So this past week my team & I were lucky enough to visit one of the seven wonders of the world! Don’t get me wrong Machu Picchu was incredible and my inner gypsy wanderlust soul was thriving. Buuuut knowing what I know now… or for anyone planning to who ISN’T on a shoe-string budget here’s what I’d suggest doing differently….
Rookie Mistake Numero Uno: Skipping the train
So there is a magical bus you can grab that will take you straight to Aguas Calientes! Take that! We did not since it was around $250 and instead chose the budget package. For that we woke at 4 am, hopped in a taxi to meet the 15 passenger van that took us through the mountains. Sketch! Cliffs on the side, plowing through waterfalls, playing chicken with oncoming traffic. Then they drop you off and tell you to walk following the train tracks through the jungle to get to Aguas Calientes. 3 hours later we got there.
Rookie Mistake #2: Not taking the $12 bus to the top
The next morning we woke up at 3 to start the trek to the top. Most of our group took the bus ride but that wasn’t included in our package. It was also pouring rain which added a whole new level to our adventure. Needless to say it took about an hour+ to reach the point. Not gonna name names but one teammate threw up & another almost fell down the mountain if it weren’t for the Australian man who caught her. Yay though because we made it just in time for sweet sunrise pictures! Whoops noor only thing to see at first was fog.
Rookie Mistake #3: forgetting Bug spray
enough said. You won’t even see these sneaky buggers.
Rookie Mistake #4: pack “timeless” clothing to wear for long lasting pictures
hahahahahahahahha. Okay MAYBE if you take the train and bus otherwise nothing will survive that rainy 90 minute trek.
Rookie Mistake #5: forget to get your passport stamped with Machu Picchu on your way out
Just wish I woulda taken the time to do that! I think we were all asleep on our feet at that point.
All these things being said I wouldn’t change a thing & if you ever get a chance to, GO! It was an adventure of a lifetime and didn’t disappoint.
