Machu Picchu! Just the name gives me goose bumps!! The lost city (re)discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 is a model of intelligence of construction on all levels: resistance in a seismic zone, water supply, optimization of the exploitable agricultural surface, management of the roads leading to the city…
The interesting thing is that Machu Picchu is still an enigma and we still don’t know why was this city was built at 2,400 m altitude.
Machu Picchu and the Incas are really enigmatic and their secrets are being revealed little by little.
The construction of Machu Picchu began in 1.438 and lasted 50 to 60 years at most. The city housed about 500 people. It has been classified by UNESCO as cultural and natural world heritage in 1.983.
I was lucky to have a mild weather during my visit with a shining sun among some persistent clouds; the view was clear and the city very pleasant to see!
Actually, I’ve taken my precautions: I checked the weather forecasts many times before buying my ticket, and I opted for entry in the 2nd time slot (from 12:00), hoping to have the sun at this time rather than at the sunrise and early morning.
Since the tickets to climb the Huayna Picchu were sold out until the month of July, I opted for a guided tour of Machu Picchu village, then climbed up to Puerta del Sol to rest and enjoy the view.
The formulas to visit Machu are varied, between those who hike from 2 to 5 days to get there (Inka trail, Salkantay Treck, jungle trail, etc …), Turnkey tours organized by agencies from Cusco or to organize yourself your own trip.
Personally I opted for the last formula, more flexible and more economical. Thus, I bought my ticket for Machu Picchu, and booked a round-trip transportation to Hidroelectrica (50 soles), and two nights at the Falcon Hostel, a new hostel where the owner Gladis touches you with her maternal protection.
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My trip
Day 1: 6 hours by bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica, then 10 km of flat walk (each at his own pace) to Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Rest in the morning, bus ride at 11am for Machu Picchu (15 to 20 minutes, 40 soles = 10 €)
Guided tour of 2 hours, then at 14h I climbed to the Puerta del Sol to admire the panoramic view.
Back walking to Aguas Calientes, 70 min down stairs. Second night at the hostel.
Day 3: Return from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica (10km of walk), then 6 hours by bus to reach Cusco.
About tips
For those traveling with a limited budget, making your own bookings is cheaper than booking with an agency.
If you wanna do the Inka Trail and climb the Huayna Picchu, you have to book several months in advance!
It is possible to do the Salkantay Treck with an agency, or go alone for the bravest!
The guided tour is really worth it, the information is relevant and concise. The guides are everywhere, in town, in front of the queues to buy bus tickets or at the entrance at Machu Picchu. The visit costs between 20 and 25 soles (5 – 6 €), and leaves enough of time to enjoy the village solo later.
The bus to Machu Picchu costs 40 soles (10 €), but it’s worth it to go faster, avoid queues (especially for access to 12h). The ascent and descent are quite sturdy, watch your knees!
On the way between Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes, there is a botanical garden and an archaeological museum (22 soles; but you can negotiate a student fare entrance).
I tried to hitch a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (100 US $ one way), it really doesn’t work!! 😆
Pura vida!
