Machu Picchu is easily one of the most breathtaking sights (visually and physically) in the world. Also known as the “Lost City” it is the only Incan city to not have been completely destroyed (that we know of). There is much history to be told. Of my nine-week trip, this was the most difficult to get to. Here is a guide on how to do MP the right way.
Most people traveling to MP either fly into Lima and stay there for a day or two or have a layover in Lima and then fly to Cusco from there. Cusco is the closest major city to MP. It is common for tourists to book a tour in which they get a ride from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station which is about 1.5 hours away. From there you take the train to Aguascalientes (about another 1.5 hours). Aguascalientes is a small city right beneath MP. I stopped and got some grub and refreshments with my tour guide and then took the bus up to MP.
Note: There are two main ways to get to Machu Picchu. The most common is through train, where most travelers (including myself) take a car to the Ollantaytambo train station and enjoy a 1.5 hour scenic ride to Aguascalientes, where they then take a bus (approximately 30 minute ride) up to MP.
Others may want to journey on the 4 day hike known as the Inca Trail. This hike is the original trail used by the Incas to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu. If you are interested in this option it is vital to book months in advance through a travel agency in order to get the necessary permits and reserve your spot.
I used CuscoPeru to book my itinerary and you can use them for either of the options listed above. In general, they have a range of tours and things to do on their site that may interest you. I have detailed my tour experience below.
For the tour I did, the service was immaculate. I arrived in Cusco the day before traveling to MP. Someone from the company came to my hostel to drop off my tickets and explain the steps for the next day. I would be picked up by my driver at 4am, take the 1.5 hour drive to the Ollantaytambo station, train from there, stop at Aguascalientes, and then bus to MP. This tour included all necessary tickets for trains, busses, etc. When I arrived in Aguascalientes, my tour guide was able to help me find a food spot with vegan options where we chilled and chatted. He then led me to the bus stop and that ride took about 30 minutes. We briefly waited in line to get into MP and then he gave me a historical background of the native plants, animals, and people of MP. The facts I learned are some memories I will never forget and he also took some fire photos of me. So of course I recommend this service.
After finishing the tour, he explained to me how to get back (he was thorough) and we parted ways. I checked out Aguascalientes some more by myself, then hopped on the train (knees in pain from all of the quick turnaround traveling so maybe don’t do as back to back as I did), and the driver was waiting for me to head back to my hostel.
Though this was not an easy trip with regards to planning and execution, it was more than worth it and pictures/videos don’t do it justice. The historic aspects that I learned as well as the beauty of the site are invaluable memories.
Please make sure to budget some time to spend in Cusco as it is also a beautiful city with sights to see such as the local markets, buildings, animals, restaurants and bars, and excursions like Rainbow Mountain.
