My experience: How I got to Machu Picchu
I wanted to share my personal experience of how I got to Machu Picchu. There are many ways to get there, and each are amazing. My friend and I met a couple during the beginning of our trip and decided to follow them for the rest of our time in Peru. This is how we ended up taking this route to Machu Picchu. I also would like to say that if I had been alone, I would probably have splurged and taken the train. I don’t speak Spanish and often found it difficult to get directions and to communicate with the drivers of the van. Because of this, I don’t think I would have felt very secure being alone.
Here is my experience:
From Cusco we took a small bus (van really) for a few dollars each to the town of Ollantaytambo. We just asked at our hostel, and they had told us where to go to catch one of these vans. They're quite small, and you’re with other strangers, but they’re cheap and come often.
You could always go straight to Hidroelectrica with the van, but I recommend staying in Ollantaytambo at least 1 night. It is a small village with quite a few shops and restaurants to explore.
Ollantaytambo, 2019
The next morning we took another van from Ollantaytambo to Hidroelectrica. There you will find the beginning of the trail that will take you to Aguas Calientes. You won’t be the only one doing this trail, so just follow other people if you are not sure where to go, but it is fairly easy. The hike is about 9 km (2-3 h) to Aguas Calientes, so make sure you have comfortable shoes on, and I suggest wearing layers. The hike itself is relatively easy; there isn’t any elevation, and the walking path isn’t hard to follow.
During the hike, you will be surrounded by amazing scenery of mountains, jungle, and the river. This trek is alongside the railway for the popular trains that take people to Aguas Calientes. You might see the train pass by a few times; it’s pretty impressive to see.
There are also a few little kiosks to buy snacks and water along your walk. I would plan ahead and try to bring your own because I can’t 100% guarantee that they’re always there. I also recommend bringing change; you might need it to use a bathroom (don't expect anything luxurious haha).
At the end of the trail we arrived at a road, and there was a sign for Machu Picchu. From there you will walk up the road to the town.
I was amazed when I arrived in Aguas Calientes. The town is surrounded by incredible natural beauty, with the Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu looming above. I loved it here. We only spent one night here, but I wish we had stayed longer. You might understand why once you get there.
The night before we went to Machu Picchu, we had supper at a cute little restaurant (I can’t remember the name). There are plenty of options for food and many stores to shop at.
There is a store in Aguas Calientes where you can purchase a bus ticket for Machu Picchu. I recommend purchasing tickets to Machu Picchu and the bus a few months in advance if possible. There is only a limited number of people that can visit the site daily. We got lucky and had no problem purchasing these!
Note: If you are part of a tour, this should all be included.
The next morning, we grabbed a quick to-go breakfast from one of the kiosks in town and walked to the meeting point for the bus. The town isn’t that big, so it didn’t take us long.
From there they bring you to and from Machu Picchu. I can’t remember for sure, but I believe the buses leave every 15-30 minutes. On your ticket for Machu Picchu, you have a set time that you are allowed to enter the site. The drive up takes around 30 minutes, so make sure to take all that into consideration when deciding when to take the bus. It's also important to note that the buses do get full, and you might have to take the next one.
Once you are on site, you have 4 hours to visit the historic Machu Picchu. Most people, including myself, only stayed about 2h30. Take lots of pictures and enjoy. There's even llamas up there!
**To get back to Cusco, you can either do all this in reverse or you can take the train back. My friend and I did the hike back, and our friends took the train back. They loved it.
