Machu Picchu Blew my Fucking Mind

Just shy of 600 years ago, a small plateau high in the Andes became the site for the Inca Empire’s greatest city. Mysteriously abandoned only 100 years later, Spanish invaders never found Machu Picchu and it was left to nature. In 1911, it was rediscovered and became a world wonder on many people’s bucket lists, deservingly so.

On the train to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, I overheard a tour guide tell their flock to imagine being the first explorers to set their eyes on Machu Picchu after the Incans mysteriously left. That’s the mindset I had when going there, and damn, my mind was blown. The grandness, in the middle of nowhere in the Andes, is mind-blowing. You just have to see it, and here’s how.

When to Visit

There isn’t really a slow time, you should always expect a crowd. October thru April is technically rainy season, though it always has the potential to rain, and summer months are obviously more popular than others. The earlier in the day, the better, and I recommend getting the first train out of Agua Calientes to be sure.

Fun Fact: Machu Picchu is in the Andes and the whole region is at high elevation, which can be a struggle for some people. Read about how cocoa tea can help altitude sickness and why you should drink it while you’re there.

Getting to Machu Picchu

Lima -> Cusco -> Aguas Caliente -> Machu Picchu

It takes a mix of planes, buses, trains and feet, but it’s all worth it!

First, find your way to Cusco. It’s an easy flight from Lima. While in Cusco, find some cool things to do!

Second, make your way from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, you have a few options:

1. By train: Take the 3.5 hour train to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. Give yourself plenty of time from Cusco to get to the train station. There are three train companies that will take you from Cusco to Aguas Calientes: Inca Rail, Peru Rail, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham train. The Hiram Bingham train is more expensive and gives you a high-end train experience, including a white tablecloth meal with wine. If that’s a little too high end for you (it was for me!), then take the Inca Rail or Peru Rail, both offer a comfortable ride. Make sure to book as far in advance as possible because tickets sell out weeks and sometimes months ahead of time.
2. By foot: If you want the ultimate Machu Picchu experience, you can walk the Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It takes multiple days to make the trek, and there are dozens of companies that can guide you with various levels of comforts along the way, though they all require camping.
3. By van and foot: There’s also an option to take a van to a town a few hours out of Aguas Calientes and make a few hour hike to Machu Picchu. A happy medium. Whichever option you choose, just be sure to get there.

Third, take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Buses start running at 5:30am and take about 30 minutes up steep terrain to get to Machu Picchu. People start lining up for the first bus, I recommend you do the same.

Tickets and Guides Required

Even if you purchased your entrance tickets on your own, you are required to have a guide at Machu Picchu. You can either arrange your  trip ahead of time with your hostel or hotel in Aguas Calientes or Cusco, or you can purchase tickets in advance and hire a guide outside of Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes. Though I wouldn’t wait until the last minute, just in case. If you’re on a timeline, make sure everything is set up prior to arriving in Peru.

Recently, they have added circuits to the ticketing, meaning you buy a ticket for a certain area of Machu Picchu. This is an effort to reduce over-tourism. Read carefully when you’re purchasing your ticket.

We’re There, Man: Inside Machu Picchu

Once you pass through the gates on Machu Picchu, just take it in. Walk slowly, look around, take your time as best you can. While there are dozens of sites to see inside Machu Picchu, I enjoyed just wandering, as I usually do.

Hikes

There are hikes within Machu Picchu that are worth considering, but do require additional tickets, so do your research ahead of time.

Circuit 4 + Wayna Picchu Mountain: This extremely strenuous hike provides a view looking down on the Incan ruins. Some sections are very narrow and steep. You’ll have the choice of starting your climb between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. (there’s a better chance any clouds will have lifted by the 10am time period).

Circuit 3 + Macchupicchu Mountain: This hike is to the peak of Machu Picchu and is almost entirely stairs. You’ll have the choice of starting your climb between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Circuit 1 or 2 + Inka Bridge: The short walk to the Inca Bridge is a mostly flat trail to check out a precarious trail, now closed, which the Incas built along a rock face.

Circuit 4 + Huchuypicchu Mountain: The newest route, as of 2021, to Huchyu Picchu is also available with a separate ticket. It’s shorter and easier than the other mountain hikes and you’ll get a unique perspective of the ancient city.

Machu Picchu is worth the time, money and energy it takes to get there. It’s hard to describe the feeling being among these ancient ruins and pictures do not do it justice. You just have to go, and I hope you get the chance to.

What’s next?

Find more ideas and itineraries for Peru!