A handful of photos from our collection of Machu Picchu pictures. From leaving Cusco and arriving in Aguas Calientes to start our journey to Machu Picchu in the early hours. We documented most of the journey in these photos and were fortunate to arrive at the sight early enough to watch the clouds clear as the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site came into view. Here’s my photos and a little more Machu Picchu.
Book your Peru Rail tickets early and arrive into Ollantaytambo on time to board the train.
Shuttle busses leave from most tour operators and travel agents in Cusco. The route is nice and most bus drivers will happily pull over to take a few photos.
Prepare for the possible onslaught of begging in Ollantaytambo, many children begged at tables on restaurants. The communities surrounding Machu Picchu thrive on tourism.
Book a night in Ollantaytambo for your return journey. Don’t just pass through Ollantaytambo, why not spend the night and visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo or some of the other archaeological sites in the area.
Take a rain poncho or waterproof jacket and hiking boots to Aguas Calientes. During our time in Aguas Calientes it rained for the majority of the time we spent here. It was only actually clear on the day we visited Machu Picchu.
Remember in February the Inca Trail is closed – plan your trip around this time if you have no plans to trek the Inca Trail, if you do plan to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu then plan your trip to miss February.
Carry small change. Service charges are almost always charged in Aguas Calientes, carry change to avoid being caught short in this instance.
Don’t forget to charge your phone and camera overnight. The last thing you want is travelling up to Machu Picchu and not being able to take photos. If you’re looking to take the perfect picture at Machu Picchu? Check out the Longest bus ride for tips and advice.
If you’re struggling to find out how to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes or how to get from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, check out my first post on visiting Machu Picchu for tips, tricks and advice. We originally booked our Machu Picchu trip in Lima through the Loki Lima Hostel travel agent.