The original post: /r/travel by /u/Jkrejci1 on 2024-10-12 21:51:42.

I may attract some hate for this, but having just completed a day trip there, Machu Picchu isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Yes, it’s stunning. And yes, the setting is lovely. But the cost and effort involved and the throngs of visitors greatly detracted from my experience. I’m glad I did it, but twelve days into my Peru trip I’m not sure it’s even in my top five experiences. Obviously YMMV, especially if you do the Inca Trail, or you have a high tolerance for hordes of people. If you go, here are some thoughts and tips:

Base: We stayed in Ollantaytambo and loved it. There’s a significant tourist footprint, but it still has some charm, with a cute little plaza and cobblestone streets.

Train: We took the Perurail Vistadome from Ollantaytambo. The view was beautiful, but nothing you wouldn’t see on a day drive through the Sacred Valley. The alpaca fashion show and traditional dance were a bit cheesy, but fun nonetheless.

Bus: I read a lot online, but had no idea I would have to wait in line for an hour just to get on the bus to the site. There was a similar wait coming back. Time your visit and trains accordingly. Also, buy your tickets online in advance at https://comprar.consettur.com/

Guide: Is a guide required? I read a lot of conflicting information online. Answer: guides are recommended but NOT required (source: my guide and official signage at the site). I found a guide helpful, however, especially as the bus system was organized chaos.