How to get to Machu Picchu? Here are some tips. Read on to get the most out of your visit. First of all, you should know the different routes available. They can be a bit confusing. However, they all lead to the same place, and if you do not know the different routes, you can choose one that is easier for you. After reading this article, you’ll have the essential information to enjoy this sacred site without too much trouble.
Traveling to Machu Picchu
You’ve probably heard about the ruins of Machu Picchu, located in the Andes mountain range. Its ruins, built more than five thousand years ago, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary. Its importance is further reflected in its inclusion in the New Seven Wonders of the World list. Today, many of the ruins have been restored. These ancient ruins were built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to July. It is generally cooler during the summer when thousands of people visit. However, you should avoid travelling during winter, as it can be very cold. If you visit, remember to bring a jacket and rainproof footwear, as the weather in Machu Picchu is unpredictable. While you can visit any time, it is best to plan your trip around the weather conditions.
It is best to purchase your ticket to the site in advance. You’ll need to arrive at least 45 minutes early. You’ll find a long line of buses filling the buses as they arrive. The first few buses will depart in a single hour, so arrive early to catch the right bus. Don’t forget to bring some sunblock and rain gear, as these will be handy when the weather gets slightly warmer.
During the day, most tourists choose to spend half a day at the ruins and then tag along with guides later. To get the most out of your trip, you should check out Lonely Planet or Wikipedia for some basic information about the ruins. Most people head up to Machu Picchu around midday and then back for the afternoon bus back to Cusco. In addition, some restrictions are in place during February due to safety reasons.
Train tickets are available from two different companies. You can buy advance tickets for a better view, but a basic experience is also fine. Tickets are unavailable on the day of the trek, so ensure to get yours well in advance. The train runs from Ollantaytambo to Agua Calientes, where you should stay overnight. When you arrive at the ruins, you’ll want to spend some time relaxing before your return trip.
To prepare for the trip, bring enough water for the day. The archaeological centre has implemented new regulations that reduce the number of people crossing the archeological site. Also, bring an original passport with you, as PeruRail’s train service operator requires it. Make sure to bring at least a litre of water. You won’t be able to buy water inside the site, so pack plenty of it to drink during the day.
Getting there
Getting to Machu Picchu is a relatively easy and comfortable process, largely because there are many ways to get there. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes and can be booked in advance or on the day of travel. To avoid waiting in long lines, you can book all tickets in advance or take the bus to the site on the day you arrive. Tickets are usually around the US $24 each, and you need a valid passport.
To reach the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, you must first fly to Lima, about three hours from Cusco. You can also fly to the city of Cuzco and spend a few days there. However, you should arrive in Cusco about two or three days before your trip to Machu Picchu, as you may suffer from altitude sickness. From the airport, buses, which look like large vans, travel to Cusco. The bus costs around ten soles per person.
You can also hike to Machu Picchu via an Inca Trail. This trek is 42km long and covers two types of landscape: the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest. You can hike in the area for two to three days, completing the hike in about three nights. It is not recommended to hike the Inca Trail on your own, however, because there is an unavoidable risk of getting injured and sick.
Before you visit Machu Picchu, you should get some rain gear. The weather is usually changeable and cloudy. You’ll also have to buy coins for toilets and food. It’s best to get to the ruins early morning when the clouds aren’t so thick. Also, don’t forget to take a camera, as this can get quite cold at night. It’s worth taking a day trip to Machu Picchu and having fun. If you travel by car, you should avoid the high-altitude road.
If you’re planning on taking a train to Machu Picchu, you’ll have to book your train tickets well. You can also take a bus or minivan to Cusco from the capital city, but keep in mind that there is only one train per day, and they’re limited. Regardless of your chosen method, you’ll want to make sure you book your accommodations in advance and have a credit card handy.
The train from Cusco to Agua Calientes to Machu Picchu is the easiest way to get there, but it’s also one of the most expensive. You’ll want to book your train ticket in advance, as these tend to sell out fast. Alternatively, you can sleep in Agua Calientes overnight between the train and your destination. If you want a scenic view, the train can be your way to Machu Picchu.
Getting around
Getting around Machu Picchu is not that hard. The city has one entrance and one exit – but there are several ways to get around it. For the most part, you can go to the city on foot. However, to see the best views, you should hike up to the Sun Gate (about 2 hours). If you have time, try visiting the city at sunrise, when the site is less crowded and more peaceful.
Getting around Machu Picchu is possible via several means, depending on your timeframe and budget. The fastest and most expensive way to get to the city is by train. If you are on a tight schedule, take the train. You can also purchase tickets for tours around town. The ticket costs about 12 USD each way. For more information, see the following. Getting around Machu Picchu by bus will cost you approximately 34 USD.
You can hire a guide for Machu Picchu, but remember to buy entrance tickets for both the mountain and the main citadel. Guides wear lanyards with their name on them. The cost depends on the group size, but a guide usually costs about USD 40 for 2.5 hours. While a guide is worth the money, you should ensure that you have a group to share the cost.
You can choose between Aguas Calientes and Cusco if you travel by train. The train to Cusco can arrive as early as 10 AM, but it usually leaves at night. If you arrive after dark, you should take a bus back to Cusco. You can ask any local in town where the ticket booth is located. You can also opt for an express train from the town centre to Machu Picchu, which will cost you an extra S/10.
The most popular way to see the city is by hiking the Inca Trail. It will take you through the Winay Wayna Settlement, built into the rocky mountainside. The ruins are steep and surrounded by agricultural terraces. The steep hillside is an additional highlight of the Machu Picchu experience. The Incas built this complex by laying stones flatly, without mortar. It was an astronomical observatory, with the sacred Intihuatana stone indicating the two equinoxes.
There are two ways to climb the citadel, but you can also opt for the lower route. You can visit the other part of the city by taking the shuttle bus. It’s advisable to spend at least one night in Aguas Calientes so you can visit the lower routes later. If you can’t spend the night in the citadel, you can also choose to hike up the nearby Huayna Picchu mountain.
