Machu Picchu Transportation Tips by darthmilmo

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: There is no direct trasport to Machu Pichu. Therefore, you need to take a train to the town of Aguascalientes (a dump not worth a night, IMHO). The cheapest thing to do is to buy a "backpacker" seat in the tourist train ($10-15 USD in 2001). This is the cheapest option as you aren't allowed to ride the local train anymore. From Aguascalientes, you can hike to Machu Picchu (takes 2 hours) or you can take a 10 minute bus ride (bus ride was $5 USD one-way in 2001). If you have the time, then take this route on the way back and on the way there do the 4 day Inca Trail. Read all about it in the Off-the-beaten path tips and the transport tip below.

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'Mode': TO,AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Since the 2 day Inca Trail misses on most of the wonderful archeological sights en route to Machu Picchu, I strongly advice not to spend your money on that and instead go to the ruins by train and hike from Aguascalientes. For those with more time, however, I strongly recommend the 4 day Inca Trail trip. It's one of the best treking experiences on Earth. The scenery may not be the best and the trail may be jammed packed with people, yet nothing bits the magical sensation of walking on one of the old Inca routes.

NOTE: DO TO RECENT LAWS, YOU NOW MUST TAKE A PACKAGE TOUR TO HIKE THE 2 AND 4 DAY INCA TRAIL. What a bummer no?? Well, don't let it detter you from visiting Machu Picchu or even hiking the 4 day Inca Trail. Nothing beats the experience of hiking for almost 4 days to reach the sight! There are plenty of tour operators in Cusco so there is usually no need to book a tour in advance. The tour companies come and go in Cusco so I don't know which is the cheapest or best today. I used the services of Flamenco's Tour in Oct 2001. If you want to save money you can do two things: One, show your ISIC Student ID (fake ones are available in Plaza de Armas; you save about $25 USD); Two, buy your own return train ticket from Aguascalientes to Cusco (you save about $10 to $15 USD).

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