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MACCHU PICCHU ISN'T JUST BEAUTIFUL, IT'S SUBLIME (Aguas Calientes, Peru)

4/28/2013

34 Comments

 
It's a reality that many places and events defy description. 
For a while, you fumble for words, 
trying vainly to assemble a narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame,
where you've been and what happened. 
In the end, you're just happy you were there 
- with your eyes open - and lived to see it.
 - Anthony Bourdain
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HOW TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU?

I want to summarize it into two: 
             1. The Hard Way - if you love the mountains, to trek, walk and climb the outdoors, this is the way for you - its called the Inca Trail. You can do different kinds of trekking that takes 4 days (Classic Inca Trail) or the "easier" trek for 1 or 2 days (Short Inca Trail) or if you want to take your time and do it longer, you can do it for 5 days. It usually starts from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes. For more information, visit this website. People say that you see more archaeological sites this way. When we visited Cuzco, there are a lot of tour operators that advertises Inca Trail, so you can pick and choose which type do you want - online or when you get there.
             2. The Easy Way - if you don't have enough time, and wants to see Machu Picchu at a leisurely pace, you are welcome to do this. We chose this easy route. So how did we do it? First, we booked Vistadome train tickets thru Peru Rail online from our starting point which was Urubamba. Make sure to book in advance because trains gets full during high season. There are three types of trains: Vistadome, Expedition, or Belmond Hiram Bingham train if you are feeling luxurious. There are trains from Cuzco, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. The train takes 4 hours from Cuzco, almost 3 hours from Urubamba and almost 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to go to Aguas Calientes (the town that sits at the foot of Machu Picchu). The train's last stop is Aguas Calientes and from there, you can buy your shuttle bus ticket to go up and down Machu Picchu. There is only one road that they use to shuttle people up the top and the journey usually takes around 30 minutes.  Shuttle bus ticketing booth are only available at Cuzco and Aguas Calientes, for more information where the ticketing booth are - click here. From the train station, it just a 5-10 minute walking distance to where you can buy the shuttle bus ticket. The bus will take you to the entrance where you can buy your entrance tickets. The bus departs when they are full and usually the interval is every 15 minutes during the peak hours of the morning. You can also walk/climb up and down and it takes 1 hour to walk up. 
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Aguas Calientes has a cool stream running through the center. The town in general feels like a base camp bustling with tourists getting ready for the “big trek.”  It seemed like everyone was outfitted with the latest wick fabric, hiking poles, camelbacks, etc.  The funny thing is, you see will most of these people waiting in line for the bus that drops you right off at the main entrance. We booked a hotel here for an overnight stay, so we can catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
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As you walk and climb your way up the park, your view of the complex is obstructed until you walk in a winding trail, and there you will see the first structures.  Then it hits you literally in the face, and there it was, it's breathtaking. As we saw the whole of it, our smiles can't leave our faces, we still can't believe we were there and we finally did it, see this sublime sight. Even if we describe to you how the experience was n every single detail, it really doesn't paint the real picture of what we saw, you have to see to believe it. We suggest go early and stay late.  There are plenty of quite areas to catch a nap.  Mid day was a little over crowded with tourists.
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WOW, just WOW. Anthony Bourdain is right in the first place. "It's a reality that many places and events defy description. In the end, you're just happy you were there with your eyes open - and lived to see it."

This is one of those moments, the larger than life moment that you cannot seem to describe properly. One thins is for sure - this is a travel memory that will last forever. Yes, truly Machu Picchu is not just beautiful - it's sublime. 
Categories: South America, Peru, Travel Tips
34 Comments
robin masshole mommy
5/12/2015 11:23:26 pm

That DOES look gorgeous. I have never been there and probably never will be, so I loved seeing all your photos.

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:10:45 pm

Thanks Robin!

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Liz Mays link
5/13/2015 03:15:46 am

That is such a dream destination! I can't even get over how beautiful it is. For the record, I would have taken the easy route too.

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:13:21 pm

And also a dream come true for us...

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Heather
5/13/2015 05:19:47 am

I haven't been there, that place looks peaceful I love all of your photos together that is really beautiful place.

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:13:47 pm

Thank you so much... it was a surreal place!

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Nicole link
5/13/2015 02:08:44 pm

I love all your pictures! My brother went to Macchu Picchu and didn't take half as many pictures. He also didn't bring it back with him, as I requested. I thought it would look lovely in my back yard! I'm kidding, lol. Sort of.

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:14:13 pm

Hahaha! That would be really DIFFICULT to give you as a souvenir.

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Victoria link
5/13/2015 02:43:40 pm

Absolutely amazing pictures! Looks like you guys had an amazing time! Some of the pictures reminded me of Ireland up in the Wicklow Mountains! Loved it!

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:14:39 pm

We did had an amazing time! Loved Peru!

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Esther of Local Adventurer link
5/13/2015 03:14:49 pm

You're making me miss Peru! :) We did the 4 day inca trail hike to Machu Picchu. The hike itself was really incredible, and it was nice that we got to see it before it was open to everyone else, but next time we go.. we'll probably take the train.. not sure if i have it in me to do the hike again haha :)

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:15:33 pm

We got lazy and did not do the Inca Trail and I heard its also touristy. I heard reviews from people who did, they'd prefer to do a hike on a less touristy place. But then again, you get to see it before anyone else.

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Franc Ramon link
5/13/2015 04:32:11 pm

Macchu Picchu is one of my dream location as it is just naturally beautiful. You are lucky to be able to visit this place and appreciate it up close.

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:15:59 pm

For us too, that's why we went.

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Tiffany link
5/13/2015 04:34:23 pm

Wow! The pictures don't even look real! What an amazing camera, and breathtaking trip you had!!

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:16:17 pm

It really was. Thank you!

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Tammilee Tips link
5/13/2015 07:02:36 pm

Your photos are breath taking. This is on my bucket list to travel too and to go to to the top!

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Tanj
5/13/2015 08:17:03 pm

Yes, go to Huayna Picchu too. Don't forget.

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Miranda (Myrabev) link
5/13/2015 07:57:19 pm

This is truly beautiful and remarkable place, I want to visit Peru like soon. Never was on my radar but now is. Thanks for much for sharing the pictures really beautiful and nicely captured/

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:41:53 pm

Thank you Miranda!

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Michele link
5/13/2015 08:38:22 pm

What a magnificent place and you took the greatest photos. I doubt I could do all that climbing-actually I know I couldn't-but other then that would love to experience some of that for myself.

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:42:25 pm

Thank you! Me too, I just can do all the hiking... Haha.

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Fi Ni Neachtain
5/13/2015 11:29:30 pm

All I can say is WOW, what simply breathtaking pictures! My other half and I would love to make it to Macchu Picchu one day, it's such an amazing place.

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:42:44 pm

Such an awesome place!

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Rebecca Swenor
5/14/2015 01:05:36 am

This is such an amazingly gorgeous place indeed and if I were to go I would go the easy way as well. I would love to see all this in person. Thanks so much for sharing.

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:43:47 pm

Thanks Rebecca. One of our favorite trips to date.

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brook link
5/14/2015 01:16:10 am

wow what a beautiful place. I would love to go there one day. Ypu first picture is just breathtaking

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:44:20 pm

Thanks Brook! It's very very pretty and I don't think pictures do justice.

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CourtneyLynne
5/14/2015 03:08:12 pm

Omg!! Peru sounds like an amazing place to visit!!! Definitely added to my bucket list after seeing your photos!

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:44:49 pm

It should definitely in everyone's list! Lol! Jk.

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Briton link
5/14/2015 03:56:36 pm

I love your photos! I can't decide if I'd rather trek or ride the train...I know my husband- he'd take the train!

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:45:12 pm

Me too - train! Lol!

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Vidya Sudarsan link
5/14/2015 08:59:45 pm

These are some of the best pictcures I've seen of Macchu Picchu! My cousin recently visited here and I browsed thru her album.. I am sending yours to her!! I love your blog!!

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Tanj
5/15/2015 01:46:04 pm

Thanks so much for your kind words. Means a lot!

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