the viewing deck: Machu Picchu (2,430masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru March 01 to March 23, 2021

Cusco (Downtown, Sacred Valley Hike, Rainbow Mountain)

South America Day 35 (Peru's signature landmark): 16km hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Archeological Site to Hidrolectrica for 6 hours with 600m elevation gain. I consider Machu Picchu as the most rewarding to visit among the Seven Wonders. After completing the Seven Continents last 2019, another mission accomplished for all the Seven Wonders of the World ... Taj Mahal (2012), Great Wall (2013), Colesseum (2013), Petra (2014), Christ the Redeemer (2018) , Chichen Itza (2020) and Machu Picchu (2021)

MACHU PICCHU, PERU (Mar. 2021)

- train from Cusco to Aguas Caliente and bus from Aguas Caliente to Machu Picchu is expensive but time-saving and very convenient

- Entrance fee is S152 (42 USD), Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu mountains are closed

- I bought tickets on arrival in Aguas Caliente (Centro Cultural opens 5 am-8pm, beside Virgen del Carmen Church) as I'm not sure if the transportation and roads are ok. It was off peak also, we are only less than 10 visitors during the chosen schedule.

- If in case you are sure of the transportation you have, book your ticket online via this link https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/.

Day 34: Mar. 10, 2021 Wed / Cusco 5

0700H ETD Hostel; walk to Quillabamba terminal

0730H ETD Cusco; collective 40; breakfast 13

1200H ETD Santa Maria; collective 10

1300H ETD Santa Teresa; collective 5

1330H ETA Hidroelectrica; 11km hike

1630H ETA Aguas Calientes; walk to ticket office; Machu Picchu Walk-in Ticket 8-9am 152; Walk to Hostel; dinner 15

TOTAL: S152 (42 USD) + S83 (23 USD)

Day 35: Tue 11, 2021 Thu / Cusco 6

0530H ETD Aguas Calientes; 16km hike

0720H Machu Picchu Archeological Site

0900H ETD Machu Picchu Archeological Site; hike

1200H Hydro; lunch 10; collective 5

1300H ETD Santa Teresa; collective 10

1400H ETD Santa Maria; collective 40

1900H ETA Cusco; walk to hostel; dinner 15

TOTAL: S80 (22 USD)

1. This trip was almost canceled due to sudden transportation strike, some landslides on the main road and derailed train along the trail (between Hidrolectrica and Aguas Caliente).

2. Some travel agencies offer colectivo van direct transportation from Cusco to Hidrolectrica, this was my plan A. Unfortunately 5 minutes before the agreed pick-up, the trip was canceled because of that sudden transportation strike.

3. 16km hike from Aguas Caliente to Machu Picchu Archeological Site to Hidrolectrica for 6 hours with 600m elevation gain.

4. In my opinion, Machu Picchu is the hardest and most expensive and yet the most rewarding to visit among the Seven Wonders (of course if you hike it).

5. My last one to complete the Seven Wonders of the World.