This is a throwback to March 2019 when my oldest sister and I traveled to Peru and visited Machu Picchu.
We flew into Cusco and arranged with Taxidatum to take us to the Ollantaytambo train station. We made a few stops along the way in Chincheros, Maras salt mines, and Moray. Then we rode the Inca Rail to Machu Picchu, where we stayed overnight at a bed and breakfast. The next day we explored the citadel before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo train station and heading to Cusco.
Getting to Machu Picchu
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To get this trip started, we arranged a taxi (about two weeks in advance) to pick us up from Cusco airport and drive us to Ollantaytambo train station. We chose a private car so we could stop and visit sites along the way.
We ventured into the Scared Valley, taking in the stunning scenery. Our first stop was in Chinchero.
Chinchero
Chinchero is a village in the scared valleys where you can observe the traditional dyeing of textiles with natural pigments, visit the local market, or soak in picturesque mountain views.
Mara Salt Mines
Next, we walked around the Mara salt mines, where we were treated to amazing views of endless salt ponds. These ponds have reportedly been in use since the Inca period.
Moray
We also took some time to check out Moray. The specific purposes behind the Moray terraces are unknown.
Looking down on the amphitheater like structures I can’t but wonder what the Incas used them for.
We could have easily spent more time visiting the sacred valley’s different sites and learning about the Incan history. But, alas, we eventually needed to make our way to the train station to go to Machu Picchu.
Train Ride
We book our tickets for the Inca Rail Voyager train to Machu Picchu.
Since we were starting our trip in Machu Picchu, I was worried about taking big suitcases on the train. So, we packed light and managed to fit everything for the week in carry-ons that we easily stored on the train.
After arriving in Machu Picchu, we walked to our bed and breakfast, and settled in for the night.
After a long day filled with traveling and exploring, we needed to rest up, because we had to wake up early to be at Machu Picchu by 7:00 am.
Machu Picchu
Tickets
When purchasing tickets, we had the option to get the Machu Picchu entrance-only ticket or add-on Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu.
Initially, we were just going to get the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, but we decided why not do it up and include the option to hike Waynapicchu mountain.
With that option, we could choose between being in the first group with an entrance time between 7:00 – 8:00 am for Waynapicchu or the second group with an entry of 10:00 – 11:00 am. We opted for the former since we were going to Cusco in the evening and wanted to maximize our time at Machu Picchu.
We purchased our tickets about a month in advance and paid 200 Peruvian Sol (equivalent to about $51 now). Keep in mind there is a cap of 200 visitors per day allowed up the mountain.
Hiking Montana Waynapicchu
We got up early the following morning and headed to the UNESCO world heritage site in the Andes Mountains, which also holds the title of being one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The morning started off foggy with some light drizzles.
But that did not deter us from the mission at hand.
Along the way, we passed some animals having breakfast.
Due to the drizzle, the steps were wet.
The hike up took about an hour. I am not a regular hiker and could stand to work out more, but I managed the hike just fine. That’s not to say I did not take some breaks along the way, but you don’t need to be in great shape to do the hike.
The view from the top was spectacular and definitely worth the climb, despite the fog.
After some time, the fog started to clear, and we were able to get a breathtaking view of the ruins below.
After spending a while at the top, resting and taking in the view, and of course, taking lots of pictures, we headed back down the mountain to explore the rest of Machu Picchu.
Following the designated route, we had to exit the grounds and re-enter to get back to the “starting point.” We simply showed our ticket that included the mountain and had no issues.
Exploring Machu Picchu
We spent the next few hours exploring the citadel.
Sun Temple where the priest and elite of the empire would give offerings to the sun.
Scared plaza
Sacred rock
Three Gates, which are theorized to have been workshops or rooms for the working class.
It’s believed the Incas used the water mirrors as an astronomical observatory. When filled with water, it reflects the projection of the sky.
And, of course, more four-legged residents.
After a morning and afternoon of exploring Machu Picchu, we eventually had to leave and make our way back to our accommodations to collect our luggage. Then we headed to the train station to make our way back to Ollantaytambo station.
For the return trip, we booked the Inca Rail 360o Bimodal. This option included the train ride to Ollantaytambo station, then a bus, provided by Inca Rail from the train station to Cusco.
While my sister and I were on limited time and chose to explore Machu Picchu on our own, you can checkout Tripadvisor to book guided tours and other activities to do in the area.
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