Archaelogical wonder of Machu Picchu. (Machu Picchu)

Member Name: Holidaying

Product:	Machu Picchu
Date:	04/10/08 (93 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An amazing and interesting place in Peru.

Disadvantages: Difficult to get to!

If you mention a trip to SOuth America, or to Peru, people almost always immediately ask whether you have visited Machu Picchu. For many people, coming here is a dream come true. I know, because I was one of them.

I flew into Lima, stayed one night, then flew to Cusco, where I stayed for a few days to acclimatise.

You can do an organised trek to Machu Picchu, or you can take the train from Cusco. I had decided to do the trek, hence the time for acclimatisation. This is very important, because the trek (in fact there is more than one, and tour agencies will help you decide which is the best for you) is difficult. Partly this is because the terrain changes and is often stony, partly because you are climbing up, down and around mountains, and partly because of the altitude. This last one is the reason for the acclimatisation. If you do not acclimatise, you risk altitude sickness, which can be fatal, and for which the only cure is to descend.

The trek takes about five days and brings you to the Sun gate, where you will be able to marvel at Machu Picchu.

If you go to the village of Aguas Calientes (literally below the archaeological wonder), you can take a tour of Machu Picchu with a guide. This is really worth doing as, having got there, it would be a shame not to learn about what you were visiting.

Aguas Calientes is easily reached from Machu Picchu- just take the bus down the hill! There are plenty of places to stay, eat and be entertained there, as the community relies on tourism.

Machu Picchu is a marvellous place, well worth a trip to Peru, and well worth the trek if you decide to do it!

Summary: If it is your dream to visit Machu Picchu, go!