Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu: 7 Key Tips to Know Before You Go
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As someone who has planned a trip to Machu Picchu without ever having traveled to South America, I know how stressful and overwhelming it can be, so here are 7 vital things to know as you prepare to visit one of the world's most iconic wonders:
TIP #1 - ALTITUDE MATTERS: CUSCO VS. MACHU PICCHU
If you're heading to Machu Picchu, you'll most likely land in Cusco and use it as your base. However, Cusco is at a higher altitude (11,152 feet above sea level) compared to Machu Picchu (7,972 feet), so acclimating to the high altitude will be crucial for an enjoyable trip. I highly recommend giving yourself at least a day to adjust. Moreover, heading down to Machu Picchu right away could also help your body adapt to the higher altitude. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, get plenty of rest, and adjust your itinerary accordingly to accommodate less physically strenuous activities in the first couple of days of your trip.
TIP #2 - TICKETS AND TRANSPORTATION
If you're not hiking to Machu Picchu, you'll need to understand the ticket and transportation situation.
It's necessary to take two modes of transportation and purchase three different tickets to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco. Plan and book your tickets well in advance to ensure a seamless journey.
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: This is a must. Purchase your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu in advance. There are limited tickets available per day, and they often sell out, especially during peak seasons. You can buy these tickets online through the official government website or at designated offices in Cusco or Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu).
Train Tickets: You'll need transportation to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Trains run from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo, a town closer to Machu Picchu) to Aguas Calientes. Book your train tickets in advance as well, as they can also sell out, particularly the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham trains. There are two main train companies that offer service to Aguas Calientes, PeruRail and Inca Rail, and both offer different ticket options at similar price points, with one way tickets starting around $45 USD. However, while Inca Rail is technically newer, the trains and quality of service are more outdated than that of PeruRail. Furthermore, PeruRail offers a larger selection of departure times and cities, making it the more popular option.
Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Once in Aguas Calientes, you'll need a bus to take you up to the entrance of Machu Picchu (unless you would like to hike your way to the top). Bus tickets can be purchased in person at the station in Aguas Calientes and can even be bought the same day as your visit. In terms of a departure schedule, buses leave every 10 minutes to the Inca city starting at 5:30AM. However, the morning buses leave on a more frequent departure schedule (every 5 minutes) to accommodate the larger crowds. A one-way ticket will cost $12USD for foreigners, and a round-trip ticket will cost $24USD for foreigners.
Optional: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets: If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning views of the site, you'll need specific tickets that include access to this hike. These have limited availability and need to be booked in advance as well, so make sure that you select the option that includes Huayna Picchu when purchasing your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu online.
Make sure to check the official government websites for Machu Picchu ticketing and the respective train operators' sites to secure your tickets ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
TIP #3 - NO RESTROOMS IN MACHU PICCHU
For those who are always conscious of the bathroom situation when traveling (such as myself), take note: there are no restrooms inside Machu Picchu, except for the one at the entrance.
Using it requires a fee of 2 Peruvian Soles, which is approximately 50 cents, so make sure to carry some spare change during your trip!
TIP #4 - CIRCUITS AND PATHS
While pictures might make it look like a free-for-all, there are designated paths or circuits you must follow in Machu Picchu, and the circuit you can access may depend on the ticket you purchase. Since you may be limited to specific circuits that offer different experiences throughout Machu Picchu, pay attention to the type of ticket you book when planning your trip.
Circuits 3 and 4 explore the lower part of Machu Picchu, while circuits 1 and 2 go along the upper section. If you want to capture those quintessential Inca city views that you see all over social media, be sure to purchase the ticket that corresponds with Circuit 2, which is the circuit we took. In addition, it is important to know that all the circuits are one-way only, meaning that once you have passed a location or section, there is no way to return to it, so make sure you have all the photos and time you would like before moving on!
TIP #5 - GETTING THERE EARLY IS WORTH IT
If you take the bus at 7 a.m. from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, you'll likely experience a short wait of up to 10 minutes. However, if you arrive later and opt for the noon bus, be prepared for a wait exceeding an hour, not to mention the large crowds at the actual site.
To have the best experience, I highly recommend arriving at Aguas Calientes the night before so you can visit Machu Picchu early in the morning. Although visiting Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco is entirely possible, it will leave exhausted and you fighting crowds to see the sights and get a good picture, ruining the sacred atmosphere of Machu Picchu. We took the train the night before, stayed at the XXX hotel, which was a 5 minute walk from both the train station and the bus stop, had a delicious free breakfast, and was near several great cafes and restaurants. As a result, we were able to get to Machu Picchu early, enjoy the less site with fewer tourists, and be back in Aguas Calientes by lunchtime.
WHERE TO STAY IN AGUAS CALIENTES
TIP #6 - HUAYNA PICCHU: ADDITIONAL TICKET REQUIRED
The towering peak featured in all the social media photos is actually Huayna Picchu, which translates to "young mountain." If you want to hike it while at Machu Picchu, you'll need to purchase an additional ticket.
However, due to high demand and limited availability, these tickets sell months in advance, so planning ahead is essential.
TIP #7 - MACHU PICCHU IS BEST EXPERIENCED WITH A GUIDE
Visiting Machu Picchu involves a substantial amount of planning, so given the logistics involved with such a trip, booking yourself a tour is a worthwhile investment.
Speaking from personal experience, having a guide walk you through the Inca city and provide endless insights into its cultural and historical significance will enhance your visit considerably. We opted for a two-day tour through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Latin America, and it turned out to be the best decision we made!
Visiting Machu Picchu is an extraordinary adventure, but proper planning is key. Armed with these insights, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your journey to this incredible wonder of the world!
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Welcome to Points to Point Travel, your ultimate guide to unlocking the world of travel using points and miles. I'm Stacy, and my mission is to empower you with destination guides, insider travel tips, and strategies to maximize your credit card points, showing you countless ways to travel smarter and better!
