Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
getting to Machu Piccu getting to Machu Piccu
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: nw england
Posts: 379
getting to Machu Piccu
how close is it possible to get to Machu Picchu on my moterbike ? is it possible to get any closer than Santa Teresa ? has anyone ever taken there bike along the rail track ?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Oct 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
We were there a monthish ago, I'm pretty sure you could ride from ST (we left the bikes there and walked to Agua Cal, 6 hrs) to the Hydroelectrica and leave the bike at the hostel there but there are guards there and I'd lay a large amount of money you ain't going up the trackside with your moto.
On the upside the walk along the track from the Hydroelectrica to Agua Cal. was great (3 hrs) that's if you like to walk? Propa Huckleberry Fin stuff just following the railway track through the jungle, weird as it sound it's been a highlight of my trip so far.

HTH
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Paraguay
Posts: 30
If you are solo on a smallish bike, I think you could make it all the way to Aguas Calientes via Santa Teresa, if you are willing to throw caution to the wind. 1st step is getting past the hydrolectric station guards and tourist police--a sign is posted prohibiting any vehicles along the train tracks. Then you have to cross a few small bridges, but it would be totally do-able. After that, I didn't pay much attention to places where you would store your bike ie hotel or park entrance.

However, like the other duder said, it is a pretty walk. But if you ride it, that would be badass and there might be cool places to explore around...

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Oct 2012
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Hi,

You can ride from Cuzco to Santa Teresa



i wild camped at the cross high above the city.



Then you can leave your bike at the entrance and put your luggage and helmet inside of the little container so the people will watch it for a little money. (I dont see a chance to get past all the check points and police people with a bike.) From Santa Teresa its about 7 km walk to Aqua Caliente where you can sleep and get the tickets and then its a 2 km very steep walk up the hill to Machu Picchu (i did all and back in one day)



Motorcycle trip through Peru - Machu Picchu - part 3
Have fun, Tobi
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Oct 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Not sure you're quite right Tobi with "From Santa Teresa its about 7 km walk to Aqua Caliente"!

From Santa Teresa (along the dirt road following the river) was a 2/3 hour walk and Hydro to Agua was 2/3 hours and me and Caf are half marathon runners/ mountain bikers!
Total for us was 5 hours and in think about 20 km.

Didn't want to see Kito head out on an hour walk with no water etc only to find he was still going 5+ hours later

Cheers
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: nw england
Posts: 379
thanks for that guys . ill try to ride to the hydroelc place . is the safe place to leave the bike there ?
ill let you know how that goes
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Oct 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
You can ride the dirt road following the river to Hydroelectrica no problem, the taxis us it.
There is a basic hostal there and some food stalls all next to the rail track, pretty sure they will let you leave it at the hostal for a few Sols.
The security/Police may look after it for you?
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Travelling
Posts: 32
Yep, it's 10KM along the train tracks from Hydro-electrica to Aguas Callientes (awful place), it says so on the KM markers as you walk along the train tracks.
it would be awesome to take your bike along the tracks, but I do remember a few bridges where you have to walk across the sleepers, which are spaced about 40Cm+ apart with no way to go around.

The walk from Santa Teresa took me and a friend about 3 or 4 hours from memory, and you get to go in a cool hand-powered cable car across the river at one point! (unless you take the long way and stick to the road, not as fun)
Not sure about leaving your bike in Hydroelectrica, there didn't seem to be much there but you can always ride out and ask, and if not just go back to Santa Teresa to wak from there.
__________________
For more silly comments like the one above, visit
www.makingituponamotorbike.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 42
Hi all,
We were also just at Machu Picchu about a month ago. Thought I would add there is a place to camp in Santa Teresa, called Genaro Moscosco la Torre
GPS: S13 07.903 W72 35.781 The owner there is super nice and will watch your bike/vehicle for 5 soles a day.

Also, the hike from Santa Teresa out to the hydroeletrica is a long boring hot slog. Not much shade and not much to look at. It's worth seeing if you can share a taxi with other travelers and saving yourself the extra few hours of hiking. Three of us took a taxi 30 Soles one way, but probably could have bartered for less. There were lots of little food stalls and a small hospedaje just past the hydroelectrica. I'm sure someone would let you park there for some change.

From the hydroelectrica to Aquas Calientes takes about 2 hours for fit hikers, 3ish if you are lazy and stop all the time to take photos (like us). As everyone else said, this is a beautiful hike through the jungle. Did I mention it's almost completely flat, and free.
__________________
Seattle to Argentina - Starting Oct 2011
www.LifeRemotely.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7
Bike storage in Cuzco
Hi. I am planning on visiting Machu Pichu and was wondering if there is anywhere in Cuzco that I can leave my bike???
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 42
There is a camping place just oustide of Cusco, up the hill near the ruins. We camped there for a few days. Lots of other big overlander vehicles. Many people park there and go to Machu Picchu and return in a few days. But know that this is the most expensive train ticket you can buy. I'm sure you could park your bike there for a small fee.

The place is called Quinta Lala. GPS: 13°30'20.56"S 71°59'7.87"W
Camping only, no rooms, but has hot showers, a small kitchen and bathroom.

It is a total pain to get here especially if you are in a car. Be prepared for you GPS to route up staircases.
Website for the campground: Campground Cusco, the one and only
More photos on our website: Peru Campgrounds and Hotels | Life Remotely
__________________
Seattle to Argentina - Starting Oct 2011
www.LifeRemotely.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ollyantatambo to Santa Teresa/Machu Pichu? Tshusband Route Planning 4 1 Aug 2012 16:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:06.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top