Each year millions go to the impressive and obscure Incan Citadel at Machu Picchu in Peru. But getting to the vast landscaped terraces of agriculture, intricate stone structures and stunning views of the hills of the UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t affordable, and requires more complicated logistics than usual. This guide will help you get to Peru’s most renowned place.
When should you go to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is open year-round. The months of October through April are officially the rainy season however it can rain anytime. While the peak time is between July and August, there will always be crowds. Sundays are often the most busy, since that’s the day that those who reside in the Cusco province are permitted to enter the site free of charge as well as the daily limit of 2,500 visitors who pay. From December 2020 the daily quota was reduced to 1,116 visitors each day because of the coronavirus epidemic; 75 people will be granted admission to the site every hour.
How to Acclimatize
The place you’re from is most likely to be a lot smaller that Cusco (11,000 feet) or Machu Picchu (just shy of 8000 feet). If you’ve booked a tour for Machu Picchu that requires an overnight stay in Cusco We recommend getting the train that runs from Cusco towards Aguas Calientes (officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town closest to Machu Picchu. Spend a few nights familiarizing yourself with the lower elevations of Aguas Calientes which is about 6,700 feet. Then, you can explore Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. There is also the option of spending time within Cusco’s Sacred Valley, which, in nature, is lower in elevation than mountains surrounding it. This can help reduce the negative or even harmful consequences of altitude sickness which typically result in headaches nausea, fatigue, and headache. Avoid physical and alcohol-based exercise during the process of acclimatization and drink as much coca tea as you can to aid your body in gradually adjust to the lower air.
The journey From Cusco up to Machu Picchu
The simplest way to travel to Cusco from Cusco to Machu Picchu is to take the train from Aguas Calientes. It’s a beautiful 3.5-hour journey each way on tracks that flow right along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley which is a dramatic canyon with impressive walls along both sides.
Tips for trains:
* The”official” Cusco train station is actually located in the town nearby, Poroy. It’s a relatively inexpensive taxi ride, but allow you at least one hour to travel to Cusco’s central area Cusco up to train stations. The traffic in Cusco can be a nightmare, and seemingly never-ending road maintenance can make things even more crowded.
The three companies you can choose between: Inca Rail, Peru Rail along with Belmond Hiram Bingham. Belmond Hiram Bingham train. The Hiram Bingham service is beautiful train with gleaming brass and polished wood . It comes with a white tablecloth lunch and wine throughout your trip. It’s also costlier as compared to Inca Rail or Peru Rail and both offer comfortable travel on various kinds of trains, including those with panoramic windows , for an additional cost.
If you are taking whichever train pick make sure you book your tickets early as you can. Tickets are sold out weeks in advance in certain months.
* If train tickets to Cusco are not available there is no need to worry about it. You can purchase tickets to Aguas Calientes which starts from the town of Ollantaytambo located in the Sacred Valley, or vice to the other direction. Minivans and taxis between Ollantaytambo in Peru and Cusco (just about 1 hour one way) are available. If you’re able to spare the time you can plan an overnight stay in Ollantaytambo to visit this town. It has many streets built by the Incans and structures, as well as the archeological site of the identical name. Start as early as you can at the site in order to take advantage of sunrise and beat tour buses.
* You could also opt to stay for the night in Urubamba just 20 minutes away from Ollantaytambo and has many luxurious or boutique-style hotels.
Machu Picchu Treks
Another method of getting to Machu Picchu tours from Cusco is to walk in a group of multi-day organized Machu Picchu treks. Many hikers trek towards Machu Picchu each year. Here’s how.
* The most popular method of hiking to Machu Picchu is along a portion from one of many Incan roads that were constructed as the empire grew. Numerous tour operators offer Inca Trail hikes that lead to Machu Picchu, with varying lengths and comfort levels (though each requires camping). It is important to note that the Inca Trail that leads up to Machu Picchu is closed for the whole month of February to ensure maintenance.
* For those looking for an experience that is less crowded, or want to explore and experience different aspects of Peru while traveling towards Machu Picchu, there are numerous options for hiking The second most sought-after method of hiking up to Machu Picchu is around massive Salkantay Mountain, one of the most majestic peaks in the Peruvian Andes with a height of 20,569 feet. Many tour operators have Salkantay Treks available.
For those interested in archaeology, think about the Choquequirao trek, which includes an Machu Picchu expansion. This route includes stunning (but extremely tough) trekking through The steep Apurimac Canyon and a tour of Choquequirao. Choquequirao archaeological site prior to getting to Aguas Calientes. Then, you can explore Machu Picchu.
*The Lares Adventure from Mountain Lodges of Peru is a wonderful combination of Andean trekking and cultural excursions within Quechua communities before arriving at Aguas Calientes to visit the citadel. Other tour operators offer excursions through this Lares region, but this one offers luxury accommodations in their lodges, and complete service throughout the journey.
The Inca Jungle Tour combines hiking cycling, rafting, biking and zip-lining along the way towards Machu Picchu.
* You can travel by car (most part of the route) towards Machu Picchu from Cusco to the town of Hydroelectrica (there’s a hydroelectric power plant in the town). From there, it’s a 3 hour hike to Aguas Calientes, and then towards Machu Picchu. Numerous tour operators are in Cusco offer this trek for a single or two-day excursion by private vans.
Machu Picchu Tips for Visitors to Machu Picchu
Tickets for entry If you’re going on your own and want to purchase an individual Machu Picchu entrance tickets here however, you must remember that you’ll have to employ an local guide prior to getting into the park. (There are plenty of guides waiting at the gate for visitors to Machu Picchu.) If you’re booking the tour via an operator or hotel, entry tickets must be included. Since 2019, all entrance tickets are timed, which allows access at the hour and you’re permitted to stay on the premises for up to 4 hours.
Bring water and a raincoat, even if it appears to be an amazing sunny day. In the case of sun, be aware it is the case that the ozone layer that covers Peru is weakened. This, along with the elevation of the sun, makes it extremely intense here. Therefore, wear a hat and plenty of sunscreens with high SPF. Also, bring insect repellent. Also, keep a couple of one soles coins in your pockets. You’ll require them to get to the bathroom that is the only one at the entry point to the location. In order to use the bathroom or get food you’ll need to go through the gates. Therefore, carry your passport along with your ticket. Both must be presented for re-entry into the citadel.
Don’t bring: drones umbrellas, walking stick or trekking poles as they’re all banned in Machu Picchu. People who need sticks or poles to get around can bring them in only with rubber tips that are protected on the ends.
Don’t forget just outside the gate to the entrance, there’s an unmarked station where you can obtain the original Machu Picchu stamp in your passport.
• Bus: could take a steep 90 minutes climb towards the citadel starting from Aguas Calientes or go on a bus trip that takes 30 minutes. You’ll have to purchase your ticket at the ticket counter located in Aguas Calientes. However, you can do it during the day of your trip. Buses are operating at intervals of 15 to 20 minutes beginning at 5:45 a.m. Then, the crowds begin to form prior to that. The lines for boarding will be lengthy and both in the direction of.
Get rid of the crowds: Once you reach the citadel, get away from the crowds that are that are rushing towards the main structures, and go to The Guard House in the Guard House. It’s a small area above the main area of the park, and it’s typically less crowded in the rush of people towards the center to the center. Stop here for a stunning view of the citadel as well as to find your way around.
* Morning? Afternoon? There’s no ideal time to go to Machu Picchu. Nowadays, the place is packed at all times and the weather can be unpredictable. But, in the season of rain, mornings can be cloudy. Based on your mood fog can ruin the view or gives an element of mystery to it. The afternoons are generally less crowded when day-trippers head back in the direction of the railway station to begin their return trip to Cusco.
* Huayna Picchu peak You’ll require an extra ticket to ascend this peak on the mountain and you must make reservations in advance since there’s a limit of tickets available. The view from the top of the Incan ruin is an absolute highlight for many people, but you should be aware that certain sections of this strenuous hike are extremely long and steep. You’ll be able to choose between beginning your hike early, either at seven a.m. as well as 10 a.m. Begin early, around 10 a.m. and there’s more chance that clouds will have cleared by the time you arrive. (As as of December 2020, Huayna Picchu is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.)
* Machu Picchu Mountain peak: It also needs a ticketas well as knees with good strength. The path is almost exclusively made of stairs. You can choose between beginning your climb around seven a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (As as of December 10, 2020, Machu Picchu Mountain peak is currently closed due to the coronavirus epidemic.)
* Free hikes in the citadel: Although Huayna Picchu as well as Machu Picchu both require extra tickets, you can hike up until the Sun Gate (about two hours around on a easy trail with a few steps) to enjoy stunning views of the whole area. It is also possible to make the short trek up to the Inca Bridge (less than an hour-long round trip on the mostly plain trail) to explore the trail’s precarious sections that is now closed. is a part of the trail that the Incas constructed along the rock face. (As as of December 10, 2020, both the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge are both closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.)
* Guides guides are required to visit Machu Picchu, whether you’re traveling with an organized excursion or travelling on your own. Hire one at the gate or book a guide at Aguas Calientes.
• Stay for lunch There’s a casual café and bar that has a gorgeous deck that is located just beyond the gates to the entry The Buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge is the only option for a sit-down restaurant. It’s delicious, though it’s expensive.
* Coronavirus update: On arrival at Machu Picchu, your temperature will be checked when you’re over 100 degrees F then you won’t be permitted to enter. Masks are required for all visitors and they must keep their feet six feet apart (2 meters) in all at all times. Tour groups can only accommodate eight participants and must stay separated by 66 feet (20 millimeters) with other tours.
Aguas Calientes Travel Tips
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes
For a luxurious stay there are two primary alternatives in town including the classy Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo resort situated near railway stations, as well as the the sleek SUMAQ Machu Picchu Hotel, a luxury hotel located near the base of Machu Picchu Mountain. However, there are many middle-priced options as super-budget hostels for backpackers.
* You could also stay just a few steps away from Machu Picchu at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge that allows you to easily access Machu Picchu’s site, but you’ll be far from the shopping and dining in Aguas Calientes (either an exhausting 90 minutes climb down the mountain or a strenuous 30 minute drive.)
Where to eat and drink in Aguas Calientes
Overall, Aguas Calientes isn’t exactly at the forefront of Peruvian food. However, walk down the street of Av. Pachacutec and you’ll discover numerous low-key eateries and bars, some of which offer an array of Peru’s growing variety of craft beer. There are also restaurants of a high-end standard within both luxury hotel which are accessible to non-guests.
Things to do Things to Do Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is named for the thermal springs that are located in the town that are accessible to the public at an affordable cost. There’s plenty of shopping for souvenirs in the main market that is located near the station. Even though Machu Picchu is the main tourist attraction you’ll also want to check out Machupicchu’s Mariposario de Machupicchu butterfly sanctuary.
Cusco Travel Tips
Don’t skip Cusco. The pre-Columbian structures have earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status, as well as its cobblestoned streets. excellent accommodations, museum, archaeological sites, and a relaxed ambience make it worthwhile to spend at least a few days in Cusco.
Where to stay in Cusco
Cusco is home to many large, full-service hotels , including Inkaterra La Casona, an 11-suite hotel located in a 16th century mansion Belmond Hotel Monasterio in a former Jesuit seminary, the JW Marriott’s museum-like El Convento Cusco; and the grand Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel. If a boutique-style Boutique is more your thing then try El Mercado or Atiq Hotel Boutique.
What to Eat and drink in Cusco
* Cicciolina is a classic that looks and feels like a neighborhood hangout, serving international and Andean dishes from this open-air kitchen. The tapas bar is where you can select from the tapas and dining menus.
* Kion The restaurant, part of the growing Cusco Restaurants group, is an elegant spot to have a taste of Cantonese food. The interior is Chinese classic, the flavors are delicate and the ambience is festive.
* Chicha is the first restaurant located in Cusco originated by Peruvian famous chef Gaston Acurio of Astrid y Gaston fame. The restaurant is situated on the second level of an Colonial structure, the restaurant serves a high-end Andean food (alpaca carpaccio and quinoa, as well as duck) in a light bright, well-lit area.
* Cholos pub, which is located close to in the plaza’s main entrance, stocks about a dozen Peruvian craft beers available on tap. Peruvian patron Rodrigo Cardenas is passionate and well-versed in all of them.
What to do in Cusco
Cusco is filled with historic sites both from the Incan and colonial times: don’t miss the impressive Coricancha (also spelled Koricancha or Qorikancha), an Incan temple-turned-Spanish church; the Sacsayhuaman Incan ruins; and the Cusco Cathedral. Take a stroll through the trendy San Blas neighborhood, people-watch on the Plazas de Armas, and shop at the San Pedro Market.
