HOW TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU | The Ultimate Travel Guide - Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Summary

This travel guide offers an in-depth look at planning a trip to the iconic Machu Picchu. Starting with a flight to Cusco, Peru, the script details the journey to the ancient Incan city, including acclimating to the high altitude, choosing train options, and staying in Aguas Calientes. It covers the essential steps of buying Machu Picchu tickets, navigating the site, and the best times to visit. The guide also provides tips on what to bring, the hiking options, and the return journey, ensuring viewers are well-prepared for their adventure.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Machu Picchu is a must-visit location, known as the lost city of the Incan Empire and a wonder of the world.
• ✈️ To reach Machu Picchu, start with a flight to Cusco, Peru, with a likely layover in Lima, and then take a flight to Cusco which takes about an hour and a half.
• 🏙️ Cusco is a city worth exploring with many attractions and a rich cultural experience, including local foods and restaurants.
• 🚂 From Cusco, take a train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), choosing between Peru Rail and Inca Rail, with tickets best purchased in advance.
• 🚌 An alternative to the train is taking a Colectivo bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then to Aguas Calientes, which might save time and money.
• 🏔️ Altitude sickness is a concern due to Cusco's high elevation, so it's advised to acclimate for a day or two before heading to Machu Picchu by drinking water or chewing coca leaves.
• 🎟️ Machu Picchu tickets must be purchased online in advance and include a strict time slot for entry, with options for additional hikes and private tours.
• 🚶‍♂️ There are two ways to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes: hiking the Camino Pional trail or taking a bus, with the latter being more popular.
• 🏞️ Weather can impact the Machu Picchu experience, with a wet season from late November to early April and a dry season from May to October, affecting visibility and crowd levels.
• 📚 It's important to plan your visit considering the one-way walking paths in Machu Picchu, as you cannot backtrack, and to bring essentials like bug spray, sunscreen, and a full meal before entering.

Q & A

What is the significance of Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is the lost city of the Incan Empire and is recognized as one of the world's wonders due to its historical and architectural significance.

How do I get to Machu Picchu?

To reach Machu Picchu, you first need to fly to Cusco, Peru, and then take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu.

Why is it recommended to spend time in Cusco before going to Machu Picchu?

Spending time in Cusco allows your body to acclimatize to the high altitude, which is over 11,000 feet, to avoid altitude sickness when you visit Machu Picchu.

What are the transportation options from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?

There are two main options: taking a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes with either Peru Rail or Inca Rail, or taking a bus known as a 'Colectivo' from Cusco directly to Ollantaytambo and then to Aguas Calientes.

Why should I buy train tickets to Aguas Calientes in advance?

Train tickets to Aguas Calientes should be purchased in advance because they can sell out quickly, sometimes even faster than Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu in terms of weather?

The dry season from May to October is recommended for fewer crowds and better weather conditions, although the wet season from late November to early April may offer unique photographic opportunities.

How do I purchase tickets to enter Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu tickets must be bought online from the official site before your visit, as they are not sold at the entrance.

What is included in the general admission ticket for Machu Picchu?

The general admission ticket for Machu Picchu includes access to the grounds and a round-trip bus ticket to get to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Can I get my passport stamped at Machu Picchu?

No, passport stamping at Machu Picchu does not occur at the site itself; it is available in Aguas Calientes.

What are the options to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?

You can either hike up the Camino Pional trail or take a bus, which is the more popular option, directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

What items are not allowed inside Machu Picchu?

Items such as umbrellas, selfie sticks, strollers, tripods, drones, and food are not allowed inside Machu Picchu.

How long is the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu?

The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu takes about 20 minutes.

What is the policy on staying time inside Machu Picchu with a general admission ticket?

The general admission ticket is valid for four hours from the beginning of your time slot, but enforcement of this rule may vary.

What is the best way to navigate the artisanal market in Aguas Calientes before catching the train back to Cusco?

It's recommended to scope out the location of the train station beforehand to avoid being in a time crunch and to plan your shopping accordingly.