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Visiting Machu Picchu? Read These Travel Tips

If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, here are some valuable tips to ensure you have an exceptional experience. You do not need to worry excessively about the logistics, as visiting Machu Picchu is quite straightforward, and its location in the heart of the Andes is surprisingly accessible.

We managed to organize our Machu Picchu Tours successfully just a few days before we arrived. It was a fortunate coincidence that we had a five-day gap between our travels from Ecuador to Mexico. Opting for the most budget-friendly flight option with a layover in Peru, we booked our tickets to Cusco, the historic Incan capital and the main gateway to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is renowned for being one of the world's most awe-inspiring ancient ruins, and witnessing the iconic Incan citadel in person is a dream come true. We consider ourselves fortunate to be among the relatively few people worldwide who have had the opportunity to visit this extraordinary site. While it is a popular destination, we have yet to encounter anyone with anything negative to say about their Machu Picchu experience.

Machu Picchu Tours

Best Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

Bring Your Passport to Machu Picchu

To secure your tickets for your Machu Picchu visit, it is essential to have your passport number ready. Additionally, make sure to carry your passport with you when you go to the site. At the entrance, gate agents will verify that your ticket's information, including your name and passport number, matches your identity, so please remember to bring it along!

Have Your Ticket Printed Before Visiting Machu Picchu

Once more, before you can enter Machu Picchu, gate agents will inspect your tickets. You must provide them with a physical copy of your ticket for entry.

You Can Get Your Passport Stamped While Visiting Machu Picchu

Another incentive for having your passport handy is to get it stamped! After leaving Machu Picchu, there is a small stand with a stamp and inkpad where you can commemorate your visit to one of the world's seven natural wonders.

I have heard that it costs just one sole to get your passport stamped, but I didn't witness anyone making a payment. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to carry a few soles with you just in case. We opted not to get the stamp since preserving space in our passports is important to us.

Purchase Your Tickets Before Visiting Machu Picchu

To ensure your visit to Machu Picchu goes smoothly, it's important to secure your tickets in advance. The daily allocation is limited to 2500 tickets, and during peak seasons, they tend to sell out quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase your tickets as soon as you confirm your plans to visit Machu Picchu.

While it is possible to acquire tickets in Cusco Peru upon your arrival or even in Aguas Caliente, the most accessible and convenient method is to make an online purchase. Please note that you will not be able to buy tickets at the gate.

A simple Google search will reveal numerous tour operators willing to assist you in acquiring tickets. However, the most cost-effective option is to purchase directly from the Ministry of Culture's website. We procured our tickets from this website, which may appear a bit outdated, but it is indeed the legitimate and most budget-friendly source.

Please be patient while using the website, as it may take some time to load. Also, make sure to switch the language to English if you are not proficient in Spanish.

What are the Hikes Around Machu Picchu?

The excitement continues even after you've marveled at the awe-inspiring Inca ruins. There are numerous hiking opportunities to fully enjoy your Machu Picchu experience.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu

The most sought-after trek is Huayna Picchu, often referred to as Wayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu is the mountain that prominently stands behind the iconic Inca ruins in every photograph. It has earned the moniker "the mountain of challenge" due to its extremely steep ascent and daunting staircases. Conquering Huayna Picchu is not for the faint of heart and should be undertaken by seasoned hikers.

Only 400 permits for ascending Huayna Picchu are allocated each day, and they are typically sold out well in advance. Unfortunately, as we made last-minute reservations, there was no chance of securing a Huayna Picchu tickets. These 400 permits are divided into two groups of 200, ensuring that visitors enter at staggered times. Tickets for Huayna Picchu can be obtained in conjunction with your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.

Montana Machu Picchu

If you are unable to secure tickets for Huayna Picchu but still wish to embark on a hike, consider Montana Machu Picchu (also known as Machu Picchu Mountain). There are 800 permits available daily for Machu Picchu Mountain, making it a more accessible option if you are making last-minute arrangements.

Machu Picchu Mountain is generally considered the less challenging of the two hikes, with wider trails and less steep staircases, although it is situated at a significantly higher elevation of 3082 meters above sea level.

The panoramic vistas from the summit are truly breathtaking, and our hike was thoroughly enjoyable. Both of us maintain a decent level of fitness, and while the hike presented challenges at certain points, it was by no means unbearable. Our ascent took approximately one hour and ten minutes, including pauses for photographs, and the descent required about 45 minutes. In total, we spent three hours on the mountain, including a leisurely lunch at the peak. These permits are available in conjunction with your Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

Sun Gate

The Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku, served as the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Among all the mentioned hikes, this is the least physically demanding, requiring approximately 3-4 hours for a round trip. Upon your entry into Machu Picchu, you'll encounter clear signage guiding you towards the Sun Gate. Notably, access to the Sun Gate is included with your Machu Picchu ticket, making it the only complimentary hiking option.

What Should You Pack Before Visiting Machu Picchu?

Be sure to pack in layers for your visit to Machu Picchu, as the mornings and evenings can be quite cool, while temperatures can soar when the sun is high during the day. Given the considerable amount of walking involved, it's wise to avoid arriving with only a sweater and no additional layers. You can find our comprehensive packing list for your trip to Peru below.

Do you Need a Guide for Visiting Machu Picchu?

We had come across recommendations suggesting that hiring a guide is essential for exploring Machu Picchu. However, it's important to note that while a guide can enhance your experience by providing insights and leading you through the site, it is not an absolute requirement.

If you find yourself desiring a guide but haven't pre-booked one, there's no need to fret. Upon your arrival at Machu Picchu, you'll encounter numerous guides waiting outside the entrance, ready to offer their services.

Choquequirao

Are There Bathrooms at Machu Picchu?

There are no restroom facilities available within Machu Picchu, so it's essential to make necessary preparations in advance. The closest restrooms are situated outside the gates and require a fee of two soles for access.

After reaching Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town, you'll need to make your way to Machu Picchu, which is situated approximately 600 meters above the town and the valley floor.

Bus Transportation to Machu Picchu

There are regular bus services that operate between Machu Picchu town and the archaeological site. The cost for a one-way bus ticket is $12 or 40 Soles per person, and the journey typically takes around 25 minutes to reach the top. It's important to note that this transportation option may seem relatively expensive, as it caters to tourists. The road is winding and can be quite bumpy, which might be uncomfortable for those prone to motion sickness. During the high season, be prepared for potentially long wait times to board the bus, with lines sometimes exceeding an hour.

However, on our second day of visiting Machu Picchu, we were pleasantly surprised to find no lines when boarding the bus, which might vary depending on the day and season. Bus services usually commence at 5:30 am. If you wish to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, ensure you catch the earliest bus at 5:30 am. Do keep in mind that this is one of the busiest times to take the bus, so be prepared to queue as early as 4:30 am.

Hiking to Machu Picchu

Alternatively, you have the option to hike up to Machu Picchu from the town. While the ascent can be steep, the stairs are well-maintained and spacious. The hike should take approximately one and a half hours. On our visit, we chose to have a more relaxed morning and took the bus up to Machu Picchu, saving our energy for the hike back down.

The descent, which we embarked on later, was quite enjoyable and only took us 45 minutes, though we were walking at a brisk New York pace. Hiking up or down from Machu Picchu is the cost-free alternative, but the physical demands may vary depending on your fitness level.

Trek to Machu Picchu

Treks to Machu Picchu
Trekking to Machu Picchu is a popular adventure for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Andes Mountains and explore the ancient Inca ruins. There are several trekking routes to Machu Picchu, with the most famous one being the Inca Trail. However, it's important to note that the Inca Trail requires a permit, and the number of permits issued each day is limited, so it's advisable to book your trek well in advance. Here are some of the most popular trekking options to Machu Picchu:

  1. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tours: The classic Inca Trail (Camino Inca) and most famous route to Machu Picchu. It typically takes 4 days and covers approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers). Along the way, you'll visit various Inca ruins and enjoy stunning views of the Andes. The trek ends at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), with a breathtaking sunrise view of Machu Picchu.

  2. Salkantay Trek: This alternative trek is known for its diverse landscapes, including high mountain passes, lush cloud forests, and hot springs. It usually takes 4-5 days and is less regulated than the Inca Trail. It's a great choice for those who want a slightly less crowded experience.

  3. Lares Trek: The Lares Trek takes you through traditional Andean villages, offering cultural insights along with beautiful scenery. It typically takes 3-4 days, and you'll have the opportunity to interact with local communities.

  4. Choquequirao Trek: This less-visited Inca site is often called the "sister city" of Machu Picchu. The trek to Choquequirao is challenging but rewarding, taking 4-5 days and offering stunning views of the Vilcabamba Range.

Machu Picchu Treks

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

The best time to visit Machu Picchu largely depends on your preferences and priorities. Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination in Peru, and the weather can vary throughout the year. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Dry Season (May to September): The dry season, which corresponds to the Southern Hemisphere's winter, is generally considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu. During these months, you can expect pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the site and the surrounding areas. May and September are excellent months as they are less crowded than the peak months of June, July, and August.
  2. Rainy Season (October to April): The rainy season, which corresponds to the Southern Hemisphere's summer, can be a more challenging time to visit Machu Picchu due to heavier rainfall. However, if you don't mind occasional showers and prefer fewer crowds, this can be a good time to visit. Just be prepared for wet conditions and be aware that some trails, such as the Inca Trail, may be closed or have limited availability.
  3. Shoulder Season (April and October): The shoulder seasons, just before or after the rainy season, can offer a compromise between weather and crowd levels. April and October provide a good balance, with milder weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak months.
  4. Crowds: The number of tourists at Machu Picchu peaks during the dry season, especially in June, July, and August. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season or early in the morning or late in the day to experience quieter moments at the site.
  5. Inca Trail Permits: If you plan to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, keep in mind that permits are limited, and they often sell out months in advance. Check the availability of permits for your desired travel dates.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on your preferences and priorities. Consider the weather, crowd levels, and your own travel schedule to choose the timing that suits you best. 

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