1.- HISTORICAL DETAILS OF INCA BRIDGE MACHU PICCHU
The incredible Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is one of the majestic stone structures created during the period of the Inca culture. The Inca Bridge Machu Picchu is part of the Inca road network also known as the Capaqñan where traditionally traveled to reach important archaeological centers or multifunctional cities. Its location shows you how strategic it was, since it is 20 meters at one end of the rocky mountain that has a very deep abyss next to it. It has an arch that joins the rocky mountain with the other end and is supported on carved stones. At first sight it denotes simplicity and at the same time functionality since it provides the access to visit the Inca citadel.
2.- A SAMPLE OF INCA ENGINEERING
“The Inca Bridge is one of the best examples of the ingenious Inca architecture in Machu Picchu, easily reached after walking approximately 20 minutes.”
However, throughout history the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu still lacks information about its function among historians and archaeologists who have spent years trying to learn more about the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu. Although many suggest that it was a control point as an access to the Inca citadel, others also mention the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu as a defense barrier, even a third group calls the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu as a ceremonial place. What is known is that the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu was kept closed for precautionary reasons, although at present the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu is open to visitors from all over the world.
3.- HOW TO ACCESS THE INCA BRIDGE TRAIL MACHU PICCHU
To get to visit the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu you must leave from Cusco, first to Ollantaytambo station there are many ways to get there:
- The first option is to do it with the bimodal bus service (train + bus) that leaves from Wanchaq train station in Cusco, there are schedules available throughout the day and the trip takes approximately 2 hours, this service leaves you at the same door of the train station of Ollantaytambo.
- The second option is to hire the private services of a transport (all included), for this we recommend you always get advice from one of our experienced designers, Auri Peru always seeks to customize your experience and you can take advantage of the road to enjoy the best natural viewpoints.
Arriving at Ollantaytambo you must board a tourist train (remember that there are options of categories, we can also help you with this) heading to Aguas Calientes, the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu is located in the upper part of this sector. Upon arrival, the train station in Aguas Calientes is very close to the bus station (5 minutes walking distance), after waiting in line you board a tourist bus that allows you to reach the control gate of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu where your guided experience begins. If you organized your trip properly you may have booked the entrance ticket with circuit 1, which allows you to access the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu (It is important to understand that this entrance ticket for the Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is a different type of entry to the traditional one).
After entering the citadel with the guide, you will ascend to the top where the terraces are, the entrance that goes down from the sun gate and to access the Machu Picchu mountain. However there is also a path to the left that allows us to continue to the control gate to access the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu, is a narrow path that will give you a light walk of 20 minutes to get into nature until you can reach the viewpoint of the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu on one side of the rocky mountain. It is simply a unique view that is worth contemplating and for all travelers who have been able to get to know the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu say it was one of their favorite places.
At the end of the tour and the visit in the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu you can return to the Inca citadel by the same way to continue your guided tour, during the rest of the tour the guide will give you historical and cultural information that you will understand in a better way thanks to the explanation that you will receive during your stay in the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu.
“If you don’t climb the mountain, you can never enjoy the scenery.” |
4.- INFORMATION ABOUT THE ENTRANCE TICKET FOR THE INCA BRIDGE AT MACHU PICCHU
It is important to know that in order to access the Inca citadel there are four defined circuits which contain different schedules, additionally there are special tickets which serve for visitors arriving from around the world to access special places such as Machu Picchu mountain, Huayna Picchu mountain and also for the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu. These can be linked directly to one of the four main circuits, in the case of the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu is linked directly to circuit 1 or 2, which allow you to access both the top of the Inca citadel and get the famous postcard photo and also to have the full tour of the citadel. Unlike other special tickets, this ticket that includes the visit to the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu has the same price as the regular circuits, you can see it better in the following chart:
UPDATED PRICES TO ENTER THE INCA BRIDGE INCA MACHU PICCHU | |||
FOREIGN TRAVELER | SPECIAL PRICE (PERUVIANS – CAN MEMBERS) | ||
Adult | s/ 152.00 soles | Adult | s/ 64.00 soles |
Student | s/ 77.00 soles | Student | s/ 32.00 soles |
Child (Between 3 – 17 years old) | s/70.00 soles | Child (Between 3 – 17 years old) | s/32.00 soles |
Under 3 years old | Free | Under 3 years old | Free |
In order to enter the Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu you must buy the entrance ticket in advance and it is currently possible to buy it on the Joinnus platform, however it is best to have the advice of a specialized travel agency. Keep in mind that there are seasons during the year where it is almost impossible to get an entrance ticket to the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu so it is important to plan your trip in advance, the clearest references of seasons are:
- High Season: This season is the favorite for many travelers to visit the Inca Bridge Machu Picchu and multiple destinations, this season starts from the month of May until the month of October, during this time the weather is more stable so the visits and experiences in tourist destinations are crowded, so it is important to book at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
- Low Season: It is the season of the year in which the weather is more changeable, there are more frequent rains and occasionally fog. However the advantage is that you can get a visit more free of travelers, as many people prefer to avoid the trip in this season and the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu is much freer, this season is from November to April.
5.- VISITING THE INCA BRIDGE
The Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu is considered as a moderate experience since from the starting point of the visit to the Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu the geography is flat, with no climbs except for the last point which is the viewpoint. However you must also consider that the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu is quite narrow so that almost all the time you will have a direct view of nature and the abyss that you will have next to it. Inside the Inca citadel and on the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu there are many precautions to ensure that there is no accident and are the tour guides who reinforce this information, so you should always take seriously the indications that are made before starting the guided tour.
The good side is that for visitors who can not walk much is also ideal, since the walk to visit the Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is not extensive, it takes about 20 minutes for each section and can be less time if you accelerate the pace, although you should always go carefully.
Now that you know a bit more about the Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu you just have to decide when you want to visit it. We are currently starting the best travel season in which the Inca Bridge Trail Machu Picchu is at its best. Take advantage of the time and start designing your next adventure with Auri Peru. We will be delighted assisting you every step of the way.
“You don’t need luck, you need to travel.”