How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu
If you love ancient ruins, mysteries, and impressive archaeological feats you must visit Machu Picchu! This travel guide will help you plan a trip to Machu Picchu, an absolute legendary bucket list destination in Peru.
Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous destination. It is rightfully one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is completely hidden from view from below in Aguas Calientes and surrounded by towering mountain peaks, which makes its exploration even more exciting. The energy is undeniably magical in the famous Inca citadel in the clouds!
Introduction to Machu Picchu’s Wonder
Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” carries an air of mysticism. Its purpose and function in ancient times is still debated. Was it a royal estate, a spiritual sanctuary, or an astronomical observatory? So many questions that make you go, hmm?!
I was blown away learning about the precision of its construction and alignment with celestial events. The stones are so perfectly cut and placed together that traditional mortar was not necessary and not even a piece of paper can fit between the stones. Also, the interlocking stone design was used to resist earthquakes which is a major reason why the structures are still standing today. All of which showcase the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge possessed by the Incas.
Importance of Proper Planning for a Memorable Trip
There are overwhelming options for tours, treks, and trains when planning a trip to Machu Picchu. Not to mention, an allure that attracts travelers from all over the world making it one of the most visited destinations world wide!
Securing entrance tickets well in advance is crucial as daily visitor quotas exist, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, arranging transportation, whether through the classic Inca Trail trek, alternative trekking routes, or train services, requires thoughtful consideration due to varying availability, travel times, and weather conditions.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to show up without tickets and plans, especially in peak travel season. By planning ahead, you can better navigate these considerations, ensuring you have the best visit possible. Let’s get into it.
How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu
There are two options to get to Machu Picchu; a stress free train ride or an exhilarating trek. Either way, Machu Picchu cannot be missed! Consider how much time you have available and what type of adventure you’d like to have.
Most people base themselves in Cusco before beginning the journey to Machu Picchu. From Cusco, the train and hiking treks will bring you to the small town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Aguas Calientes sits at the base of Machu Picchu mountain and is the gateway to visiting the ancient city. The only exception is the Inca trail, which will lead you right into the archeological site on trail through the Sun Gate.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu?
Peru is a year round destination, but it’s important to consider the wet/dry seasons when planning outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during Peru’s winter months from May to September. Winter is considered the dry season, which means less rain. Dry season is ideal for hiking and slightly cooler temperatures for sightseeing.
Peru’s summer months are December-March. Summer brings warmer weather and lush landscapes, but also a lot more rain.
Peak travel season for Machu Picchu is June to August. Be sure to book ahead if you know you are traveling during that time. I visited during May and experienced great weather and less crowds.
Booking Machu Picchu Entry Tickets
Planning in advance is essential because there are limited permits for the Inca trail and tickets to Machu Picchu are limited to 4,500 per day.
Purchasing tickets can be a little confusing because there are 5 different ticket options or routes available to chose from. The Machu Picchu site is divided into different circuits that visitors must follow. Consider the circuits as separate walking trails throughout the site. There are 5 different circuits to improve the flow of foot traffic and to help with conservation.
The circuit ticket you purchase will determine which areas of the site you are allowed to tour. Make sure to review all of the different circuit routes because you will not have access to everything, you must stick to the circuit tour that you purchased.
You can book tickets online through the official website and also learn more about the 5 different circuits and view maps.
Finally, if you book a hike to Machu Picchu, the tour company will manage all of the trekking and Machu Picchu tour logistics for you. This is extremely convenient and makes the entire process a breeze. The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the overall cost. All you have to do is book the trek and show up to enjoy the experience stress free!
How to Get To Aguas Calientes
Whether it’s a trek or train, these options cater to different preferences and fitness levels, allowing you to choose the most suitable route to reach Aguas Calientes in your journey to Machu Picchu.
Trekking Routes: Inca Trail Versus Alternative Treks
A trek to Machu Picchu is a real adventure that will immerse you in the culture and landscapes of Peru. If you are physically able, choosing to embark on a trek to Machu Picchu will enrich the entire experience. Where else can you hike through iconic archeological sites with incredible natural scenery?!
There are plentiful options for trekking to Machu Picchu with different lengths and routes. Consider what kind of experience you want to have and what fits your schedule.
The Inca Trail
The famous Inca Trail is the original pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu. It offers the special experience of walking on the same network of trails through ancient Inca ruins and original stone steps.
This challenging yet rewarding trek culminates with arriving at Machu Picchu on foot. It is the only trail that will lead you through the Sun Gate (considered the original entrance) directly into Machu Picchu.
In addition, hiking the Inca Trail supports the local Indigenous Quechua communities through the sale of trail permits and supporting many who work for the tour companies.
hike information
The classic Inca Trail is 26 miles on a 4 day/3 night hike and will take you upwards of 13,800 feet above seal level. A guide is required to hike the trail and the tour operator will generally supply camping equipment, porters to carry supplies, and all meals prepared by a chef. You also have options for group vs private tours as well as upgraded luxury tours, and a shorter 2 day trek.
There are only 500 permits for the Inca Trail available per day, and in high season they usually sell out months in advance! It is important to know that the Inca trail is closed during the entire month of February. If your dream is to hike the Inca Trail, plan accordingly and avoid the rainy season.
If you want the classic Inca experience, this is the trek for you!
The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is an alternative route to Machu Picchu. The trail is more remote taking a scenic route to the beautiful Laguna Humantay, over the Salkantay mountain pass, and through a cloud forest before reaching Aguas Calientes and ending with a tour of Machu Picchu.
Hike Information
The Salkantay Trek is considered more challenging than the Inca Trail because it is longer and climbs to a higher altitude. The classic 5 day/4 night trail is approximately 47 miles and reaches its highest point at 15,092 feet above seal level.
There are several options for the Salkantay Trek besides the classic 5 day route. Options include a short 4 day/3 night route, upgraded premium tours, private tours, and other trail combinations.
If you are up for a challenge and want a less busy trail with spectacular views culminating with visiting Machu Picchu, the Salkantay trek is for you!
Alternative Trekking Routes
Additionally, a few lesser known treks to Machu Picchu include the Lares trek and the Vilcabamba trek. For those who are up for the ultimate adventure, a few tour companies offer a combined 7 day route of the Salkantay + Inca Trail.
Traveling by Train
If you are under time constraints, physical limitations, or just want the relaxing route, a train will effortlessly take you from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
The train ride offers convenience and comfort and is an experience in itself. The scenic train ride travels through the beautiful Sacred Valley offering glimpses of Andean villages and the Urubamba River en route to Machu Picchu.
Train Options
There are two train company options; the Inca Rail and the Peru Rail. Both of these train companies offer several service classes for every type of traveler, such as economy, standard, premium, and luxury trains. Service runs from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back.
Both the Inca Rail and Peru Rail offer “bimodal service” from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, which means you will travel by bus and train. Each company offers private bus transportation departing near the Cusco city center for a 1.5-2 hour drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, which is approximately 1.5-2 hours. You will follow the same route in reverse to return to Cusco afterwards visiting Machu Picchu.
If you are starting your journey to Aguas Calientes from the Sacred Valley, the trip is even shorter and direct. You will board the train directly from Ollantaytambo train station.
For more information about train services and schedules, checkout Inca Rail and Peru Rail.
Of note, if you book a trek to Machu Picchu, the tour company will book the return train ticket for you as part of the package. If you are planning to visit independently, you will need to arrange transportation yourself and book your own train tickets.
Aguas Calientes: The True Gateway to Machu Picchu
The town of Aguas Calientes is a hub for tourists visiting Machu Picchu. The little mountain town has all the amenities travelers need; restaurants, hotels, hot springs, shops, and the bus & train stations.
Walking is the only way to get around this small town, but don’t fret if you have sore muscles and feet after a long trek, it only takes about 10 minutes to go from one side of town to the other.
Most people spend a night in Aguas Calientes either before or after touring Machu Picchu. It’s a great way to make the trip a little more leisurely. However, it is totally possible to do a full day trip from Cusco. If you choose to go that route, know that you will be on a very tight schedule.
Accommodations
Spending a night in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu will give you the advantage of being able to visit early in the morning and potentially be one of the first visitors through the entrance gates. It also means you don’t have to rush, you’re already there!
If you are traveling without a tour company, accommodation in Aguas Calientes should be booked beforehand as accommodations tend to fill up, considering the town’s popularity among visitors. There are many hotel options ranging from budget to bougie. If you are trekking with a tour company they will handle booking accommodations as part of the tour package.
If you are doing the Salkantay Trek like I did, you will spend your final night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. After camping for several days, it will feel so luxurious!
How to Get from Aguas Calientes to the Entrance of Machu Picchu
From Aguas Calientes you will need to plan how to get up to site. You can either book a 25 minute bus ride up steep switchbacks or opt for about an hour worth of stairs (1,600 to be exact) up the jungly mountainside to the entrance. Pick your poison!
Bus Service from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Bus tickets can be purchased at the Consettur bus ticket office in Aguas Calientes, open from 5am to 9pm. The first bus leaves at 5:30am and the last bus of the day departs for Machu Picchu at 3:30pm.
It is recommended to arrive at the bus station one hour prior to your Machu Picchu entrance ticket time. The lines can get long, but move quickly as busses depart every 15 minutes.
Taking the bus will allow you to arrive fresh and save energy for exploring the Inca ruins. After completing our trek to Machu Picchu, we enjoyed not having to exert ourselves anymore as we watched hikers ascend to the entrance looking red and immediately changing out of their sweat soaked shirts at 6am. We were very happy with our decision for a $24 round trip bus ticket.
Hiking up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes
The stairs are free and a unique experience to get to the entrance of Machu Picchu. It is said to take approximately 1-2 hours.
The first portion of the trail involves walking along the road from Aguas Calientes until you reach the stairs. From there, it’s a steep up with only the surrounding view of the forest. Occasionally you will have to cross the road as you make your way up the side of the mountain.
If you’re up for a final challenge, I’m sure the Inca stairs will not disappoint!
Machu Picchu Experience: Tour and Highlights
Machu Picchu History and Significance
The Inca Empire thrived in the Andean region for about a century. Revered for their highly sophisticated engineering skills, extensive transportation network of paths and roads (approximately 25,000 miles!), advanced agricultural techniques such as terrace farming, and profound knowledge of astronomy, the Incas left an indelible mark on history.
Their remarkable ability to harmonize with the environment and create monumental structures like Machu Picchu speaks volumes about their cultural depth and technological achievements that are still admired today.
Machu Picchu was constructed in the mid 1400s and inhabited for an estimated 100 years prior to abandonment. It was thrust into the world spotlight in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham after he was led to the site by local farmers.
Machu Picchu Highlights
Machu Picchu is much greater than a South America bucket list check off, as you will see…or shall I say feel when you tour the famous Inca citadel. Touring the ancient city you will learn about the Inca culture, history, architecture, and innovation that brought this city to life. And there will be many stops for pictures!
A few points of interest of the tour include the Watchman’s Hut, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, Intihuatana Rock, Sacred Rock, Royal Tomb, Inca Bridge, and the Sacred Plaza. Also, the agricultural terraces built straight into the cliffside are very impressive to look at as well. Make sure you take a moment to admire the surrounding Andes mountains, the entire setting is incredibly beautiful.
You can also add on a hike to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain for breathtaking views above the archeological site, but you must purchase the appropriate entrance ticket to do the additional hikes.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Visit to Machu Picchu
Ticket Regulations
Tickets to Machu Picchu are non-refundable and non-transferable. Remember to bring your passport or photo ID to show with your entrance ticket or you will be denied entry to Machu Picchu.
Circuits
Circuit 2 is the most popular route, offering the best classic viewpoints and access to the majority of the site. If it is your first visit to Machu Picchu, I recommend purchasing tickets for Circuit 1 or 2. These circuits go throughout the upper portion of the archaeological site and provide the classic Machu Picchu view.
Tour, Toilets, and Re-entry
It is important to know that all visitors must have a tour guide. The guided tour will last approximately 2 hours and you are allowed to visit the site for a maximum of 4 hours.
You will not be able to re-enter Machu Picchu after exiting the site. Make sure to use the toilets at the entrance, because once you are inside the ruins you will not have access to toilets! Be prepared to pay 2 soles for toilet use.
One Way Foot Traffic
Of note, the circuit paths are one way only. Visitors are not allowed to walk in the reverse flow of traffic. We were reprimanded by a whistle blower when we attempted to turn around on the trail to revisit a previous section. With this in mind, take your time and don’t rush because there is no going back.
Machu Picchu Stamp
Don’t forget to get your unofficial Machu Picchu tourist passport stamp on the way out! If you don’t want to stamp your passport, you can always stamp your ticket or some other memorabilia. You can find the table near the exit where you line up for the buses.
Altitude and Acclimatization
The altitude of Machu Picchu is 7,972 feet, which is lower elevation than the city of Cusco. Therefore, if you’ve spent a few days in Cusco prior to visiting Machu Picchu your body should acclimate well. However, there is still a chance you might feel the effects of altitude sickness. Be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and monitor for symptoms.
Rules on Photography
There are specific rules on photography to prevent obstructing pathways and compromising the overall experience for fellow visitors.
Selfie sticks, drones, and tripods are not allowed. If you have professional camera equipment, you must have a permit. However, they do not specify what they consider professional equipment.
Also, they do not allow overly staged or “creative” photography meaning do not bring props or change clothes for photos. Just act natural 🙃
Responsible Tourism Practices
Machu Picchu is at high risk for overtourism due to the delicate nature of the archaeological site and its world wide popularity. Responsible tourism practices ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit while preserving the sanctity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Familiarize yourself with Machu Picchu’s regulations and guidelines. Items such as large backpacks and purses (16x14x8 inches), umbrellas, heels, baby strollers, and metal tip hiking poles are prohibited. There are lockers near the entrance to store your items if needed. Also, don’t feed the animals roaming around the ruins.
I think it goes without saying, but remember that Machu Picchu is a sacred place and should be treated as such.
Final Thoughts on Machu Picchu
I’m still in awe of the beauty of Machu Picchu, the entire Inca site radiates wonder. My advice is to not rush the experience. Take time to enjoy the stillness and panoramic view of the surrounding mountains while absorbing the sacred energy. The magic of Machu Picchu will stay with you long after you leave Peru!
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