Machu Picchu – Travel Guide
Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel nestled in the Peruvian Andes, is renowned for its stunning architecture and breathtaking mountain scenery. Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved ruins, including the Sun Temple, Intihuatana stone, and the Room of the Three Windows. The site offers various trekking options, such as the famous Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the shorter Inca Jungle Trek, each providing unique perspectives of the journey to the citadel. The nearby town of Aguas Calientes serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, offering hot springs, local markets, and accommodations for travelers.
All about Machu Picchu
Getting around Machu Picchu
Expedition Train:
The most economical train service to Machu Picchu. The cars have air-conditioning, heating, and panoramic windows. The seats are upholstered with indigenous fabrics, adding a touch of local flavor, and they are configured two on each side of the train (four per row) facing each other, divided by snack tables. Snacks are served at an additional cost and additional storage space is available for backpacks.
Vistadome Train:
The Vistadome features large panoramic windows that allow you to enjoy the scenic landscapes and picturesque Andean villages, as you make your way to Machu Picchu. The 2-hour journey begins at Ollanta Station, in the Sacred Valley, and culminates at Aguas Calientes Station, where, after a 15-minute meandering bus ride you will find yourself at the entrance to the magnificent citadel- a breathtaking site regardless of how many times you may have seen it.
Hiram Bingham Train:
Round Trip from Cuzco only: The Hiram Bingham departs only from Poroy Train Station (20 minutes away from Cuzco), and provides the most leisurely and luxurious service to Machu Picchu. Brunch is served on board while travelers enjoy the spectacular scenery unfolding before them. Upon arrival, around 1.09 p.m., a short bus ride takes you to the entrance of the citadel. The return trip to Cuzco includes pre-dinner cocktails served in the bar car accompanied by live entertainment, followed by a 4-course dinner in the dining cars.
Machu Picchu FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Machu Picchu and Cuzco are served by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (IATA code CUZ). Located approximately 3.4 miles west of Cuzco and 45 miles from Machu Picchu. If you have not booked a private transfer with us then you have a few options.
For visitors who are spending the night in Cuzco, it is about a 20-minute ride to the city center. The airport shuttle services provide a safe and secure ride to your destination. Another option is to schedule a taxi through one of the following taxi Services: Official Cusco Taxi (tel. +51 958 705-156), or Cusco Transfers (tel. +51 958 705 156). Prices are inexpensive, expect to pay approximately S/30 (about $9.25 USD) to reach the Cuzco city center.
For those continuing on to Machu Picchu, take a taxi to the Perurail train station at Ollantaytambo and take the train to Machu Picchu (about $111 roundtrip). The taxi and train ride combined will take about 4 hours.
Is Machu Picchu a walking city?
Yes, the town of Machu Picchu is compact and walkable, and there are no vehicles apart from the buses to Machu Picchu and a few work vehicles. Walking is the only option for getting around Machu Picchu.
Is Machu Picchu dangerous? Are there certain areas I should avoid?
Machu Picchu is a safe city to visit. Although violent crimes are not common; theft, pickpocketing, smash-and-grab robberies and purse snatching are common crimes. Electronics (especially cell phones, laptops, cameras, GPS and tablet computers) are the most common targets for theft. Be aware of your surroundings in areas where crowds gather such as soccer matches, concerts and Mercado Centro for example. Where crowds are, there is likely to be pickpockets too.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for soles upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
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I don`t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?
The official language spoken in Machu Picchu is Spanish. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest you get a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Machu Picchu?
No, entry into Peru for U.S. Citizens does not require a tourist visa. The maximum period of stay granted by the authorities is 183 days.
Is the water safe to drink in Machu Picchu?
No, the water is not drinkable. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you wherever you travel. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase. To avoid illness, make sure you don`t eat any raw vegetables or salads that are washed in water.
What is the food like in Machu Picchu?
Peruvian food is among the most varied and some of the best in the world. The national dish of Peru is Ceviche, which is fish marinated and cooked in freshly squeezed lime juice. Other dishes you may want to try are causa, Lomo saltado, anticuchos, and cuy. Popular dessert items to try are a picarones, and suspiro de limena. The national drink of Peru is the Pisco sour, which is a sweet and sour cocktail made with Peruvian pisco (grape brandy) with key lime and simple syrup. If you want a soft drink, try out a Chicha Morada or an Inca Cola.
Are vaccinations required to visit Peru?
There are no mandatory vaccines for entry into Peru. Should you wish to visit the Amazon region of the country, the Ministry of Health recommends vaccinations against yellow fever.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The most popular time to visit Machu Picchu is between May and September with the highest volume of tourists between June and August. This time of year offers beautiful clear blue skies and mild temperatures. The wet season (typically falls between October and April) is when the climate of Machu Picchu becomes far more changeable, bringin the wettest weather during the month of January. Many travellers are convinced that there is no bad time to visit Machu Picchu.
How do I reserve tickets to climb Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu? Is it possible to climb both in one day?
Yes, you can climb both in one day. You should buy your tickets in advance to ensure you get the date and time you want (https://ticketmachupicchu.com). The number of climbers is limited and there are specific times of entry, Huayna Picchu is 2 1/2 – 3-hour climb, many of the steps are steep so it takes time. You can see Huayna Picchu and Sun Gate in one day. Sun Gate views are spectacular and no ticket required.
What are the Machu Picchu visit schedules?
The first available time to visit the Citadel start at 6 am until 12 pm. Visitors who enter the Citadel at 6 am can stay for 4 hours maximum when the first shift closes. If your ticket was validated for the 6 am visit and you do not show up until the 12 pm visit, your ticket is not valid. The second shift begins at 12 pm when visitors are allowed to stay at the citadel until 4 pm.
What are the Machu Picchu re-entrance restrictions?
The maximum visit time is 4 hours. It is forbidden to re-enter Machu Picchu after the allotted time. One exception to the rule may be getting permission from a park ranger to exit to use the bathroom. However, it is advisable to mention, before entering, the possibility of needing to use the bathroom for one of the controllers (a medical certificate may be required).
Top Attractions
Temple of the Condor
The Temple of the Condor was built to worship the `Apu Kuntur` (condor), which was one of the three sacred animals of the Inca culture.
Temple of the Three Windows
It has three windows that are perfectly embedded into the structure, they are also perfectly symmetrical to the surroundings.
Huayna Picchu
It is the large mountain that you can see behind Machu Picchu. There is a narrow winding path leading to the top where you can find some interesting Inca ruins.
Sun Gate
Intipunku, or `Sun Gate`, is an imposing stone gateway that serves as the main entrance to Machu Picchu and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Unique Experiences
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Visit Machu Picchu in 1 Day: A great day awaits us as we will visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu where we will have a guided tour for 2 hours and then you will have time to visit Machu Picchu on your own. Schedules may vary depending on the train ticket and entrance ticket.
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Machu Picchu (Day Trip): This small-group day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu gets you to and from the citadel with ease. Take a bus to Ollantaytambo where you board a train to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site.
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Machu Picchu Entry Tickets: Visit one of South America`s top destinations and enjoy hassle-free entry with this admission ticket to Machu Picchu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of the World was hidden in the depths of the jungles for years.
What to expect while traveling
