From time to time, stories surface about tourists causing problems. Usually this is because there are just too many of us descending on places too fragile to sustain our onslaught. Places like Peru’s Machu Picchu, which, some reports have been saying, is way too popular for its own good. But many of us feel an urgent need to visit these attractions, and heartening news made the pages of the UK’s Guardian Travel blog recently. It seems that, for now, there’s no fear that the Incas' ancient citadel has met its match.
Photo by 00dan
Machu Picchu teeters among mountaintops at a dizzying altitude. No, really. Dizzying. Take a look at the photo (below right) of the little Peruvian boy, and you'll get a vague idea. It's not the most accessible of attractions – but it’s a lot easier to reach now than it was, say, 30 years ago. And, of course, it’s an essential sight for anyone heading to Peru. Give yourself a day or two in Cusco to get used to the altitude, and either catch the tourist train – a four hour trip – or do it the hard way: four days on foot, following the Inca Trail. Actually, there are shorter walks available too, but why spare yourself? The sight of Machu Picchu at sunrise is worth (almost) any amount of suffering. Here's some helpful info on Travellerspoint.
Be aware that the train operates during the high season only. There’s also the Autovagon, which takes about three hours. Check transport times once you arrive in Cusco; they vary with the seasons. The city has many attractions of its own, and will be appearing in The Australian Travel Blog one day soon. Keep your eyes peeled!
Photo by Aaron_M
Meanwhile, your trip to Machu Picchu will be a lot more rewarding if you do some research before leaving home. Not just a cursory glance at the brochures; some real research. It's a place of many, many parts. You could start by looking on Wikitravel. And just to make you feel really good, here’s some information about altitude sickness on machupicchu.info
One final word of warning: don't leave your Machu Picchu bookings to chance - or even until the last minute. It's a very popular destination.
Adiós - see you in Cusco!