Since it is such a long haul to Machu Picchu -is it really worth seeing

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PSH

I lived in Cusco for a few months last year learning Spanish. Yes MP is definately worth visiting but the number of people doing the original Inca Trail (starting at Kilometer 88) is strictly controlled so you will need to book 6-8 weeks in advance during the summer, (and you have to trek with a local tour operator). There are now several 'alternative' Inca Trails which end at MP and are not restricted to numbers and you can backpack alone or with friends.

There are many other Inca ruins to see in and around Cusco and all are well worth it, a bus for 2-3sols (30p) will take you to anywhere in the Sacred Valley. Buy a Cusco guide book in the UK (Lonely Planet or similar) for detailed info.

Peru is a magical country, its not just Machu Picchu!

andigee2006

I was there in May - it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. It is serene and peaceful, not overrun by tourists and exquisitely situated. The ruins are well worth a look especially if you have a good guide.

If you are planning to see the other main sites from Cuzco (a pretty & interesting town) see saccsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo BEFORE Macchu Pichu.

Mr Nick

Definately - it is worth it and go before it really does get over saturated.

Hibee

It has become a very environmentally unfriendly destination, as the site is being eroded by over-visitation.

Penfold

I went to Peru last December and Macchu Picchu is worth visiting. It was humid and cloudy - you could tell the monsoon season was coming. Admittedly, I wouldn't want to fly all the way just for Macchu Picchu - I'd visit other areas as well such as Pune, Lake Titacacaa, Colca Canyon. It's worth spending a couple of days in the area and if you like hiking the Inca Trail is worth doing. If not, go by train.

choloconche

There are 2 ways to get to Machu Picchu ruins:

1Âº hiking (you have to be in optimal physical condition)
2Âº by train and bus

Most of the people use the second option. If you are already in Cuzco, the trip to Machu Picchu will take you just 1 day. You leave early in the morning (6 am) and will be back in the city by 7 pm with your heart filled with different emotions.
If you are traveling alone, do it.that way. Otherwise, I recommend you to stay one night in Aguas Calientes (the town near MP) so you can visit the ruins twice. The train leave Aguas Calientes at 5 pm (you have to ask for the exact time schedule). If you have the money, you can stay in the MP Sanctuary Lodge ...

http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/tper_a2a_home.jsp

saigonita

Sandi, any experience traveler will tell you that Macchu Picchu is one of the places you must visit in your lifetime.
You have 2 ways of reaching Macchu Picchu: 1. By train or 2. doing the Inca Trail, which means hiking.
If you choose the train you have 2 alternatives: The luxurious train ( which is expensive, faster and provides you an excellent view of the place since it has huge windows) or the regular one. Since you mentioned you do not hike maybe you should try the "short " trail ( the long one takes four days , the short, two).
The experience is unforgettable because this is the real way the incas used to reach Macchu Picchu. You should book in advance since the Trail Authority accepts no more than a certain number of passengers per day.
Since you are travelling alone is better for you to join a group.
Good luck and if you have more questions you can write me, mediauna293@yahoo.com ,I will be happy to help you

thebeatsurrender

If you take the train and bus, there's really no hiking involved. You can do it in a day, including travel to and from Cusco, if you're really short on time -- take the first train out of Cusco to Aguas Calientes, connect to a short busride up the mountain, and come back in the afternoon. Most package tours have this itinerary, are very comfortable, and you can meet people. However, tours can run you about $300-400, and going by yourself is quite simple and cheaper. I can't remember the exact price of the train, but you can check it up on the perurail website.

I went last month, sans tour, and chose to overnight in Aguas Calientes so we could head up on the first bus. It was nice to see the ruins in the morning when there are less tourists.

The ruins are beautiful and definitely worth the trip. The location is a big part of what makes it beautiful, yes, but that's the whole point. It's an ancient city (well, circa-1400's city) on top of a mountain. Pretty darn cool.

I've heard that the Inca Trail, the 4 day hike, is very rewarding, and allows you to see the sun rise over the ruins. However, everyone I know who did it said it was very tough to do-- if you're not in excellent shape and used to hiking, it could be miserable. Also, you're not allowed to go unless you have a guide. It books up very fast, and I've heard you have to book 3 months in advance.

homeless

I made my pilgrimage about 5 years ago. Personally the Incan ruins around Cusco were more interesting to me.
You can always take the train it takes about 4 hours to get to machu pichu.

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Since it is such a long haul to Machu Picchu -is it really worth seeing - apart from the great location?