In the previous post we talked about the much coveted traveler destination of Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel. In this post we talk about the different fun ways of getting there.
Aguas Calientes is the service town for Machu Picchu. Most visitors choose to stay overnight at Aguas Calientes to be able to enjoy the Incan ruins for a whole day. There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu. The legendary classic Inca trail is a four-five day trek traversing a small part of the Peruvian Andes, It is a popular route used by many visitors and passes other Incan monuments and sites along the way. The trek costs around 600 USD.
With the Inca trail, you arrive at Machu picchu via the sun gate ( a few kilometers away from the ruins overlooking it ). Dawn is a great time to get to the sun gate to be able to catch spectacular sunrises before the hordes of tourists start pouring in for the day. Only about 200 trekkers are allowed on the trail each day during season. Advance booking is usually recommended during high season as slots book out during this time.
Alternately Salkantay trek or other treks like the Lares trek are possible route options to Machu Pichu for trekkers . You can arrange for these at Cusco at one of the many travel agencies. The more flexible option for those wanting some adventure is the Inca jungle package- that includes cycling, rafting, hiking and zip lining.
For those not inclined to physically exert themselves too much, you can use the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the town at the base of Macchu Pichhu, Aguas Calientes. But tickets are not cheap. A one way ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas will set you back anywhere between 50-80 $. There is also a luxury train service that costs over 700 USD.
If you want to save on cash, you can take a bus to the Hidro-electrica via Santa Theresa/ Maria ( around 16 USD) and take the train up to Aguas Calientes ( around 15 USD). Penny pinchers and those wanting a mild adrenaline rush can choose instead to walk along the railway line all the way up to Aguas Calientes. The railway trek takes about 2-3 hours depending on your pace.
What we did was hitchhiked for the most part, our way to Machu picchu. The family we got a lift with stopped a few kilometers before the Hidro-electrica at an open air hot water thermal spring. Surrounded by high mountains all around, these springs are great for a good soak in the middle of nature. There are springs in the heart of Aguas Calientes too but the facilities are basic and the setting not as dramatic.
From the Hidro-electrica we opted to trek along the railway track. It is an easy level walk that is not too taxing. The next day we chose to climb up to the ruins.It is a two hour trek up from Aguas to Machu Picchu. There is also a bus available and costs about 10 USD one way. Set out early, to beat the crowds. After an exhausting but satisfying trek up and back down Montana Machu Picchu ( after exploring the ruins themselves), we sat down on a small hill next to Machu Picchu to take it in one last time.
It was around this time we learned that you are not allowed to jump on Machu Picchu for photos or otherwise. Security personnel hover around to confiscate cameras of those flouting rules. They delete pictures before handing them back. And the reason you might ask. Apparently, the mountain on which the ruins stand is slipping at a fairly alarming rate and this is one way they have come up with to stop further damage. As a strategy it appeared not to be a very effective one though it was quite amusing to watch visitors surreptitiously sneak in a forbidden jumping photo.
Locals, especially police personnel are quite friendly and stop to chat in town and in and around main site. Given the good company and the gorgeous complex set in the scenic Andes, Machu Picchu is more than worthy of the hype surrounding it!
Feature image- Peru Rail to Machu Picchu. Image courtesy- Serjio74 / Shutterstock.com
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