A highlight of any trip to Peru is definitely Machu Picchu. The ruins, nestled into the mountains above the Sacred Valley outside of Cuzco are every bit as epic in real-life as in postcards. The lost Inca city is fascinating both for its history and for the natural beauty that surrounds it.
How to Get to Machu Picchu
The classic way to get to Machu Picchu is via the Inca Trail. This trek takes 3 days and must be booked well in advance. The hike is difficult, but porters carry the majority of the weight. Hikers sleep in tents but it is not all roughing it, trekkers are accompanied by cooks and the porters set up the tents for the clients.
There is also the alternative Inca Trail, which also takes 3 days, is much less expensive and can be booked the day before departure. The trip includes hiking and biking and is geared to the budget tourist. Hikers sleep in hostels along the way.
A final option to reach the Inca ruins is via bus from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo and from there a train to Aguas Calientes.
How to Get to the Ruins from Aguas Calientes
It is not an easy hike, but it is a memorable experience to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. If a traveler wants to do this, it is best to set out at about 4:30 in the morning. The stairs are steep and dark so it is a good idea for a hiker to bring a flashlight. It is beautiful to hike up the mountains through mist as the sky begins to lighten.
If the stairs are too difficult, travelers can catch a bus for about 7$ one-way from the city of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The buses are frequent and take around 20 minutes.
Visiting Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu means Young Peak. It is the mountain that overlooks the ruins. This is a steep climb but well worth the effort. The mountain is free to climb, but only 400 tickets are given out to do this each day. If hikers want to climb this mountain, it is recommended that they get to the park when it opens at 7am and go directly to the gate of Huayna Picchu to get their ticket.
Visiting the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu
Not many people go to the Sun Gate so it is a great way to get away from the crowds that seem to gather at Machu Picchu. The hike takes about 45 minutes. It is uphill but nowhere as steep as the stairs to Machu Picchu or hiking up Huayna Picchu.
The Sun Gate itself is small, but from there the views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains are spectacular.
Sights not to be Missed at Machu Picchu
- The Guard House: This is where the classic photo of Machu Picchu is taken. Most of the post-card views are from this vantage point and it is a good place to see the “face” in the rocks behind the ruins.
- Temple of the Sun: One of the most important parts of the ruins of Machu Picchu, the Sun Temple is where religious ceremonies took place and well worth a visit.
- The Palace:Where the king lived is one of the more house-like dwellings in the ruins and has the only private bathroom in the kingdom.
Of course there are many more sights to see so travelers should be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the ruins.
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