- From Russia to Lima
- From Lima to Cuzco
- From Cusco to Aguas Calientes
- How to get to Machu Picchu by bus
The ancient city of the Incas, Machu Picchu was discovered not so long ago - in 1911. Exactly one hundred years later, the number of tourists visiting the ancient ruins began to be controlled by the Peruvian authorities. Now, on the day of Machu Picchu, no more than 2500 people can see it. And only four hundred of them will be lucky to be on the highest peak of Huayna Picchu, which rises 360 meters above the archaeological complex. From there, you can take the most spectacular photographs and appreciate the grandeur of the old city, abandoned by its inhabitants in 1532. If you believe in your luck and think that you will certainly be able to be among those 2,500 people who will be allowed into the city over the Urubamba River, then you are probably wondering how to get to Machu Picchu? Arm yourself with patience, as getting there will not be easy.
The road to Machu Picchu should be divided into several stages:
- fly to Lima, the capital of Peru;
- get into the main city of one of the Peruvian provinces - Cuzco;
- from Cusco, get to the village of Aguas Calientes, which is located next to Machu Picchu;
- from Aguas Calientes station, take the bus to Machu Picchu.
From Russia to Lima
There are no direct flights connecting Moscow and Lima, the capital of Peru. We'll have to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and this is the only way to quickly cross a huge distance of more than 12 thousand kilometers, with at least one change. The modern traveler can choose a transit point at his own discretion. Flights with a connection in any city in the United States are considered popular options, but for this you will have to take care of obtaining an American transit visa in advance, which creates additional difficulties. The most affordable flight to Lima (about 18 hours) is offered by Air France. Docking takes place in Paris. You will have to spend an hour longer in the sky with the carrier Iberia, which is changing aircraft in Madrid. In about 21 hours you can reach Lima with a transfer in Havana with Aeroflot and Avianca El Salvador.
How to get to Machu Picchu, and first to Lima from St. Petersburg? It is better to immediately choose a flight with two connections. Because the option with one change takes too long (via Amsterdam up to 1 day 9 hours). But tourists with a Schengen visa can happily spend a few hours in the Dutch capital while waiting for a flight to Lima.
From Lima to Cuzco
There are few travel options from Lima to Cuzco - only two: by plane; by bus. If you do not want to shake the bus on the Peruvian roads for 22 hours, then it is preferable to choose a plane. The flight will take just over an hour. Tourists can choose from ten daily flights that connect the airports of Lima and Cusco.
From Cusco to Aguas Calientes
From the outside it may seem that the Peruvians deliberately complicate the life of tourists, forcing them to change transport on a quest called "How to get to Machu Picchu." But for the huge prize - the city of the Incas lost in the mountains - it's worth trying! The city of Cusco is connected with the village of Aguas Calientes by rail. Please note that not all trains go to Aguas Calientes Station. Some continue to the town of Ollantaytambo, from where another train will take you to Aguas Calientes.
How to get to Machu Picchu by bus
At the railway station of the small town of Aguas Calientes, a bus picks up all tourists eager to see the legendary Indian city with their own eyes. To Machu Picchu, you have to overcome 8 kilometers of a very difficult road that goes uphill.
Some experienced hikers are planning a very interesting and challenging route along the old Inca Trail that runs along the Urubamba River. After a few days of hiking, Machu Picchu opens up in all its splendor to travelers. You shouldn't go on such a trip alone.
