Machu Picchu

Hiking with the Alpacas in Machu Picchu, Peru

If you are thinking about taking a trip to Machu Picchu, chances are you are already aware there are a lot of details to have in order prior to hopping on a plane. It can make the planning process a little intimidating and perhaps even have you thinking about signing up for a guided tour package. Personally, I always prefer to maintain flexibility in my plans and not be so locked-in to a group thing. You can absolutely figure this out – and have a successful visit to Machu Picchu that incorporates activities and visits to other nearby points-of-interest.

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It is important to plan your visit to Machu Picchu well in advance and purchase your tickets well in advance. This is because access to the site is limited to a certain number of daily visitors. The current recommendation is to purchase 3 – 4 months in advance, especially if you are interested in the Machupicchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. Because we are living in changing times, the best way to learn the exact requirements for access to the Citadel, mountains, and bridge is to visit Ticket Machu Picchu.

The first step to visit to Machu Picchu is getting there! Visit Peru Rail to select your train. We chose the Hiram Bingham train for our journey to Machu Picchu and the Vista Dome for our journey back to Cusco. The Hiram Bingham train service included our trip to the Machupicchu Station, the bus ride to the Citadel, our entrance ticket, and a guided tour. This eliminated any worry for the first day of our trip and was a huge time saver.

Above photos: Hiram Bingham Train

When we first arrived at the Citadel, we had some time to take in the initial awe and wonder from the top viewpoint and snap photos. We were then organized into small groups and had a very nice walking tour around the main circuit. I was only half listening to our guide because I was so pre-occupied taking photos in every direction. Your eyes literally don’t know where to look because there is so much to take in. And, honestly, it was a little surreal finally standing in the place I had seen in a thousand photographs.

Above photos: Machu Picchu, Peru

Following our afternoon at Machu Picchu, we returned to the base town of Aguas Calientes to check-in to our hotel, eat dinner, and get ready for our second day and hike up Huayna Picchu. Aguas Calientes serves as the primary center for most visitors to Machu Picchu. There are a ton of businesses that operate here to suit every kind of interest from outdoor adventures to Peruvian cooking classes. Looking back, I wish we had stayed an extra night. There is so much to enjoy!

Above photo: Aguas Calientes

We stayed at the Sumaq Hotel and decided to try their on-site dining, the Qunuq Restaurant. We were completely surprised by the wonderful service, elaborate presentations, and authentic Peruvian dishes. What a great evening after our long day of rail travel and hiking!

Above photos: Qunuq Restaurant at the Sumaq Hotel, Aguas Calientes

The following morning, we were up with the alpacas for our Huayna Picchu hike. Let me just take a moment here to appreciate the bus drivers who shuttle load after load of passengers up the windy road from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu Citadel. If you have a fear of heights, just close your eyes. I was out of my mind watching them take the serpentine turns. Did not enjoy that.

Above photos: Huayna Picchu

Okay…back to our hike. The weather was a drizzly and foggy with no views to reward us at the summit. So, for us, the journey was the truly the destination (thanks, RWE). If you decide to add this hike to your visit, be sure to bring appropriate footwear and be prepared for any kind of weather. The trail is heavy on stairs and will challenge you. There are rope handles to help you stay safe on the slippery surfaces (and to help pull you up when your thighs start to go weak).

Above photo: Huayna Picchu

The trip back down is equally as challenging due to uneven pathways and a chance to lose your footing. But, the fog started to clear a little for us and we finally caught some views.

Above photos: Huayna Picchu

Once back down, we had to cross back through Machu Picchu to the main visitor center. We took our time exploring some of the areas we had missed the first day and then hit one of the many pizza restaurants back at the base. There are so many pizza places. It’s the weirdest thing.

Above photos: Machu Picchu

We had some time to kill before our return train ride back to Cusco. So, we wandered through the market adjacent to the station. This is a huge market full of vendors selling souvenirs, t-shirts, crafts, and kitschy bits. It’s pretty lively and a great place to pick up inexpensive alpaca keychains for the kids’ backpacks.

The return train ride took us back to the same station in Cusco where we had departed from the day before. We headed directly for our hotel, popped some Advil, and rested up to resume our sightseeing in the lovely town of Cusco.

A complete post of our time in Cusco and the attractions we visited can be found here.