Day trip to Machu Picchu
Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco requires a bus, a train, and another bus, but is worth every mode of transportation to walk through the ruins of the ancient Incas. New rules for visiting Machu Picchu kicked in July of 2017, and now require a time slot for morning or afternoon entry. Due to this change, we departed Cusco at 4am to begin the journey to the ancient city.
The train arrives in Aquas Caliente after a little over an hour ride from Ollyantaytambo through the mountains along the Urubamba River.
The train runs through Aguas Caliente's main street lined with restaurants and shops.
From Aguas Caliente a bus will carry people masquerading as sardines up the winding mountain road to wonder of the world... Machu Picchu. The road is only for the buses transporting the masses to the top and back down to the bottom of the mountain. For the truly adventurous, there is a walking path of sorts that will take you up the mountain by foot, but be prepared to use your muscles.
A view of the winding road and Machu Picchu from a platform on Huayna Picchu.
Once at the top of Machu Picchu, you'll get in line to enter the ruins and pass through the gate with a scan of your passport and ticket. As of July 2017, each visitor must enter with a tour guide. The routes for the tours are spelled out with signs directing all guests to follow one of the prescribed routes.
After our 2 hr tour, those not climbing to the top of Huayna Picchu were given the option to walk to the Sun Gate, explore more of Machu Picchu, check out the Inca bridge and gateway to the Amazon, or get in line for the bus back down to Aguas Caliente.
Having done both the Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu, I recommend choosing one of these options for your remaining time in Machu Picchu. If doing Huayna Picchu, make sure you book this option early as there are only two time slots and they fill up quickly. More on Huayna Picchu later.
Machu Picchu is an amazing feat to behold, an ancient marvel of engineering and human strength. It's so popular that most likely when you visit, you'll be overcome with the multitudes of visitors trying to see this incredible location. Visiting during the low season will definitely lessen the number of people you will have to bump into along the path.