There are several ways to reach Machu Picchu. For some travelers taking a multiday trek like the Salkantay before reaching the Inca citadel to hike Machu Picchu might be the best way; it certainly is an adventurous one. Imagine trekking through the Andean wilderness for four whole days before reaching a tiny town at the foothill of the Incan complex. Then, on the 5th day, you hike up to the citadel and take a fully guided tour. That is all well and good, but what about travelers who do not wish to take a full-blow adventure hike? Well, we can take an organized tour in a more relaxing format.
The Day Trip To Machu Picchu
The day trip to Machu Picchu starts with an early morning drive from the city of Cusco to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The drive takes about an hour and a half. After arriving at the city, we head straight to the train station and board one of the two lines that travel to Machu Picchu. The train ride from the Ollantaytambo station to the small town of Aguas Calientes takes 2 hours and is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The climate in Aguas Calientes is vastly different than it was just a few miles ago near Ollantaytambo due to its unique location. It is the point where the Peruvian highlands meets the Amazon rainforest creating an environment that is much greener and more humid.
After leaving the train, we walk through the small town and head to the bus station just 5 minutes away. Once we have our bus ticket, we can board the shuttle that will take us up the mountain. The ride takes around 20 minutes before reaching the main entrance to Machu Picchu.
The Guided Tour Of Machu Picchu
Once we cross the entrance, our guided tour of Machu Picchu begins. We walk past a wooden floor before reaching the main gateway, where we get our first glimpse of the stone city. After that, our guide will start going over some of the history of the stone complex while we visit the various landmarks. Throughout the guided tour, we’ll see the Machu Picchu mirrors, the temple of the sun, the temple of the three windows, the Incas bathhouses, the temple of the condor, and the Inca jail. Each location receives a summary from our bilingual guide.
Huayna Picchu Peak
We can also visit the Wayna Picchu (or Huayna Picchu) peak for this trip. This is one of the peaks in the surrounding landscapes and requires an additional permit. To reach the summit, you’ll have to go through a series of steps commonly referred to as the “stairs of death” due to their build and the way you’ll be able to see the precipice on the side of the stairs. It is not a climb for the faint of heart, but the views will be gratifying if you reach the top.
The Temple Of The Moon
On the way down from the Huayna Picchu peak, you’ll have a chance to visit a hidden temple called the temple of the Moon. It is located halfway down the Huayna Picchu hike and is an exciting hike on its own. The temple of the Moon is said to be a place of worship for the Inca moon goddess.
Return to Cusco
Once the guided tour ends, it is time to return to the city of Cusco. We take the bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll catch the evening train to Cusco. If you choose the Vistadome option for the train, there will be a live show with dancing on the return leg of the trip. The train also offers a good dinner option for those too hungry to wait until returning to Cusco. The train ride back will take 3 hours to fully complete.
Conclusion
There are various ways to go to Machu Picchu; we simply went over the top 2 ways most tourists choose. Multiple hikes take you to the ancient city of the Incas. To find out more, it is a good idea to contact one of the several Peru travel agencies specializing in Machu Picchu travel packages and vacations.
