MACHU PICCHU

Michael_sgrant
2 days ago
4 min read

Come and explore this wonder of the world with me...

IT'S THE BIG DAY! You’ll spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu before coming back to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco. Today’s the day you’ve been waiting for! You’re finally going to visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu! You’ll need to be up early today to make sure you beat the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the site in the early morning light. Once in the Inca citadel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately 3 hours through the most relevant sectors of this incredible ancient site. You’ll see houses, temples, terraces, crop fields, among others. Bonus fact: When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognisable, covered in thick vegetation, and in a state of disrepair. It’s since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by people from every corner of the globe.

If you book the right ticket, you’ll have the opportunity to hike up to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), hike up to Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720m/8,924ft) or even Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000m/9,843ft); these tours will take you 1:30-3hrs up and down, respectively (tickets must be booked in advance - €58). Make sure you’re back in Aguas Calientes for a spot of lunch before boarding your train to Cusco.

Getting to Machu Picchu

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike 1.5-2hrs through the famous Hiram Bingham trial up to the top of the mountain. The trail follows a stone stepped pathway that leads from the valley floor close to Aguas Calientes to the mountain ridge where the famous citadel of Machu Picchu sits. Following the right hand side of the switchbacks that form the shuttle bus road, this moderately challenging trek is an alternative way to reach Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu the trek takes about 1hr 30mins. From Aguas Calientes follow the shuttle bus road that leaves Aguas Calientes towards Machu Picchu. After approximately 25-30mins the road takes a sharp left turn over the Vilcanota River, passing a large metal bridge Directly after the bridge take an immediate right turn down a lane; the lane leads to the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum (Machu Picchu Museum). A further 1 minute along the lane you will pick up the trail head to hike up to Machu Picchu. The trail head is clearly marked by a large sign. From the trail head the path follows a continuous uphill ascent for about 50mins-1hr. The path intersects 3 times with the far right hand side of the shuttle bus road as it climbs. At the intersections you may need to follow the road for a few yards to pick up the continuation of the trail. Signs clearly mark the way. Often you will find local women selling snacks and drinks enroute. Watch out for the shuttle busses as they are not always very pedestrian friendly. During the dry season the buses also create a bit of dust which can be unpleasant.

Or for an easier option take the bus; Machu Picchu opens at 06:00, so the first bus leaves Aguas Calientes at 05:30 and runs every 10mins.

Machu Picchu Circuit 2: Classic Route with Comprehensive Exploration (2.5-3hrs)

There are 3 main circuits to choose from, then divided up into other routes. Circuit 2 being the main traditional route to take, with the famous postcard picture of Machu Picchu.

This circuit offers you a panoramic experience, allowing you to visit the Guardian’s House, where you can capture a panoramic photograph of Machu Picchu and enjoy a magnificent view of the Vilcanota River, Waynapichu Mountain as well as a panoramic view of the main Inca buildings of the urban area, such as the Kallancas, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza among others.

Complete tour of the Citadel
Certified guided service for Circuit 2 with a maximum of 9 people depending on the chosen language
Classic photograph below the Guardian’s House
Bus to and from the citadel

When boarding the bus, you must present your identification and bus ticket; otherwise, you will not be able to board and there will be no refund.

The guide will be exclusively for you or your group, the tour is along the circuit indicated on your ticket. The guide is patient with those who like photos and kind with information. Enjoy this wonder of the world with the company of an expert guide in Machu Picchu, ensuring that your visit is an unforgettable experience. A personalized service to get to know Machu Picchu, the professional tour guide is designated only for you or your group. You have the facility to choose the time and the tour circuit according to your entrance ticket.

Circuit 2 offers a journey similar to the traditional route, allowing visitors to experience both the upper and lower parts of Machu Picchu. This circuit includes the iconic photo spots at the highest points of the citadel and extensive exploration of the ruins in the lower sections. It’s the perfect choice for those wanting a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu. There are 2 types of Machu Picchu tickets available for Circuit 2 that are perfect for capturing the classic photos, while still covering most of the ruins on the lower part. It includes access to both agricultural and urban sectors, such as the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the Main Temple, Temple of the Condor, Temple of the Three Windows, the Water Fountains and the agricultural sector.

Machu Picchu, which would translate to “Old Mountain” in Spanish, is one of the 7 wonders of the world and one of the most visited tourist attractions by tourists from all over. Its walls and the gigantic stones with which it was built cause more than one astonishment to its visitors. Don't miss this opportunity to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world!

Take a look at the following maps of circuits at Machu Picchu: