The Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu - has been deemed one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Located in the Cusco Region of Peru, Machu Picchu is not easily accessible, but with a little effort, you'll be able to feast your eyes on a site you'll never forget.
Getting to Machu Picchu
For the truly adventurous - and fit - the four day Inca Trail makes for a unique and rewarding entry into Machu Picchu. Otherwise, the closest town to the Machu Picchu site is Aguas Calientes. From here, you can take short bus ride to Machu Picchu. You can book the bus ride for about $30 online.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Aguas Calientes, including the ultra luxurious Sumaq Hotel.
But for most, Aguas Calientes isn't so much a destination in and of itself, rather it is the train stop closest to Machu Picchu. And that's the best way to get to Aguas Calientes - by train. There isn't an airport in Aguas Calientes. The closest place to fly to is Cusco, Peru.
From Cusco you can take a train to Aguas Calientes. I'd recommend the Observatory Car on the PeruRail train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. It's a beautiful drive and the rooftop windows allow you to take in the entire view. For those with more expensive tastes, the Hiram Bingham Train can't be beat - but it'll cost you about $1500!
Unlike Aguas Calientes, Cusco (or Cuzco) itself is a destination worth exploring. The city has a population of nearly a half million people and as the gateway to Machu Picchu, it hosts many more travelers. I'd recommend staying at least two nights in Cusco - one upon your arrival and a second night on your return from Machu Picchu. One tip for your time in Cusco: prepare yourself for the altitude by bringing some altitude sickness medicine.
Getting to Cusco is easy. It's just over an hour flight from the capital of Peru - Lima, which hosts a major international airport. You'll often find flights from Lima to Cusco for under $50 (we found a flight for $48 on Booking.com). Be sure to get a window seat on your flight to Cusco so you don't miss out on the incredible views of the Andes.
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