Machu Pichu – The sacred city of the Incas

This is the first trip that I have taken that I believe is not accessible for a number of people. There is little accommodation for wheelchairs, and none for power chairs. Unless you are very adventurous and don’t mind people helping you in and out of train and busses etc. Try one of the other great trips on this web site.

Traveling to Machu Pichu requires at least a couple of days in Lima, which is plenty. Lima is one of the cities that you can get to know, with a proper guide, in a couple of days. Spend your money and your time in the Andes and the Amazon.

Cusco is a wonderful small city in the Andes and the gateway to both the Amazon and of course Machu Pichu which was our destination. Because Cusco is at an altitude of 12,600 ft. in the mountains I recommend getting out of town the first night and going down to the Sacred Valley @ 8,000 ft. and acclimate in this wonderful valley with a river running through it. This valley was the bread basket for the Incas and full of marvelous ruins almost as spectacular as Machu Pichu.

Two days in the valley and then grab the bus/train to Machu Pichu. Now this part of the trip can de done in one day or you can do it the civilized way and take two days or more. Arriving by train to the town of Machu Pichu is very exciting and again very difficult in a chair. Get a bus ticket to the ruins right away and get up the mountain. Once in the park if you have not already got a guide get one. The history of this sacred place is fantastic, and you will have a hundred questions, starting with why here. Again, unless you are very resourceful and can either walk some or can be carried some you will only get a limited exposure to the city.

There are great side trips in and around the city of Cusco and albeit the altitude can make you a little short of breath, if you drink a lot of Coca tea and pace yourself there is great shopping and sightseeing in town. All in all this is the one of the most spiritual trips I have ever been on.