Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the planet, an abode of rich culture and heritage, witness to the greatest civilization of all time, today lies open to the skies, basking in sunlit glory, harbouring more than 3000 tourists per day. However, the problem lies in that the road to Machu Picchu is not one but many. In such a case, where there are so many alternatives, common sense propounds that you find the best one for yourself. Most of the paths are inconvenient in that they interrupt the thrill of a trekking trip with bus rides and train lines. However, this one path combines both to concoct a path that is one only for the desperate travellers.
The road begins at Cusco, which was the then capital of the Inca Empire. From Cusco to Santa Maria del Mar, a port city of Peru is a journey one needs to undertake by bus. There is a bus service on a daily basis, using which one will be able to reach the beautiful city of Santa Maria. The next step in the journey is to take a public transport to the hydroelectric plant of Santa Teresa, of the La Convencion district of Peru. Santa Teresa, the city is situated within 6.5 kilometres from Machu Picchu and you can already feel the cold air of Machu Picchu brush against your face.
The hydroelectric plant houses a railway station in its vicinity, which will take you directly to Aguas Calientes, or the town of Machu Picchu. However, a better option would be to follow the rail tracks and not get on the train, if you want a breath of nature and a feel of the place. Just following the rail tracks takes you directly to Aguas Calientes!!
Awaken the next day, and it is Machu Picchu day!! Greet the morning birds and venture out on a one hour uphill climb to the gates of Machu Picchu ruins that open at 6 A.M. Take in the breathtaking scenery and the exhilarating heritage, for as long as you want. Afterwards, you may take the road to Wayna Picchu, which is the sister of Machu Picchu, for their remarkable similarities. From here you get another wonderful postcard view of Machu Picchu.
After all this, when you are done, you count your steps back and go back the way you came, taking away all the memories you can.