Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu Travel Forum

I am planning to spend with whole family some weeks in Ecuador next year. With my 12 years old son I would like to go to Machu Picchu. I wonder if in July/August it is dificult to find a budget hotel/hostal in Aguas Calientes as I do not want to book ahead.
I want to go to Cuzco (by plane from Ecuador???), spend there 2 days, then by train to Aguas Calientes, spend there a night and with the first bus tu Machu Picchu. When do the busses leave Aguas Calientes in the morning, and is it dificult to get tickets? Do 12 years olds have to pay entrance fee to MP?
A lot of quetions and I hope to get one or the other answer. Thanks.

I was in Cusco last July and waited very late to get a room. I was beginning to panic a little, but ended up staying at a very nice hostal in Cusco and got several offers from places with vacancies. It didn't appear that Aguas Calientes was very full, either. Getting train tickets to Macchu Picchu isn't too hard. I got mine the day before visiting, but was told it sometimes took a couple of days. The earlier you can make reservations, the better.

I eblieve the first bus leaves at 6:00 am from Aguas Calientes.

Hi,

I am also planning a trip to Machu Pichu in late July, and I had a lot of trouble trying to book a train. First of all, I was unable to book the backpacker train, so I got stuck with the Vistadome, which is more expensive. Also, all the hotels and hostals that I contacted had a higher price for July as it is high season, according to them.

Based on my experience, I recommend that you try to make reservations as soon as possible.

Good Luck!