Peruvian history echoes along the Inca Trail, whose final destination is the famous Machu Picchu. At the height of 8000 ft, it is an intimidating yet interesting site for adventurers. Be forewarned, getting here is not easy since there is no direct transportation to Machu Picchu.

HOW TO GO

If you are athletic or want to exercise your muscles, then feel free to walk the entire way along the trail to arrive at Machu Picchu. Otherwise, if you want a bit of help then you can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. After reaching Aguas Calientes, you can take the road up the mountain to Machu Picchu.

A bus ride will cost you $24 but it will take you directly to the ruins. The best way to reach the Lost City of the Incans is a Jungle Trek. Book with a tour agency like Xtreme Tourbulencia for an adrenaline-filled trip.

WHEN TO GO

If you can, avoid visiting during the month of February since it is at the heart of the rainy season. June through August are the busy months for tourism. Thus, September and October are prime times to visit Machu Picchu. It is not crowded during these months, and you can easily get tickets to Machu Picchu. Tickets cost 128 Sols, or $38 USD, and they are limited to only 2,500 tickets per day. The ruins are open from 10 am to 5 pm. 

WHERE TO GO

The amalgamation of these pristine stone structures is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Temple of the Sun is the center attraction aside from the Temple of Three Windows. Even with restorations, the original style, namely cemented stones with mud, has remained intact. If you wake up early and catch the first bus to Aguas Calientes, you can catch the spellbinding view of the first sun rays of dawn filtering through the Sun Gate.

The Temple of the Condor is another outstanding site, but do not believe the rosy tales the guides tell you about it. It was once a place of torture. There is even a well in the temple where the blood of the victims would flow.

WHAT TO DO

Enjoy the Sacred Plaza, an open area in the center of the site overlooking the beautiful valleys and haunting Peruvian remains. You can also hike up Wayna Picchu. However, you need stamina and courage to overcome the steep slopes of the mountain. The view of the ruins is spectacular from here and well worth the trek. You can also hike the Inca Trail, but you should book early because only 500 passes are available per day.

WHERE TO STAY

Inkaterra Machu Picchu is a hotel in Aguas Calientes, which is a small city with a meager population of 1,600. Hostel Macchu Picchu is another option close by as well.

ELECTRICITY

Hotels use double vertical pronged outlets. So you do not need to worry about charging your phones, as it accepts Peruvian as well as U.S. plugs. We encourage you to bring an adapter in case of an emergency. You should also bring cameras with batteries as the electricity here can be unreliable.

December 22, 2017 12:43 am Published by Staff Writer