If you enjoy travel I honestly believe that you should put Machu Picchu on your bucket list. Earlier this year I visited Peru and Chili and went to Machu Picchu. What I loved about Machu Picchu is that it is all that you see in the picture and the travel programs and more.
A lot of people travel to see Machu Picchu and because of this the authorities only allow 2000 people in at a time. The best time to see Machu Picchu is early in the morning as the sun begins to rise over the ruins.
There is a trick to getting included in the first batch of tourists of the day. When you go to Machu Picchu you will probably stay in Aguas Calientes which is a small town at the bottom of the mountain where Machu Picchu is situated. This is also where the trains stop.
Aguas Calientes is a total tourist town and exists for the tourists coming to Machu Picchu. There are some good restaurants and hotels but be aware it is more expensive than other places in Peru.
When you arrive in Aguas Calientes purchase a ticket for the bus to Machu Picchu. Its easy to do and there are signs for tickets all over the place. The next morning make sure that you are in the queue for the buses by at least 4.30 am. There are thirty buses that leave at 5.30am and if you miss them you will have to wait several hours for the next ones.
People queue for the buses in the main street and there are plenty of places open to get a bite to eat whilst waiting. When we were in the queue there was a festive air and a sense of excitement which was great. The buses leave prompt at 5.30 am and the organisation is good. Everything is ordered and there is no mad rush to get onto the nearest bus.
The bus ride is about 30 minutes up a narrow windy road and when you get there you will join a crowd all waiting to get in. Make sure that you have your passport and ticket handy to get in. when you do get in make way to a high point and then sit and watch as the sun rises over the mountains and reveals Machu Picchu. Its breathtaking.
You can hike to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes but make sure that you are ultra-fit. It a steep climb with lots and lots of steps.