This article includes maps, highlights, costs & times.
Machu Picchu, the pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca complex, is undoubtedly one of the principal attractions that draw visitors to Peru.
MACHU PICCHU – ”Old Peak”
Any visit to Peru is incomplete without a trip to this unique Incan ruin.
Highlight attractions can be summed up by the following: ‘archaeology, mystery, scenery & wonder’
Located 80km northwest of Cuzco, the “Lost City of the Incas” sits majestically atop the crest of a mountain – located 2450 m (8040 ft) above sea level.
The main portions of the complex include:
- City Gate
- Funerary Rock
- Chamber of the Princess
- Ceremonial baths
- Royal Palace
- House of High Priest
- Sacred Plaza
- Royal Kancha
- House of Nobles
- Temple of Condor
- Temple of Three Windows
- Prison
- The Mortars
- Principal Temple
- Intihuantana (Intiwatana)
- Main Plaza
- The Three Doorways
- Sacred Rock
And this is not to forget the adventure of arriving at the sanctuary (especially walking the Inca Trail), and the physical setting itself.
Let’s not forget a hike up Waynapicchu (located at the north end of the complex, passing the Sacred Rock) to get a bird’s eye view of the complex below – weather permitting!
GETTING THERE:
- TREKKING/HIKING: you can reach Machu Picchu by travelling along the Inca Trail (4-day trip starting at km 82 or the 2-day trip starting at km104) – Prior permission & a permit must be obtained to do this;
- TRAIN/BUS (to Aguas Calientes): the only was to reach Aguas Calientes (coming from Cuzco) is via rail by taking the train. Useful site for train schedule & costs (PeruRail). The closest train station to Cuzco is located in Poroy, which is 18 km (20 minutes) from Cuzco.
There are several different trains (Vistadome, Expedition & Hiram Bingham) to select from .
Travel times are as follows:
- Poroy – Aguas Calientes train ride takes aprox. 4 hours;
- Urubamba - Aguas Calientes train ride takes aprox. 3 hours;
- Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes train ride takes aprox. 2 hours;
VISTADOME
- The Vistadome is the ideal train for those who want to be in contact with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu.
- Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures, Vistadome travelers feel connected and part of the impressive landscape of Peru. Perurail provide travelers on board personalized and first level service to give them an unforgettable life experience.
- The Vistadome has two stations of departure to Machu Picchu: Cusco (Poroy) and the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo)
EXPEDITION
- The Expedition is a service designed for the travelers comfort.
- Four passenger seats are located in front of each other, so you can share your experience, and for the faithful backpack that is always with you we offer racks placed above the seats.
- The train has panoramic windows, air conditioning and heating, and Andean music that creates a cheerful atmosphere.
- The route Cusco – Machu Picchu is a three hours journey for those who want to departure directly from Cusco, being the only alternative in the market, and the Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu route offer multiple schedules and rates choices.
- Expedition service departs from two stations: Cusco (Poroy) and the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo)
HIRAM BINGHAM – exclusive service & packages
Prices (per person) from USD $319/349 (one-way) or USD $599 (return), which include:
- On-board meals with Peruvian wine;
- Cusqueña Beer, soft drinks and hot drinks (brunch on outward journey, dinner on return);
- On-board entertainment;
- Guides; Bus transfers;
- Entrance to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary;
- Afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge;
- Pre-dinner cocktails
Once in Aguas Calientes there are frequent buses that travel the zig-zag the road up to the top, taking about 20 minutes;
Enjoy to splendor of the “Lost City of the Incas” – the most famous icon of the Inca World.
Contact us today – info@sangay.com
