to spend a dime on train fare.
Available minibuses start from Plaza de Armas, therefore, in Cusco city and it will take almost six hours to get to the Hidroeléctrica. Next, it takes approximately three hours to get to Aguas Calientes if you walk alongside the route that the train uses. Note that hand luggage has to be taken during the walk; therefore, it is unwise to overpack, and shoes must be as comfortable as possible.
c. Organized Excursion: On May 2, 1995 this paper was hand in and it was named: Hassle-Free Travel
If you do not wish to arrange your transport and feel that logistics is quite an irritation, an organised tour of the Lost City from Cusco is rather comfortable. Examples of some of companies in Mexico some of which offer daily tours to and from the in and around this archaeological park they provide transport, train tickets, entry fees and also a tour guide to the site.
While booking a tour, make sure that you get to work with a recognized tour agency and demand to be told what other people have had to say about it on reviews. The customers will know that they will not have to get lost, and they can listen to the speeches of the guides while choosing the organized excursions, albeit such services cost relatively more than the other possible variants.
3. Some real tips to take in Machu Picchu are as follows:
a. Purchase Tickets in Advance: The visiting of Machu Picchu is regulated and many at a given time cannot be allowed in and this is why it is recommended that one buys tickets early in the morning particularly during the peak season travel. If possible, meals should also be bought at the appropriate regulated sale points available in Cusco the center and Aguas Calientes for the ticket prices to be less costly.
b. Bring Your Passport: While purchasing tickets and when getting to the site, one has to present a passport; therefore, you should always wear it.
c. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: Visiting actually involves using stairs, and it a bit involving so be sure to dress well and put on proper shoes which should not slip.
d. Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun: Machu Picchu: At one point, a hiker might get short of breath due to the high altitude and scorching sun so, it is advisable to take water before the climb, sunscreen, hat and polarized sunglases.
e. Start Early: It seems that it is impossible to escape people, or be alone most of the time, so it is only reasonable to ensure during your visit to this area you do not meet many tourists, so if you want to be surrounded by the crowd less you should start your visit as early as in the morning.
4. By now given the above Machu Picchu travel guide, you should now have an idea of where to sleep when planning your Machu Picchu trip.
a. Accommodation in Ollantaytambo
Hostel Andenes: This hostel is located near the Plaza de Armas, it is inexpensive, and occupies convenient useful positions.
Kamm A Guest House: Hygiene guesthouse with fair charges and situated in the main working of Ollantaytambo.
Parwa Guesthouse: Incredibly nice hotel, people were very kind, and the comments are perfect, the atmosphere is warm.
b. (Featured image on cover page) Provision of accommodation of Aguas Calientes
El Tambo B&B: Quite reasonable B & B that is located at Avenida del Imperio de los Incas.
Killa Inn: Economic hotel in front of Plaza and only two blocks away from Avenida Pachacutec.
Ecopackers: However, the hostel which has been identified is cheap, environmentally friendly, and can socially connect people.
5. Exploring Machu Picchu
After one has ascended to the City of Machu Picchu one visits this City.
Here are some must-see attractions within the archaeological site
a. Main Plaza: The citadel’s masterpieces are in this area that contains the Temple of the Sun and other religious structures.
b. Intihuatana Stone: Along this line, there is a carved stone that has some mysterious characteristics, and probably would have exerted as an astronomical calendar and/or religious altar.
c. Temple of the Condor: Located in Peru and This is a huge rock with the picture of a bird flying on a sky and it contains many stone image and ceremonial rooms.
d. Huayna Picchu: For the more adventures, a hike up Huayna Picchu will bring the perfect angle and beauty of Machu Picchu and the mountains in the horizon.
e. Machu Picchu Mountain: There is also another hiking that is more fantastic and takes you around the, whole archaeological site.
f. The Inca Bridge: A kerb-stone walk way which has been constructed into a mountain In this case one is able to see clear sign of engineering skills of the native people especially the Incas.
g. Sun Gate (Inti Punku): That of the entire one who makes the trek of the Inca Trail, that is the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu, from where a beautiful view of the mountain and the citadel is possible to observe.
6. Trekkind the Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu
A. Huayna Picchu: There is another considerable mountain in the area of the site which is Huayna Picchu; however, providing spectaculary great view over the main part of the site. Compared to lookouts three, four and five, the trail is somewhat physically more challenging due to the twists and turns and cliffs and stairs made of stones. Lika like over the other attractions, tourists are required to purchase tickets to Huayna Picchu not only separately but also in advance since the tickets are few.
Both of these treks offer two very distinct vantage points of Machu Picchu and therefore; both of the treks are highly suggested for the brave souls. However, it is good to expect the push of your body that would be required to accomplish the climbing mission and strictly adhere to rules given by the park officials on measures to be taken on safety.
7. Best shot tips and prevention of risk
A. Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks: Take enough water and food with you as the place does not have the consumption facilities like shops, and cafeteria. If you are visiting at such a time of the day it is good to take foods like nuts, trail mix, or even granola bars.
c. Respect the Environment: It is an archeological park; therefore, there are specific measures on the way that the area is safeguarded and maintained. Instructions that must be observed according to the park officials include; should not deviate from the set trails, should not drop litter within the park, and should not touch or climb the ruins.
d. Weather Considerations: It may also be noted that the ambience of Machu Picchu is rather polluted and the climate varies from one season to the other, and is usually marked by precipitation. While in the rain season you should dress properly wear warm clothing and ensure that you come along with an umbrella or a rain coat.
e. Guided Tours: However, it may be recommended to arrange with a licensed tour guide to really appreciate sight seeing while in the site of the Machu Picchu. While communicating with the guides, the guests receive the information concerning the historical background, the culture, and the significance of the archaeological site and experiences the depth of mystery.
f. Photography Tips: Machu Picchu is perhaps one of the best places for photography as one can capture shots at almost every part of this place. Remember to arrive with a camera, or at least a smartphone with sufficient memory and additional batteries. One can visit the place early morning as the sun is rising or at evening because this is a time most photographers consider it the best.
8. Conclusion
Machu Picchu is one place I would recommend each and every person to visit, it offers civilization feel and Andes range. Whether organized with the train or the minibus, independently or through a touristic agency, Machu Picchu will definitely not let your senses indifferent and will leave you with memories that will last forever.
Thus, having found some worthy advices and suggestions in this guide you will be prepared to begin your voyage to Machu Picchu and spend a good time in discovering the Inca complex there. Now is the perfect time to arrange and go to this amazing place in Machu Picchu!