"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St.Augustine
Go someplace else. Is Peru in your bucket list?
A visit to Machu Pichu in Peru will leave you spellbound. One of the greatest finds of the 20th century is the truly majestic and breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Pichu. This dramatic citadel is one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Where: Peru
Visa policy:
Peru allows visa free entry to nationals of many countries such as US, EU, Singapore, Russia etc. for 183 days. Citizens of China and India who hold a valid visa of USA, UK, Canada, Australia or Schengen countries, with a validity of at least 6 months (excluded transit visas) can enter visa free for tourism and business purposes. Please note that visa policies keep changing so please confirm with the embassy of Peru in your country when you plan your travel to Peru.
Best time to visit: May to September
Machu Pichu opening times: All year round- 6 am to 4 pm
Entry is in 2 shifts so buy your tickets accordingly: 6 am to 12 noon and 12 noon to 5:30 pm.
Tickets: Please remember that tickets have to be bought in advance and that no tickets are sold at the gates. Keep in mind that only 2500 visitors are allowed to visit Machu Pichu per day so book your tickets well in advance specially during peak season.
Book your tickets here:
https://www.ticketmachupicchu.com/ticket-machu-picchu-book-now/
Nearest airport: Cusco, Peru
Cusco is connected by direct flights from Lima, Bogota and La Paz besides many other South American cities.
From Cusco you have to take the trains that are operated by Peru rail or Inca rail and have various options in terms of both price and luxury . Peru rail trains run from Poroy (the nearest train station just outside Cusco) to Aguas Calientes (the nearest train station at the foothills of Machu Pichu). Inca rail runs from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Both Ollantaytambo and Poroy can be reached by taxi from Cusco). For better comfort opt for Peru rail trains. There are three Peru rail trains that run between Cusco (Poroy) and Machu Pichu (Aguas Calientes) - Belmond Hiram Bingham train ( one of the most expensive and luxurious trains in the world named after Professor Hiram Bingham who discovered Machu Pichu), the Perurail Vistadome train with panoramic windows to enjoy the Andean scenery and the more economic Perurail Expedition train.
From Aguas Calientes you can walk 8 km to Machu Pichu but it will be physically very challenging and will give you less time to explore the main sites. It is advisable to take the bus which runs from 5:30 am ferrying passengers from Aguas Calientes to the main Machu Pichu site.
Or, you can hike the Inca trail which is not for the faint-hearted. Be ready for steep climbs besides high altitude that may make hiking difficult.
Buy your rail tickets here:
https://www.perurail.com/
Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu can be bought near the Aguas Calientes rail station and need not be purchased in advance. However, during peak season there may be long queues. You may prefer to buy your bus tickets in Cusco where they are also available:
1. Av.Infancia 433-Wanchaq (8am to 12:45 pm and 3 pm to 6pm)
2. Av. El Sol 380-Interbank Bank (9am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6pm)
Machu Pichu can be done as a day trip from Cusco. Or else, you can reach Ollantaytambo a day earlier and then leave for Machu Pichu by an early morning bus from Aguas Calientes. Cusco offers a wide variety of hotels across various price ranges. Keep in mind that the town has some steep roads so choose a hotel close to the city centre or Plaza de Armas. Dine in at one of the many restaurants in the Plaza de Armas such as the Inca grill or La Feria Cocina.
Enjoy the Andean scenery on the way...
.......captivating from whichever angle you see..
For fun:
Don't forget to stamp your passport with the Machu Pichu stamp from the counter just near the exit gate!