La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel Review - Aquas Calientes

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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High expectations were soon dropped when I discovered the room I actually booked was not the room I got, despite paying the same price for it, and having mentioned this to reception after seeing my room, it was not the problem of the hotel, but rather the booking agent (booking.com) who incorrectly sells the room (apparently).

La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel is a basic hotel, and Aquas Calientes being a small town, any location would be a good location. Though it does have the advantage of being near the hot springs just up the hill.  Check-in was messy, despite having reservations and being picked up at the train station they processed those just off the street/walk-ins first (perhaps giving away my reserved room in the process), quoting the same price to all, which made me wonder how fair this process actually was.

I felt bitter but the room was actually decent enough to enjoy, with an outdoor balcony overlooking the alley below, small bathroom but nice hot shower, and very cosy bed.  Breakfasts starts at 5am with check-out at 9am, though I think breakfast should be served sooner, as the queue for the buses up to Machu Picchu are already long at 5am.

Wifi worked, it was clean, good size bedroom, comfy beds and outdoor space, it served its purpose for what most people will spend in Aquas Calientes, one night only.

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La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel - Booking.com

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PeruRail Vistadome to Machu Picchu Town

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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It is one of those journeys that getting there is part of the adventure, the PeruRail trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Town, or Aquas Calientes as it is better known, certainly is a feast for the eyes as you enter the tropical zone and into the jungles of the Andes.

There are a few options when booking your trip with PeruRail, I've opted for the Vistadome experience with panoramic windows, though the Expedition service appears to offer equal comfort, however you could always indulge in the Hiram Bingham - an exclusive luxury Orient Express service operated by PeruRail which even includes ticket entry and transportation into Machu Picchu.

Unfortunately the booking system does now allow to choose your seats, and though you may purchase more than two doesn't mean you will sit together. However most people are willing to swap around for a better arrangement. The only way of identifying if you have a window seat or not on PeruRail is as follows, even numbered seat are aisle seats and odd numbered seats are window.

Once on your way Peruvian flute music will broadcast into the rail cars as you watch the hills and mountains become more lush and green into the jungle. A light meal service of quinoa salad, potatoes and flavoured bread and butter with soft drink or tea/coffee, with alcohol for purchase on board. The outward journeys also includes an attempt to sell souvenirs such as hats and t-shirts and cd's of the music played. The return journey is different as it involves a fashion show of Peruvian materials as well as an insight and celebration of Peruvian legend, with goods offered for sale after the show.

PeruRail is comfortable and professional and is only a small part of the trip to get you to Machu Picchu  but the experience is highly enjoyable since views are breathtaking from almost any seat, which ultimately gets you there safely and on time.

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PeruRail

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Tickets to Macchu Picchu, the easy way to book in advance

Visitor numbers to Machu Picchu are restricted to 2500 people per day, even less if you want to explore Huaynapicchu or Machu Mountain with only 400 per day. Planning ahead and booking tickets is a complicated process as the official tickets are issued by the Peru Ministry of Culture only. The official website struggles to function, only reservations can be made online, and payment is due within 6 hours, something that cannot be completed on the official website, only locally through registered banks and tourist offices. After 6 hours the reservations are released.

I wanted to do both Macchu Picchu and Huaynapicchu I didn't want to wait for a last chance opportunity to visit. After many tries and research I found an excellent online service, Ticket-Machupicchu.com, that will buy the tickets on your behalf (for a small surcharge). Your required to provide the date your visiting along with your passport name and number, as this will be checked upon entry onto Machu Picchu. In fact, you need a entry ticket just to buy a ticket for the bus up to the site.

The booking process is easy and professional, they even have an online chat should you have any queries about ordering. Payment can be made online and you will be sent an email to track your order. It takes approximately 30 days to issue, but you will be informed by email along with a link to print your pass/entry - this can also be confirmed by checking your ticket with the official government website.

Relief. I'm going to Macchu Picchu and Huaynapicchu with a 7am time slot. Planning ahead ensures my entry. If your struggling to buy tickets Ticket-Machupicchu.com is the easy way to book your ticket in advance.

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Ticket-Machupicchu.com
Peru Ministry of Culture - Machu Picchu Official Reservations System Online

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