Deciding to travel to Machu Picchu may be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life. The lost city of the Incas is enchanting and breathtaking, built upon a mountain top at an altitude of 2,350 meters. Arrive early to watch the clouds rise from the Urubamba Valley or even to hike beyond the citadel to the top of Huayna Picchu. Spend the whole day hiking to and around Machu Picchu, exploring the ruins and basking in awareness of one of the most magnificent locations in the world.
First however, you must decide how to get to Machu Picchu. Starting from Cusco it is possible to have an enjoyable journey to the site without having to spend an excessive amount of money. Try these tips for affordable yet comfortable Machu Picchu travel.
Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu
The journey begins in Cusco, the former capital of the Incas. The city itself is worth visiting for at least two days, time permitting. The Colonial architecture, historic cathedrals, and nearby ruins are not to be missed. From Cusco the most efficient way to travel to Machu Picchu is by train. There is a train station in nearby Poroy. A taxi ride to the station takes from fifteen to twenty minutes and should cost about eight dollars (twenty to twenty-five soles). The train ride from Poroy to Aguas Calientes takes just under four hours.
Another option is to travel first to Ollantaytambo, where there is another train station. Ollantaytambo is itself a magnificent village with quaint shops, inexpensive hostels, and ruins. It is another place that deserves at least two days of exploring. A minibus (collectivo) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs about three dollars (ten soles). Head over to Calle Pavitos and Avenue Grau where there are drivers waiting for passengers. The ride takes about one and one-half hours.
The prices for the train tickets do vary. During the busy season, from June to September, it is better to purchase tickets ahead of time. It is easier to find tickets from Ollantaytambo closer to your travel dates, although if planned ahead of time you will be able to find an inexpensive train ride from Poroy. The least expensive tickets on the main train company to Machu Picchu, Perurail, are thirty-five dollars one way.
How to Get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes
The train to Machu Picchu arrives in Aguas Calientes, a small town with plenty of shops, restaurants, accommodation, and the mineral-rich thermal pools that are quite a treat after a day of hiking Machu Picchu. For the budget traveler there are more than a dozen inexpensive hostels. Bargain for a good price, and expect great deals during the off season, such as a private room and bath for less than fifteen dollars.
To get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes you can hike up the mountain. There is a direct path made of stone steps that takes about one and one-half hours to climb. There are also buses that run up the winding road to the citadel every few minutes. The bus ride takes about twenty minutes and costs seven dollars each way.
Machu Picchu Travel Tips
Travel to Machu Picchu is one thing, but what about making the most of your trip? The following tips can ensure safe, enjoyable, healthy travel.
From the artisan shops and cobbled streets of Cusco to the magnificent train ride along the Urubamba river, the travel to Machu Picchu is in many ways a magnificent journey, well suited to come before the visit to the city in the clouds.
First however, you must decide how to get to Machu Picchu. Starting from Cusco it is possible to have an enjoyable journey to the site without having to spend an excessive amount of money. Try these tips for affordable yet comfortable Machu Picchu travel.
Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu
The journey begins in Cusco, the former capital of the Incas. The city itself is worth visiting for at least two days, time permitting. The Colonial architecture, historic cathedrals, and nearby ruins are not to be missed. From Cusco the most efficient way to travel to Machu Picchu is by train. There is a train station in nearby Poroy. A taxi ride to the station takes from fifteen to twenty minutes and should cost about eight dollars (twenty to twenty-five soles). The train ride from Poroy to Aguas Calientes takes just under four hours.
Another option is to travel first to Ollantaytambo, where there is another train station. Ollantaytambo is itself a magnificent village with quaint shops, inexpensive hostels, and ruins. It is another place that deserves at least two days of exploring. A minibus (collectivo) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs about three dollars (ten soles). Head over to Calle Pavitos and Avenue Grau where there are drivers waiting for passengers. The ride takes about one and one-half hours.
The prices for the train tickets do vary. During the busy season, from June to September, it is better to purchase tickets ahead of time. It is easier to find tickets from Ollantaytambo closer to your travel dates, although if planned ahead of time you will be able to find an inexpensive train ride from Poroy. The least expensive tickets on the main train company to Machu Picchu, Perurail, are thirty-five dollars one way.
How to Get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes
The train to Machu Picchu arrives in Aguas Calientes, a small town with plenty of shops, restaurants, accommodation, and the mineral-rich thermal pools that are quite a treat after a day of hiking Machu Picchu. For the budget traveler there are more than a dozen inexpensive hostels. Bargain for a good price, and expect great deals during the off season, such as a private room and bath for less than fifteen dollars.
To get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes you can hike up the mountain. There is a direct path made of stone steps that takes about one and one-half hours to climb. There are also buses that run up the winding road to the citadel every few minutes. The bus ride takes about twenty minutes and costs seven dollars each way.
Machu Picchu Travel Tips
Travel to Machu Picchu is one thing, but what about making the most of your trip? The following tips can ensure safe, enjoyable, healthy travel.
- Be aware of the high altitude. Drink plenty of water and coca tea before climbing, eat light meals, and pace yourself when hiking to and around Machu Picchu.
- Allow for plenty of time to explore the lost city and start as early in the day as possible.
- Only 400 people are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu each day — if you are interested in hiking to the top of 'young peak' start traveling to Machu Picchu before dawn.
- Bring sunblock and wear a hat as the sun's rays are strong at such a high altitude.
- Bring a poncho during the rainy season.
From the artisan shops and cobbled streets of Cusco to the magnificent train ride along the Urubamba river, the travel to Machu Picchu is in many ways a magnificent journey, well suited to come before the visit to the city in the clouds.
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