You are probably having many questions about traveling to Machu Picchu, mostly because your are just about to buy your flight to Peru, or running out of time to choose a place to travel in your vacations. But, no worries. In this guide to Machu Picchu we resume all the vital information for your next trip to the lost city of the incas.
Where do I begin?
Preparing your trip to Machu Picchu
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, there are several things you should keep in mind to make the most of your trip. Firstly, it is best to exchange money before the trip, as ATMs and currency convertors can be scarce in remote areas. It’s also important to have some cash on hand for unforeseen expenses, but carrying large amounts of cash is not recommended. Major credit cards are widely accepted, while traveler’s checks are accepted in some places but come with a high exchange rate.
Peru has three distinct geographical zones, each with its own weather seasons. The coast is a desert with moderately low temperatures from April to mid-September, and temperatures reaching 86°F from mid-September to late March. The Andes range is mainly cold and dry from April to late October, with heavy rainfall from November to March. The Amazonian jungle has high temperatures all year round, but with heavy rainfall throughout. It’s recommended to bring sunblock, a sun hat, and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
When packing for your trip, keep in mind that airlines and trains have bag size and weight restrictions. The domestic Peru flights limit baggage to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person, so it’s best to pack accordingly. You will be out and about for most of the day, so a secure, comfortable, and practical backpack or bag is essential. It’s recommended to keep your luggage locked during your stay in Peru and have proper identification tags on all bags.
As the temperature can vary drastically within the same region, it’s best to dress in layers. Bring comfortable pants, t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, heavier sweaters, and a proper coat. You may also need a swimsuit if you plan to visit a swimming pool, hot spring, or spa facility.
For trekking to ancient sites like Machu Picchu or the Inca Trails, proper trekking shoes with good tread are a must for personal safety and a pleasant experience. Closed shoes are recommended to keep your feet safe and protected, while sandals can be enjoyed on city excursions.
Lastly, make sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity after your date of entry to Peru. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a visa to enter Peru. It’s also advisable to make photocopies of your passport and store them in different bags in case of loss or theft. It’s also recommended to have travel insurance to protect yourself and your belongings in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Travelling to Peru
There is different ways to arrive in Peru, which include by plane, land, or sea. Most people arrive by plane, with Lima being the primary airport. Direct flights are available from many cities in North and South America, as well as Europe. Travelers can also enter by land through 10 border crossings with surrounding countries or via boats that visit Peru or travel up the Amazon River. The text emphasizes that entry requirements must be met before the adventure can begin.
Flying to Cusco
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu in Peru, you will need to make your way to Cusco, the obligatory transit point. There are several options to get there, including air travel, bus travel, train travel, or car travel (not recommended). Flying to Cusco from Lima is easy and time-efficient, taking only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Many travelers fly to Lima first, go through customs and immigration, and then catch a flight to Cusco. If you have an overnight layover in Lima, staying at a hotel near the airport can reduce stress and improve your experience. Recommended hotels include the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport or the Holiday Inn Lima Airport. Our travel advisors suggest LATAM for flights between Lima and Cusco and other destinations in Peru, as it has the best on-time flight record and the highest number of 20 plus daily departures to Cusco.
If you prefer taking a bus, be aware that it takes 22 hours to travel from Lima to Cusco. The Andean Explorer is a luxury train that connects Cusco with Arequipa and Lake Titicaca in southern Peru, and it offers high-end amenities and services for a memorable railway trip. PeruRail also operates long-distance railway travel connecting Cusco with Arequipa and Lake Titicaca (Puno), with classic train cars, scenic views, gourmet meals, and live music.
The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is the only airport in Cusco, and transport options include negotiating a ride with an airport taxi driver or taking a public bus outside the terminal. If you are traveling with Machu Picchu Cheap, a representative will greet you at the airport and accompany you for the transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Transfers to hotels in the historic center usually take 25 to 30 minutes, but sometimes a festival or procession in town may cause closed streets and more traffic.
The Andean Explorer operates four routes, including the Peruvian Highlands, Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery, Spirit of the Water, and the Spirit of the Andes. These routes can last from two to three days, depending on the itinerary, and depart on different days of the week from different destinations. The train has a Piano Bar Car, a Dining Car, and an Observation Car, and each night you can spend in an en suite cabin.
Guide to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a historical and cultural site in Peru, South America. Access to Machu Picchu is limited due to the mountainous geography and narrow river valleys of the cloud forest surrounding the ruins. To get there, visitors must first arrive in Cusco, which can be reached by flying or taking a long bus ride from Lima, Arequipa, Puno & Lake Titicaca, or Puerto Maldonado. Once in Cusco, travelers have two options: taking a train or hiking to Machu Picchu.
Trains run from Cusco’s Poroy Station or Sacred Valley stations to Aguas Calientes, which is a town at the base of Machu Picchu. Travelers can choose from PeruRail or Inca Trail trains that offer various services and price ranges to suit all budgets. On the other hand, hikers can take the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek that offers diverse Andean scenery and includes an experienced English-speaking guide, outdoor team, daily meal preparation, and camping equipment. Alternative treks such as Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao are also available.
The Inca Trail is the most iconic trek to Machu Picchu and the only option that permits entrance into the ruins on foot through the Sun Gate. All other trails are called Inca Trail alternatives or alternative treks to Machu Picchu and end close to the ruins.
Visit to Machu Picchu requires three steps:
- Buying your ticket to Machu Picchu
- Taking a train or hiking to Aguas Calientes
- Taking a bus to Machu Picchu.
Visitors can customize their trip according to their preferences, budget, and trip length, and Machu Picchu Cheap offers travel advisors to help arrange each step of the journey.
Facts about Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a citadel built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, located on a mountain ridge in southern Peru. It is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas” and is considered the most well-known icon of the Inca civilization. Machu Picchu is situated in the Machupicchu District within Urubamba Province and is positioned above the Sacred Valley, which is approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco. The Urubamba River flows past the site and creates a canyon with a tropical mountain climate.
The Inca civilization had no written language, and it is believed that no Europeans visited the site until the 19th century, resulting in a lack of written records about the site during its use. Modern archaeologists have named the buildings and attempted to determine their uses and inhabitants based on physical evidence, including tombs at the site.
Machu Picchu was most likely built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in 1450 but was abandoned a century later during the Spanish conquest. According to the new AMS radiocarbon dating, it was occupied from c. 1420–1532. Recent historical research claims that the site was probably called Huayna Picchu by the Inca, as it exists on the smaller peak of the same name.
Machu Picchu was constructed in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls, and its primary structures include the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. Many of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed to give visitors a better understanding of their original appearance. Restoration work continues at Machu Picchu.
In 1981, Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary, and in 1983, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global internet poll in 2007.
