This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Machu Picchu.
The mesmerising Machu Picchu, Peru, is an Inca citadel from the fifteenth century and is located in South America. Machu Picchu is situated just under two thousand five hundred metres (just under eight thousand feet) above sea level on a mountain ridge.
Though built by the Incas, Machu Picchu was abandoned -- likely around the time of the Spanish Conquest in the mid-fifteenth century. It was not rediscovered by the outside world until the early twentieth century, and historians still aren’t completely sure what specific incident forced its inhabitants to flee. The mystery surrounding Machu Picchu is one of the appeals of the citadel, and scores of tourists visit every year to explore the remnants of a once-flourishing empire.
Machu Picchu is now a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and Peru’s most-visited tourist attraction. It has hiking trails and numerous tours available to explore the ancient area. Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu and is where most people stay if they are looking to visit Machu Picchu, Peru. There are many Machu Picchu, Peru hostels and cheap hotels in this area which cater to the hordes of backpackers who are hoping to ascend Machu Picchu. Because of this, you shouldn’t find it too much hassle to find a hostel near Machu Picchu, Peru. However, it is always advisable to book a hostel in Machu Picchu, Peru, as early as possible, particularly when visiting in peak tourist times. You can reach Aguas Calientes via train from Cusco, Peru. However, to reach the summit of Machu Picchu, the most best way to go is by foot -- you’ll get the full experience this way.
Another spot perfect to book a hostel before exploring Machu Picchu is in Cusco with has a plethora of dirt-cheap hostels available to book. From here, you can trek the Inca Trail, which is forty kilometers long and passes much beautiful scenery. Be aware that it takes around three days to travel via this route.
Written by local enthusiast for Machu Picchu hostels
Erin
