Machu Pichu or “old mountain” as it is known by the locals, is a sanctuary located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (province of Urubamba). reach that Inca citadel, for foreign visitors, until a few years ago the best option was to make a trip by train. but today, there are different ways to visit Machu Picchu, including the trip to Machu Picchu by bus. one of the most requested forms of travel today.
There are many mysteries surrounding this mountain and that is what makes it more attractive to visitors. also the fact of how inaccessible it seems to have for any visitor.
that’s why trips to Machu Picchu are planned in advance and mostly by train, but more daring ones want to find the funniest way to get to Machu Picchu by bus.
But the question is can you really make a nice trip to Machu Picchu by bus?
it is known that the town of Machu Picchu (aguas calientes) cannot be reached by car or bus, let alone the Inca citadel as such. But for those who travel by bus, you can get as close as you can to the town of Machu Picchu (hot waters), the Inca citadel is located 30min above the mountain to the south-east of hot waters.
In this opportunity we will briefly explain how to make a trip to Machu Pichu by bus, how close it is possible to get and at the end a recommendation for those who plan to travel in their own car.
Beginning of the trip to Machu Picchu by bus “Cusco”.
the start of the trip will be from the city of Cusco, this time in charge of a tourist agency. but the tempting personal trip is always present at its own expense. in both cases the routes to follow are similar, but not the same. since, during a bus trip in charge of an agency, you can enjoy additional tours or some additional activity such as: descents on bicycles offered by some tourist agencies, in addition the service of a tourist agency provides greater security for travelers.
The bus starts the trip from Cusco through the chinchero district of the province of Urubamba, and the district of Ollantaytambo.
After leaving Ollantaytambo, the ascents through the mountains start at about 4330 meters high (Abra Málaga), and then descend again about 1400 meters.
The descent by bicycle to Santa Teresa.
to make a trip to Machu Picchu by the most exciting bus, many of the agencies offer one of the best activities, the “descent by bicycle” from a point located a few kilometers before the arrival to Santa Teresa.
This type of adventure is included in the trip, and each tourist agency describes it adequately so that its visitors can learn more about the activity.
In the town of Santa Teresa, with its warm climate, the trip stops. Visitors can learn more about this beautiful town, rest and spend the night.
the next day the journey continues by bus. after a good breakfast and enjoy a relaxing bath, you set off to reach the well-known hydroelectric.
santa teresa to hydroelectric power plant
is the intermediate stretch of the trip to Machu Picchu by bus. already being in hydroelectric it will be easier and more exciting to reach Machu Picchu town (aguas calientes).
this stretch of trip is still done by bus, has nothing of difficulty, plus the heat that is felt by the fact of being in the Inca jungle.
It is advisable to always carry a good ration of fresh water to hydrate.
during the tour you can enjoy beautiful views covered with vegetation, plantations and one or another sowing of fruit trees. also if you are in the plans of the trip, you can make small stops, to enjoy the fresh environment and take beautiful photographs.
hydroelectric to Machu Picchu(hot waters)
Once at the hydroelectric plant you have to walk for about two and a half hours, until you reach the city of Aguas Calientes. The walk seems a bit exhausting, but in reality for those who like adventure tourism is phenomenal.
something to keep in mind on that stretch of hydroelectric to Machu Picchu. is that, as the trip is a point close to the town of hot water, the walk will be made following the railway line. in addition, the presence of vegetation and heat may lessen a bit the mood of the traveler, but know those beautiful landscapes the sounds of the typical fauna of the valley and some other presence of colorful birds will be worthwhile.
During this part of the trip you can also enjoy quite a few tourist and ecological spots such as “the mandor waterfalls”, it is a question of the guide and the agency making an adequate travel plan so that its visitors can enjoy even more their trip to Machu Picchu.
Already being in hot waters. there are hotels to lodge comfortably, to rest and to go out to visit the ruins the following day. There are two options to reach the ruins:
- take a bus for a few dollars
- walk for an hour and a half, and go up stairs to the very doors of the ruins. Many are the adventurers who have done it in a very funny way.
Many people with low budget, have reached the ruins in this way and of course it is more fun and enjoy even more the majestic trip to Machu Picchu, you just have to be in good shape, with proper footwear and have many spirits to have fun despite the effort.
Freedom to travel to Machu Picchu in your own car.
if you are thinking of making a trip in your own car, and not in charge of some travel agency, you will have realized that this is an easy trip to make. only with some inconveniences such as the bicycle adventure, with a person with experience and security that can give you travel in a group.
Travelling in your own car to Machu Pichu has many advantages, such as being able to stop at the place you want, stay asleep and visit the cities that cross the road, sightseeing taking photos and taking memories of the place.
It is a great adventure to make a bus trip to Machu Picchu, know some of the most impressive ruins in the world, even more if it is in your own car, the costs are lower, and you can enjoy other benefits.
the return to Cusco after the trip to Machu Picchu by bus, is done in less time, since no more stops will be made during the trip. this adventure trip is one of the most requested at present, it is up to each traveler to make a decision and enjoy their trip.
