Machu Picchu is generally regarded as a place of breath-taking beauty enshrouded in mystery.
The Incas built this enchanted wonder in 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. However, the Spanish didn’t find this city and it wasn’t until 1911 that the historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention.
I’ve been fortunate to visit this truly amazing place and it didn’t disappoint. However, my experience wasn’t all plain-sailing…
How High??!
Make no mistake– it is high: 7,973ft above sea level, to be exact. It is also very large: the size of a village, and along with its attached forest and wilderness park, it extends to more than 116 square miles.
Why Visit Machu Picchu?
There are many reasons to visit, not least of all that it’s the most famous Inca citadel of Peru with an exclusive seat in the global icon league, along with the likes of the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China. Its wonder and beauty attract thousands of visitors each year – ranging from affluent ageing coach tourists to strapped-for-cash young travellers.
The sense of achievement you get from completing the arduous trek to Machu Picchu is amazing… and then there’s that view…
How Do I Get There?
Most people go with a specialist travel operator. I used Peru Treks which I found to be competitively priced and professional. You’ll travel to the city of Cusco and then trek to Machu Picchu from there.
Routes To Machu Picchu
There are a number of different routes to travel to Machu Picchu.
The most popular one (and the one I did) is the classic Inca Trail which takes four days and three nights and you trek in a group. Meals are provided and you stay in a tent each night.
Do I Need To Get Fit?
On the classic Inca Trail, you’ll average 12km a day, and will need the stamina to hike over 4,000m passes where the altitude is unforgiving and the Inca stone stairs will take a pounding on your legs.
I didn’t realise that the trek would be so physically demanding and I wish I’d trained in preparation. By the time I reached Machu Picchu on the last day, I was exhausted, and because of this, I don’t feel I fully appreciated all it had to offer.
Acclimitise?
Definitely. It is advised that you stay in Cusco (which sits at a high 3,400m) for at least two days before you attempt your trek. I stayed in Cusco for a week and I experienced altitude sickness – a pretty awful experience.
All routes to Machu Picchu involve trekking over high passes (over 4,500m), so acclimatising early on is essential.
When To Travel?
The peak tourist season is July and August, which is when it is driest. The rainy season is November to April, with January and February being the wettest months. However, I went in April and just missed the rain. I can’t imagine how busy the peak season is if April is considered quiet – as quiet it was not!
To note…
Most people arrive at Machu Picchu at the same time (5am), so you can feel as though you’re on a conveyor belt of tourists being shifted along, but as long you take time to appreciate the scenery, you’ll be fine.
Here Are My Main Tips:
- Book early – There’s a 500 per day limit on the number of visitors allowed to undertake the trek and permits sell out quick
- Remember – Machu Picchu is a huge tourist attraction, so if you really hate crowds, this might not be for you
- Ensure that your travel insurance covers you for treks at high altitude
- Increase your fitness level – you don’t want to be exhausted
- Buy good quality hiking boots – and wear them in before you start trekking!
- Pack light – the trek is hard enough without a huge weight on your back
- Invest in a good camera – you’ll want to capture every moment
- Stretch each day after hiking – or you’ll ache the next day
- Bring extra money – for tipping the guides, buying water and souvenirs from Machu Picchu when you get there
- Don’t expect to shower – it is possible to shower on day two, but they are freezing cold…
- Be prepared to feel a huge sense of achievement – the trek is tough but well worth it when you realise how far you’ve come and you see the mysterious city before you.
