Is Machu Picchu on your bucket list? Now one of the 7 wonders of the world... how could it not be! For me, this was once in a life time, so when I got to Lima, I totally made the most of it, and experienced Machu Picchu in only two short days…
It all started with a lucky draw of a good roster. For as long as I've been cabin crew, I have always hoped for this trip and one day on roster day, it was finally there! After a 12 hour flight of "tea or coffee", and "chicken or beef", we arrived in Peru's capital, Lima. Home to tonnes of Peruvian history, this city offers loads of unique experiences. If you have time to venture around, you will not be short of activities. From strolling around the local markets, to paragliding, there's something for everyone. Well known to the layover lifestyle, I was limited on time this visit, so a quick four hours sleep in the hotel, and an alarm set for 1:30am I was ready to start the journey.
Step One:
Catch a Flight from Lima to Cusco After a quick cup of coffee, I caught a half hour Uber to Lima airport, for about £11, and got the 5AM flight to Cusco. Flights are really frequent to Cusco; but you're still looking at about £250 for a return. I wanted to make the most of my limited hours, so for me, a 5AM flight was a no brainier. The flight is only an hour and a half, so I got nap in before touching down in Cusco. If your not planning a sleep, grab a window seat as the views on the descent into Cusco are beautiful! If you have time then I would seriously recommend spending a night in this city. Same as Lima, it also has so much to offer! You can explore the ancient ruins, and Spanish architecture; it really was the most unique place I’ve ever seen! (...For the short time I was there anyway!)
Step Two:
Ride your way to the train station It's worth giving yourself about an hour and a half, from when you land to get to the train station. You've now got a 40 minute taxi ride to consider. When you got off the plane and walk through Cusco's tiny airport, there's a tourist excursion stand, but don’t be fooled, you will find yourself being ripped off! But do take advantage of the free Cocoa leaves on offer…. only to avoid Altitude sickness of course... (little tip, I wouldn't recommend bringing them back to the UK!) Whilst you're loading your bag in the airport, rinse the free wifi, and book your next Uber to take you to Poroy train station.
Step Three:
Jump on Peru Rail from Poroy Station
Train tickets do sell out, to avoid any disappointment, book in advance. There are a few different train companies you can book with, so it's worth doing your research to see what suits your budget and time frame. Peru Rail was what I went with - but it did set us back £140 return. Pretty hefty right? I mean you do get a snack and soft drink on-board...
The train lasts about three and a half hours, but you’ll be captivated by the impressive mountains, making it one of the best experiences. Settle in and order some Pisco sours to get you really into the Peruvian spirit!
Step Four:
Arriving in Aguas Calientes Aguas Calientes, perhaps better known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the small town at the bottom of the valley. It is the closest access point to the historical site, and about an hour and a halfs walk from Poroy. The town was so idyllic. It's cut off from the roads, and has gushing water flowing through from Wilkanuta River. There's loads of hotels and restaurants to choose from.
I booked a night in Gringos Hostel for £20 a night. The staff were very friendly and even upgraded me to a room with a balcony.
First on my agenda after arriving, was to purchase my Machu Picchu entrance ticket from the ticket office. You have the option to hike it (which is free) or pay more for the bus. I chose the hike and the early morning slot at 5AM.
After that was sorted, food and beers were next on the agenda. I recommend The Treehouse, it’s cosy and the food was amazing. I had an Alpaca Steak - it was deeeeeeeeelicious. Washed down with a Cusquena beer. Feeling satisfied and full, I took the rest of the day to wander through the markets enjoying the modern handicrafts, textiles, art and souvenirs. Try and visit the famous hot spring pools too.
Step Five:
The Hike
Another early start... I left the hostel at 4:15. I packed a small backpack with essentials for the day and hike: camera, sun cream, water, jumper, snacks and valuables. I left the rest of my luggage in one of their lockers at my hostel. I walked to the gates of the entrance of Machu Picchu, approx 20min walk through pitch black. (So I would recommend taking a torch if your also planning the early hike too!)
You’ll then reach the wooden gate, and you'll see a camp ground, go a bit further on, you’ll find the check in hut. You will cross a sturdy footbridge over the crashing Urubamba river. And for the next hour you’ll be climbing a very steep hills through the jungle using stone steps. The forest at this time was very dark, and you’ll notice some big drops... so watch your step! It looks really magical so take a rest here and there, to give you a moment to take in the views as the sun comes up (...plus you’ll need the rest!)
Step Six:
Machu Picchu
When you reach the top, you'll see lots of people queuing to get in. Take this opportunity to grab yourself a tour guide. You don’t want to miss out learning about what this place is all about, after you’ve spent all this time and early alarm calls getting to this point! I spent 2 hours exploring the ruins, enchanted by the history and stories of the stone walls, intrigued by the buildings that remain a wonderful mystery. Take your time, you really won’t experience any thing like this again. I was mesmerised.
Step Seven:
Home Time
I paid for a bus journey back down, picked up my luggage, and stopped for much needed a coffee hit and some lunch. The Peru rail only went as far to town called Ollantaytambo on the way home. It is a quaint village, but I didn’t have time to explore so I jumped on a mini bus going to Cusco. The journey was 2 hours, and I was lucky to spot some Alpacas on the way. I made my 7:30PM flight to Lima and spent it reflecting on what had been an unforgettable two days.
Machu Picchu deserves to be one of the 7 wonders of the world, it will exceed all expectations. You'll look back at the memories and not believe you've done it. It really was a trip of a lifetime, and if I did it in two days, so can you!
Have you ever ticked off a world wonder in record time?!
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