Travel Tip Peru - Machu Picchu
Amélie
The city of Machu Pichhu is a sight that should not be missed on any itinerary through Peru. But getting there is not as easy as you would expect for such a well-known sight. In our travel blog today, we explain the different ways of getting to Machu Picchu, how much time they take and how much they cost. First, however, we would like to briefly describe why Machu Picchu is so special and how you can purchase tickets for the entry.
The Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is an impressive archaeological site in the Peruvian Andes. The “Lost City of the Incas” was built in the 15th century and probably served as a retreat or religious center under the Inca ruler Pachacútec. Its location at 2,430 meters above sea level, surrounded by dense cloud forests and steep mountain slopes, makes it a marvel of engineering and natural integration. The stone-built city impresses with well-preserved structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana sundial and the Sacred Square. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year. In order to protect the site and the nature around it, the Peruvian government has introduced various measures. For example, there are only a restricted number of tickets available to buy each day and only limited ways to reach the wonder of the world.
Ticket purchase
Tickets for Machu Picchu can be purchased either online or on site, with only 1,000 tickets available per day. Prices range from 40 to 150 USD, depending on whether you only want to visit Machu Picchu or one of the surrounding mountains (such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain). Which part of Machu Picchu you want to visit also influences the ticket price. The exact prices and availability of tickets can be found on the official Machu Picchu website. There are discounts for students and children, which reduce the entrance fee by half. It is advisable to buy tickets at least 40 days in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season. Otherwise, tickets can also be purchased at the ticket office of the “DCC Cusco of Machupicchu Pueblo” for the day after the ticket purchase.
Hike to Macchu Picchu
The most athletic and time-consuming way to get to Machu Picchu is a trail lasting several days. There are various hiking trails with different levels of difficulty that lead you to the wonder of the world. The most famous trail is the Inca Trail, which takes around 4-5 days. It is particularly popular as this is the trail that the Incas used to hike. As the number of participants is limited each day, it is necessary to book early. The price for the various multi-day hikes starts at 300 USD and can go over 750 USD depending on the season and trail, with the average price being around 500 USD.
Train journey to Machu Picchu
Another very popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. The trains usually start in Cusco. The journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes around 4 hours and the return journey costs between 150 and 350 USD, depending on the class you are booking and the provider. The train ride is a sight in itself where you can admire the beautiful nature of Peru. The trains are elegantly designed and offer a pleasant atmosphere for the journey. Other stations such as Poroy and Wanchaq are located just outside Cusco and also offer connections to Aguas Calientes. Many visitors combine a visit to Machu Picchu with the Valle Sagrado near the beautiful town of Ollatayambo. This can be easily reached from Cusco by train, bus or car. You can then spend a night here before taking the train for another two hours to Aguas Calientes. Due to the shorter distance, the tickets are of course a little cheaper. From Aguas Calientes, you can either take the bus to Machu Picchu or walk. The village is about 3.5 kilometers from Machu Picchu. The 30-minute round trip from the small town costs around 22 Us-Dollar. The walk is of course free and takes about 1.5 hours. To reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you have to climb over 500 meters in altitude, which is why this option requires a certain level of fitness.
By bus to Machu Picchu
The cheapest way to get there is by bus. However, this option is quite complicated and takes over 7 hours. It is therefore not an option for a day trip, but only if you are planning to spend a night in a place near Machu Picchu. The buses arrive about 10 kilometers from Aguas Calientes and from there you can either walk or take a train for about 12 USD. The bus ride from Cusco costs around 25 USD each way. However, you have to add an overnight stay in a hotel to the cost calculation.
Machu Picchu as part of a tour
The easiest way to visit Machu Picchu is as part of a guided tour. For a complete tour, which includes hotel pick-up, transportation, tickets and a guide, prices are around 300 USD.
No matter which way you choose to travel, one thing is for sure; you will definitely have an unforgettable experience. If you need help with planning, please do not hesitate to contact us. On our website you can also find our Peru Highlights Tour, which of course includes a visit to Machu Picchu.
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