Here’s Will’s video from our trip to Machu Picchu, Peru!

Date of trip: December 2007

If you travel to Peru, you will likely see the ancient Inca city, Machu Picchu. It’s one of the world’s most famous attractions and country’s most visited. Although Will had been to Peru many times, he had never seen the legendary ruin so we were thrilled to go. It is a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Highlights:

-There are only two ways to get to Machu Picchu: a hike on the Inca Trail, which can take four days to fully complete, or a four hour train rain from the city of Cusco to Aguas Calientes. There are three train types available at varying cost and comfort levels. The Hiram Bingham train is all first class with meals included, the Vistadome is middle range with snacks and large glass windows and the Backpacker is a standard no frills train for those on a budget. We chose the Vistadome and the ride was beautiful. The train travels forward and backward over switchbacks, up a hill, to leave Cusco. There were dancers and a fashion show to keep us entertained along the way. If you choose to hike, a permit is required and the experience is rustic with nothing but wilderness in sight. All supplies, including camping gear, must be carried in and out.

-Aguas Calientes is a small but vibrant and welcoming little city. Most people that stay overnight near Machu Picchu stay here. There are plenty of inexpensive hotels in the area as well as markets and restaurants to check out. It’s located in a valley with green mountains surrounding it and a bubbling river rushing through. There are also thermal pools in the area to relax in after a long day of walking.

-To get to Machu Picchu, there is a bus that runs every 10-30 minutes (whenever the bus fills up) from the center of Aguas Calientes. The scenic ride takes about 20 minutes and is filled with twists and turns. When you return, try to sit near the front of the bus and keep your eyes open for the native boys who run alongside and wave the entire way down. It’s an impressive feat and they will expect a tip when you get to the bottom!

-If you have money to burn and are prepared to make reservations well in advance, you can stay at the only hotel right on site, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. There are just 31 rooms and prices start at $800, but it’s consistently top rated among world class hotels. Although staying was a bit out of our price range, we had an excellent buffet lunch there.

-The best part of visiting Machu Picchu is Machu Picchu!! You will never forget the first time you rest your eyes on the ruin. The drifting fog, the llamas trimming the grass and the chinchillas scurrying across the rocks are all remarkable, but it’s the size of the site that will really take your breath away. There are a lot of mysteries surrounding the ancient city, what is was used for and why it was abandoned. We had a guide take us through some rooms and temples and describe some theories on how they were used. I loved just wandering and soaking it all in. Walking around Machu Picchu can be challenging as there are many steep steps but, if you are in pretty good shape, I recommend hiking up the main peak, Wayna Picchu for an unparalleled view. It is a tough climb straight up and will take about 2-3 hours round trip, but it’s worth it.

Machu Picchu is a special place. A visit there fills you with an energy that will stay with you long after you leave. Although you can travel there and back from Cusco in just one day, I recommend staying in the area overnight to allow yourself ample time to see everything. I also suggest visiting off season or near opening or closing times as crowding is a problem. Getting stuck in a line or surrounded by huge tour groups will seriously take away from your enjoyment of the ancient city. Will and I were lucky enough to visit on Christmas day right after a rain storm and the park was virtually empty. Exploring in complete silence was amazing.

Machu Picchu is considered an endangered historical site as the influx of tourists has taken a toll. Guests should do their best to leave the site as they find it; don’t leave trash anywhere, don’t touch or move any rocks or dirt, tread lightly, talk quietly and be respectful. We are fortunate to have such a beautiful piece of history intact and available to us and we have a responsibility to preserve it for future generations.

For more pictures, please visit my Photo Gallery or click on any of the photos posted above.

Machu Picchu Links:
Peru Official Site
Perurail Trains
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge