Journey:

To get to Machu Picchu there are 3 different options.

1. Hike the Inca trail. It was a bit out of our price range and something you had to book quite far in advance but it looks amazing. On the bucket list for next time.

2. Train from Cusco. Two companies run trains daily from Cusco (or more specifically Poroy – about 30 minutes taxi drive from Cusco.)

The two companies are Perurail and incarail and the train tickets cost a bomb, and that was just for the cheapest tickets. It was about $100 per person for a one way ticket. Also, these sell out way in advance so if you miss your train you can’t just get the next one. On the plus side the scenery is beautiful and it only takes about 3 hours for you to arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes.

3. Bus from Cusco. I saw packages for a 2 day trip to Cusco taking the bus/hydroelectrica. This was the cheapest option but also the most time consuming.

Accommodation:

Casa Machu Picchu. The one and only dorm we stayed in on our trip to South America. I remembered that I dislike dorms, but everywhere in the town was very expensive so there was little alternative here. The breakfast was good though and started at 5am so you could get to Machu Picchu early.

Our day at Machu Picchu:

We woke up at 4:30 am and had breakfast at 5am. We got in line for the bus at 5:30am but that was still too late to avoid the queues. It’s a serious queue to get the bus.

Huayna Picchu

We had paid for the extra ticket to tackle the mountain of Huayna Picchu (in the classic picture of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu is the big mountain in the background.) It’s quite a steep climb and Thomas turned around due to his fear of heights (there are some paths that are very steep, unsafe, and not really suitable for those afraid of heights.)

However, this was my favourite part of Machu Picchu and well worth the extra money. There’s far less people climbing up this part (200 at a time, rather than the 2,500 in the rest of the area of Machu Picchu), therefore it feels much more quiet and calm and far less touristy. You can also appreciate the awesome view of Machu Picchu from up high and from a different angle to the normal view. The climb wasn’t too bad and in all it took just under 2 hours to get there and return. Would definitely recommend getting the extra ticket for this (as long as you like heights.)

The Sun Gate

If you hike the Inca trail the sun gate is where you get your first jaw dropping view of Machu Picchu. However, for those not hiking the Inca trail you can still walk up to the sun gate which gives you some great views of Machu Picchu. (It’s also a bit less scary than the Huayna Picchu climb and you don’t have to pay any extra.)

Machu Picchu itself

When you first enter the main site to get the classic postcard photo you have to first climb to the Funerary Rock located on the top of the hill. The steps then wind down into the site giving multiple different viewpoints (with lots of llamas.)

Be sure to see the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza (home to the Temple of the Three Windows), the Intihuatana, and Temple of the Condor. Even if you have no idea what any of the buildings are the sheer quality of the stonework is still awe inspiring. How the Incas managed to create this perfect architecture without wheels, without a crane, without anything is incredible.

History:

The actual function of Machu Picchu is not known. It has been argued to have been used as a military fortress, for religious purposes and also as a royal residence. The existence of Machu Picchu was only rediscovered and made public knowledge in 1911 by the American Hiram Bingham who stumbled across it during his search to find the lost city of Vilcabamba. There are still lots of mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu, which just adds to its intrigue.

Food:

Everything in Aguas Calientes is overly priced. Everything. However, the food at Machu Picchu itself is even more expensive, so although your ticket says you can’t bring food or drink in ignore this you can. We bought a sandwich each from a bakery in town for about S.10 and some water. We also stocked up on coca sweets to combat any altitude sickness (they’re also pretty yummy too.)

Summary:

The highlight of the trip. Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world and it’s not hard to see why. How the Incas managed to build this is beyond me, it’s an incredible architectural structure built high in the clouds. Yes there are lots of tourists but it doesn’t get in the way of how awesome this is. Definitely one of those places to see before you die.