Finally, after much deliberation, I made the last-minute decision to visit Machu Picchu before leaving Peru, a country I’ve called home on and off for nearly three years. This iconic site is like the Great Wall for travelers in China; you’ll never regret making the trip, but you might feel a tinge of regret if you miss it.
1️⃣ [About Travel Arrangements]: My adventure was packed into a whirlwind of three days and two nights. I landed in Cusco at 5 PM on the 7th, set off for Machu Picchu at 3:40 AM on the 8th, and was back in Lima by the afternoon of the 9th. The schedule was incredibly tight. If you have more time or plan to explore other parts of Cusco, consider a more relaxed itinerary to fully savor the experience.
2️⃣ [Machu Picchu One-Day Tour]: The one-day tour came with a hefty price tag of $295! I discovered the travel agency through Xiaohongshu (I wish I could remember the account of the person who recommended it, as I wanted to thank her for such a reliable recommendation). I decided to go on the 7th and only contacted the travel agency on the 6th. Despite the intense pace, it was absolutely worth it.
The travel agency staff picked us up from the hotel at 3:40 AM, we boarded the bus at 4:30 AM (a 2.5-hour journey), then took the train to Aguas Calientes at 7 AM (1.5 hours). We arrived at Aguas Calientes by 8:30 AM, followed by a half-hour bus ride to reach Machu Picchu. The tour started around 9 AM, and we returned to Aguas Calientes by 12 PM, beginning our return journey at 2 PM. (It was indeed a jam-packed day!) If you have more time, I highly recommend a more leisurely trip to truly absorb the magic of this place 😓
3️⃣ [About the Route]: The popular route 2 requires booking tickets online a month in advance, or you can try your luck buying them on-site, though availability can be unpredictable. Following the advice of a Xiaohongshu blogger, I found a trustworthy travel agency. Although the initial plan was for route 1, I expressed my strong preference for route 2, and the travel agency arranged for me to pay an additional 50 soles to switch to route 2 once inside Machu Picchu. The best part? The guide combined all three routes, giving us a comprehensive and breathtaking view of the entire site!!
4️⃣ [Local Conditions]: It’s currently the rainy season, and the weather can be quite fickle, with temperatures ranging from about 7-17 degrees Celsius. Mornings and evenings are particularly chilly, so I strongly recommend bringing a warm jacket or a light down jacket, with a short-sleeve shirt underneath (I brought a windbreaker, and I was shivering). But midday can be scorching (so hot I felt like I was melting).
5️⃣ [Tips]: 1. Don’t forget to take altitude sickness medication, as it can be hard to sleep at night without it; 2. Raincoats are available locally for 5 soles each; 3. High SPF sunscreen is a must!! The strong UV rays can easily cause sunburn, and recovery can be slow, so bring after-sun care products too!; 4. Cash! Bring plenty of small change in soles; 5. Moisturizing masks and lip balm are essential, as the air is extremely dry! 6. Lastly, stay hydrated and enjoy every moment of this incredible journey!
6️⃣ For those of you looking to get in touch with the travel agency and the guide, I’ve included all the contact details in picture 17. They are truly reliable and come highly recommended! Feel free to reach out to them directly for an unforgettable experience. If you prefer a more independent journey but still want some local insight, you can also contact the guide directly. He’s a native of Machu Picchu and has a wealth of knowledge to share!
#HikingtheWorld #OutdoorHiking #travel #OffbeatTravelDestinations #TraveltoLesserKnownCountries #Peru #Cusco #MachuPicchu #OverseasLife #XiaohongshuTraveler
