No doubt for me that “Machu Picchu” in Peru’s eastern Inca region is one of the most impressive and well-managed attractions in the world. The pre-Columbian ruins are genuine and nestled within several spectacularly protective Andean peaks (namely Huayna and Machu). Post-visit, it’s clear why it’s considered a “must-see” and one of the world’s seven wonders. The government and supporting tourist infrastructure in the adjacent pueblo of Agua Calientes do an excellent job managing access to the site, maintaining its integrity, and ensuring the throngs of visitors have an enjoyable and memorable visit.
The “New Inca Gold” referred to above is the fact that while a visit to Machu Picchu should be on any world traveler’s bucket list, it’s going to cost you to get there. I calculate the minimum for a day trip out of Cusco is close to $400 US per person, largely due to the professional management and remote natural isolation of the site. The obscure location was likely the attraction when Machu Picchu was originally constructed as a retreat for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti 550 years ago, which is why it wasn’t rediscovered until 1914. There are no modern roads to Machu Picchu; you arrive only via mountain train or by hiking (the Inca Trail), and both are strictly controlled and chaperoned, costing anywhere between $180 and $1500 US. If you choose the train, you’re dropped off in the pueblo of Aguas Calientes at the base of the site with food and water options ($50). The recommendation is to make the visit a two-day trip, get a hotel for the night, and not rush ($100). From Aguas, you then board a bus ($50 US round trip) up to the ruins that cover the 10 km of vertical switchbacks leading to the site’s main gate. Once there, another $25 US to enter the Machu Picchu site, with a specific time of entrance as well as areas permitted to visit, as a maximum of 4000 tourists are allowed each day. 4000 people times $400++ each per day, and Kha Ching!
My guess is that Pizzaro and the Conquistadors never pulled that kind of wealth from the place. On the other hand, the high cost of the visit also seemed to keep the riff-raft and nick-knacks that pollute other famous travel destinations to a bare minimum, which made for a memorable trip indeed. You get what you pay for. The advice is to read some history before the trip, don’t waste money hiring a site “guide,” and get in shape for the climbing.
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