Machu Picchu is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and often times the highest anticipated destination on many travelers first trip to South America. It started out that way for me too. It’s truly a gorgeous site, sitting 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, elevation sickness can be a real concern. I suggest getting acclimated in Cusco before making the trek to Machu Picchu. Built around 1450, the ancient city was abandoned during the time of the Spanish Conquest, about a century later, and left virtually untouched. Luckily the Spanish didn’t know about it or they probably would have destroyed it. Should you plan on coming here it’s worth noting that you will be sharing the experience with 2500 other people. That’s how many people visit the site every day. That can get pretty uncomfortable on some of the narrow passageways and you can expect to spend a fairly good amount of time standing in lines. Also they cap it at 2500 people per day so it’s worth booking your entrance ticket in advance. However if you’re up for all that I think you will find the visit to be very rewarding!
Machu Picchu is about 80 km northwest of Cusco and the best way to get there is to take a train. From Cusco you can take a taxi to Poroy Station this takes about 25 minutes and costs around 13 USD. From Poroy you want to hop on a train to Aguas Calientes Station, this takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes and costs about 75 USD. From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu you can take a shuttle bus for about 19 USD round trip. An entrance fee for Machu Picchu is 45 USD and should be bought in advance online, it would be terrible for you to make the journey only to find they were sold out. There are also other options for trekking the Inca trail which are probably more rewarding but if you are strapped for time like I was, the train is probably the best bet.
The ruins are definitely a magical place. It’s a bit of a journey to get there, and yes there will be an insane amount of tourists you have to share the experience with but in the end I think it’s all worth it.
I found it incredible that they decided to put their citadel in this beautiful and remote place sitting above the Cloud Forest and Urubama River. You can’t help but try to imagine what life would’ve been like when the Inca’s lived there.
After taking the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes I went to a traditional Peruvian restaurant and ordered the Alpaca. It was fantastic.
Even though you will spend a pretty large amount of time traveling and waiting in lines to get there I think you will find it all worth it in the end. I know I did.
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