4. On any trip to Peru, you will travel to Machu Picchu the Inca Citadel, which is
located close to the Imperial city of Cusco. There are different ways to travel
to Machu Picchu, for example the famous Machu Picchu hike which is a very
popular way to reach the site, this involves a four day hike which is very
strenuous, but the rewards are many and many prefer to hike. If you are not
feeling like hiking for four days up and down the mountain, there is also the
option of taking the train on an all-inclusive tour to Machu Picchu.
There are many companies in Cusco offering day tours and you will need to
do your research on who you choose, but there are many things you should
look for and expect on you day tour to Machu Picchu.
The other option if you do not want
an organized tour is to organize
the journey yourself which will be
cheaper but involves some work.
Machu Travel Peru
4
5. Firstly, with a tour company for a Machu Picchu travel package these should
include transfer from Cusco to the train station in Poroy (that is considered
Cusco) or to Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley. Train tickets to and
from Aguas Calientes (which is the station below Machu Picchu), bus tickets
from Aguas Calientes and return to the gate of Machu Picchu, entrance into
Machu Picchu and a guide for at least 2 hours. Some companies will also
include lunch, which if you do not require you will need to advise, and you will
get a discount. This is the minimum at tour should include, if they do not
include these services look for another company.
Some of the cheaper companies will
offer tours in a group service, which
in Peru is called POOL service, so
be aware this will be with a group of
around 10 to 15 people so the going
maybe slower than a private service
where it will be yourself and a guide.
Machu Travel Peru
5
6. If you want to organize the tour yourself then here are a few things to
remember, there are many buses from Cusco to Ollantaytambo daily, it is a
good idea to maybe stay in Ollantaytambo the night before your train leaves
and arrive early to the station. There are three companies that sell train
tickets, Peru Rail, which includes two different types of train depending on
your budget, firstly the Expedition train a tourist train with big windows for a
great view, then the Vistadome which has a glass ceiling and is more
luxurious.
Inca Rail has also two trains of
different standard. If you are into
luxury tours then the Belmond
Hiram Bingham service which is the
most expensive service where you
will be pampered on your journey
to Machu Picchu. All have offices in
Cusco or you can buy the tickets on
line. Machu Travel Peru
6
7. You now need a licenced guide to enter Machu Picchu; you are not allowed to
enter alone. So many of the agencies will help you with finding a guide. It is a
good idea to have all organized before you get to Cusco as when you arrive
there may be no tickets available and you will miss out.
Machu Picchu is opened all year round, with October through April the official
rainy season, but it can rain all year. The peak tourist season is July and
August which is part of the dry season and you will be with thousands of other
travelers and there will be long lines to enter the ruins and catch the bus.
It is free to enter Machu Picchu on
Sundays for Peruvians so the
crowds are bigger on Sundays.
Machu Travel Peru
7
8. Because Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude than Cusco, many people
choose to arrive into Cusco and go straight to the Sacred Valley and then onto
Machu Picchu. This is a great idea as you can stay in Aguas Calientes for a
night or two to acclimatize. This will make for a more enjoyable experience.
The side effects of altitude can be challenging with headaches, fatigue and
nausea spoiling your adventure. It is a good idea to avoid physical exercise,
alcohol and heavy meals when you first arrive into the altitude.
On your guided tour to Machu Picchu, you will learn about the site and its very
interesting history. Learn about the Inca´s that lived there and how it was
constructed.
Learn about why it was only
inhabited for around 100 years
after which it was abandoned. See
the different sections that make up
the city and discover the temples
and sacred sites that are included
at Machu Picchu. Machu Travel Peru
8
9. Remember to take your passport with you on your day trip as you will need it
to enter the site. Take with you also a raincoat, sunscreen, hat, insect
repellent and also your camera is necessary for taking those pictures that you
will want to show your family when you go back home.
When you decide to travel to
Peru Machu Picchu, for the best
experience do your research and
make sure you are getting what
you pay for, it pays to read
websites like trip advisor to get
some idea on the quality of the
services of the agencies you are
thinking of using. Machu Picchu
is waiting for you in the Southern
Andes of Peru.
Machu Travel Peru
9