This has been high on my list for many years, and I was finally able to tick it off. Turning the corner after at short walk from the bus stop, was nothing less than a surreal experience. When it lays there in front of you, you kind of have to pinch yourself, because you’re there! The advantage of getting on the first train from Ollantaytambo, at 5 in the morning, appeared to be beating the biggest crowds, as they descended on the place when I was about to leave. Just perfect! I had plenty of space to roam around, and had no trouble finding my own nook to sit down and enjoy the view of the valley below, in quietness. I didn’t try to get on one of the two groups they let up Huayna Picchu. Then I would have had to been there even earlier, I guess stayed the night in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu village. I was more than fine with the views that I got. The entrance ticket for the ruins you can get either in Aguas Calientes before heading up the mountain, as I did (because someone on the train told me I needed to, which turned out you didn’t), or you can get it at the entrance itself.
If you’re not part of one of the many hikes going up, you take the bus up the winding road from Aguas Calientes. The bus ticket office was a bit hard to spot, as the people queuing up for the buses basically hid the one window tickets are sold out of. After securing a ticket, it’s time to get in line, and you might wanna bring your patience, at least if your travelling in a larger group. Luckily travelling solo turned out to has its advantages. With buses leaving when they are full (in both directions), and they called out two vacant seats, and the ones in front of me were travelling in groups larger than two, and didn’t want to separate, I told them I was one, and was let on immediately. Hardly no waiting at all for this one 🙂
Website: machupicchu.gob.pe
Wow! Bea! This is amazing! I love your perspective of this iconic Peruvian place. Thanks for the tips and you have definitely sold me on solo exploration to this spot. Great pics and thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Yes, it kinda is 😀 Going solo has its advantages, sometimes. Thanks!
I want to go here too! I like the idea of going early. Anyway, I try to be on the street early while I travel. Great photos and advice! #FarawayFiles
I liked it! Like I said to Clare below, if I was to do it over, I’d spend the night before in the village. I always try to too, but sometimes I want to be on vacation and sleep in a little bit 🙂 Thanks!
Machu Picchu really is one of those places that you can hardly believe you’re actually seeing for real. My trip there was really special too. I was lucky enough to be staying there so was able to get up and see it first thing in the morning before any of the other tourists got there. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
So true! Yes, that would have been my choice too, if I were to do it again. Travel all the way to Machu Picchu village the day before, and then head out after visiting MP, because it didn’t find the village itself too charming.
Machu Picchu is high on my bucket list. One day I’d like to do an adult only trip with my husband and actually hike up to it.
Sounds like a great idea 🙂
Would love to visit Machu Picchu one day, but it seems to me so overly touristy. #FarawayFiles
I didn’t think too much about it being too touristy, but then again it wasn’t super busy when I visited. I guess picking the right time will help.
This is top of my bucket-list! When I finally get to visit I shall follow your lead and get there early… As long as I don’t over sleep haha
Now that I know more, I’d consider staying in Aguas Calientes, even though it is not a very exciting place. Maybe just the night before going to Machu Picchu. Then you’ll get up the mountain even earlier.
Wow! Nice pics! I wish I could visit there soon! 😀
Thanks! Peru has so much to see. You should go 🙂
Thanks! On my list already! 😀😉
Yaay! Yes we know the feeling. It was amazing.
It was really to cool to finally be there!