MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu, or “Old Mountain” in Quechua language, is located in Southern Peru, and represents the most iconic Inca site. Built in 15th century by the Inca King Pachacuti, this archeological site is voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It sits on a 2,430 meters above sea level some 50 miles from Cuzco, once Inca Capitol.
There are two ways to get to Machu Pichu, by the train from Cuzco or by hiking via Inca Trail. As Inca Trail sounds so adventurous, it takes approx. 7-10 days to complete the hike. We decided to use most common (and easiest) way to visit this amazing World Heritage Site. As this is one of the most popular tourist destination in Peru, purchasing train tickets (www.perurail.com) are highly recommended (prices very, with lowest of $94 for a return ticket with Expedition Train). The train from Cuzco’s station Poroy takes around 3.5 hours to small town of Aguacalientes, from where you take the shuttle ride to Inca’s citadel. Read our blog with complete guide how to get to Machu Picchu from Cuzco (prices from Dec 2019).
Once you enter the Citadel, make sure you have your passport stamped with official “entry stamp” as you are entering Inca site. The entrance is limited, so you will be allowed to take the shuttle 20min before your entry time (located on your ticket). Make sure you have your tickets purchased in advance especially during the busy months. You can purchase citadel tickets online at www.machupicchu.gob.pe for $45 (bring your passport with you).
Machu Picchu is located in Andes Mountain Range, and rain is very common, so bring waterproof gear or buy a rain poncho just before boarding the shuttle. The site is very big, so make sure you have enough time to see it all, as there are many beautiful photo ops locations around this amazing place. The best option is to spend a night in Aguascalientes, and enter the site first thing in the morning with the option to climb Huayna Picchu (limited entrance to 400 hikers).
