Machu Picchu is a world-famous Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. There are several ways to explore this historic site, including hiking the Inca Trail, taking a day trip from Cusco, or booking a multi-day tour that includes the Sacred Valley. Visitors must purchase a permit to enter Machu Picchu, and it’s important to book tours and permits well in advance as they can sell out quickly. Additionally, the high altitude and steep terrain can make Machu Picchu tours physically challenging, so it’s important to be prepared with proper gear and acclimatize to the altitude before starting any hikes.
Train: The most popular and convenient option is to take the train from Cusco or the nearby town of Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. Several train companies operate this route, including PeruRail and Inca Rail. It’s advisable to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Classic Inca Trail trek 4D/3N and Short Inca Trail 2D/1N: If you’re up for an adventurous hiking experience, you can embark on the classic Inca Trail trek. This multi-day hike takes you through stunning landscapes and ancient Inca ruins, culminating in the arrival at Machu Picchu. Permits are required for the Inca Trail, and it’s recommended to book with a licensed tour operator well in advance. https://www.peruhikers.com/
Alternative treks: If you prefer to explore other trekking options, there are alternative routes such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or the Inca Jungle Trek. These treks offer different landscapes and experiences while leading to Machu Picchu.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu largely depends on your personal preferences and what kind of experience you’re seeking. However, it’s important to note that Machu Picchu can be visited year-round. Here are some factors to consider:
Dry Season (May to October): This period is generally considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu. The weather is relatively dry and sunny, with cooler temperatures and clearer skies. The peak tourist season falls within this period, especially in June, July, and August. It’s advisable to book accommodations and tickets well in advance if you plan to visit during these months.
Shoulder Seasons (April and October): These transitional months offer a good balance between the dry and wet seasons. The weather is generally mild, and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak season. April and October can be good alternatives if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying relatively favorable weather.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on your preferences regarding weather, crowds, and the overall experience you desire.
The cost of visiting Machu Picchu can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of ticket, the time of year, and the services you choose. Here are some approximate costs for visiting Machu Picchu:
Entrance Ticket:
Standard adult ticket: The cost of a standard entrance ticket for an adult foreign visitor was around $60-$70 USD in 2021.
Discounts: Students with a valid ISIC card may receive a discount on the entrance fee.
Train Tickets:
Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo: The train is a popular way to reach Machu Picchu. The cost of train tickets varies depending on the class, service, and departure point. Prices can range from approximately $70 to $300 USD one way.
Bus from Aguas Calientes: After taking the train, you will need to take a bus from the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The cost is around $24 USD for a round trip.
Accommodation:
Aguas Calientes: If you plan to stay in the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) the night before your visit, hotel prices can range from budget options to luxury accommodations.
Guided Tours:
If you prefer a guided tour, the cost will vary depending on the duration, services, and size of the group. Guided tours can range from around $30 to $100 USD or more.
A typical visit to Machu Picchu can range from a half-day to a full-day experience. If you have more time available or are interested in additional activities, such as hiking or extended exploration, you may want to allocate more time. Alternatively, you can also consider shorter hikes such as the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain trails, both of which provide stunning viewpoints. Keep in mind that these hikes require additional time and planning. Ultimately, it’s important to plan according to your own preferences and travel constraints to make the most of your visit to this incredible archaeological site.
While it is not required to hire a guide to visit Machu Picchu, many visitors choose to do so to gain a deeper understanding of the site’s history and significance. Guides can also help visitors navigate the site and avoid the crowds.
Historical and Cultural Context: Machu Picchu is a remarkable archaeological site with a rich history and cultural significance. A knowledgeable guide can provide you with detailed information about the ruins, the Inca civilization, and the significance of various structures. They can bring the site to life by sharing stories and anecdotes that may not be readily available in guidebooks.
Machu Picchu is a vast site with numerous buildings and terraces. Exploring it without a guide may result in missing out on important features or not fully understanding the layout. A guide can help you navigate through the site, ensuring that you visit key areas and understand their purpose.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a guide depends on your personal preferences, budget, and level of interest in the history and culture of Machu Picchu. If you’re passionate about the site and want a more enriching experience, hiring a guide is highly recommended. However, if you prefer a more independent and self-guided exploration, you can still enjoy Machu Picchu without a guide by using guidebooks, audio guides, or doing your own research in advance.
When visiting Machu Picchu, there are several places you should explore. Here are some of the must-visit attractions within and near Machu Picchu:
Machu Picchu Citadel: This ancient Inca city is the main attraction. Explore the impressive ruins, including the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, and the Temple of the Three Windows. Don’t miss the iconic viewpoint for panoramic views of the site.
Huayna Picchu: This steep mountain peak towers above Machu Picchu. A hike to the top offers breathtaking views of the citadel and surrounding mountains. Note that access to Huayna Picchu requires a separate ticket and has limited availability.
Machu Picchu Mountain: This is taller than Huayna Picchu, with an elevation of about 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, the Urubamba River, and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu itself.
Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain requires a separate ticket from the entrance to the Machu Picchu ruins. The ascent is a challenging hike, with steep and narrow paths that can be physically demanding. The trail is well-maintained but involves a significant amount of stairs and uphill trekking.
Inca Bridge: A marvel of engineering, the Inca Bridge is a stone path built into a cliffside. It was once used as a secret entrance to Machu Picchu and offers a thrilling experience.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate): This ancient gateway marks the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. Hiking to the Sun Gate provides stunning views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains.
Remember to plan your visit in advance, as entry to Machu Picchu is regulated, and certain attractions like Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have limited availability.
Overall, climbing and exploring those places is a challenging and rewarding experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the magnificence of both nature and ancient Inca architecture in one remarkable journey.
The length of time you should stay in Cusco depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do in the area. Cusco is a city rich in history and culture, and it serves as a gateway to the famous Machu Picchu. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding how long to stay:
Cusco city exploration: Cusco itself has numerous attractions, including historic sites, museums, markets, and vibrant neighborhoods. You might want to spend a day or two exploring the city and immersing yourself in its culture.
Surrounding attractions: Cusco is surrounded by natural wonders and archaeological sites, such as the Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain. If you plan to visit these places, you should add extra days to your itinerary.
Considering the factors above, a recommended minimum stay in Cusco would be around four to five days. This duration allows you to explore the city, visit Machu Picchu, and possibly include some nearby attractions. However, if you have more time available, you can extend your stay to fully experience everything Cusco and its surroundings have to offer.
Cusco, Peru, is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is always important to exercise caution and take certain precautions while traveling to any destination. Here are a few tips to help ensure your safety in Cusco:
Stay vigilant: Keep an eye on your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Watch out for any suspicious activities or individuals.
Use reliable transportation: Opt for licensed taxis or arrange transportation through trusted sources. Avoid using unofficial or unmarked taxis to minimize the risk of scams or robberies.
Protect your belongings: Keep your valuables, such as passports, wallets, and electronic devices, secure at all times. It’s advisable to use a money belt or a secure bag to prevent pickpocketing incidents.
Be cautious at night: Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, particularly during the late hours. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas, and consider using transportation rather than walking alone at night.
Be aware of common scams: Like many tourist destinations, Cusco has its share of scams targeting unsuspecting visitors. Stay cautious of individuals offering unsolicited assistance, overly cheap tours, or deals that seem too good to be true.
The city of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, at an elevation of approximately 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) above sea level. It is situated in the Andes Mountains and is known for its rich history as the capital of the Inca Empire. The high elevation of Cusco can cause some visitors to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, so it’s important to take necessary precautions when traveling to the area.
In Cusco, Peru, the best place to exchange money would be at authorized currency exchange offices or banks. Here are a few recommended options:
When exchanging money, it’s important to compare rates and fees between different options. Additionally, always be cautious of street vendors or individuals offering currency exchange services on the street, as they may engage in illegal or fraudulent activities. Stick to reputable establishments to ensure a safe and fair exchange process.
For travelers short on time, a guided Cusco tour is the best way to take in the highlights of South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Group tours usually begin in the afternoon, visiting the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral. These two sites provide an introduction to the drama of Cusco’s history through its architecture, from the rise of the Inca Empire to its defeat by Spanish conquistadors and the building of a colonial city atop the ruins. Then drive into the countryside to see impressive archeological sites, including Sacsayhuaman.
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca as it’s known by locals, has become a popular hike in the Cusco region. It’s possible to visit Rainbow Mountain in one (very long) day from Cusco or you can divide the trip into a two-day itinerary. While the hike isn’t very difficult and doesn’t have many steep inclines, Vinicunca is in a high-elevation region (the highest part of the trail is 17,060 ft or 5,200 m) and you should spend time acclimating before starting the hike.
Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of the historic center and the Plaza de Armas. The Cusco airport code is CUZ. International travelers arriving in Peru almost always land in Lima, the country’s capital, and then take a 1.5-hour direct flight to Cusco. From the Cusco airport, you can also fly to other popular southern Peru destinations including Puerto Maldonado (Amazon), Puno (Lake Titicaca), and Arequipa.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is mild and there is less rainfall.
Altitude sickness: Cusco is located at a high altitude, so it’s important to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. This can include drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and allowing time to acclimate before engaging in strenuous activities.
Attractions: There are many attractions to see in and around Cusco, including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and the city’s historic center. It’s a good idea to research and plan your itinerary in advance.
Currency: The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol. It’s a good idea to exchange some money before arriving in Cusco, or withdraw from ATMs once you arrive.
Language: The official language of Peru is Spanish, but many people in Cusco also speak Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire. It’s helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases before traveling to Cusco.
Transportation: Cusco has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and taxis. However, if you plan to visit attractions outside of the city, you may want to consider booking a tour or hiring a private driver.
Food and drink: Cusco is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and rocoto relleno. It’s also a great place to try traditional Peruvian drinks such as pisco sour and chicha.
