Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes, Peru

Machu Picchu was everything. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, an Inca citadel perched in the clouds at 2,430 metres above sea level — and it lives up to every expectation.

One of the things I loved most about doing this solo: on the mountain, on the trails, you naturally end up talking to people. Everyone’s on the same adventure, going through the same breathlessness, the same wonder. You’re never really alone up there.

Time of Year I Visited

I went in June, as part of my Peru & Bolivia trip.

Did I Feel Safe?

Yes, completely safe. Aguas Calientes is a small, contained tourist town and Machu Picchu itself is extremely well managed.

Getting There

From Cusco, I took the Inca Rail train to Aguas Calientes — the town at the base of Machu Picchu. I chose to stay there the night before rather than doing a day trip, so I could arrive at Machu Picchu fresh in the morning and take my time without rushing back.

Tickets — Book Well in Advance

This is critical: you cannot buy tickets at the gate. You must book in advance through the official website of Peru’s Ministry of Culture.

There are different ticket types depending on the circuit you choose:

• Circuit 1 & 2: The classic Machu Picchu visit — different routes through the citadel. Circuit 2 is the most popular for first-timers.
• Circuit 5 — Machu Picchu Mountain: Includes entry to the citadel plus the climb up Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082m). A longer, more demanding option.
• Circuit 6 — Huayna Picchu Mountain: The steep, iconic mountain in the background of most Machu Picchu photos. Only 400 tickets per day — sells out months in advance. It’s very steep with some exposed sections, so if you tend to get vertigo, keep that in mind — but it’s one of those challenges that’s absolutely worth facing.

Book at least 2-3 months in advance during high season (June to November). Tickets for Huayna Picchu can sell out 6 months ahead. Don’t leave this to the last minute.

Where I Stayed

Machu Picchu Guest House in Aguas Calientes — basic and comfortable, exactly what you need for one night before the big day.

What’s Worth Doing

Machu Picchu: Your entry ticket specifies your time slot, so you go when it says. Even after all the photos and videos you’ve seen, being there in person is something else entirely. Take your time walking through the ruins — it’s one of those places that deserves your full attention.

Baños Termales (Hot Springs): After coming back from Machu Picchu, I went to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes — the perfect way to rest your legs after a big day. They’re about a 10-15 minute walk from the main square up Avenida Pachacutec. The water is genuinely hot, between 38°C and 42°C, fed by natural geothermal springs. The setting is beautiful — pools carved into a hillside surrounded by cloud forest. Open daily from 5am to 8pm, and the entrance for foreigners is around 20 soles. Bring your swimsuit.

How Long Did I Stay?

One night in Aguas Calientes — arriving in the afternoon, visiting Machu Picchu the next morning, and heading back to Cusco that afternoon.

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