If you’ve ever wondered whether Machu Picchu is just an overpriced hike that draws in the crowds, then take a look at this honest overview.
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous wonders and certainly the most visited attraction in Peru, but is a visit to this ancient Inca ruin merely an overpriced hike to historical disillusionment?
This article will discuss whether the ancient charm of Machu Picchu has been tainted by the soaring prices and increasing number of crowds or whether it is as mind-blowing as you would expect.
Machu Picchu – an overview of Peru’s most famous attraction
Ask anyone who has spent time in Peru which sites they visited; chances are almost everyone had Machu Picchu high on their Peru bucket list.
So, what makes this ancient site so unique? Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 for its incredible historical significance, having been elected by over 100 million online voters from across the globe.
The 15th-century ancient Inca citadel has a story to tell, and since it was built out of sight and hidden high up in the mountains, it was never found by the Spanish during their invasion.
UNESCO recognises Machu Picchu for its extraordinary cultural and natural values, so it is no wonder everyone wants to see it up close and personally.
Over 1.5 million people visit Machu Picchu annually, with an average of 2,500 people per day keen to catch a glimpse of the hilltop site emerging from the clouds, but this is far less than there used to be.
At one time, there was almost no limit to how many visitors the site could accept, which in turn was detrimental to the preservation of this site. Visitor numbers have been restricted in the past few years to conserve the ruin.
With this, five new circuits have been established, which run in one direction, reducing crowds and ensuring a steady flow of people, and reentry to the site is not permitted.
But with 2,500 people per day paying an entrance fee to hike to the top of Machu Picchu (or take the bus, of course), is this merely a tourist trap?
Why visiting Machu Picchu is a must-do – a bucket list attraction
Machu Picchu is often referred to as a spiritual destination above the clouds and one of the most photographed places in the world, but with all this marketing and hype, is it really that great?
If you were thinking that a visit to Machu Picchu would end up being an overpriced hike in the jungle, which ends at an overcrowded ancient ruin, you would be wrong.
There is something to be said about the atmosphere when reaching the top of Machu Picchu, as the clouds slowly move away to reveal the sensational view below. With the new circuits in place, Machu Picchu is a much more enjoyable place to visit than it once was.
The numbers are limited, but the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxing and tranquil as visitors soak up the ambiance. The one-way trails mean nobody is backtracking.
Visiting Machu Picchu means you get a dedicated time slot during which you can spend a few hours visiting whichever circuit you have booked.
Getting there in the first place is quite an adventure, especially if you decide to skip the overpriced tourist train and embark on the free 11km (6.8 mi) hike to the town of Aguas Calientes – now known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
To save money, there is also the option to embark on the steep hike from Aguas Calientes to the top of Machu Picchu rather than take the costly bus, so the price you pay to enter Machu Picchu is the only price.
Depending on which circuit you choose, your entrance will cost around $50, which is well worth compared to other sites worldwide.
An overpriced hike or a mindful adventure – the choice is yours
Many who visit Machu Picchu are short on time; in this case, they plan to visit the site by tourist train or tour, but the truth is that visiting this site is not expensive if you have the time and a sense of adventure.
While it might be easy to splash a few hundred dollars to arrive in style, the adventure lies in taking local transport, hiking along the train tracks, bunking in a cosy hostel in Aguas Calientes, and venturing to Machu Picchu on foot.
If you ask visitors if they considered their trip to Machu Picchu an expensive one, chances are they will say yes, and this is because it can cost hundreds of dollars if you travel this way.
If you visit Machu Picchu, a place well worth the effort, it is best to take a few days to enjoy the journey to and from the ancient ruins.
You will not regret the peace that comes from taking one step in front of the other, listening to the sounds of the rushing rivers, and catching that first glimpse of the citadel as you gaze up from below.
So yes, Machu Picchu can undoubtedly become an overpriced hike to historical disillusionment. Still, it doesn’t have to be if you experience it at a slow and mindful pace.
