Each year millions of visitors go to the impressive and intriguing Incan Citadel at Machu Picchu in Peru. However, getting to the huge landscaped terraces of agriculture, intricate stone structures and stunning views of the hills of Machu Picchu’s UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t inexpensive, and involves more complicated logistics than usual. This guide will help you get to Peru’s most renowned tourist destination.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is open year-round. The months of October through April are an official season of rain however, it is possible to rain anytime. The peak season is between July and August there will always be crowds. Sundays can be particularly busy, since that’s the day that those who reside in the Cusco province are permitted to enter the site free of charge in addition to the daily limit of 2,500 visitors who pay. From December 2020 the daily limit is now just 1116 tourists each day because of the coronavirus pandemic. 75 people will be granted access to the site each hour.
How to Acclimatize
The place you’re from is most likely to be a lot smaller in elevation than Cusco (11,000 feet) or Machu Picchu (just shy of 8000 feet). If you’ve not booked a trip for Machu Picchu that requires an overnight stay in Cusco and we suggest immediately traveling by train Cusco up to Aguas Calientes (officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town closest to Machu Picchu. Spend a few nights in acclimatizing to the small elevation in Aguas Calientes which is about 6,700 feet. You can then go exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. It is also possible to spend some your time within Cusco’s Sacred Valley, which, in nature, is lower in elevation than mountains surrounding it. This helps to reduce the uncomfortable or even deadly consequences of altitude sickness which typically result in headaches fatigue, nausea, and fatigue. Avoid drinking alcohol or physical exertion during the process of acclimatization and drink as much coca tea as you are able to aid your body in gradually adjust to the lower air.
The journey to Cusco up to Machu Picchu
The most convenient way to travel to Cusco in Peru to Machu Picchu is to take the train from Aguas Calientes. It’s a beautiful 3.5-hour journey in each direction along tracks that follow 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 actually is in the town nearby, Poroy. It’s a relatively inexpensive taxi ride, however, give you at least one hour to travel to Cusco’s central area Cusco up to train stations. The traffic in Cusco is often a nightmare and the seemingly endless road construction creates even more congestion.
The three companies to pick between: Inca Rail, Peru Rail as well as The Belmond Hiram Bingham train. The Hiram Bingham service is beautiful train with gleaming polished wood and brass. It also offers a tablecloth dinner along with wine on your way. It’s also costlier as compared to Inca Rail or Peru Rail as both provide comfortable travel on various types of trains, which include ones with windows that open to the sky for an additional cost.
Whatever train pick ensure you reserve your train the train as soon in advance as is possible. Tickets are often sold out weeks in advance in certain months.
* If tickets for trains from Cusco are all sold out There is still hope. You can purchase tickets to Aguas Calientes which starts from the town of Ollantaytambo located in the Sacred Valley, or vice reverse. Minivans and taxis between Ollantaytambo in Peru and Cusco (just under one hour per way) are available. If you’re able to spare the time make sure to stay overnight in Ollantaytambo to visit this town. It includes many Incan-built streets and structures, as 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 the tour buses.
* You can also choose to stay for the night in Urubamba which is just 20 minutes from Ollantaytambo and has an array of luxurious or boutique-style hotels.
Come and visit this website for more information on Machu Picchu tours from Cusco.
Machu Picchu Treks
Another method of getting to Cusco in Peru to Machu Picchu is to walk in a group of multi-day organized Machu Picchu treks. There are thousands of hikers who go towards Machu Picchu each year. Here’s how.
* The most popular method to reach Machu Picchu is along a portion that is part of many Incan roads that were constructed as the empire grew. A number of tour companies offer Inca Trail treks to Machu Picchu, with varying lengths and degrees of comfort (though each requires camping). Be aware that the Inca Trail that leads towards Machu Picchu is closed for the whole month of February to allow maintenance.
* For those looking for to have a more relaxed experience or want to explore and experience different aspects of Peru while traveling towards Machu Picchu, there are many trekking options which are the second most popular method of hiking towards Machu Picchu is around massive Salkantay Mountain, one of the most majestic peaks in the Peruvian Andes with a height of 20,569 feet. Numerous tour operators provide Salkantay treks.
For those interested in archaeology, look into the Choquequirao trek, which includes the Machu Picchu Extension. This route includes stunning (but extremely difficult) climbing 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 provides a fantastic combination of Andean trekking and cultural experiences within Quechua communities before arriving at Aguas Calientes for a tour of the citadel. Other tour companies also offer hikes in and around the 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 could also 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 before continuing up to Machu Picchu. A lot of tour operators offer this route in Cusco offer this trip 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 will be plenty of people waiting at the gate for visitors to Machu Picchu.) If you are booking the tour with an operator or hotel, tickets for entry should be included. In 2019, all entrance tickets are timed, which allows entry at the hour of your choosing, and you’re permitted to stay on site for up to 4 hours.
Bring: water and a rain jacket even if it seems like an amazing sunny day. Also, when it comes to sun, be aware it is the case that the ozone layer that covers Peru is weakened. This, in conjunction with the elevation that makes the sun very powerful here, so be sure to wear a hat and plenty of sunscreens with high SPF. Also, bring insect repellent. Also, keep a couple of one soles coins in your wallet. You’ll require them to get to the bathroom that is the only one at the entry point to the park. In order to use the bathroom or get food you’ll need to go through the gates. Therefore, carry your passport with you and keep your ticket. You’ll have to show both for re-entry into the citadel.
Do not bring drones umbrellas, strolling stick or trekking poles as they’re all banned in Machu Picchu. Tourists who require sticks or poles to get around are allowed to bring them in, but only with rubber tips that are protected at the ends.
Don’t forget just outside the gates to the entrance, you’ll find an unmarked station that you can purchase the original Machu Picchu stamp in your passport.
• Bus: could take a steep 90 minutes climb into the citadel, starting at Aguas Calientes, or travel by bus for 30 minutes. You’ll have to purchase your ticket at the ticket counter located in Aguas Calientes. However, you can do it at the time of your travel. Buses run each 15 minute or less, starting at 5:45 a.m. Then, the crowds begin to form prior to that. The lines for boarding will be lengthy for both ways.
Avoid the crowds when you reach the citadel, get away from the masses of people that are rushing towards the main structures, and go to The Guard House in the Guard House. It’s located slightly above the main area of the park, and there is usually less crowds when people are rushing to the middle to the center. Stop here for a stunning view of the citadel and find your way around.
* Morning? Afternoon? There’s no ideal time to go to Machu Picchu. Nowadays, the place is always crowded and the weather can be unpredictable. But, in the season of rain, mornings tend to be hazy. It depends on the mood you are in 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 Peak: You’ll require an extra ticket to ascend this peak on the mountain and it is necessary to reserve in advance as there is a small number of tickets available. The view from the top of the Incan ruin is an absolute highlight for many, but remember that some areas of this difficult trail are extremely steep and narrow. There’s a choice of starting the climb early, either at seven a.m. and 10 a.m. Start early, around 10 a.m. There’s more chance that clouds will have cleared by the time you arrive. (As of December 20, 2020, Huayna Picchu is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.)
* Machu Picchu Mountain peak: This needs a ticketand knees that are strong. The hike is almost entirely made of stairs. There’s a choice of beginning your climb at seven a.m. as well as 9:00 a.m. (As as of December 10, 2020, Machu Picchu Mountain peak is now closed due to Coronavirus pandemic.)
* Free hikes in the citadel: Although Huayna Picchu as well as Machu Picchu both require extra tickets, you is able to walk until the Sun Gate (about two hours for a round trip on a easy trail with a few steps) to enjoy stunning views of the whole area. There is also a short trek towards the Inca Bridge (less than an hour-long round trip on an almost plain trail) to see the trail’s precarious sections currently closed, that 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 have been closed due to the pandemic of coronavirus.)
* Guides Required to visit Machu Picchu, whether you’re traveling with an organized tour or on your own. Hire one at the gate or book a guide at Aguas Calientes.
• Stay for lunch The cafe is casual and bar that has a gorgeous deck right beyond the gates to the entry however, the breakfast buffet at Sanctuary Lodge may be the only option for a sit-down restaurant. It’s delicious, though expensive.
* Update on Coronavirus: Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your temperature will be measured when you’re over 100 degrees F it will be denied entry. allowed into the. Masks are required for all visitors and they must keep their feet six feet apart (2 meters) in all during the tour. 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 choices in the city including the classy Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo resort situated near railway stations, as well as the the sleek SUMAQ Machu Picchu Hotel, a small boutique hotel near the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain. There are plenty of budget-friendly options as super-budget hostels for backpackers.
* You could also stay just a few steps away from Machu Picchu at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge This provides easy access to Machu Picchu’s site, but you’ll be far from the restaurants and shops in Aguas Calientes (either a strenuous climb of 90 minutes down the mountain, or a terrifying 30 minute drive.)
Where to eat and drink in Aguas Calientes
In general, Aguas Calientes isn’t exactly at the forefront of Peruvian food. But stroll down the street of Av. Pachacutec and you’ll discover several low-key restaurants and bars, many of which serve the Peru’s expanding selection of craft beers. There are also top-quality restaurants in both luxury hotel that are open to guests who don’t have reservations.
Things to do Things to Do Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is named for the thermal springs that are located in the town which are open to the public at an affordable cost. There’s plenty of shopping for souvenirs at the huge market located close to the station. Although 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. Cusco’s pre-Columbian architecture has earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status, and its cobblestoned roads, excellent accommodation, museums and hotels close archaeological sites, and a relaxed environment make it worth spending at least a few days there.
Where to stay in Cusco
Cusco is home to many large, full-service hotels , including Inkaterra La Casona, an 11-suite hotel that was built in the 16th century mansion Belmond Hotel Monasterio in a former Jesuit seminary, the JW Marriott, a museum-like hotel El Convento Cusco; and the luxurious Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel. If a modern Boutique is more your thing Try El Mercado or Atiq Hotel Boutique.
What to Eat and drink in Cusco
* Cicciolina is a classic that looks and feels like an intimate hangout that serves international and Andean dishes from the kitchen that is open. The tapas bar is where you can choose from the tapas menu and the dining room menus.
* Kion is part of the expanding Cusco Restaurants group, is an elegant spot to take in Cantonese food. The interior is Chinese traditional, the food is delicate and the ambience is festive.
* Chicha is the first restaurant located in Cusco that was founded by Peruvian celebrity chef Gaston Acurio of Astrid y Gaston fame. The restaurant is situated on the second level of the Colonial building, Chicha serves up a fine Andean food (alpaca carpaccio, quinoa and duck) in a spacious bright, well-lit area.
* Cholos pub, which is located close to Plaza Main, stocks about a dozen Peruvian craft beers on tap . The Peruvian proprietor Rodrigo Cardenas is passionate and experienced about them all.
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. Explore the streets of the trendy San Blas neighborhood, people-watch on the Plazas de Armas, and browse the San Pedro Market.