From the Sacred Valley, we headed to the Ollanta Station to board the train to Machu Picchu. We lucked out when it came to the weather – it was a gorgeous and sunny day! The sunshine was a relief since the weather was something I had stressed quite a bit about. The main reason I booked the trip to Peru was to see Machu Picchu… everything else was just the icing on the cake. With only one day to explore the majestic ruins, I was extremely worried about inclement weather. Luckily, my worst fears didn’t come to fruition.
We chose to take the “lower end” Expedition Train to Machu Picchu. In retrospect, I’m glad that we chose not to upgrade our train ride. It would have cost us an additional $75.00 for the Vistadome Train, and personally, I don’t think it would have been worth the cost. The train we choose was comfortable, and the large windows allowed us to enjoy the scenery. Once we arrived to Aguas Calientes, we took a winding bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu. After making our way through the crowds… we finally saw it… MACHU PICCHU!
I’m not sure how to describe the site of Machu Piccu, itself. Words just simply can’t do it justice. I could have spent all day wandering through and exploring the nooks and crannies of the ruins.
Machu Picchu is high on most travelers’ bucket lists, and it’s pretty obvious why. For me, the Inca site (meaning “Old Peak”) was the sole reason I chose Peru as the first South American country I would explore. I found myself fascinated by the wondrous historical site that was built in the 1400’s, abandoned in the 1500’s and remained unknown to the majority of the world for over 400 years!
Karisa’s tips for exploring Machu Picchu:
- Get to the site as early as possible. There will be throngs of tourists regardless, but if you take the first train in, you will have a bit of a head start over most others.
- Dress in layers. I visited in May – it was brisk in the morning, but the sweltering heat started in early afternoon. I was glad I that I brought a sweater and a scarf (which I removed once the sun started heating things up).
- Bring water and eat a hearty breakfast. The sun beat down on us pretty intensely, even for Peru’s Autumn season. Make sure that you stay hydrated so you don’t tire out before you’ve finished exploring. Additionally, make sure you arrive with a full belly since within the actual site there is no place to purchase water or concessions.
- Bring sunscreen. The sun sneaks up on you after it burns off the brisk morning air. You’ll want to make sure you reapply your sunscreen and consider wearing a hat and sunglasses.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Although we chose not to hike the Inca Trail due to time constraints, I was shocked how much walking was involved just for a day trip to the site. We were on our feet and trekking up stairs (LOTS of stairs) for several hours, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Get “THE” Machu Picchu picture immediately upon entering the site in the morning. When you enter you’ll see plenty of tour operators giving their history spiels on the initial terrace where you first walk in. Suppress your initial reaction to take out your camera and start snapping photos and instead hike up the stairs to the caretakers hut. This is the most popular (and easiest to get to) spot to take that classic Machu Picchu picture. I expected lines of tourists waiting to stand on the ledge overlooking the Incan ruins, but it was fairly easy to take pictures and not feel rushed because we knocked this out first thing in the morning. If you’re feeling particularly athletic, you can walk up the Inca trail for 20-30 minutes towards the sun gate for another great photo op.
Unless you are taking a long guided tour or are truly an Incan enthusiast, I would say that one day (specifically 3 to 5 hours) is enough time to explore, take pictures and soak in some Incan history.
So did Machu Picchu live up to my bucket list expectations?
In one word – YES!
Have you been to Machu Picchu? What did you think?
This post is part of a series on Peru. Click here to read my other Peru posts.
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December 8, 2014
Wow! Great shots!
Thanks for sharing the tip about hiking up to the caretaker’s hut first thing. I wasn’t quite sure where I would need to go. It is always nice to have a visual aid!
In a couple of weeks I’m going to be spending the night in Aguas Calientes and then hopefully catching the first bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu the next morning (Christmas Day). I’m so excited, but like you very worried about the weather considering that I have one day AND it will be rainy season. 🙁
Wish me luck!
Amanda recently posted…How to Travel Internationally with your DSLR Camera
December 8, 2014
Good luck, Amanda! 🙂 Even if it rains, you’ll have a great time!
December 8, 2014
Great post. I have not been to Machu Picchu, but will get there some day. Always appreciate “where to take photos” advice. Don’t know how many times we’ve arrived at site and were blown away so started taking a bunch of photos only to learn that along the hike, or around the corner there were better locations and fewer crowds. Thanks!
December 8, 2014
Thanks, Deb! Getting “those” photos are always important to me too! Once you’ve left a beautiful destination, all you have left is your memories and pictures! 🙂
January 7, 2015
Today I was actually just looking at air fares for Lima. Would love to go there!
yvonnelaura recently posted…WICKLOW MOUNTAINS – IRELAND
January 7, 2015
Yes – do it! Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂
January 21, 2015
Please don’t forget about Wayna Picchu as well. The view of Machu Picchu from there really shows the severity of how hard it must have been to build. Tickets are sold separately and must be pre booked!!!
Marta Kulesza recently posted…35 Photos That Will Spark Your Wanderlust
January 21, 2015
Yes – absolutely!
February 19, 2015
I haven’t, but it’s near the top of my list! I’m thinking about going this August, it’s between that (and an extended trip in Peru) or a trip to Argentina. I can’t decide! I’m glad it lived up to your expectations.
Kacy recently posted…Week in Review: Right Proper + Big News
February 19, 2015
Both sound great! You’ll have to let me know what you decide. 🙂
February 27, 2015
Thx for the tip about wearing layers!
I’ll be in Machu Pichu this May and am, just like you, soooo looking forward to finally seeing this place. I’ll be staying at the hotel right at the gates of machu pichu and i am hoping this will give me a good headstart. Already got my tickets for Wayna Picchu as well. From all I hear the stairs are quite steep! My travel partner has a fear of heights – so let’s see how things turn out.
Norman recently posted…The secret world of geisha parties
February 27, 2015
You’re going to have an amazing time, Norman! I wish I would have had time to do Wayna Picchu!
April 15, 2015
Great photos! I particularly like the llama one. So cute. Can’t wait to visit Machu Picchu one day. Saving this!
Keisha | The Girl Next Door is Black recently posted…Friday Five: Weekly Twitter Roundup 4/10/15
April 15, 2015
Thanks, Keisha!
November 24, 2015
I’ve always wanted to travel to Peru but haven’t had the chance to explore South America yet. How was the hike itself? Did the altitude make it hard to breath? Thanks for sharing this post as I found it thoroughly interesting.
November 24, 2015
Thanks, Gary! I didn’t have problems with the altitude until we got to Puno, which is higher than Machu Picchu, but others had problems starting in the Cuzco area.
May 4, 2016
Oh god I could cry just looking at those steps! I did a “mini” inca trail (like you due to time) which was a days mountain biking, a days hike and then machu picchu on day 3. Was incredible but nearly killed me (I’m hideously unfit,but all the little 18 year old gap year gym bunnies were suffering too so that made me feel better). I’m going to have to do it all again in 2020 with Susan as she’s never been to Peru before!
May 5, 2016
Ha – that sounds like an amazing (albeit, exhausting) experience, Jillith!
May 30, 2016
Amazing blog, Karisa! And thanks for sharing those tips.
June 9, 2016
Thanks so much!