Would you like to visit Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, but don’t know how to get there? Don’t worry, in this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip like an expert, even if you’re a novice in the world of adventures.
The first thing you need to do is get to Cusco, the closest city to Machu Picchu. You can do this by plane, bus, or train, depending on your budget and time. Once in Cusco, you have several options to get to Machu Picchu:
- “The fastest and most comfortable way is to take a train from the Poroy or Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the sacred mountain. The journey takes between an hour and a half and two and a half hours, and prices vary depending on the class and season. I recommend booking in advance because spots are limited and fill up quickly.
- The most economical and adventurous option is to take a bus or a shared van from Cusco to Santa Teresa, a town about six hours away. There you can spend the night or continue to the hydroelectric plant, where a two-hour hike begins to Aguas Calientes. This option is ideal for those who want to save money and enjoy the scenery, but keep in mind that the road can be dangerous due to traffic and weather.
- The most traditional and demanding option is to take the Inca Trail, a four-day trekking route that takes you through the Andean mountains to the Sun Gate, from where you have the first view of Machu Picchu. This option requires good physical condition and a reservation months in advance, as only 500 people are allowed entry per day. It is a unique and unforgettable experience but also the most expensive and exhausting.
