HOW TO ARRIVE TO MACHUPICCHU

Machupicchu is one of the wonders of America. Every year hundred of people visit the ruins of the ancient inca empire.
 You can arrive to the historical place in two ways: the first one is by train and then taking a bus; the second one is trekking by Inca Road, that option means having a great adventure inside the nature.

By train
The most traditional way to arrive Machupicchu is arriving by train, departing from San Pedro train station in Cusco to Aguas Calientes in four hours approximately. From there, you should catch a touristy bus and arrive to Machupicchu; the bus route lasts 20 minutes.

There are two train services from Cusco to Aguas Calientes: Vistadome and Backpacker. It is advisable to buy train tickets in advance.

Vistadome offers the best and fastest way to arrive; during trip, you can taste snacks, hot or cold drinks. It has panoramic windows that let you take spectacular photos.

Backpacker train, another service, has seats with colourful Peruvian fabrics, it is also comfortable and has different wiews.

By Inca road
Arriving by Inca Road is an adventure for people who love trekking. You will have long walks looking beautiful landscapes.

First of all, you can arrive by train from Cusco to kilometre 82. From there, you should walk 32 kilometres to ruins in four days walking and then staying overnight. You can observe Inca vestiges, terraces, waterfalls, streams, stone stairs and beautiful historic landscapes.

Another route is by Inca Road from kilometre 104 walking one day for arriving to Machupicchu.

Route
If you arrive by Inca Road; it is advisable to do the following route:
You begin walking to Kusichaca Bridge, similar to suspension bridge, located on Urabamba River. Then, you go through eucalyptus forests where you can see many archaeological groups as Qénte, Kusichaca, Pulìtuyoc and Patacalla. After that, you arrive to Wayllabamaba where you can camp.

Continuing the walk, you should climb 4.2000 metres above sea level to Pakamayu River, where you can stay overnight.

Next day, you can see impressive archaeological remains as Runkuruway, Yanacocha and Phuyuptamarca lagoons, next to Wiñayhuayna where you can camp.
The last day, you can walk during three hours by edge of jungle and going round precipices.

During walk as well as seeing archaeological remains, you can also observe impressive landscapes, flora and fauna.

By helicopter
If you want to arrive fast, the most interesting way is by helicopter, departing from Cusco to Aguas Calientes in twenty minutes. There is a company that offers daily flights at 8:45 from Velasco Astete airport in Cusco. Then you can arrive to the citadel.

When visit Machupicchu
Machupicchu is visited all time, but the most adequate months are from May to June. You should take precautions during raining season from December to April. Dry season is hot and covers from May to November.

Recommendations

- Take into account, even though the climate is hot, at night is cold

- If you want to walk by Inca Road, it is necessary to take precautions, carry appropriated clothing and necessary equipment.

- It is advisable to carry repellent.

- For sunny days, carry some solar protection as sunglasses, sun block and suitable clothing.

- You should walk through authorized routes for trekking.