Machu Picchu

[cidley69]

Hello Travellers!
Thinking of doing Machu Picchu, wondering if anyone on here has done it?

Any advice?

I've heard hiking is difficult there due to high elevation and thin air. Did you find this?

Any thoughts on best deal on flights or routes to get there?

[tch7]

Cheapest flights are often with Aeromexico to Lima, connecting via Mexico City (awful airport). Then from Lima it's a short flight to Cusco on various carriers. And then from Cusco you've got the options of train, taxi/bus+train, or hike to Machu Picchu. My recommendation would be bus+train so that you can spend time in the Sacred Valley at the other sites (Ollantaytambo is a good place to spend a night). I did a 10-day trip visiting Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lima, which was a good length and didn't feel like I missed anything major (longer would be needed if hiking the Inca Trail). Lots to do when basing yourself in Cusco.

Elevation is more of an issue around Cusco than at MP, but you definitely notice the thinner air at both. Takes a day or two to get over the worst of it, so don't plan anything strenuous for the first little while in Cusco.