1Likes
|
|
1 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: london, UK
Posts: 22
|
|
Route to Aguas Calientes, (Machu Picchu)
Hi there,
Im an australian motorcycle traveller currently in cusco and planning to explore the surrounding areas including machu picchu
I vaigely remember seeing a post a few months ago regarding reaching Aguas Calientes by motorcycle, either by riding alongside (or along) the train tracks from Olantaytambo or via an alternative route (goat track?) from Umasbamba?
has anyone done this recently, any info would be greatly appreciated
also need some tires/service while is cusco, any reccomendations?
many thanks
phill
|
3 Jul 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 219
|
|
Hi Phill
Hi Phill,
How´s the leg, and the steed?
Riding to Aquas Calientes? True, there was a post. If I remember it right you could ride somewhere close to the last stop of the Inca Trail, not Aguas Calientes. There are definetly no roads going and goat tracks are likely to involve steps as they are probably based on the two day Inca Trail running parralel to the railway (kind off)....
I would recommend riding to Ollyantaytambo and taking the train from there. The train is deadly slow (20 kph) but I guess it beats following a train on the tracks.
You might be able to stick your bike an a cargo train or in the cargo compartment if there is one.
Enjoy,
Jens and Kate
|
4 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Asuncion, Paraguay
Posts: 20
|
|
I went in December to Machu Pichu, my advice is ride till Ollantaytambo, leave the bike there. Ask for Alejo, he is a Chilean ex-biker who runs a posada/restaurant (Oka-tambo or something was the name), he store my bike for 2 days.
I recomend to take the 8PM train, is cheaper and you can wake up early next day to arrive MP before the tourist coming from Cusco arrive around 9.30.
Good luck!!
pd. If you met Alejo send my regards!
|
4 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oregon; Qroo, Mexico
Posts: 74
|
|
I walked from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes last year when the train wasn't running due to a landslide. I walked the tracks, which follow a river, and remember crossing over many tributary streams on bridges with huge gaps between the support logs... it would be really tough, not to mention dangerous, to get a bike across them.
|
4 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: london, UK
Posts: 22
|
|
hi there jens (and kate)
the bike is fine and the leg is getting better too, thanks for asking
how was the salar, etc
im in aguas calientes at the moment, just came down from machu picchu about 5 min ago
i ended up riding from ollataytambo in a large loop to hydro electrika, which is about 10klm past aguas calientes on the train line
after a quick chat with some railway workers i wobbled off down the tracks and got about 1/3 of the way to aguas before i got nabbed by some park ranger types and sent back to hydro electrika, where i spent the night and caught a train at 4.30 am to aguas and then MP
anyway, cant stay and chat, ive got a 10klm walk home tonight!
cheers
phill
|
5 Jul 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 219
|
|
Sounds like you found another "Australian" solution! Hope you enjoyed the walk.
The Salar was GREAT and so was the mine trip! Kate is a bit disappointed with you as she was waiting all night in your bed when we returned to Sucre - and there was no Phill!!! And I had to listen to hear complaints afterwards!!
We are back in Santiago now and arranging for Mario and Roberto to take care of the bikes. Unfortunately, it looks like Joe does not have the dosh to afford Kate's bike...
Never mind, we'll just wait for the market to improve in spring...
Jens
PS: Kate is upset for having been banished to the brackets....
|
5 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Ardning Austria
Posts: 132
|
|
There is a way where you can come from the back, i think Santa Theresa is the name a couple of km from Agua Calientes. The opposite side from Ollantaytambo, when i remember right!
To get there it is about 200km from Cuszco a long ride over a couple of passes on a dirt road!
If you have a good map look for the first place behind Agua Calientes, there you have to go! From there it is a 2 to 3 hours walk to Machu Pichu! First follow the railway and than you will hit the turn of to the site!
Check it out first again, because i did not do it on that way!
|
7 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
|
|
Sorry, but I have to say this - I'm fed up of posts from mc travellers from the world's richest countries looking to avoid the train fare - just stop being so ****ing cheap. The road to Aguas Calientes is closed to minimise regional impact and maximise tourist profit. Peru is a poor country and deserves taxes to maintain its heritage. Park up in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, take the train, pay the taxes. And keep the awesome splendour of Machu Pichu publically funded.
Chau, suerte, Dan Walsh (in Managua)
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
|
7 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: london, UK
Posts: 22
|
|
?????
easy tiger, looks like ive ruffled a few feathers there
the reason that i wanted to ride to machu picchu is because i enjoy riding my motorcycle, not because im too tight to pay for the train
if it makes you feel any better, i not only paid for the entry to machu picchu, but also the bus there and back, guess what?, i even had a bit of lunch and bought some souvenirs while i was there
looks like the awesome splendour of machu picchu is safe for the time being eh?
ps - the train service is owned by Orient Express, cant see too many locals sharing in the profits there
|
8 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
|
|
Hehehe. 'awesome splendour'. I really am a pompous *****.
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
|
17 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: london, UK
Posts: 22
|
|
dan, dont be too hard on yourself mate,
getting back to the original post, after walking back along the tracks back to hydro eletrika after a day at machu pichu, i had a chance to have a decent look at the tracks and the intermittant path next to it, and ive got to say that its not really worth it to try to ride along the tracks,
If the gaps between the sleepers dont get you, the the park rangers or an "unscheduled" train will
If anyone wants to do what i did, you can stay in very basic accomodaion at the house of victoria lopez (next to the train tracks, directly up the hill from hydro electrika train station, which is 15 minutes down the road from santa theresa)
cheers
phill
|
26 Jul 2006
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Manizales, Colombia
Posts: 32
|
|
I did it a couple months ago.
Hey matey, Juan again
I just did the route by bike to machu pichu. This post is not recent so, if you still want the details, i can give them to you, or anyone else. On the bike all the way to hidroelectrica in santa teresa, from where you walk along the railway tracks for 2 hrs to get to aguas calientes. Impossible to do the tracks on the bike, not only forbidden but technically impossible on a loaded bike, space between sleepers will ezasily accomodate a full tyre.
Cheers,
pajaro
__________________
Life is good!
|
31 Dec 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 24
|
|
Hey , I just did the ride to Hidro Electrica and left my bike at the last police station. Dropped the police officer a few soles to let me park it inside his gates while I walked to Aguas. The road over the pass from Ollytaytambo is under construction so there are some rough parts, but once you get to the valley floor its fine. Theres also a fun little bridge you can cross before Hidro, they are building a new bridge which will probably be done in a years time. Good ride around the back side.
|
6 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 70
|
|
March 2008 info update
I rode the trail last week after reading this post, and can add the following info:
The first 80km from Ollytantambo are paved, and the remaining gravel to Santa Maria is wide, flat and in good condition and pretty much the valley floor by then. It takes around 2 ½ hrs to get to Santa Maria. The single lane track along the mountainside to Santa Theresa could be a little slick if there was a lot of rain, but not enough to stop you going this way. 45-75mins Santa Maria to Santa Theresa. Santa Theresa sees a lot of foreign hikers passing through so has many hospedajes, restaurants etc where you could park your bike (and hot springs). I rode on to Hydra Elektrica and it was only because i said that i was parking my bike at Victoria Lopez`s house did the 3 different police checkpoints let me through, although after some hestitation from all of them. How Phil/Wicksy got to Victoria`s house the first time though i don`t know, as you`re not exactly inconspicous riding and crossing tracks to her house! First you have to ride along/alongside the tracks about 200m, then turn 150degrees right and cross over them to ride up the hill alongside the tracks or 100m, and then cross again and turn 150 degrees left and ride alongside or another 100m in a zig-zag fashion. Funny enough Victoria wasn`t there but her husband, Estefan, was, and he turned out to be the guy i shared a room with in Ollytantambo the night before! I came in late and he was already sleeping and so only spoke to him in the morning but couldn`t remember his name to ask or him in Hydro Elektrica.
The train goes in each direction 3 times per day and foreigners can catch it (Peru Rail) for 22.50 soles 1 way, if the hike to the mountain above Macchu Pichu has already taken the bulk of your energy. I agree on the riding part and say that you could only ride it if you had a plank to fill in the gaps of sleepers over bridges, but there are too many rail employees to stop you, and who knows when the train is coming because they don`t even keep to schedule. So if you`re happy to ride 3 ½ to 4 hrs from Ollytantambo to save some money, then do it as it isn`t difficult to ride around the back, just time consuming.
Also, i you are coming to Macchu Pichu area from the east of Peru/Huancayo you don`t have to go to Cuzco and then back NW, you could exit the east-west road in the town jsut south of Huancay (don`t recall name but locals knew shortcut) and ride directly north via Huancondo on a perfect gravel road which brings you out a few km east of Ollytantambo.
|
7 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
|
|
Apate and Simon have given great advice here. I like how Simon mentioned that you do not have to return to Cusco and can simply drive on continuing your trip after you backtrack a few miles from Hydro Electrica.
Do not ride any of this route in the dark. I made the mistake of doing the last hour to H.E. in the dark and nearly paid the price.
Once you are arriving to Hydro Electrica and cross the final bridge you will most likely think something is wrong because the road comes to an end. You have to drive straight up the hill over the first set of tracks (there may be a gate blocking entrance up the hill but you have to go around it). You drive up to the top of the hill where there is a second set of railroad tracks (the return line). Do not cross this set of tracks. If my memory is right it it easiest to turn left right before the tracks (you have to drive through the hedges) and go around the outer side of the metal fence for the power boosters. The police station is the first building behind the fence and they have a concrete pad behind the station where you can store your bike and lock it to a pole.
BTW: Do not try and ride the railroad tracks to Agua Calientes. It is only a 2 hour walk and the scenery is great. Riding the tracks is a suicide wish because of the bridges!
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
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. 11-15
- 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
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|