Machu Picchu, Peru Reviews and Ratings

I have been going to Machu Picchu since the mid 80's. In the valley below Agus Calientes up the hill has amazing multi hot springs to soak in. Up the railroad tracks accross from the old helicopter pad is an Andean bear (in a large pen of course). To see him go to the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. After the bear turn left and hike up the hill past 1000 acres of orchids to a waterfall. In town I always stay at Gringo Bills. They have the best breakfast at 5 am for the early bus up to Machu Picchu. Usually the rooms come with kitties. Great atmosphere and one of the early hotels. Great rooms over looking the Plaza and at the foot of the hill just off the tracks. Very handy after a long day of hiking not to have to hike another hill just to get to my room. After the day at Machu Picchu most people are very hot very sweaty and very tired. Gringo Bills also has a box lunch to take for lucnh as food at Machu Picchu is available and good its pricey. At Machu Picchu my wife and I always climb Wayno Picchu. We generally fight the whole way up but when we finally make it to the top all is forgiven. Men climb mountains because they are there and simply to get to the top. Women however climb to enjoy the scenery and take pictures thus we have 2 different speeds. At 8000 feet its essentaially slow and slower. Our record time is just under 2 hours (for those of you who have done it in the 45 minutes as the sign says). Most people 90% only see Machu Picchu for a day get on the 5 pm train and go back to Cusco. TO BAD. We usually stay at least 4 days in Agus Calientes with only 1 at Machu Picchu. We always plan our trips with the full moon as its a whole different expirence at night with the moon. For the right price it can be arranged to get in the Park at night. The moon is a lot bigger at 8000 feet elevation and almost light as day. I will be returning again this year Oct. 9 for 2 weeks. It has been 2 years but Cusco never changes....dr. j

If you can travel to only one \exotic\ place in your lifetime make it Machu Piccu. \Magnificent\ would be an understatement. Stay overnight and get up for sunrise...there is nothing more spectacular...until you try and imagine how this city was built thousands of feet high on top of a mountain...

I was lucky enough to spend 3 months down in Peru traveling all over southern peru to places like; Lima Cusco Puno Pisac time in the Manu Rainforest stayed a night on a an island in the middle of Lake Titicaca but I was truely excited for Aguas Calientes. I spend 12 days living in this town at the base of Machu Picchu. the area is beautiful there are hidden trails on most of the mountains around which are less traveled and give amazing views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area if you go you should defiantly hike the trail to the temple of the moon. one downside is that right outside the entrance to Machu Picchu has become very toristy - where you can get a burger and a budwiser and spend 30 US dollars for a t-shirt! everywhere else you may pay 4 US dollars. but there is a very spiritual presence here I would go back in a heartbeat!!!

I have been to Machu Picchu many times and each was a breath taking experience.Suggest you stay in Cuzco a few days to acclimate to the altitude as Cuzco is 11000 feet above sea levelmany fun filled days to spend in Cuzcothe market place above Cuzco is Pisac I believe its on a tuesdayfun place don't miss Sayhcsehuman right outside of Cuzcoits omly a taxi ride awayHighly reccomend the entire country from Iquitos to Puno enjoy and don't forget to eat the local ceviche.