Machu Picchu is epic. The ruins stand 2,430 meters above sea level amidst a tropical mountain forest in a stunningly beautiful environment. It was probably the most incredible urban creation of the Inca Empire at the height of its splendour; its gigantic walls, terraces and ramps seem almost cut naturally into the continuous rock cliffs. Seeing Machu Picchu with your own eyes is simply extraordinary.
There is a one-way circuit to visit the site, so please note that there is no turning back. However, you can start the circuit again if you have missed anything. Be aware that the place gets very busy. It's hard to experience the place with peace and quiet, but it's incredibly impressive. The engineering detail is astounding, considering how long ago all of this was built.
We struggled for a long time, whether we visit the many negative recommendations (mass tourism) Machu Picchu - we did it (as of 04/2018)!
We booked a 2 day tour to Machu Picchu (including entrance 152S / adult from 06: 00-12: 00). Arrival Hidroelectrica about 15: 00, then began the march to Aguas Calientes. The trail along the tracks is hopelessly overcrowded. In Aguas Calientes a small room was booked for us. (Here's the tip: The tour guides are in the Plaza de Armas.)
As we wanted to walk upstairs, we got up at 3:30 the next morning and walked straight to the bottom entrance. So we stood at 4:00 clock with about 15 other visitors in front of the closed gates. Approximately 4:30 could not see the end of the snake in the dark anymore. The cafe at the entrance unfortunately closed at this time. Point 5:00 clock opened the bottom tour and after the ticket and passport control began the "migration" to the top. From 5:30 clock it is then at junctions between trail and road a bit dangerous, because then the buses in 5 minute drive up. The drivers know only the horn, the brake is on the way up seemingly without function. Arrived at the top inlet it was time to wait again and find the right guide (yes, another one again). Currently you have to "run" the first two hours with a guide the system, the remaining time "allowed" you go alone. The tour is interesting but due to the amount of groups really annoying. If a group lingers for just a few minutes at a point, the next group is already up and it gets chaotic. After the first 30 minutes, we successfully left the group and explored the facility alone. However, it should be noted that to guide the masses of visitors Machu Picchu is a one-way streets. So when you pass certain points, there is no turning back. Around 10:30 o'clock we made our way back to Hidroelectrica, because the tour bus started at 15:00 o'clock direction Cusco.
Conclusion: The nature and the grounds are absolute madness, the sheer amount of visitors completely robs you of the mood. We hope that this will put a stop to this mass tourism as soon as possible, even if this would mean that you have to register for a visit half a year before.
I can only recommend everyone to do the Inca Trail, it was an unforgettable experience for me when I walked through the Sun Gate on the morning of the 4th day and Machu Picchu was at my feet early in the morning.
Translated by Google •
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