How do I travel to Machu Picchu; Flights, Permits, Buses, Trains, Tickets and Wayna Picchu Mountain

With the prospect of access being limited to grounds Machu Picchu for preservation purposes in the future, and current limitations of 2500 visitors per day, you could say that Machu Picchu is MUST see for anyone with a sense of wonder...

Machu Picchu is one of the magnificent “new seven wonders of the world” along with:the Great Wall of China; the archaeological city of Petra in Jordan; Christ De Redeemer in Brazil; the pre-hispanic city of Cichen Itza in Mexico;the Taj Mahal in India; the Colloseum in Italy and last but very not least; the Great Pyramid of Giza situated in Egypt.

Machu Picchu, itself situated in Peru in South America, is the most iconic Inca site (of which there are many) and sits on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres (50miles) northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows.

There are a few options you can choose from when embarking on a travelling adventure to Machu Picchu, but a good starting point is in South America itself. Most big Airlines fly to the major cities in SA, including Buenos Aires, Rio De Janiero, Sao Paulo and Lima.

The most accessible and easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is from the City of Cusco, which is a World Heritage Site, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.

You can get to Cusco in 2 main ways:

(1) By Bus from Lima: There are 2 good bus services in Peru; Cruz Del Sur and Ormeno: perfect for tourists and backpackers with time on their hands. Direct buses can take between 18-27 hours depending on the route; the quickest being via Nazca and Abancay. A longer but smoother route runs further south, via Arequeipa before heading to Cusco.

More information can be found here:

www.grupo-ormeno.com

www.cruzdelsur.com.pe

Note: Lima does not have a main bus station or Terminal; therefore it may be easier to order tickets from a travel agent in the city, depending on how brave you feel.

(2) By Plane from Lima: A much easier option; Flights take 1 hour from Lima’s Jorge Chavez Airport (located 30 minutes from the city centre or Miraflores district). The main domestic airline is LAN (and is by far the safest Airline in SA). For more information visit www.lan.com

Once in Cusco

There are several options available:

(1) Travel to Machu Picchu by Train

Book your tickets well in advance (during peak months of May to September tickets may be sold out as there only 2 departures per day – UNLESS you are booking through a travel agent in Cusco, who reserve tickets for their customers). However do not panic, only a few services run all the way from Cusco to Machu Picchu. If you find these are fully booked, then you can buy tickets from Cusco – to Ollyantaytambo (Ollanta) and then onto Machu Picchu.

Tickets can be bought from www.perurail.com

Note: Trains do not run all the way to Machu Picchu, they stop in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) where you have to get a bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu (see below).

The best option (if you arrive in the afternoon) is to stay in Machu Picchu Town for the night, buy your bus ticket in advance from the ticket office here, and leave EARLY the next morning.

(2) Book through a tour company -They can take the lead role, and be responsible for tickets, travel and comfort. There are many tour agencies in Cusco, you can’t miss them. Obviously they have to make money from you, so this will be a more expensive alternative.

Bus from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) – to Machu Picchu

The bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu takes 20 minutes and costs US$6 each way (or US$12 return). The buses are clean and modern, with air-conditioning.

You have to buy a bus ticket before you get on the bus. Tickets can be bought from the ticket office in Aguas Calientes or in Cusco (located in Avenida Pardo, which is a short walk from the main post office…or a taxi ride of 3 soles/US$1 away).

The BEST option is to get to Machu Picchu is early in the morning, especially if you want to buy tickets to climb Wayna Picchu mountain. As from May 2007, the government put a limit of 400people per day who are permitted to climb Wayna Picchu mountain - (the big mountain that rises up above Machu Picchu).

Buses leave at 05.20am and then leave at 10 minute intervals, BUT many people will start queuing from as early as 4.40am, so the earlier you get there the better. Remember – everybody in the queue in front of you will have priority for Wayna Picchu tickets which are first come first served.

Even if you do not get/want tickets for Wayna Picchu Mountain - If it is a clear day, you will get to see a truly magnificent sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Entrance to Machu Picchu

Tickets to enter Machu Picchu MUST be bought at Machu Picchu Cultural Centre in Aguas Calientis (located 10 minutesfrom the central plaza. The office is open from 5.15am until 7pm, and tickets cost 122 soles/US$44.You can buy your tickets anytime during the day, however you should try and take the correct change, as often (especially early in the morning) they will not have it.

You must have already purchased tickets BEFORE you get on the bus to Machu Picchu.

When at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is open from 6am until 6pm. A small bag is required for the day (you cannot bring anything larger, but you can store it near the entrance for US$1.5).

You can get a stamp in your passport of a lovely Machu Picchu scene, so make sure you bring it with you!

Additionally, if you would like a guided tour, they are easy book at the entrance of Machu Picchu, but make sure you pick a guide that speaks your language. Alternatively, you can explore Machu Picchu on your own or with the help of guide book which can be very useful.

The last bus departs from Machu Picchu at 5.30pm – so make sure you’re on it!

PERMITS: You do not need a permit to see Machu Picchu itself. You will only need a permit if you choose to do the Inca Trail, which is limited to 500 people per day, and must be booked far in advance, as permits will run out quickly. The 500 limit includes support staff, and so this value is more accurate to about 200 tourist permits per day.

More information on the available treks can be found here: http://luno2012.hubpages.com/hub/The-classic-Inca-Trail-Vs-The-Lares-Trek

However you choose to get there, make sure you enjoy this amazing wonder, rain or shine!

For more great South America Adventures - check out these exciting high Adrenalin videos:

Cycling down the worlds most dangerous road in Bolivia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSXx1shnBK4&feature=relmfu

Zip wire over they Yungas Valley and death road: http://www.youtube.com/user/nopalot2012#p/u/5/ljrUgkQXsE0

South america as you've never seen it before; a timelapse - http://www.youtube.com/user/nopalot2012#p/u/10/z8sWIvbU-Us