A Trek to Machu Picchu offers one of the most enjoyable ways to view this pre-Columbian site. In addition to being able to visit the old mountain at a time when there are fewer visitors, travelers will enjoy many sites along the trail. If the 14 day hike is too demanding there are also shorter paths and it is also possible to visit by bus or train.
Located at just below 8,000 feet above sea level, the Inca builders created this structure that has endured for more than 550 years without the benefit of concrete. The citadel is the primary draw. The ruins adjoin a wilderness park and forest to cover over 116 square miles. There are numerous mysteries surrounding the village, thought to have had significance in several different areas of the Incas life.
The months of July and August are the most active for tourists as there is less rainfall than other times of the year. Even so, there will be occasional showers and mist clinging to the mountain many days. The months of November through April are the rainy season in this location. January and February are the wettest months of the year. The trail is closed in February due to restoration work.
In order to walk the trail, one must be accompanied by a local guide or join a guided group. Visitors are limited to 500 each day and over half of these are the guides and porters. The site limits visitors to 2,500 daily. This makes it imperative to book the passage before leaving home. It is now practically impossible to join a group by arriving in Cusco and paying locally.
The ruins themselves can be visited without hiring a guide. Take the bus from Aguas Calientes to gain access. Buses leave frequently to make the journey of less than half an hour through several hairpin bends. Travel to Aguas Calientes is available by train.
Most experts on travel in the area recommend deciding how one wants to make the trip before contacting operators. If planning to hike, it is best to take a couple of days in one of the nearby cities to become acclimated to the elevation and lower oxygen levels. If planning to arrive by train or bus, do some research into the options as there are less expensive basic options as well as luxury ones, but there are also big differences in costs for the trip.
At this altitude, temperatures can drop so it is cold. Make sure that appropriate clothing is available, especially if hiking. Rain gear makes the wet days more bearable. There are biting insects at the site, so bring bug repellent. Plan to protect the body with sunglasses, hats and high SPF sunscreen.
Regardless of how one makes his or her trek to Machu Picchu, this is one South American site you will not want to miss. The views are impressive no matter how one approaches the location. These ruins have stood the test of time and make an interesting place to visit.
Located at just below 8,000 feet above sea level, the Inca builders created this structure that has endured for more than 550 years without the benefit of concrete. The citadel is the primary draw. The ruins adjoin a wilderness park and forest to cover over 116 square miles. There are numerous mysteries surrounding the village, thought to have had significance in several different areas of the Incas life.
The months of July and August are the most active for tourists as there is less rainfall than other times of the year. Even so, there will be occasional showers and mist clinging to the mountain many days. The months of November through April are the rainy season in this location. January and February are the wettest months of the year. The trail is closed in February due to restoration work.
In order to walk the trail, one must be accompanied by a local guide or join a guided group. Visitors are limited to 500 each day and over half of these are the guides and porters. The site limits visitors to 2,500 daily. This makes it imperative to book the passage before leaving home. It is now practically impossible to join a group by arriving in Cusco and paying locally.
The ruins themselves can be visited without hiring a guide. Take the bus from Aguas Calientes to gain access. Buses leave frequently to make the journey of less than half an hour through several hairpin bends. Travel to Aguas Calientes is available by train.
Most experts on travel in the area recommend deciding how one wants to make the trip before contacting operators. If planning to hike, it is best to take a couple of days in one of the nearby cities to become acclimated to the elevation and lower oxygen levels. If planning to arrive by train or bus, do some research into the options as there are less expensive basic options as well as luxury ones, but there are also big differences in costs for the trip.
At this altitude, temperatures can drop so it is cold. Make sure that appropriate clothing is available, especially if hiking. Rain gear makes the wet days more bearable. There are biting insects at the site, so bring bug repellent. Plan to protect the body with sunglasses, hats and high SPF sunscreen.
Regardless of how one makes his or her trek to Machu Picchu, this is one South American site you will not want to miss. The views are impressive no matter how one approaches the location. These ruins have stood the test of time and make an interesting place to visit.
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