Peru – Lo and behold.. Machu Picchu
This place is on everyone’s bucket list and I mean everyone. Just ask everyone at work tomorrow ok.
DT TIP: You have to book tickets to Machu Picchu in advance. You can search for how to do it but make sure you do because in an effort to curb overcrowding they set limits on the number of visitors per day now. I would recommend the Machu Picchu & Montaña (Mountain) Machu Picchu tickets, which has access to a hike up one of the two mountains. The other mountain Huayna Picchu is also available but after doing Montaña Machu Picchu, I can say that you can’t go wrong with this one. It was an amazing experience.
Our hotel was in Ollantaytambo and there is a train station that takes you the town of Aguas Caliente. From there its a quick bus ride up to the base of Machu Picchu where you’ll see the ruins and a llama or two. At the start make sure you find the guy who can stamp your passport, journal, or whatever you want stamped with a great Machu Picchu stamp.
We entered Machu Picchu in the early morning and briefly walked around taking the iconic pictures everyone came for.
We then proceeded to the previously mentioned Montaña Machu Picchu for our hike. I was expecting it to be an easy hike and cold but it was exactly the opposite. Be prepared for a strenuous hike up many many uneven stairs. It was fairly warm as well, even at our elevation (about 8,000 ft).
DT Tip: Altitude sickness is a thing. Ask your doctor for a prescription and make sure you take it a day or two in advance before flying into Cusco and going to Machu Picchu. Also, because of the elevation do not exert yourself. Its hard to breathe here so take your time. The last thing you need is to get sick or pass out during your once in a lifetime trip to Machu Picchu.
Some advice if you plan on doing this hike. Take your time. Its dangerous, you can’t breathe, and if you get light headed its not hard to fall right off the side of the mountain. Some sections are just 1 to 2 feet across and I passed several people that were so scared they would die. Yes you will die.. if you’re not careful. But one step at a time and you’ll be at the top with the most memorable experience of your life.
When we were done with the peak the trek down was not that much easier. Again, this is a day trip so take your time and you’ll make it. When we reached the base we decided to hire a tour guide. They’re all at the entrance and if you wait to go with a group the price isn’t so bad. Our guide took us all through Machu Picchu where you get to see why this place was built as a retreat so long ago. There’s also llamas everywhere. You’ll love it.
Next post, Rainbow Mountain. Don’t miss it!