Exploring Machu Picchu: A Travel Guide

Machu Picchu ranks high among the most aspired-to travel locations in the planet. Machu Picchu is alluring due to the many mysteries it conceals regarding the ancient Incan Empire. Inquisitive minds will discover a wealth of fascinating information regarding the Incans' scientific and religious pursuits, as well as the archeological significance of the city. 

Traveling to Machu Picchu is like taking a time machine back in time, but it also gives you a taste of Peruvian cuisine and culture. If you extend your stay, you may also visit other historical sites around the nation, such as the Nazca Valley, which is home to vast, mysterious images whose origins are still a mystery. In one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous countries in the world, you may enjoy some pisco sours to wash it all down, zesty ceviche, a rainbow-striped mountain, and a desert oasis that appears more like a painting than a real location.

Visit Machu Picchu at any time of year. While the official rainy season is from October to April, rain is possible at any time of year. Even though July and August are the busiest months, you can count on crowds any time of year. The site's daily visitation restriction is in addition to the free admission that residents of the Cusco province receive on Sundays, hence Sundays tend to be the busiest.

 Should I ask what time of day it is? Visiting Machu Picchu at any season is ideal. Nowadays, the place experiences constant crowding and weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Mornings are more likely to be foggy during the wet season. Fog may either destroy the view or give it an air of mystique, depending on your mood. There may be a little less crowd in the afternoons as day-trippers head back to Cusco from the train station.

Having altitude sickness ruin your day at Machu Picchu is the last thing anyone wants. The altitudes of Cusco (more than 11,000 feet) and Machu Picchu (almost 8,000 feet) are significantly higher than your starting point. If you want to prevent typical symptoms like nausea, headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, and shortness of breath, it's best to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. 

If your Machu Picchu itinerary does not include an overnight stay in Cusco, you should get on the train to Aguas Calientes (officially named Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town closest to Machu Picchu, as soon as you leave Cusco. Explore Machu Picchu before making your way back to Cusco after spending a night or two adjusting to the comparatively low elevation of Aguas Calientes, which is roughly 6,700 feet. There are other parts of the Sacred Valley to explore as well; this area is naturally lower in height than the neighboring mountains. To ease your body into the thinner air, it's best to drink plenty of water or coca tea and refrain from strenuous activity and alcohol as you acclimate.

You will need to fly into Lima, the capital of Peru, and then transfer to a flight to Cusco if Machu Picchu is your destination. The most direct route from Cusco to Machu Picchu is via Aguas Calientes, which may be reached by taking the train for 3.5 hours in each direction. The route follows the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley, with impressive canyon walls on each side of the rails. Keep in mind that the town of Poroy is actually home to the so-called Cusco rail station. Take a cab from downtown Cusco to the train station; it won't cost you much, but it will take at least an hour. Cusco traffic is notoriously bad, and the seemingly endless road construction just makes matters worse. 

Taking The Train 

The Inca Rail, the Peru Rail, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham train are the three options available. A beautiful train adorned with polished wood and brass will transport you to the Hiram Bingham service, where you will enjoy a lunch served on white tablecloths accompanied by wine. In comparison to Peru Rail and Inca Rail, which both provide comfortable rail travel on several types of trains (including ones with panoramic windows for an extra cost), it's also significantly more expensive. Make your train reservation well in advance, regardless of which one you choose. In certain months, tickets sell out weeks in advance. 

There is still hope even if the train tickets from Cusco sell out. If you can't get a ticket to Aguas Calientes on the one train that leaves from Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, try buying one from the other town. Between Ollantaytambo and Cusco, which takes slightly more than an hour each way, there is no shortage of taxis and minivans. Spend the night at Ollantaytambo if you have the luxury of time; the town and its archeological complex are home to numerous Incan-built streets and buildings that are still visible today. If you want to beat the tour buses and catch the dawn, you need to get to the spot early. 

Urubamba is a great place to spend the night if you're planning a day trip from Ollantaytambo. It's only a 20-minute drive away and is home to several boutique and luxury hotels, including Tambo del Inka, Sol y Luna, and Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, among many more.

Whether you're on a guided tour or exploring the site on your own, a guide is still necessary in Machu Picchu, regardless of whether you purchase your ticket in advance or not. Get one at the gate or reserve one in Aguas Calientes. 

The Peruvian government has instituted a five-circuit ticketing system at Machu Picchu in an effort to manage the overwhelming number of tourists. Adult tickets cost around $42 while students' and children's tickets cost $20. Advance ticket purchases are required. The number of available tickets on a certain day can be easily seen when you make your reservation online. When you arrive, pick one of the five circuits to complete. To prevent the site from being overwhelmed by users, more stringent measures have been implemented. Examine the circuits thoroughly to determine which landmarks they incorporate before making a reservation. 

An additional ticket is required to ascend Huayna Picchu (Circuit 4 + Wayna Picchu Mountain). Many hikers come for the breathtaking views of the Incan ruins below, but they should know that the trail can be narrow and steep in spots. You will be given the option to begin your ascent at any time between 7 and 10 in the morning. If you go at 10 in the morning, the clouds are more likely to have lifted. 

Alternatively, you can purchase an additional ticket (Macchupicchu Mountain + Circuit 3) and hope you have excellent knees to climb to the top of Machu Picchu. Stairs make up nearly the whole trail. Between the hours of 7 and 9, you will be given the option to begin your ascent. Walking the short distance to the Inca Bridge (Circuit 1 or 2 plus Inka Bridge) requires an additional ticket, even though it was previously available. The Incas constructed a treacherous path along a rock face; however, it is now closed. The journey to see it, which takes less than an hour total, is generally flat. A separate ticket is also available for the most recent route to Huchyu Picchu (Circuit 4 + Huchuypicchu Mountain), which is available as of 2021. You'll obtain a different view of the old city on this shorter and easier mountain trek.

Another option for getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu is to join a guided multi-day hike along the Inca Trail, which is a segment of one of the numerous Incan roadways constructed during the empire's expansion. Although the thought of this journey may be daunting, many of individuals complete it year. Hikes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are available from a wide variety of tour companies, and they range in length, difficulty, and camping requirements. Keep in mind that every year in February, the Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu is closed for maintenance. 

In order to provide their clients a more unique Peruvian experience, some tour companies combine visits to the famous site with other activities or less-traveled routes to other, equally stunning sites in the Andes. Luxury tour provider andBeyond provides multiple Machu Picchu itineraries, & the Inca Jungle Tour incorporates activities such as trekking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining into the journey. 

The village of Hydroelectrica, which is home to a hydroelectric plant, is also on the route that leads to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Machu Picchu may be reached after a three-hour ascent to Aguas Calientes. Private van tours along this route are available from a number of Cusco tour operators for either a day or two. The Lares area, Salkantay Mountain, and Choquequirao's second city are among the most traveled alternate routes. 

Salkantay Mountain 

Hikers seeking a less touristic or more diverse experience can choose from a number of different routes leading up to Machu Picchu. The second most popular route winds its way around Salkantay Mountain, which stands at 20,569 feet and is one of the most impressive peaks in the Peruvian Andes. While there are many tour companies that offer Salkantay Treks, one that stands out is Apus Peru. They are a respected Cusco tour company that focuses on responsible and sustainable tourism. If you're looking to challenge yourself on your way to Machu Picchu, they offer an express trek that cuts a day off the normal itinerary. 

Choquequirao 

A Choquequirao hike that includes an extension to Machu Picchu is a great option for anyone with an interest in archeology. Hiking the steep Apurimac Canyon and exploring the Choquequirao archeological site are part of this stunning but challenging itinerary. After that, you'll arrive in Aguas Calientes and have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu. 

Lares 

Before reaching Aguas Calientes to tour the citadel, the Lares Adventure from Peru's Mountain Lodges provides an excellent blend of Andean hiking and cultural encounters within Quechua settlements. While there are other tour operators who provide treks through the Lares region, this particular itinerary is unique in that it offers deluxe lodge accommodations and full service for the entire journey.

Even those who come to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail typically bring camping tents because there are no old Incan hotels to stay in. The nearest option is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, which provides easy access to the site. However, you will be somewhat distant from Aguas Calientes' food and shopping options, requiring either a grueling 90-minute descent down the mountain or a terrifying 30-minute drive. 

Where To Stay In Aguas Calientes 

You can choose between the chic Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, which is close to the train station, and the modern, boutique Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, which is near the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, if you're looking for a five-star experience in Aguas Calientes. Nativus Hostel, for example, offers private rooms at a rock-bottom price and is one of several inexpensive options for budget-conscious travelers. 

Where To Stay In Cusco 

Among Cusco's many large, full-service hotels, you'll find the elegant Palacio del Inka, a member of the Luxury Collection, as well as the museum-like JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, the 11-suite Inkaterra La Casona, and the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, both housed in 16th-century mansions. Consider El Mercado or the Atiq Boutique Hotel if you prefer a more modern boutique.

Just outside the entrance gates of Machu Picchu is a casual cafe and bar with a beautiful deck; nevertheless, the only sit-down restaurant option is the buffet lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. It's high-quality, but not cheap. Though, you can always bring your own lunch to eat at Machu Picchu, and then, upon returning to Aguas Calientes or Cusco, you may look forward to a celebration dinner. 

Where To Eat And Drink In Aguas Calientes 

Overall, Aguas Calientes isn't exactly a Peruvian culinary trailblazer. However, if you stroll down Av. Pachacutec, you'll come across several more low-key restaurants and pubs, some of which offer a variety of artisan beers made in Peru. The Inkaterra and Sumaq are two five-star hotels with restaurants that everyone can enjoy, not just guests. On a more low-key note, travelers love Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant for its selection of craft beers from around the nation and Restaurante Indio Feliz for its French-Peruvian cuisine. 

Where To Eat And Drink In Cusco 

Cusco is much bigger than Aguas Calientes, so you won't have any trouble finding excellent eateries there. Serving both international and Andean meals from an open kitchen, Cicciolina is a traditional tapas tavern that has the vibe of a neighborhood hangout. One chic spot to have some Cantonese food is Kion, part of the expanding Cusco Restaurants group. Subtle tastes abound, the ambiance is joyous, and the furnishings are classic Chinese. Peruvian celebrity chef Gaston Acurio, best known for his work at Astrid & Gastón, has opened his first Cusco restaurant, Chicha. In a bright and airy setting on the second level of a Colonial structure, diners may enjoy haute Andean cuisine such as alpaca carpaccio and quinoa with duck. Cholos pub, located close to the main plaza, serves up to twelve different Peruvian artisan beers every night after dinner. Their Peruvian owner, Rodrigo Cardenas, is an expert on every one of them.

Since you'll need to adhere to the schedule on your ticket in order to reach the citadel, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the city's top attractions before making a final decision. Two of the most significant are the Temple of the Sun, a magnificent example of Inca stonework, and the Sacred Stone, an astronomical clock that lines up with the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. 

The one and only restroom on the premises is located at the entrance, so bring some extra change (coins, small notes, etc.) with you. You should also have your passport on hand in case you need to use the restroom or grab some food at Machu Picchu, as you will also need it to enter the site. Keep your ticket safe; it will be required for re-entry. Getting the unique Machu Picchu stamp in your passport may seem like a bother, but you'll be grateful you brought it with you since there's a barely signposted station just outside the entrance gates. 

Both Aguas Calientes and Cusco provide a plethora of fascinating sights to see on the route to Machu Picchu. 

Things To Do In Aguas Calientes

The town's name comes from the hot springs that are accessible to visitors for a nominal charge. Additionally, the main market next to the train station is a great place to find gift shops. Although Machu Picchu takes center stage, the Mariposario de Machupicchu butterfly sanctuary is well worth a visit as well. 

Things To Do In Cusco 

Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because to its pre-Columbian architecture; a few days here will be well spent thanks to the city's charming cobblestone streets, excellent hotels, museums, and proximity to other archeological sites. The Incan temple-turned-Spanish church Coricancha (also written Koricancha or Qorikancha), the Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman, and the Cusco Cathedral are just a few of the many historic landmarks in Cusco that date back to the city's colonial era and beyond. Shop at the San Pedro Market, people-watch in the trendy San Blas area, and meander through the Plazas de Armas.

Tour operators such as Wheel the World have made it possible for wheelchair users to see the Peruvian wonder, having created the first wheelchair-accessible tour of Machu Picchu. The company offers specialized wheelchairs that can navigate the old city's many steps and difficult terrain; for more information, you can contact them.

Pack appropriately for mountain weather, whether you're planning a multi-day hike or a short in-and-out day excursion. Despite the sunny weather forecast, make sure to bring drink and a raincoat. Wearing a hat and enough of high-SPF sunscreen is a must in Peru due to the intense sun, which is exacerbated by the weakened ozone layer and the country's high elevation. Also, make sure you have mosquito repellent on hand. 

Machu Picchu strictly prohibits the use of drones, umbrellas, walking sticks, and hiking poles, so make sure to leave everything at home. Anyone bringing sticks or poles for mobility purposes is allowed to do so, provided that they have protective rubber tips on the ends.