Macchu Picchu...and how to get there

1. The no time but money option: the train

Peru rail and Inca rail offer you a train ride directly from "Cusco" or "Ollantaytambo" to "Agua Calientes" the "Macchu Picchu Pueblo" with dinner and a fancy fashion show for around 130 dollars. From there it is only a short bus ride up the mountain to Macchu Picchu. Apart from being pricey this allows you to visit Macchu Picchu within one or two days from Cusco.

2. The no money but an adventurous heart and time option: the mini van

The mini van will take you on a 7 hours ride across a 5000 m mountain, you will see snow - hurray!! and on a winding macadam road next to a river to "Hidroelectrica" a small town near "Aguas Calientes" where the street ends and where you will continue your journey for another 2,5 hours unguided walking tour along railroads to "Aguas Calientes".

This option definitely requires a few "Indiana Jones" genes and a strong stomach. BUT it´s an amazing feeling reaching "Aguas Calientes" just as night falls after a 9,5 hours journey over mountains and water. After a relaxing night you are ready to appreciate Macchu Picchu in the morning light. To save money you can walk up the mountain to Macchu Picchu, too, but in order to be there before the crowds I recommend to take the bus so you save your energy to explore the site.

Often this trip is sold like a 2 days adventure which means that you need to walk back to "Hydroelectrica" and take the mini van back to "Cusco" the same day you went up to Macchu Picchu in the morning...which at least to me sounded really stressful! When we booked the mini van tour we asked them if we could stay a day longer and if they could pick us up not in "Hydroelectrica" but in "Santa Teresa" the next day. They had no problem with that. So we spend the entire day at Macchu Picchu slept another night in "Aguas Calientes" and walked the next day to "Hydroelectica" where we got a cab to "Santa Teresa" and relaxed our muscles in the hot springs of town before we got onto the mini van at 3 pm to head back to "Cusco".

For me the best way to enjoy Macchu Picchu!!

Ok, ok there is a 3rd option:

if you are a wild cat or a superhero you can book a tour where you not only walk the last kilometers to "Aguas Calientes" but where you ride down the 5000 m mountain on a mountain bike and so on...for me this was already enough information to say no :)