Comments on: Face Off #3: Machu Picchu

By: Mark H

Mark H — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:41:21 +0000

I’d suggest the Classic Route without having walked Salkantay. Entering Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate at dawn is a special experience (even if shared with mobs of others) and beats the hell out of arriving via a train mid-morning. with all the one-day package tours from Cusco. Secondly, you get into Machu Picchu before it is open to the public entering from Agua Caliente and those couple of hours of far more peaceful wandering around the ruins is worth it. If you still have the energy, the walk up Wayna Picchu (the mountain behind Machu Picchu), the view from the top is superb though the path is steep.

A number of the other ruins on the trek are worth the view as well and add to the whole experience.

By: Axes in Hong Kong and Friday Link Love

Axes in Hong Kong and Friday Link Love — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:11:32 +0000

[...] of world travel. They have some interesting posts and neat things to say. Their site offers readers a chance to vote on where the couple should go on their epic [...]

By: Manie

Manie — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:27:52 +0000

You have to take the Classic Route. There is no better way than to come over the crest and see the Famed City.

By: WanderingSean

WanderingSean — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:12:34 +0000

We didn’t get to hike the “Classic” trail since it is closed in February for maintenance. The train with the glass ceiling was nice though (and much cheaper).

My vote: the alternative route. Just go with a reputable guide/company in Cusco. Be warned the altitude alone can be pretty tough so hang around Cusco for a few days to adjust before you hike anywhere. This also gives you the option to take the train if the altitude is to much and you decide not to hike (not the case if you booked out months in advance for the classic route).

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:06:44 +0000

I’m not walking for 5 days to get anywhere!

By: Gregory

Gregory — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:09:25 +0000

Since I hope to meet up with you and Jeff for this leg of the trip, I’m going to voice my opinion for the “classic” Inca Trail. Quite honestly though, I doubt you can go wrong hiking to this wonder of the built world. However, I think what sets the “classic” trail apart from the alternatives is the fact you reach the pinnacle of your hike at the Sun Gate.

I’m not as worried (thats not the right word, but you know what I mean) about the regulated hiking/camping as you guys may be. I’m much more concerned about a reliable guide. One of my favorite “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” episodes was when a group of guys hikes in South America and they get a guide at the last minute and he was just in it for the money and knew nothing about the hike. You guessed it, two of the four people died.

Anyway, keep me up to date on your thought process and decision for this. Again, I’m game for any of the options and realize that setting up the classic hike may not be worth it or impossible to do. And as this will be my only stop along the way, I am not worried about $75-100.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:52:41 +0000

This decision seems like it is too hinged to personal preference (well, aren’t they all), so I did not vote. I do have some comments though.

I watched some show on Travel, not about Machu Picchu, that involved one of those porter-required official hikes with designated campsites. (I actually think the show was about Mt. Kilimanjaro). Seemed like the porters did alot of the work, and the activity always hinged on the next camping location.

I’m not for advance planning, so I’d stay away from the classic Inca option. Obviously, you guys love advanced planning, so, like I said, it’s all about personal preference.